EXPO 2020 in Dubai, the first World EXPO ever organized in an Arab country, has been opened on October 1. “The UAE represent the largest trade partner of the Czech Republic among the Arab countries. Our trade volume exceeds 700 mil. USD and on top of the traditional sectors the Czech companies are exporting more and more hi-tech products here", Deputy Minister Tlapa stressed. Czech participation at EXPO 2020 will thus help several Czech companies and institutions featured at the pavilion to enter promising markets in the entire region.

The main technological highlight of the Czech Pavilion is the S.A.W.E.R. (Solar Air Water Earth Resources) developed by Czech Technical University in Prague in cooperation with Czech Academy of Science. The technology is able to autonomously generate hundreds of liters of potable water daily out of dry desert air and, through subsequent use of innovative irrigation technologies, enable cultivation even in sandy soil. Other parts of the Czech exhibit in Dubai will present Czech solutions in 3D print, botanics, green technologies or energy, as well as promoting Czech Republic as a tourist destination including famous Czech spa tradition.

Apart from the permanent exhibit, another eleven temporary presentations focused on smart cities, robotics, water management or glass industry will be presented at the Czech Pavilion. Furthermore, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing several projects for support of economic diplomacy (PROPED) that will present further Czech companies to possible business partners in the region.

“Our participation at EXPO 2020 in Dubai is a complex national presentation with expected return of investment, be it in new trade contracts of Czech companies, new investments in Czech technologies or new partnerships between academic institutions”, sums up Deputy Minister Tlapa.

Technology aspect of the Czech EXPO presentation will be accompanied by artistic part of the exhibits focused primarily on Czech design and glass, as well as several cultural programs. Czech gastronomy will be presented at the restaurant in the Czech Pavilion that will offer samples of traditional as well as modern Czech cuisine.

Apart from attending the EXPO opening, Martin Tlapa held political talks with Deputy Foreign Minister Yaqoub Al Hosani in Abu Dhabi. They agreed on creating a comprehensive plan of future bilateral activities that will include a joint promotion of trade, investments and research, security cooperation, closer coordination in the multilateral fora and regular political consultations of the Foreign Ministries. Furthermore, they discussed current regional affairs, in particular the situation in Syria and the latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinian relations.

The UAE are an inspiration in the field of technological innovations as well as in tackling the COVID-19 pandemics. Both countries also share a strong interest in stabilizing the Middle East region and in the fight against terrorism where they are jointly participating in the Global Coalition against Daesh.

During the meetings with representatives of Abú Dhabí Chamber of Commerce and Abú Dhabí Investment Office, Mr. Tlapa discussed possibilities of further participation of Czech companies in prospective sectors, mainly in agriculture and agritech, medical technologies, IT and green technologies. Martin Tlapa concluded his visit to the UAE capital by a meeting with the Federal National Council delegation led by Her Excellency Afra Al Basti.