Czech transport and agricultural missions to Central Asia

Czech Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik led an economic diplomacy mission to Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan from October 11 to 16, 2026. Organized with the Czech Association of Industry and Transport, the mission aimed to secure business opportunities in transport, logistics, and technology, specifically targeting railway modernization, urban mobility, and aviation.

In Azerbaijan, the mission focused on the Baku Metro and railway infrastructure. To compete with Chinese interests, Czech firms proposed models involving technical service, professional training, and local manufacturing transfers. Radek Špicar, Vice President of the Czech Confederation of Industry and Transport, noted that while price competition is difficult, Czech firms can succeed through “technological expertise and local partnerships.” The Azerbaijani leg faced logistical setbacks when the government’s military Airbus malfunctioned, raising concerns about the aging state of the Czech government’s aircraft fleet.

Following these efforts, Czech officials expanded cooperation in Kazakhstan. Minister Bednárik signed a memorandum regarding railway transport and discussed developing the Trans-Caspian Corridor to improve Europe-Asia freight connections. Interests in Kazakhstan include railway security, airport technologies, and air cargo expansion via Ostrava airport.

Parallel to transport efforts, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jaroslava Špalková led a delegation of over 30 companies to the KazAgro/KazFarm exhibition. This mission promoted Czech expertise in digital farm management, agricultural machinery, plant processing, and veterinary products to establish long-term partnerships in Kazakhstan’s industrial and agricultural sectors.