During an event organised at the Kemps Corner home of the Honorary Consul General to the Czech Republic, that country's ministers addressed how exchange programmes will only benefit the two nations
Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif escaping bad guys through the streets of Prague in the film Bang Bang had us gaping at the picturesque city, which is also the capital of the Czech Republic. Following the release of that film, many Indians have been touring the east European nation—some for business and others simply for pleasure.
While speaking to dna, Ivan Pilný, President of the Lower House of Parliament, Czech Republic and Jan Mlàdek, the Minister of Industry and Trade, Czech Republic, said that a lot of work needed to be put in to increase the number of tourists coming into their country. "Bang Bang was just the beginning. We are working on direct flights between India and Prague; we may start the first such flight from Mumbai," said Pilný. The address was during a dinner event organised by Rashmi Jolly, the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic (Maharashtra and Goa) and her husband Arvind Jolly at their South Mumbai residence.
Mlàdek added, "We have had a number of Japanese, South Korean and Chinese tourists of late. The South Korea tourist story is an interesting one. One of the South Korean serials had a marriage proposal scene in Prague. Since then, a number of people have come to Prague to get married. We've planned something similar for the Chinese tourist—a serial focusing on espionage and love based in Prague. Hopefully, we will work out something to incite the Indian tourist."
However, the tourism industry is only one part of the Czech Republic's interest in India. Currently, 155 Indian students are studying across various universities in that country. "We are exploring possibilities of tie-ups and exchange programmes in science technology and education. Students of India and Czech can get training under exchange programmes," said Czech Republic ambassador Milostav Stasek, adding that Indian students need not worry about the language issue as most programmes are conducted in English.
Those present at the event also included S. Sittarasu, the General Manager (Marketing) of the Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation. He said that the state had plenty of land but needed to outsource to external agents to develop airports across the state. "We are looking at developing several small airports across Maharashtra. The Czech Republic is well known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and it could be potentially good business for Maharashtra," he said. Other dignitaries present at the event included Yoshiaki Ito, the newly appointed Consul General for Japan in Mumbai, who quipped that he only needs to climb down one floor from his home to go to office. "Many people, including the UK Consul General in Mumbai, have to travel a few hours because of the traffic but it's so convenient for me," he laughed.
- It's a direct entry into the European market, which is currently valued at 50 million.
- It is a strong hub for the manufacturing industry.
- It is second to Germany (in Europe) when it comes to infrastructure.
- It offers numerous tax benefits to investors.
- A number of big names, including steel baron Laxmi Mittal have invested in the Czech Republic.
Prague:
The capital city has a uniquely preserved historical centre that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Kutná Hora:
The town is famous for its silver mines. Apart from the mines, the town also has a number of old buildings that are UNESCO heritage sites.
Tel?:
The most significant sight in Tel? is the town square, a unique complex of long urban plaza with well-conserved Renaissance and Baroque houses with high gables and arcades; since 1992 all of this has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Moravia:
96 per cent of the country's vineyards are in Moravia. The wine is also exported a great deal. While speaking to dna, Pilný also spoke about having a cross-exchange trade that would involve the wines made in Moravia and the Sula wines of India.
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