Czech and Chinese companies sign over 30 trade agreements at Žofín economic forum

Members of an economic forum at the Žofín palace in Prague, attended by Czech president Miloš Zeman and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, have signed over 30 trade agreements covering various areas. One of them concerns the canal linking the Elbe, the Oder and the Danube, the Czech president said. Among the Czech companies signing contracts with Chinese firms are Škoda Auto, J&T finance group, Czech export bank and Czech Aeroholding, the sole shareholder of Prague Airport.

Groups of anti-Chinese protesters and the supporters of the Chinese president have gathered near the palace. Police had to intervene to deal with a few minor clashes between the two groups. The area around the Žofín palace has been cordoned off and tram services along the Vltava embankment between the National Theatre and Mánes has been suspended.