Dear readers, on the occasion of Czech Days in Shanghai on the 23 – 25 April 2015 and with regards to the Czech participation at the China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF), it is my pleasure to address all those who have an interest in the Czech Republic. After more than fi ve years as an ambassador of the Czech Republic in the People’s Republic of China I am happy to share with you information about the technological potential of our country, the current bilateral cooperation between the Czech Republic and China and the possibilities for the future. Last year we celebrated the 65. Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Czech Republic and China and I am very happy that our relations keep intensifying. A major occasion was the visit of Czech President M. Zeman in China in October 2014. This year, we are preparing the visit of Czech Prime Minister B.Sobotka. Czech Republic and its capital Prague are well known to many Chinese. This is connected to the tradition of our relations, Czech history and bilateral trade from the early days of the People’s Republic of China. But also Czech cultural icons – writers and musical composers – and modern day trade, cultural and touristic contacts make Chinese more conscious of the Czech Republic. Traditional Czech products likewise play an important role – for example the famous Czech crystal, beer and machinery. The Czech public is becoming very interested in China and we therefore strive to promote China in the Czech Republic. It is no coincidence that the Czech Republic chose technology as its main theme of representation in China in 2015. More than 60 percent of Czech imports to China is machinery of the highest quality. Czech fi rms, however, are also more and more interested in cooperation in the area of new technologies such as nano-or biotechnologies, energy effi - cient technologies, environmental technologies, medical and aviation technologies, and many others. All these technologies are, according to my opinion, exactly the technologies, which China requires whilst aiming for the “new normal” model of economic growth. Our goal is to make sure that the potential of our cooperation is utilized to the utmost possible level and the CSITF 2015 is a perfect opportunity to help us reach this goal. As the main partner of the CSITF 2015 Czech Republic presents itself not only as a technological power in the heart of Europe (hence “Technology from the Heart”) but also as a country with an interest in further developing cultural, touristic and regional relations. The offi cial Czech delegation at the CSITF 2015, which is led by the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament J. Hamáček, will include the leadership of four important Czech regions bringing the best of diff erent areas of the Czech Republic. A strong emphasis is on tourism. Czech Republic is prepared in the upcoming years to provide maximum comfort for the increasing numbers of Chinese visitors – whether tourists or businessmen – to the Czech Republic. This includes eff orts to set up a direct fl ight between Prague and Beijing. The concept of the Czech Days in Shanghai therefore goes well beyond business relations. An important aspect apart from the CSITF 2015 is also an exhibition called Art from Heart, which was prepared by the Czech Embassy in Beijing. I will be glad if you fi nd an opportunity in the following two months to visit this exhibition, which will take place in the Power Station of Art, and see some of our contemporary modern art. A key part of our relations is also the area of investment, which is a natural part of the Czech CSITF 2015 exposition. Apart from ongoing support of Czech investments in China, we have an interest in new Chinese investments in the Czech Republic. Due to its geographical location, transport infrastructure and economy, Czech Republic is an ideal destination and a suitable gateway to the rest of Europe for China. I am convinced that the Czech Republic and China have a lot to build upon and I can assure our Chinese partners that we are ready to carry on working on creating further opportunities for Czech companies in China as well as for Chinese partners in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is ready to continue in helping further develop the Chinese economy, contribute with its technologies and know-how to the economic reforms and add to the balanced progress and development of China.