The exhibition focused on the presentation of the Czech Republic as a tourist destination with an emphasis on the South Moravian Region as a partner region of the province of Hainan. In addition, the presentation highlighted selected Czech brands, especially Škoda Auto, which, besides being present on the expo stand in the form of Škoda Kodiaq car, also organized a presentation of the vintage Škoda Felicia car and a short roadshow. In addition, the Czech exposition was dedicated mainly to glass companies such as Crystalite Bohemia, Bohemia Jihlava, Crystal Bohemia Poděbrady, Bohemia Treasury, Caesar Crystal Bohemiae and Lasvit. Visitors could taste Pilsner Urquell beer, which officially entered the Chinese market only a few months ago. The youngest visitors had the opportunity to play Fatra inflatable toys. The Czech presentation included an innovative exhibition exploiting possibilities of augmented reality called Czech Innovation Expo. A brass quartet from the Brno Conservatory took care of musical entertainment both at the exhibition stand and during the accompanying events. The Embassy also organized a reception for local partners that included a presentation of an exhibition mapping the 100^th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia.

The event took place with the support of the CzechTourism Office in Shanghai and other partners, namely the Czech China Chamber of Cooperation, Škoda Auto, Home Credit and Pilsner Urquell. In addition, the event was personally supported by the delegation from the South Moravian Region under the leadership of Mr. Miroslav Kubásek, Chairman of the Committee of Interregional Relations of the Regional Council.

Hainan is one of the main centers of Chinese tourism. Along with tourism, the health sector is also developing rapidly. Furthermore, Hainan is a pilot zone for a number of green policies such as the use of alternative energy sources including biogas and e-mobility. Hainan annually hosts a high-level meeting of heads of state, business and academia called Boao Forum For Asia. It is the home of Hainan Airlines, the operator of the first direct flight that has been connecting China and the Czech Republic since 2015. In April 2018, President Xi Jinping announced a plan to transform Hainan into an international free-trade port and zone. This project could bring new opportunities on the local market for Czech importers.

Author: Dalibor Jenne, Economic Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Beijing

Photo: Embassy of the Czech Republic in Beijing and Škoda Auto