U.S. seeks to strengthen economic ties with Czech Republic

U.S. seeks to strengthen economic ties with Czech Republic U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez arrived in the Czech Republic today with the goal to strengthen economic ties between the United States and the Eastern European country.
   'We look forward to further expanding our bilateral commercial activity as well as building a strong foundation to enhance transatlantic cooperation in the months ahead,' Gutierrez said in a statement. The Czech Republic will assume the presidency of the European Union in early 2009.
   In Prague, Gutierrez is expected to meet with Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg, and other trade officials to discuss bilateral trade and investment.
   According to the Commerce Department, U.S.-Czech Republic two-way trade in 2007 reached $3.7 billion, with U.S. exports to the Czech Republic increasing by percent over the previous year.