As a result of the interest in Czech products and technologies indicated by the Gabonese side, Mr. Miloslav Stašek, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, visited Gabon on 22 - 24 June 2022, accompanied by representatives of the companies VAE Controls Group, Transcon, RMR Stav Kont and Codecision Travel. It was the first official visit at this level in 10 years. The trip took place in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the security engagement of the Czech Republic in the Sahel and the upcoming Czech presidency of the Council of the European Union. The negotiations reflected the current needs of the raw materials policy of the Czech Republic as well as the long-term interest of the partners in diversifying the economy and modernizing the infrastructure.

During a series of meetings with ministers and deputies of a number of departments, including for oil and gas, mining, industry, energy, healthcare, tourism and water management, the Gabonese side repeatedly indicated an interest in cooperation with Czech investors and potential suppliers of products and technologies in the aforementioned sectors.

The priorities for Gabon remain the development of infrastructure, both energy networks - diversification of energy sources (photovoltaics, mini-hydroelectric plants, small power plants, electricity distribution) and transport networks - construction of railways, roads; and mineral extraction - technology, mining machinery.

However, in connection with mining, Gabon is very ecologically aware and intends to develop its natural potential as an ecotourism destination in the region with the possible assistance of Czech companies.

Healthcare is also an area in which cooperation has already begun to develop following the successful Health Forum Africa, which took place in May 2022 in Prague with the participation of representatives of the Gabonese Ministry of Health. They discussed the possibility of the construction of the Gabonese-Czech hospital.

The delegation met with representatives of the Gabonese Chamber of Commerce and the National Investment Agency, with whom they agreed on further cooperation that will help attract Czech investors to Gabon. At the same time, the Czech entrepreneurs were informed about the details of the parties investing in Gabon and visited the Nkok economic zone, where they could see in practice what opportunities for starting a business are available on the spot.

Representatives of Czech companies present in the delegation (VAE Control Systems, Co-decision Travel, RMR STAV KONT, TRANSCON) signed contract documents or started their negotiation in specific areas of cooperation.

The visit, which took place in a friendly spirit, was another successful materialization of Czech efforts to deepen relations with one of the very promising countries in the region of sub-Saharan Africa, not only in terms of raw materials, with which it will be worth maintaining good relations.

 

Author: Mgr. Beata Matusiková, MBA, economic diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nigeria