JAPAN

Czech-Japan relations

Diplomatic relations

The official diplomatic relations between two countries were already established shortly after Czechoslovakia had become and independent state in 1918. During the World War II the diplomatic contacts were temporarily suspended and renewed in 1957. Despite the significant political isolation of the totalitarian regime namely the partial cooperation in the areas of science, research and culture developed.

After the independent Czech Republic was established in 1993 the communication between two countries has become significantly more intensive, which has also been evidenced by regular official visits of statesmen and politicians of both countries. Former president Václav Havel visited Japan twice. In July 2002 the Japan imperial couple officially visited the Czech Republic and in August 2003 Džuničiró Koizumi, the prime minister of Japan visited the Czech Republic.

Economic relations

The economic relationships between Japan and the Czech Republic have seen a rapid boost. According to the statistics of Czechinvest, the already agreed and implemented direct investments of Japan in the Czech Republic were almost USD 2.3 billion by March 2003.This amount already includes for example the project of Toyota Peugeot Citroen - TPCA in Kolín, as well as the projects of Daikin, DENSO and many other, which are still under construction.

Cooperation in the area of science and education

The Czech Republic and Japan also cooperate on the academic level, most often in the form of the bilateral agreements of the universities and in the form of granting scholarships (for example the partnership between the Charles University in Prague and University of Kyoto).

The scientific cooperation with Japan mostly develops under the direct contacts of individual scientific centres of both countries. Every year Japan grants number of scientific grants and scholarships, for which the Czech applicants may apply.

Cooperation between other institutions

Independently on the official diplomatic line also various interested institutions, which support the communication and understanding between the Czech Republic and Japan were established - we can mention the Czech-Japan Friendship Association in the Czech Republic and the Japan-Czech Friendship Association, which is active in Japan.

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