The Japanese company Hitachi confirmed its intention to acquire a site in the Triangle industrial zone and to establish a company in the Czech Republic with the purpose of manufacturing flat-panel televisions. The decision on the plant is subject to ongoing discussions with the Czech Government and regional authorities on the supply of labour and certain other conditions. The plant could employ up to 2,000 people in the Zatec area, and the investment of around $117m would be one of the largest Japanese investments in the Czech Republic.

Hitachi anticipates that by 2008 demand for flat-panel televisions will increase in Europe to 20m units annually in connection with the expansion of digital television broadcasting. Some improvements to the transportation infrastructure, including the completion of the E7 highway, will also be needed in the near future.