Premier Su Tseng-chang received Czech Republic Senate President Miloš Vystrčil and his delegation at the Executive Yuan on Wednesday. Illustrating the good state of exchanges between the two countries, Premier Su offered his guests Czech beer purchased the evening before from a local store. The premier said that Taiwan and the Czech Republic's shared commitment to democracy and freedom has brought the two great nations to stand together, and that he looked forward to a variety of expanded opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation, including tourism exchanges, Taiwanese investment and language studies.
The mutual embrace of democracy and freedom has joined Taiwan and the Czech Republic despite their great physical separation, said Premier Su. In particular, Senate President Vystrčil's address to the Legislative Yuan yesterday, in which he proclaimed in Mandarin, "I am Taiwanese," made a great impression on the nation and earned a thunderous standing ovation from the chamber, ruling and opposition legislators alike.
A long and storied history, rich culture, and wealth of scenic beauty make the nation that is now the Czech Republic an attractive destination for Taiwanese travelers, who make 17 million trips abroad annually. Premier Su expressed confidence that with the successful visit of Senate President Vystrčil and his delegation, the development potential for expanded tourism is vast.
The Czech Republic is also a hotspot for Taiwanese investment in the EU, the premier said. Taiwan has invested well over US$1 billion there, providing over 10,000 mid- and high-end Czech job opportunities. Senate President Vystrčil's trip to Taiwan will doubtlessly spur additional interest from enterprises in Taiwan, Premier Su said. Especially with the Czech Senate's passage of the Taiwan-Czech Republic Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, to take effect in January 2021, there's even greater opportunity in the Czech Republic for companies and investors from Taiwan.
Finally, Premier Su offered thanks for the support of the Czech Senate and all involved over the past two years for Taiwan's bid to join the World Health Organization. The premier expressed hope for an even greater variety of mutual interaction and bilateral cooperation on the world stage in the future.