LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A trade delegation from the Czech Republic visited Little Rock this week as part of efforts by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to attract foreign investment.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (https://bit.ly/1bBVbqN ) reports that about 17 businessmen from the Czech Republic were in Little Rock on Wednesday. The group was joined by another dozen businessmen while touring a Lonoke County rice farm. They also met University of Arkansas representatives to discuss agricultural research, and traveled to Northwest Arkansas to talk to Wal-Mart officials about Czech-made products that the retailer could sell.
According to Marian Jurecka, the Czech Republic’s agriculture minister, potential Czech exports could include specialty meats, dairy products and malt and hops used in the brewing process. Jurecka says that it is important for trade delegations to meet with local economic development officials so that relationships can be established.
“It primarily gives an opportunity to establish contacts and talk about issues,” said Jurecka.
According to Radim Patrik, general director of a slaughterhouse in the western part of the Czech Republic, many businesses from his country want to export to the U.S., but trade restrictions, food inspections, safety standards tend to limit larger corporations.
The president and chief executive officer of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, Randy Zook, told the delegation that the state has good access to truck, barge and rail service compared to the rest of the country due to its central location.
“If you look at Arkansas as either a new market or a sourcing option, it is very competitive,” he said.
“You start with trade. Trade leads to more opportunities,” said Lenka Horakova, director of European business development for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Many times down the road, companies set up distribution centers or manufacturing facilities which consequently leads to new jobs and new investments and all of that is good for Arkansas.”
The state has also received visiting delegations from the Netherlands, China, Italy and Vietnam.
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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, https://www.arkansasonline.com
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