Czech-Cuba trade increases despite diplomatic tension

dpa German Press Agency
Published: Wednesday October 11, 2006

Prague- Despite years of diplomatic friction, bilateral trade is surging between communist Cuba and the formerly communist Czech Republic, a report said Wednesday. Quoting the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Pravo newspaper said Czech firms increased exports to Cuba by 57 per cent last year to 480 million koruna (21 million dollars).

Sales of motorcycle parts, milk products, beer and power-plant supplies have helped the Czech Republic enjoy a modest trade surplus with Cuba, which exports cigars and rum to the Czechs.

The Jawa motorcycle and Brisk Tabor spark-plug companies ship Czech-made parts to their assembly plants in Cuba, the report said.

Bilateral business could increase if power-plant supplier Skoda Export wins proposed contracts to refurbish Cuba's coal-fired power plants.

Some trade contacts were built on relationships forged when Prague and Havana were communist allies, before the Czechs toppled a communist regime in 1989.

Officially, however, the two countries are diplomatically at odds, with the Prague government frequently criticizing Havana's human rights record.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency