Exports of Czech industry should focus on markets outside Europe

Prague, Sept 10 (CTK) - Exports of Czech industry have to focus more on growing markets outside Europe, President Vaclav Klaus and Industry and Trade Minister Martin Kuba agreed at the International Engineering Fair's (MSV) ceremonial opening in Brno Monday.

Focus on such markets is part of the Industry and Trade Ministry's pro-export strategy for the years 2012-2020.

Four fifths of Czech exports now target EU countries which, as Kuba said, is too much. The Czech Republic is thus very dependent on the euro zone's economic situation.

"Nevertheless, we can see a positive trend, no matter how slow. While in the first half of this year the Czech Republic raised exports by Kc150bn, [the share of] exports to Europe decreased from 83 to 81 percent," Kuba said.

The state should not tell companies where to export but help them open new markets, Klaus noted. He recalled his thirty foreign tours with representatives of Czech companies.

"Outside Europe, there are countries where Czech products are valued high but we have to act fast," he added.

Klaus praised the fact that India is the fair's partner country this year as it has one of the most dynamically growing markets. For the first time, the partner is not a neighbouring country.

Over 130 companies from India exhibit their products at the fair. India became the fair's partner country thanks to the efforts of its Engineering Export Promotion Council.

Czech economic relations with India date back to the year 1920. Both governments expect the fair to help raise mutual trade and cooperation.