Duoc noted Vystrcil’s selection of HCM City as the first stop of his visit reflects the city’s role, potential, and economic–diplomatic position. He expressed belief that the visit will help strengthen the traditional friendship, provide a strong impetus for Vietnam–Czech relations, and promote cooperation between the Czech Republic and the southern largest city in the time to come.

Highlighting the special significance of the visit, which coincides with the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1950–2025), Duoc stated this is a good chance for both sides to create new milestones in their cooperation.

During Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to the Czech Republic in January this year, the two PMs agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, opening a framework for comprehensive, intensive and extensive cooperation in key sectors such as economy and trade, defence - security, clean energy, science and technology, along with education and training, he said.

The host noted that the Czech Republic’s strengths in high technology, mechanical engineering, green energy - environment, healthcare, education and training, and hi-tech agriculture align closely with the city’s development strategy, particularly its goals to build a hi-tech industry, promote semiconductor and electronics clusters, advance robotics, and upgrade the production value chain.

Cooperation with Czech enterprises in machinery manufacturing, automation, and industrial equipment will help HCM City accelerate production modernisation, enhance competitiveness, and attract high-quality investment to industrial and high-tech zones, he said, adding that there is large room for the two sides to expand cooperation in research and academic exchanges in terms of sustainable energy.

HCM City hopes to become a reliable destination for Czech businesses, and it stands ready to provide the best possible conditions for Czech enterprises and investors to explore, invest, and cooperate in areas of mutual interest, Duoc said.

For his part, Vystrcil said the bilateral relationship over the last 75 years has been a long journey of close cooperation built on trust and commonalities in the struggle for independence and freedom, as well as the shared aspiration for security and prosperity.

He affirmed that HCM City is one of Vietnam’s most dynamic and prosperous localities, therefore, many Czech businesses are eager to explore opportunities for investment and trade cooperation, and boost import–export activities based on the traditional ties between the two countries.

Vystrcil suggested that businesses strengthen cooperation and mutual support, particularly in information technology and artificial intelligence (AI). He said Czech enterprises are interested in expanding exports to Vietnam and seeking investment opportunities in energy, technology, and the automotive industry.

According to the Senate President, the Czech Republic will speed up the reopening of its Consulate General in HCM City, and the Czech Embassy will increase activities to promote products and services to attract Vietnamese businesses, step up economic cooperation, and deepen the bilateral relations.

In the afternoon of the same day, Vystrcil visited Ton Duc Thang University in HCM City and talked with its students.

Vietnam-Czech Republic time-tested friendship continues to grow stronger

The traditional friendship between Vietnam and the Czech Republic continues to be strengthened and expanded, with many new prospects for cooperation in economy, defence, education, and people-to-people exchange, according to Czech politicians and representatives of the Vietnamese community.