7/16/2007

Bavaria Opens Rep Office in Prague

Representative of The State of Bavaria Appointed in the Czech Republic / Office in Prague is 20th Representive Office of the State of Bavaria

Huber: "Important Expansion of the Bavarian Network of Representatives"

MUNICH The State of Bavaria is resolutely expanding its worldwide network of foreign representations. Erwin Huber, Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs, has appointed Bernard Bauer as the new Representative of the State of Bavaria in the Czech Republic. With the new office in Prague, Bavaria now has more than 20 representative offices throughout the world. "I am pleased that it was possible to win Bernard Bauer, the director of the German-Czech Chamber of Foreign Trade, for the position as the Bavarian Representative. With his competence and experience in this area, Bernard Bauer has the best prerequisites for working successfully and effectively as the Representative of the State in our neighbouring country," according to Economics Minister Huber.

He believes that the establishment of the representation will begin a new chapter in Bavarian-Czech trade relations. Huber: "The Bavarian-Czech Government Commission, which has already existed for the past 16 years, has supported the expansion of relations between our countries on the official level through reciprocal delegation trips and visits for some time now. The success can be read in euros and cents: Growth in bilateral foreign-trade figures has been recorded for years. We would like to strengthen and expand this trend through the representation."

The Bavarian Representative in Prague advises and informs Bavarian companies about economic issues and arranges contacts. The Representation is available to Bavarian companies as a German-language contact in the Czech Republic and accompanies exports to the neighbouring country in this way. Within the scope of location marketing‚ Invest in Bavaria also promotes the high-tech location of Bavaria at the foreign representation and serves potential investors from the Czech Republic.

The Czech Republic plays an important role in Bavaria’s foreign trade. It is the most significant partner in trade with the nations of Central Eastern Europe. The neighboring country also does not need to be afraid of a comparison with larger trade partners such as the U.S.A., Great Britain and China: In 2006, the Czech Republic assumed seventh place among Bavaria’s international trade partners. Imports from the Czech Republic to Bavaria have increased by 32% and amounted to € 6.2 billion. The exports from Bavaria to the Czech Republic rose by 19% to € 4.2 billion.