Shri Vilas Rao Deshmukh, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences appreciated the constructive role played by the Czech Republic in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and its support to the Indo-US nuclear deal. Talking to a Czech delegation headed by Mr.Martin Kocourek, Minister of Industry and Trade, Czech Republic, Mr Stasek, Czech Ambassador and other members here today, Shri Deshmukh said, “ India-Czech Republic is having S&T Cooperation, S&T Agreement and institutional engagements with CSIR and INSA for collaboration in the S&T areas. We attach importance to our bilateral relations with Czech Republic as demonstrated by supporting of joint projects, exchanges of visits of scientists, research workers and government officials from both sides. The two sides are also working on establishing an inter-governmental Programme of Scientific and Technological Cooperation – I am aware that the document has been mutually agreed and is ready for conclusion.”
In June 2010 three Agreements were signed between the two countries. They were (i) Social Security Agreement, (ii) Agreement on Economic Cooperation and (iii) a Protocol on Amendments to BIPPA (Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection).
He added, “We are open to collaboration in different areas. I Hope that the large number of representatives of the Czech companies accompaning this delegation would explore investment opportunities in India.India have benefitted in the past from Czech expertise in the area of heavy engineering. The Czech presence in India is very visible in many sectors such as power and heavy commercial vehicles.” Flexible visas for Czechoslovakia and expeditious grant of short-term and long-term visa and work permit will facilitate greater trade and investment between the two countries, Shri Deshmukh added.
Mr Martin Kocourek, Minister of Industry and Trade, Czech Republic said, “We wish to have more cooperation with India in the field of research, development, medicinal technology with more stress on pharmaceuticals, food processing and innovations. Cooperation can be extended in the field of research projects.” The visiting Minister assured to make visa process flexible.
Indian investment are now taking place in many areas in the Czech Republic, including pharmaceuticals, food items, textiles, yarn, auto components, and software. Department of Science and Technology and Czech institutions are working together and identified potential areas of cooperation in S&T. There are a number of new and prospective Czech investment projects in India in the machinery, transportation, power and automotive sectors after Skoda investment.
Tags: Union Minister Of Science And Technology And Earth Sciences
Czech Republic
Nuclear Suppliers Group
Science & Technology
