More than kolaches: Czechia signs historic cooperation deal with Texas

Czechia's Deputy PM and Industry Minister Karel Havlíček visited Austin, Texas, last week to deepen economic and technological ties between the Czech Republic and the U.S. state.

Havlíček signed a historic cooperation declaration with Governor Greg Abbott, aimed at supporting trade, innovation, defense industry collaboration, and energy projects, including liquefied natural gas.

The visit also highlighted Czech cultural influence in Texas, where a large Czech-American community continues to preserve traditions dating back to 19th-century immigrants. “They’ve adapted the old Czech kolache,” said Levan Bokeria, director of the local CzechTrade office. “They even make savory versions with jalapeño, peppers, or cheddar.”

Havlíček’s trip coincided with the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, providing a platform to open the Czech House, promote Czech businesses, and strengthen ties with local entrepreneurs.

The cooperation declaration is the first of its kind between the Czech Republic and an individual U.S. state. Czech companies hope to leverage Texas’ position as a major technological and economic hub.

More than 50 Czech firms accompanied Havlíček on the visit to explore opportunities in sectors ranging from electronics and machinery to chemicals and defense.

The U.S. remains the Czech Republic’s largest export market outside Europe. In 2025, goods worth $658 million (CZK 14 billion) were imported from Texas, while Czech exports to Texas reached $1.3 billion (CZK 27.7 billion), including electronics, machinery, and computer equipment.

CzechTrade, which has had an Austin office since 2023, supports companies seeking to enter the Texan market, often working alongside the established Czech-American community of nearly 200,000 people.

The opening of the Czech House offered an unusual mix of Czech heritage and Texan flair. “It’s not just about pistols and whiskey,” Havlíček said, referencing popular perceptions of Texas. “It’s also about technology, universities, and even autonomous taxis, which operate here in real traffic.”

The Czech House serves as both a cultural showcase and business incubator. Attendees sampled Czech pastries like kolache, bridging centuries-old immigrant traditions with modern entrepreneurial efforts.

Havlíček’s Texas agenda also included strategic talks. He visited Fort Worth to meet Lockheed Martin officials about the F-35 fighter jet deliveries to the Czech Air Force, valued at CZK 106 billion through 2034. The declaration with Texas may also open pathways for Czech firms in the energy sector, as well as defense industry cooperation.

Texas has a longstanding Czech heritage, with the state constitution once translated into Czech alongside English, Spanish, and German. Havlíček noted that the agreement underscores both historical and modern links: “It demonstrates that our relations are excellent and rooted deeply in history.”