Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council of China is delivering a speech at the meeting with Czech entrepreneurs in Prague

On December 8 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council and Czech Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek met with representatives of the Czech business community in Prague, discussing the prospects of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Wen said in his speech that since the reform and opening up in 1978, China has initially built up the socialist market economic system and formed an all-dimensional opening scenario. We have been sincerely and comprehensively fulfilling the commitments we made upon China's accession to the WTO, with opening areas further expanded. We adhere to the policies of encouraging foreign investment in China and creating a fair and predictable legal environment for foreign investment. China has become one of the most secure and attractive destinations of investment in the world.

He said that the Chinese economy is an important part of global economy. The reform, opening up and economic development of China will benefit not only the Chinese people but also the development of all nations. China will import USD 1 trillion worth of commodities from all parts of the world in the coming 2 years. The tertiary sector will be further opened. The Chinese government formulated the strategy of developing the western region of China and the strategy of rejuvenating the old northeastern industrial base of China. All these will provide abundant business opportunities for Czech companies. The Czech republic is a mature industrial nation enjoying fast economic growth. Our two economies are highly complementary and enjoy great potentials for cooperation. It is our common aspiration to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation, which is also in the fundamental interest of the two peoples. I hope that the two governments as well as the business communities can make concerted efforts to create a new scenario of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

There were over 100 Czech entrepreneurs present at the meeting showing great interest in key messages delivered by Premier Wen. To know more about the investment policies of China and the investment opportunities in China, they were very active in raising questions and applauded Premier Wen for his speech and answers.

Paroubek said that China and the Czech republic enjoy a good foundation for the economic and trade cooperation. The Czech government has listed China as one of its key partners in its economic and trade plans. It is our hope to consolidate the inter-governmental policy dialogues with China at all levels and promote the economic and trade exchanges of mutual benefits. Today's meeting is another important and productive dialogue between the two sides. The signing of a series of agreements including the investment protection agreement is of great significance, providing new space for the bilateral economic cooperation. The Czech side is willing to participate in the projects in the 11th Five Year Plan, Beijing Olympic Games and Shanghai World Expo, and encourage the Czech companies to seek cooperation opportunities in China. The Czech side is confident in the economic and trade cooperation with China.

After the meeting, Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek visited Czech produced new Skoda cars