Speech of the Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek in the Yemeni Chamber of Commerce 20. 3. 2008

I am of the opinion that the best diplomacy is the economic diplomacy. Therefore I never miss an opportunity to address businessmen. Businessmen are connecting the world, mostly better than politicians. The fact that businessmen are faster than politicians can be documented on the fact that our two countries have been cooperating since the beginnings of our independency after 1918, while diplomatic relations were established as late as in 1938. I will make way for businessmen with pleasure. After the signature of the agreement on mutual investment protection there is more space here. Yemen is also one of priority countries for the Czech Republic, as far as long-term cooperation is concerned.

We focus on spheres which, as I suppose, are important for your country: water management, electro-energy industry, education. About one million dollars is spent for development projects every year. I believe that my visit will contribute to more dynamic development of our economic relations. The mutual trade exchange of some 10 million dollars can be increased. For that matter I have brought numerous missions of businessmen, and I hope it will not be lazing. The Czech Republic is an industrial country which can deliver large assortment of goods in good quality and for good price (products of engineering industry, medical equipments, medicaments, food, shoes and glass). I think there are good chances of cooperation in tourism and spa industry; also Jordan displayed interest in the Czech spa industry. As I have already said, politicians should make way for businessmen. And I am doing it; I give the floor to the vice-president of the Czech Industry Union, Mr. Jaroslav Hanák to introduce members of his businessman mission.