The customs union proves the suprastandard nature of relations between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Still, a joint platform , an economic committee emerged in 1997 following the initiative of the economic chambers of both countries. It is an advisory body with initiative. It has a power to negotiate with governments on elimination of trade barriers. How does the representative of the committee see the trade between the two countries?

I see the current state as very satisfactory with vast opportunities for mutual development. Both countries have the best potential for that. The inexistent language barrier opens opportunities for the broadest scope of enterprises in mutual trade. Our recent shared past should be one of the positive aspects to assist the cooperation. Yet the perception of business involved in food and agricultural commodities wouldn't be so positive. That proves the continuous need to deal with the issue of trade with Slvoakia. The Czechs have experienced a positive change towards the balance of trade with the Slovaks. The export index from CR to Slvoakia increased by 101.6 on 1997. The value of goods imported from Slovakia to CR within 8 months of 1998 reached Kc 45, 254m compared with Kc 46,107m in 1997. The growth index is 98.1. After Germany Slovakia is the second major trade partner to CR.

How does the Czech Economic Chamber support the improvement of the trade and economic relations?

It principally co-ordinates relations between individual members in both chambers by providing ideas and recommendations by the members to the state administration. The objective is to assist the optimal development of mutual trade. The coordination proceeds as follows: base on own experience and of the members, our committee submits to the chambers proposals for measures in the fields of certificates, testing, assessment of similarities and their mutual recognition, export and import barriers, operation of customs and customs proceedings.

Expert consultations, seminars and negotiations are also important. They are organised by both chambers. Timely and qualified consulting in the fields of the customs legislation, customs levies on import of goods, trade documents required from the importers, procedures of the state testing institutions in introduction of goods to the markets - all that can significantly facilitate and improve the efficiency of export.

What do you see as the major barrier to the Czech-Slovak trade?

Arrogance derived from ignorance, but also inconsiderate political moves and monetary policy. Fortunately trade is an evergreen...

In connection with our mutual trade, should we fear earlier entry of the CR to the EU?

The very timing of the Czech membership on the EU is to me an open question. That's why I don't want to speculate about its impact. Yet should there be a time gap in the membership of the members of our customs union, I hope that our official representative will advocate our trade interests in Slovakia - that wasn't so common in the past. Slovakia is a part of the territories of interest by our export. That's illustrated by high interest of companies in participation in removal of all barriers preventing further development of mutual trade.

Slovak Trade FORUM