Opinion Editorial

Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Opinion Editorial, E15
”The United States and Czech Republic: Partners in Freedom”

In Czech

This week I have come to Prague to highlight our strong bilateral relationship, acknowledge the Czech Republic’s commitment to democracy, and forge stronger political and economic ties that will benefit all of our citizens.

Two-way trade between our countries has grown, reaching $3.7 billion last year. U.S. companies have found the Czech Republic a good place to do businesses, investing more than $3 billion in this country, making the United States one of the leading foreign investors. Czech firms are also beginning to invest in the United States, which we welcome. Together though, we believe we can do more.

The Czech Republic has embraced freedom and economic openness, and as a result has the highest gross domestic product per capita of any of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. To continue to attract investment and grow foreign trade, the Czech Government must push for greater transparency and judicial reform, as well as step up protection of intellectual property.

In an increasingly knowledge-based economy, protecting the fruits of ones labor from infringement or theft is critical. Foreign companies must know their products are protected and their brands are respected in the Czech Republic. Such protection only serves to benefit Czech industry, as well.

While we continue to work together to forge stronger commercial bonds, our relationship goes far beyond economics. Travel between our two countries is vitally important to building economic links and promoting the long-standing friendship between Americans and Czechs. We are now finalizing the steps necessary for the Czech Republic to enter the U.S. visa waiver program and I look forward to welcoming the first Czech visitors under this program later this year.

Today, our two countries are negotiating the possible placement of a radar in the Czech Republic that will increase the security of NATO countries against missile attacks. The Czech Republic’s past has helped to forge a country keenly aware of the values of liberty and democracy. While the Czech people have worked tirelessly to embrace the tenets of democracy for themselves, they have also taken up the mantle of freedom for those oppressed throughout the world.

Whether it is in Afghanistan, Belarus, or Cuba, the Czech Republic stands on the side of freedom. As partners and allies in the war against terrorism, with boots on the ground in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq, this country is making a difference.

I congratulate the Czech Republic on the tremendous growth of its economy, and its steadfast promotion of freedom in our world. As the Czech Republic assumes the Presidency of the European Union next year, I look forward to strengthening our collaborative efforts. Through stronger ties, both political and economic, the United States and the Czech Republic will continue to work toward a freer, more prosperous future.