PRAGUE - A video conference was held here on Thursday to promote the 3rd China International Import Expo (CIIE) and to attract Czech exhibitors and visitors. Participants from China and the Czech Republic agreed that the CIIE could become a long-term platform for Czech companies to explore the Chinese market.

During the conference, Yang Bo, an official with the China International Import Expo Bureau, introduced the preparations for the 3rd CIIE, which will be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10 this year.

Lukas Martin, director of the International Relations Department at the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, said that by participating in CIIEs in the past two years, Czech companies have extended their contacts with Chinese partners and expanded their operations in China.

He said he had full confidence in China's economic development prospects and market potential. He noted that in the past years, the consumption expenditure of Chinese households has greatly increased, which means a large market potential for Czech companies. China's interest in high and advanced technology also provides more opportunities for the Czech innovative companies.

Wang Jinsong, economic and commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic, said he hoped that more Czech companies will participate in the CIIE, making full use of this important platform for international cooperation.

Miroslav Scheiner, an official with the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that his country had already participated in two consecutive CIIEs, and that the Czech companies had benefited a lot.

"I hope that the CIIE will become bigger and better and become a long-term platform for Czech companies to explore the Chinese market," said the official.

The Czech Republic attended last year's expo as a guest country of honor.