Milosav Stašek, Ambassador to India, Czech Republic
Milosav Stašek, Ambassador to India, Czech Republic
TDB: For the first time in FY2014, India exported $74 million worth of aircraft and aircraft parts to Czech Republic. What is the potential of trade between the two countries in the aviation sector?
MS: Recently, I visited several Indian states like Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal, where I met 16 aircraft parts manufacturing companies and I am sure they all have Czech Republic in their minds. On the other hand, our main product in this segment is the L410 Turbojet, a 19-seater aircraft, which we are trying to introduce in developing economies. We have recognised it has a lot of potential and can play a big role in promoting tourism in remote areas. The aircraft does not need a specific runway. It can land on a regular surface. We want to introduce it here in India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
TDB: You said you have been visiting various Indian states recently. Are you planning to focus on particular states or the whole of India?
MS: Firstly, I have visited all 29 Indian states. We are seeking business opportunities for Czech companies and hence are visiting all states – from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, from Gujarat to the North East. We are negotiating with individual states on various projects such as building airports etc. I have visited the East, which is the mining heart of India, to explore business opportunities and have a footprint there. We are ensuring the visit of various delegations from our country to India so that they can meet local businessmen and various state governments. India is a huge country. It is a subcontinent. We cannot cover the whole territory but we are trying our best.
TDB: Last year Indian exports to Czech Republic rose by around 54%. Do you think this is the start of something big?
MS: We hope so. The economic recovery in Czech Republic and the change in the business environment in India will be favourable for business and investment. The change is also making India a very attractive market for Czech Republic. I will go back to Czech Republic to share this change with the local media, along with the Indian ambassador to Czech Republic. I am going to intimate them about the movement of Czech companies towards India. Similarly, even local companies are, today, coming to us. Moreover, in last two years, India has be-come the ninth biggest investor in Czech Republic, while China is at the fifteenth position.
TDB: Bollywood is exploring Czech Republic as a shooting location. Do you see more opportunities to promote Czech Republic as a travel destination via the Hindi film industry?
MS: We have segregated our focus in the film industry. After the movie ‘Rockstar’, ‘Bang Bang’, which released on October 2, was also shot in Czech Republic. We have very much participated in the launch of this movie. During its release, we had prepared some PR campaigns to advertise Czech Republic as an ideal destination for honeymooners. The Indian movie industry is an area through which we are trying to promote Czech Republic, especially Prague, which is one the most beautiful cities in Europe.
TDB: How much money has Czech Republic invested in this space?
MS: We have invested some funds via Czech Tourism. There are some direct collaborations with film producers too. It is very difficult to say what the exact amount is. We have targeted three Bollywood movies, along with some other upcoming projects, to promote Czech Republic. This is the best promotion that we can have as Bollywood and Cricket are the major religions in India.
Besides the film industry, I would also like to mention about sports collaborations, which have begun with the start of the Indian Super League. Football is the No.1 sport in Czech Republic. In the Indian Super League, seven players from Czech Republic are participating. They are very good brands to promote our country.
TDB: Apart from business, movies and sports, do you think Czech Republic can emerge as a destination of choice for Indian students?
MS: Yes, we do. In fact, we are helping our universities conduct exams in India, so that students are not forced to travel to Czech Republic. Instead of asking students to go to Czech Republic, we are getting our professors to visit India.
TDB: When do you think the European Union-India free trade agreement (FTA) will see the light of day?
MS: We would like to see it come true as soon as possible. Talks are going on for several years and we need to open up to each other to boost trade. It was very unfortunate that talks did not conclude during the previous Indian government’s reign, but the issue is very much on and we hope the new government would soon take a stand on it.
TDB: If FTA becomes a reality, what do you think is the potential of India-Czech Republic trade?
MS: As I said, in 2015, we want trade between the two countries to reach $2 billion. I think the true potential of trade relations between the two countries is yet to be discovered. In the early 1990s, Czech used to look at the West, and India at the East, for trade. We were looking at different directions. Now, we have recognised that there is great potential on both the sides. We want to bring Czech Republic brand to India and also want to promote India in Czech Republic.
TDB: In Asia, which countries hold the top priority for Czech Republic?
MS: There are two major priorities – India and China. We also have very good relations with countries like Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam. Many young Vietnamese students have studied in Czech Republic and are one of the biggest communities in our country. We also support Burma (Myanmar) on human rights is-sues. But yes, India and China are our top priorities.
TDB: As Czech Republic’s ambassador to India, which key areas do you want India to focus on in order to help improve trade relations?
MS: We have many companies, with excellent technologies, which will be successful in India. The challenge is that to win a tender here one needs to quote the lowest price. Usually, the cheapest is not the best! We have approached the Indian government and requested for a change in the tendering process. We want the Indian government to consider the quality and durability of a product as well. In the 1960s, we had delivered pressing machines in Ranchi, which are working effectively to full potential even today. This is the quality of our industry and the Indian government and companies should think about it. Copyright @2024 The Dollar Business. All rights reserved.
