GRADE

ASIA
57
will be no exception. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that social expectations
will far exceed the real economic potential of cooperation.
The intensi of mutual relations is now also reflected in the interest of
Czech exporters and investors in the Chinese market, although it will also be
necessary to wait for new major successes here. Aside from established brands
such as Škoda Auto or Home Credit, other companies have been conducting
long-term negotiations with their Chinese counterparts in areas such as aviation,
environmental technologies, health care or the food industry. Although political
relations are often not critical for the success of companies on the Chinese market,
they may help, especially in these segments.
Despite growing cooperation in many areas, any dialogue on human rights
has so far been stagnant. Minister Zaorálek mentioned that the Czech Republic
intends to focus on social and environmental rights several times, which are
certainly more acceptable topics for China than first generation political rights.
However, we have yet to see specific projects or at least a general vision.
Although the Czech Republic devotes great attention to relations with
China, it also continues to rther develop joint projects with Taiwan. TAČR’s
call for grant applications for joint research and development projects, which was
open to both Chinese and Taiwanese companies, may be considered a successl
strategic step. The work holidays project is getting underway in Taiwan and a
trade delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade has helped initiate
cooperation focusing particularly on innovative areas of biotechnology,
nanotechnology, alternative energy resources and ICT.
South Korea
Activity
A
Determination
A
Impact A–
Normative aspect
A
Final mark
A