Ministry of Industry and Trade and Czech athletes commonly support the Czech export at the Olympic Games in Sochi

FOLLOWING UP A SUCCESSFUL COOPERATION BETWEEN CZECH ENTERPRISES AND TOP ATHLETES MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE MARTIN KUBA ALONG WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE CZECH OLYMPIC COMMITTEE JIŘÍ KEJVAL SIGNED ON FRIDAY MEMORANDUM ON COOPERATION IN THE WINTER OLYMPICS IN SOCHI. AFTER THE OLYMPICS IN THE UK, FAMOUS CZECH ATHLETES WILL SUPPORT OUR EXPORTERS ALREADY FOR THE SECOND TIME, THIS TIME IN RUSSIA.

"Russia is one of the priority export strategy countries approved by the Czech government and likewise the Olympic Games in London, the Olympics in Sochi will be the appropriate moment to deepen the existing business relations not only with the Russian party, but also to build new contacts with foreign partners. Therefore, I am glad that we will take this opportunity and support a reputation of the Czech Republic" said Mr Kuba.

"Seventy—five per cent of positive mentions of the Czech Republic abroad are related with the sport," said the President of the Czech Olympic Committee Jiří Kejval. "Therefore we want to continue with the cooperation that we tried in London and that was mutually beneficial" he added.

The Czech House to be realized with the MIT´s contribution will involve facilities for Czech entrepreneurs suitable for dealing with business partners.

Successful athletes, who make our country the best advertising, can multiply the interest in the Czech Republic at the Olympic Games in Sochi. In Russia, there is a big icon the hockey player Jaromír Jágr, who will along with the slalom champion Šárka Strachová and triple Olympic champion in javelin throwing Jan Železný become ambassadors of the Czech Republic. "It is a unique opportunity to use the synergy and combine the sport and export support in extraordinary social and sports events of international importance," said the Minister.

The aim of combining sport with the Czech business at the Olympic Games pleased also the president of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic Jaroslav Hanák, who also jointed the Memorandum on behalf of the Confederation of Industry by signing it on Friday. "We highly appreciate activities likes that. Already in London, it was confirmed that the presentation of our companies that are present in the Czech house is a very good way to support efforts of exporters" he said.

Also the Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic (EC) joined the Memorandum. "The export policy should involve even such export item as the sport. I am very happy that we gained new sports ambassadors by signing this Memorandum today, and I guess, so are the Ministers of Industry and Trade and of Foreign Affairs. Sport opens the door to the whole world and we must seize this opportunity" said the EC President Petr Kužel.

The Czech House in London was by attended almost 80,000 people during the Olympic Games last year. They admired not only the achievements of athletes, but also those of Czech glass makers and manufacturers of lighting or interior design. A similar concern is expected by the Minister Kuba and other signatories to the MOU also in Sochi next year. Great facilities for the general public as well as a space for the presentation of Czech enterprises will be built during the Olympic Games also in Prague.

"I am pleased that I can represent and promote the Czech Republic promote also outside of the hockey arenas. The Czech House, which I saw on my own eyes in London, is great. Sport and business are closer to each other than they ever seemed to be" commented Jaromír Jágr his ambassador role.

"Many times I made sure of how strong teammate in trade negotiations is a world—famous athlete. Signing this Memorandum can make easier searching for business channels by Czech companies abroad" said Miroslav Černošek from the Czech Sports after signing the Memorandum.

Fight for Olympic medals of Czech athletes and Czech companies for new contracts will start in Sochi as early as on 7 February 2014.

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