The Czech Trade Promotion Agency was established by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic in May 1997. The main objective is to promote the internationalization of Czech companies by facilitating their cooperation links with foreign entrepreneurs. Czech Trade's head office is located in Prague. By the end of 2011, Czech Trade operates 34 foreign offices in 39 countries worldwide (including offices in Shanghai and Chengdu). The network of Czech Trade´s foreign offices provides practical assistance to Czech exporters abroad, and represents an unique contribution to the promotion of Czech export.