HE, Mr Martin Košatka, Ambassador of Czechia: „Investments of nearly €4 billion: the new dimension of the Romania–Czechia economic relationship”
Your Excellency, you are soon entering the third year of your mission in Romania. How do you assess the development of Czech–Romanian economic relations?
HE, Mr Martin Košatka
At the outset, I would like to highlight the long-standing and very good cooperation between our countries across a wide range of sectors. Economic relations are naturally at the core of this partnership, and Romania today ranks among Czechia’s most important partners.
Many readers may be surprised to learn that, similarly, Czechia ranks among the top 10 importers from Romania and is also one of the top 10 investors (based on comparison by „ultimate investing country”) in Romania. Czech exports to Romania reach approximately EUR 4 billion, while imports are slightly above EUR 3,1 billion. Czech investments in Romania are also substantial, exceeding EUR 3.9 billion by the end of 2024. However, what is most important is not only the volume, but also the depth of this relationship. Czech companies are present here not only as exporters, but also as long-term investors, employers and providers of advanced technological solutions.
What is your strategy and what are the main objectives of your mission regarding commercial and investment relations?
HE, Mr Martin Košatka
Our strategy is based on practical economic diplomacy. Czech Embassy in Bucharest focuses on connecting Czech know-how with Romanian development needs.
We actively support Czech companies through targeted activities such as sector-focused seminars, expert missions, trade fair participation and direct business matchmaking. At the same time, we place strong emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which often bring innovative and highly adaptable solutions.
Our objective is not only to increase exports, but also to deepen long-term cooperation, strengthen partnerships and support investment projects that bring tangible value to both economies. In addition, we assist in addressing any challenges or difficulties that may arise.
From an economic perspective, what are the main directions for the growth of trade relations between our countries?
HE, Mr Martin Košatka
The growth of our economic cooperation is driven by the complementarity of our economies and our shared position within the European Union. Key areas for further development include transport infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, defence-related technologies, digitalisation, and industrial innovation. These are sectors where Romania is investing heavily and where Czech companies have strong technological capabilities. We are also witnessing a shift towards more sophisticated cooperation, where the focus is not only on trade in goods, but increasingly on integrated solutions, engineering know-how and long-term projects.
Could you highlight some of the Embassy’s goals in supporting Czech companies in Romania?
HE, Mr Martin Košatka
One of our key goals has been the consistent support of Czech participation in strategic sectors. In transport infrastructure, Czech companies have been regularly present at the Railway Days conference in Bucharest, which has become an important platform for presenting Czech technologies for transport modernisation. These activities are complemented by follow-up business engagement and cooperation with the CzechTrade Promotion Agency oparating in Romania.
We have also actively supported cooperation in intelligent transport systems, particularly through the partnership between ITS&S Czechia and Romanian counterparts such as ITS Romania and the Smart Cities Cluster of Romania. This cooperation has enabled knowledge exchange as well as concrete presentations of Czech technologies both in Romania and in Czechia.
What role does the defence sector play in this cooperation?
HE, Mr Martin Košatka
Defence and security are increasingly important areas of cooperation. Czechia regularly participates in major sector events such as the Black Sea Defense, Aerospace and Security International Exhibition (BSDA), which takes place every two years in Romania.
We have also supported the presentation of Czech capabilities in CBRN protection technologies related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, which are relevant not only for defence, but also for civil protection.
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals are generally also very strong sectors. Could you elaborate on this?
HE, Mr Martin Košatka
Yes, this is one of the most dynamic areas of Czech economic presence in Romania.
The Romanian healthcare and pharmaceutical market is growing rapidly, and Czech-linked companies have established a strong position here. A well-known example is Zentiva, which is among the leading pharmaceutical suppliers in Romania.
At the same time, the pharmacy sector is highly visible through the presence of Dr. Max, which operates an extensive network of pharmacies and logistics facilities across the country. Dr. Max has been successfully expanding in Romania since entering the market in 2017. For Romanian consumers, this represents one of the most recognisable examples of a Central European business presence in everyday life.
In addition, Czech investments are also present in medical technologies and healthcare infrastructure, contributing to the modernisation of the sector.
Are there any other emerging areas where Czech companies see opportunities in Romania?
HE, Mr Martin Košatka
Yes, one of the areas that has been gaining importance recently is the field of technologies related to mining and mineral resources, particularly in connection with strategic and critical raw materials.
This is not so much about our direct investment in mining itself, but rather about supplying Czech technologies and know-how. The topic is closely linked to broader European developments, as the European Union is placing increasing emphasis on securing access to critical raw materials for industry and the green transition.
Romania has significant potential in this area, and we see growing interest in modernising the sector in line with these priorities. Czech companies have strong expertise in geological surveying, extraction technologies, processing and environmental solutions, and this is exactly where we can contribute.
The Embassy has already supported the presentation of Czech capabilities in this field, for example in cooperation with the Czech Mining Technology Association (CDT), which brings together a wide range of specialised companies. Through these activities, Czech technological solutions have been introduced to Romanian partners as part of a broader effort to support modern, efficient an d sustainable approaches in this sector.
What are the most sought-after areas for investment in Romania today?
HE, Mr Martin Košatka:
Investment demand in Romania is closely linked to modernisation and long-term competitiveness. Key areas include media, real estate, healthcare, renewable energy, digital technologies, agriculture and the food industry.
At the same time, these investment priorities are strongly supported by European programmes and policy frameworks, which focus on green and digital transition, infrastructure modernisation and economic resilience. This creates a stable and predictable environment for investors. For Czech companies, this means opportunities not only to supply products, but increasingly to participate in more complex projects, combining engineering know-how, technological solutions and long-term cooperation with Romanian partners.
Finally, what would you like Romanian readers to take away from Czech–Romanian economic cooperation?
HE, Mr Martin Košatka:
I would like Romanian readers to realise that Czechia is present in Romania in many ways, not only through trade, but also through investments, technologies, services and long-term partnerships.
Whether in transport infrastructure, healthcare, defence technologies or industrial innovation, Czech companies contribute to areas that are directly linked to Romania’s development. Many of these connections are not always immediately visible, yet they play an important role in everyday life, from modern transport systems to healthcare services or technological solutions used by businesses and public institutions.
At the same time, Czech–Romanian cooperation is built on trust, shared European values and a long-term perspective. Our goal at the Embassy is to continue strengthening these connections, supporting both large and smaller companies, and ensuring that cooperation remains dynamic, practical and mutually beneficial for both countries.
