Czech firms seek a foothold in the US as new Georgia agreement is signed

Two business organizations signed an agreement in Prague on Oct. 9 aimed at strengthening economic ties between Czechia and southern Georgia in the United States.

The memorandum of understanding between Czech Business Incubator Atlanta (CBIA) and Locate South Georgia was signed at the American Center, with US Ambassador Nicholas Merrick attending. The signatories said it should support greater cooperation between businesses in the two regions.

CBIA co-founder Ladislav Chodák said that Czech companies remain underrepresented in the American market. He attributed this partly to their established role as suppliers to Germany and the reluctance of some smaller businesses to expand across the Atlantic.

“Czech products are much more widely represented there, but they are not sold directly,” Chodák told ČTK.

He cited engineering company Agrostroj’s planned manufacturing plant in Kansas as an example of a larger Czech business pursuing a direct American presence.

CBIA’s comparison of investment in the United States puts Czech investment at the equivalent of 0.8 percent of GDP, compared with 4.5 percent for Switzerland and 2.9 percent for Belgium. The organization’s webpage does not specify the figures’ reference year or methodology.

Chodák identified manufacturing, information technology, financial technology and the creative industries as potential areas for cooperation in Georgia. He also pointed to opportunities for Czech precision engineering in aerospace.

Speaking at the signing, Merrick emphasized the connection between economic prosperity, stability and peace, and expressed hope that more Czech companies would establish operations or branches in the United States.

Czech goods exports to the United States totaled CZK 186 billion in 2025, while imports from the US reached CZK 149 billion, according to Industry and Trade Ministry figures cited by ČTK. Czech exports to the US had totaled approximately CZK 190 billion in 2024.

The agreement comes as businesses contend with US tariffs affecting European exports. Alongside duties on most goods, separate measures apply to sectors including vehicles, automotive parts, steel and aluminum.

The Industry and Trade Ministry maintains an overview of US tariffs and support for Czech businesses, including exemptions and sector-specific rules.

For Czech-based entrepreneurs considering American expansion, the memorandum signals an effort to build closer regional connections. The announcement reported by ČTK did not specify funding, participation requirements or a timetable for individual business projects.