Czech Trade Minister Karel Havlíček leads business mission to US

Czech Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček is in the United States on a business and innovation mission aimed at promoting Czech companies and strengthening economic ties. The trip, which began on Monday and runs until March 15, includes more than 50 Czech startups, technology firms and innovators.

The delegation is now in Washington, D.C., where Havlíček is expected to meet senior members of the US administration, lawmakers and representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce. The talks will focus on economic cooperation, energy, security and new technologies including artificial intelligence.

Later, the Czech business mission will move to Austin, Texas where Czech companies will present their projects at the SXSW Innovation Expo and at Czech House, a platform for startups, investors and technology companies.

Minister Havlíček is also scheduled to meet Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The two sides are expected to sign what officials describe as the first declaration on cooperation between Czechia and a US state.

The delegation will also visit major companies and investors in Texas, including defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, as part of efforts to help Czech firms expand on the US market and attract new partnerships and investment.