Belgabiz will hold a networking event, “Solarization: Hungary’s Economy Under Global Spotlight in 2025,” where Dávid Németh, chief economist at K&H Group, will share insights into the current economic trends. The themes explored will include global exposure and shifting alliances: how can Hungary adapt in 2025? And how will global shifts impact Hungary’s economic landscape in 2025?
• When: Thursday, March 13, 6-9 p.m. • Where: MaMaison Hotel Andrássy, Munkácsy Mihály u. 5-7, Budapest 1063 • Fee: Members, free; non-members, HUF 22,000
This year is the 30th anniversary of the chamber, and it is pleasing to see how the Swiss business community in Hungary continues to grow. Representatives of several new Swiss businesses and businesses operating in Switzerland and businessfolk interested in Switzerland have joined Swisscham in the past year. Our February networking event was held in the new Toyota showroom of our member, the Swiss-owned Emil Frey, where some of our latest members had the opportunity to introduce themselves.
Save the date for our upcoming HR Café event.
• When: Monday, March 31, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Where: Hágeni Távegyetem Budapesti Információs Központja, Madách Imre út 13-14, A ép. 4. Emelet, Budapest 1075 • Fee: Members, free; non-members, HUF 20,000
How can Europe reach its climate targets while maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly complex global landscape? This was the key question AmCham Hungary addressed during its recent Policy Forum with Dr. Barbara Botos, Hungary’s Ambassador-at-large for Climate. The discussion explored the latest developments introduced by the Clean Industrial Deal and the European Competitiveness Compass, highlighting their implications for Europe’s economic and environmental future. In addition, at the Feb. 27 forum, Botos provided an overview of the primary outcomes of the COP29 conference and their impact on European and Hungarian climate policy. The discussions covered the path from the Lisbon Strategy to the Budapest Declaration, touching upon significant milestones such as the Antwerp Declaration. These discussions paved the way for a closer look at the key aspects of the Clean Industrial Deal and the European Competitiveness Compass.
The Clean Industrial Deal aims to drive decarbonization while strengthening European industries, ensuring they remain globally competitive. Meanwhile, the European Competitiveness Compass outlines a strategic roadmap to foster innovation, reduce dependencies, and create a stable investment environment. These efforts unfold amid a global net-zero industrial race, where clean-tech leadership is evolving rapidly. China has emerged as a leading force, accounting for 39% of global net-zero investment, controlling key segments of the solar and wind value chains, and planning to quadruple battery manufacturing by 2030. At the same time, the United States is leveraging massive investments in clean energy start-ups to establish itself as a future technological leader.
Despite these trends, the EU remains the second most attractive location for net-zero investors, ahead of America (based on 2023 data). However, sustaining this position will require targeted support and regulatory simplification to ensure European industries can thrive in a competitive global market. The discussions highlighted that industries require a predictable legal and economic environment to make long-term decisions. The key takeaway was clear: the only viable path forward is accelerating clean industrial investments that reinforce sustainability and economic resilience.
On Feb. 21, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary hosted an exclusive event highlighting the excellence of Italian viticulture. It brought together two leading names in the sector, Vivaistica D’Andrea and Vivai Viticoli Fontanel, presenting their strategic partnership to an audience of Hungarian businesses and industry professionals. The gathering served as a platform to showcase the entire viticultural production chain, from carefully selecting vine cuttings to the final stages of wine production. Through detailed presentations, attendees gained insights into the innovative techniques used by these companies to ensure high-quality vineyards, resilient grape varieties, and sustainable cultivation practices. Beyond the technical aspects, the event underscored the importance of collaboration between Italian and Hungarian businesses in fostering growth within the wine sector. Hungarian professionals had the opportunity to explore the advantages of integrating Italian expertise into their own viticultural processes, strengthening commercial ties between the two countries. The evening concluded with a refined wine-tasting experience, where guests sampled premium wines perfectly paired with a selection of traditional “Made in Italy” delicacies. The collaboration between Vivaistica D’Andrea and Vivai Viticoli Fontanel marks a step forward in bridging Italian viticultural excellence with the Hungarian market, ensuring a future of high-quality wine production and shared success.
The DUIHK invites members to participate this month in its English-language webinar “Europe & the U.S. in 2025: Economic Realities in a Changing Political Landscape,” a collaboration between the German Chamber Network Abroad (AHK) and RGIT – the liaison office of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and the Federation of German Industries (BDI) in Washington, D.C. Speakers will provide key insights into the latest developments and executive orders impacting U.S. foreign trade policy in the first two months of the Trump administration. They will also share their perspectives on the potential implications for European businesses and transatlantic trade relations.
• When: Tuesday, March 25, 1-2:30 p.m. • Where: Webinar • Fee: The webinar is exclusively for members, for whom it is free. www.ahkungarn.hu
Save the date of the annual Dutcham Gala Dinner on Wednesday, May 28, from 6 p.m. Similar to past years, the event will be a seated dinner in casual style with Dutch, Indonesian, and Caribbean culinary inspirations.
The CCIFH invites you to boost team spirit and CSR impact by joining the international French chamber #ChallengeCCIFI 2025: running, walking, cycling, and (new this year) Yogist indoor (breathing, stretching and relaxing) breaks for everyone. Some 25% of the participation fees collected will be offered to the Solar Impulse Foundation. Prizes to be won by competing teams/individuals.
• When: March 31-April 27. Registration deadline: March 21. • Where: Anywhere in Hungary • Fee: (per teams of five): Members EUR 350 + VAT; non-members EUR 450 + VAT
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary will host the FirstMed Business Breakfast, an event exploring AI’s transformative role in healthcare. The gathering will offer business professionals valuable insights into the evolving healthcare landscape. Dennis Diokno, founder and CEO of FirstMed, will share his 30+ years of experience in international healthcare, discussing how AI refocuses doctor-patient interactions and what the future holds for healthcare businesses and professionals. The discussion will highlight how AI-driven diagnostics enhance efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and streamline healthcare operations. Experts argue that automation and predictive analytics redefine decision-making processes, allowing physicians to prioritize patient care over administrative tasks. As AI integration accelerates, healthcare providers must balance between technological advancements and maintaining a human-centric approach. The event will conclude with an interactive Q&A. Taking as its theme “From Paper Charts to AI: How Technology Has Transformed Healthcare,” this exclusive event provides key perspectives on balancing innovation with personal care in a rapidly changing industry.
• When: March 19, from 8:30-11 a.m. • Where: W Hotel Budapest, Andrássy út 25, Budapest 1061 • Fee: Members HUF 11.900+VAT, non-members HUF 19.900+VAT.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of March 7, 2025.
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