Prime Minister Sobotka met in Paris with French employers and unveiled a plaque to mark the anniversary of the Czechoslovak National Council

On Thursday the 24th of March 2016, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka began a working visit in Paris by meeting representatives of French companies from the employers’ association MEDEF, then he unveiled a commemorative plaque on the building of the Czech Centre marking the 100th anniversary of the Czechoslovak National Council in Paris, and met with fellow countrymen and Czech students.

Meeting with French businessmen

The main topic of the meeting between Prime Minister Sobotka and representatives of French companies from the employers’ association MEDEF was economic cooperation between the Czech Republic and France and the opportunities for French investors in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, the digital economy, Industry 4.0, the defense industry, the environment, smart cities, energy and others.

France has long been among the top five trade partners of the Czech Republic. The Czech-French strategic partnership has existed between the Czech Republic and France since 2008, and aims to deepen mutual relations on all levels. An action plan for 2014-2018 was signed in Prague in December 2014 with Prime Minister Valls.

Unveiling of a commemorative plaque for the 100^th anniversary of the Czechoslovak National Council

After the discussions with businessmen Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka along with representatives of expatriate associations unveiled a memorial plaque on the building of the Czech Centre marking the 100^th anniversary of the Czechoslovak National Council in Paris.

“I am honored today to unveil a restored and supplemented memorial plaque, which will replace the previous one that was only in French. I believe that this plaque, whose inscription is in two languages - Czech and French - is one of the documents of the very friendly relations with a country with which we are linked not only by a common history, but also cooperation in many areas”, said the Prime Minister before the ceremonial unveiling of a memorial plaque .

Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka subsequently met with representatives of expatriate associations in the Czech Center. The Prime Minister thanked his fellow countrymen for their work in promoting the Czech culture and awareness of the Czech Republic in France. Then, Prime Minister Sobotka met with Czech students. He discussed with them foreign studies, youth employment and topical European issues.