Czech Republic seeks transport contracts in Azerbaijan

Czech Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik led a business mission to Azerbaijan to pursue major infrastructure contracts. The mission focused on opportunities in Baku's metro modernization, civil aviation, and the development of railway freight transport between Europe and Asia.

To compete against strong Chinese competition, Czech companies are proposing long-term cooperation models, including local manufacturing transfers, technical service, and professional training for local workers. Radek Špicar, Vice President of the Czech Confederation of Industry and Transport, emphasized that while price competition is difficult, Czech firms can succeed through technological expertise and local partnerships.

The mission faced logistical setbacks when the government's military Airbus experienced a malfunction in Azerbaijan. The breakdown threatened the delegation's scheduled business negotiations in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the aging state of the Czech government's aircraft fleet.