JEDDAH, 27 May 2006 — The first exhibition of Czech products in Saudi Arabia will be held here later this year with the participation of a spate of international companies including those specialized in medical services, energy and manufacturing. A large number of Czech businessmen will also participate in the program.
According to Tomas Strnad, Czech consulor in Riyadh, his country is keen to increase trade ties with Saudi Arabia, including joint ventures in energy, engineering and healthcare. “We seek Saudi investments in sanatoriums,” he said.
Strnad said a Czech business delegation would visit the Kingdom to present investment opportunities in the tourism sector and explore prospects of exchanging investments in this vital industry. Czech Republic is a pioneer in sanatoriums and natural treatment centers. “We would like to encourage Saudi businessmen to make use of the different investment opportunities in our country, especially in energy and iron and steel,” he said.
Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic have established a joint trade committee and the chambers of commerce and industry in both countries intend to activate its role in strengthening bilateral economic and commercial ties.
In the year 2000, Saudi Arabia imported Czech products worth SR150 million and the figure accounts for only 0.13 percent of the Kingdom’s total imports. Major imports from the republic include steam generators, iron and steel pipes and cars.
Speaking about bilateral relations, Strnad said the Czech Embassy in Riyadh issued 5,000 visas to Saudis last year. He expected the number of would cross 6,000 this year. At present there are 150 Czech citizens in Saudi Arabia and most of them work in health services sector. Czech also plays host to a large number of Saudi students.
The health ministries in the two countries have signed an agreement to promote cooperation. Health Minister Hamad Al-Manie said the deal would cover exchange of expertise and manpower. The Saudi Cabinet has approved the agreement. Al-Manie has said that Saudi Arabia wanted to make use of Czech expertise in medical field, especial in natural treatment.
