The economic program on June 5, led by Minister Beljaarts (Economic Affairs), focuses on strengthening cooperation in the industry, such as smart industry, automotive, and defense. Minister Beljaarts speaks with his Czech counterpart Lukáš Vlček (Industry and Trade) about strengthening and broadening economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Beljaarts (Economic Affairs): “Due to increasing international tensions in the economy, it is becoming increasingly important not to be dependent on critical raw materials and industrial production from outside Europe. This requires more investment in innovation, technology, and production, so that we remain competitive and resilient. The Czech Republic, less than a thousand kilometers away from us, is eager to cooperate in this and offers opportunities for Dutch companies and our economy.”
Bringing Companies Together
Dutch companies find opportunities in the Czech Republic in innovation and technology, for example in sectors that help further develop the digital manufacturing industry. The economic program brings together Dutch and Czech companies, from SMEs to large enterprises, at the High Tech Campus Dolní Břežany.
To explore these opportunities for Dutch companies in the Czech Republic, Minister Beljaarts and Czech Minister Vlček meet with Dutch CEOs and VNO-NCW. Subsequently, entrepreneurs will discuss high-tech ecosystems and what is needed to develop such ecosystems in the Czech Republic during a business forum. The collaboration between government, companies, and knowledge institutions will also be discussed. Following this, strategic sessions will focus on promising sectors for cooperation: smart industry, sustainable mobility, social impact, energy transition, strategic autonomy, and innovation and circularity.
Minister Beljaarts accompanies King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Czech President Pavel during discussions with CEOs, the business forum, and various strategic sessions. They will also visit research facilities in the fields of laser and biotechnology on the campus.
Opportunities for Industry
The Czech Republic is an important economic partner for the Netherlands in Central Europe and is structurally the tenth export market for the Netherlands. The country has a traditional manufacturing industry that is now undergoing a digital and sustainable transition. Due to geopolitical changes, more and more Dutch companies that currently produce outside Europe are looking for new opportunities within Europe. The Czech Republic is a promising location, relatively close to the Netherlands and with a skilled industry.