A delegation of Czech politicians and company representatives, including the Speaker of the Czech Chamber of the Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, is heading to Taiwan this week, hoping to secure investments in the development of chip technologies in Czechia.
Taiwan’s government plans to invest $33 million in Czechia in areas related to developing advanced technologies. The trip to Taiwan aims to proceed with the plan and support its implementation.
“Taiwan is an important trading partner of the Czech Republic. Not only do we share common values, but local companies have invested billions of Czech crowns and created thousands of jobs. Our excellent relations will be further strengthened,” said Pekarová Adamová (TOP 09, EPP).
Pekarová Adamová also wants to discuss plans to establish a joint Czech-Taiwanese chip research centre whereby Taiwan will host Czech experts and provide them with advanced knowledge in the semiconductor sector and then use it in practice in the joint centre.
Besides the economic opportunities, the Czech high-level visit to Taiwan has a strong political message.
“Our friendship is based on the values of freedom, democracy and human rights. If we do not fully commit ourselves to defend these common values, they risk being violated and even lost at any time,” the parliament speaker added.
Due to its “friendship” ties with Taiwan, Czechia faced sharp criticism from China, which considers Taiwan its province.
While many countries do not officially meet with top Taiwanese officials to not provoke Beijing, this is not the case for Czechia, which aims to strengthen relations with the island even at the highest political level.
For example, as EURACTIV.cz reported, newly elected Czech President Petr Pavel recently spoke with his Taiwanese counterpart on the phone. (Aneta Zachová | EURACTIV.cz)
Source: euractiv.com
