On 23 January 2013, during his visit to Thailand to chair the First Meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JEC) between Thailand and the Czech Republic, Mr. Martin Kuba, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will also co-chair the JEC Meeting. After the call, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul hosted a luncheon in honour of his Czech counterpart.  This visit to Thailand is a part of Mr. Kuba’s trip to Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar).  His delegation comprises a group of government officials and 40 Czech business representatives to explore business and investment opportunities in Thailand.

                        Also after the meeting, the Co-Chairs signed the Agreement on Economic Cooperation between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Czech Republic which will pave ways to the preparation for the First Session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC), to be hosted by the Czech Republic in June 2013.

                       The Co-Chairs also witnessed the signing ceremony of the Cooperation Agreement between the Federation of Thai Industries, signed by Mr. Payungsak Chartsutipol, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, and Mr. Joroslav Hanak, President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic.

                        In addition, Mr. Kuba also paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Commerce, to exchange opinions and discuss ways to strengthen ties between the two countries, including the exchange high-profile visits.  Mr. Kuba also attended a Business Forum organized by the Thai-Czech Business Council and Ministry of Commerce. This Business Forum encouraged business matching between both countries, bringing together businessmen from both sides to discuss potential business opportunities.