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BASTROP — County officials signaled their support for international collaboration last week by signing an agreement with the Czech Republic’s Zlín Region Investment Agency (ZRIA).
The memorandum of understanding, signed March 13 at The Boring Bodega — part of Elon Musk’s Bastrop-based footprint — by Judge Gregory Klaus and ZRIA Director Petr Kubíček, creates a framework for international business partnerships. Officials said the move aims to boost economic development through entrepreneurial and educational exchanges, as well as innovation in sectors like aerospace, manufacturing and technology.
“Generations of Czech Texans help shape communities across our state, bringing with them a spirit of hard work, craftsmanship and resilience,” said Bastrop Economic Development Corporation’s Dori Kelley. “We are proud to build on that legacy through this new relationship between Bastrop County and the Zlín Region.”
The agreement is nonbinding and designed for international business growth without financial obligation from either party, according to the county.
A delegation of officials from the Czech Republic, including Zlín Region Gov. Radim Holiš, attended the ceremony alongside Boring Company president David Buss and several local, state and federal representatives.
“What we’re trying to do here — what was just farmland a few years ago — is really create an innovation hub and bring some of the best talent and partners from around the world out here,” Buss said. “We’re excited to see an international presence.”
Kubíček said the partnership grew from discussions about economic development and shared strengths between the two regions. Bastrop County has experienced a major boom for several industries in recent years, officials said, from Musk’s companies breaking ground to film studios taking root.
“I see Texas as a special place with a special kind of energy,” Kubíček said. “I see people who think big, move fast and open to new ideas.”
Kubíček described the Zlín Region as an industrial area in the southeastern part of the Czech Republic that mirrors the growth visible locally. “We focus on aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, but also on the creative and film industry,” Kubíček said. “That’s why we’re here … not only to sign but to start working on that.”
During the ceremony, officials presented a gift to the Czech delegation. A loblolly pine tree, representing the Lost Pines Forest, will be planted at the Bastrop County Community Center as a symbol of the new partnership.
“Just as a tree begins with a small seed and grows stronger over time, we hope this partnership will continue to grow, creating new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and future generations in both of our regions,” Kelley said.
“What we’re trying to do here — what was just farmland a few years ago — is really create an innovation hub and bring some of the best talent and partners from around the world out here.”
— David Buss, The Boring Company
