The Czech New Zealand Business Association (CNZBA) was formally launched on Thursday 11th June, by New Zealand's Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Murray McCully.
In April McCully met the Czech Republic First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg in Prague, where the ministers discussed opportunities for development of bilateral relations and trade, and the recent establishment of the CNZBA.
“The CNZBA provides an important support base for growing bilateral trade and is a valuable resource for both New Zealand and Czech Republic-based businesses,” says McCully.
According to the latest export data from the Czech Statistical Office the first three months of the 2013 saw Czech exports to the Australasian region increase by 36% in year on year comparison, reaching a total of USD193 million. Exports from the Czech Republic to New Zealand have reached USD15 million in the same period. Export figures indicate strong trade growth going forward. The positive growth of export volumes significantly improved New Zealand’s position in the Czech export rankings by five places to 69th [from 74th in 2012].
“It’s great that Czech and New Zealand business interests have been recognized in this way. The trade relation between these two countries is dynamic, and the exports from both countries have been growing. Products made in New Zealand are very attractive to the Czech people,” says Michal Kadlec, CEO of the CNZBA.
The CNZBA was established in December 2012 and is the officially recognised bilateral platform helping New Zealand and Czech Republic businesses to expand their business relations.
The CNZBA works independently, but maintains very good relations with the Czech and New Zealand government delegations and their trade and investment departments.
Visit www.cnzba.co.nz
