Representatives of CzechInvest embark on technology mission to Colombia

Representatives of CzechInvest, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, the company Cross Zlín and the Mixed Chamber of Commerce of the Czech-Pacific Alliance are taking part in a five-day technology mission to Colombia from 11 to 15 April 2016. The mission is focused on strengthening scientific and technological cooperation and support in the area Smart Cities, i.e. cities that use digital, information and communication technologies to increase their residents’ quality of life.

During the mission, CzechInvest’s representatives will present the Czech Republic’s research infrastructure and the potential for scientific cooperation that the country offers. Points of interest will include, in particular, joint projects, exchanges of postgraduate students and transfer of researchers, and use of Czech technologies for Smart Cities.

On Monday, 11 April, the delegation visited the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Mines and Energy, where they sought common ground for possible cooperation between the two countries in the area of transport telematics and smart grids. A meeting with the ITS Colombia association revealed an important point of entry into the Colombia transport management environment at the company level and a share in Colombian projects. The meeting was also attended by a representative of the company XM, which ensures operation of the energy and transport networks in the industrial city of Medellin. According to the plan, the delegation will visit the headquarters of this very important firm on Tuesday and learn more about the know-how and opportunities that the company can offer to its Czech counterparts.