Chamber of Commerce Corner, February 10, 2023

BCCH Gets Racey With Superenduro

During the past weekend, the British Chamber of Commerce (BCCH) in Hungary welcomed a select few members at the Hungarian round of the Superenduro World Championship, an event organized by member company TRP Hungary. Thanks to TRP’s hospitality, the BCCH members received a different and highly memorable experience, including an opportunity to walk on the track and meet the race stars in the paddock. “All in all, it was a superb event which combined a great day out with a networking opportunity for all present,” the BCCH said.

French Chambers Webinar Tour of CEE

A regular series of economic trends and news presented by experts from the six Franco-bilateral Chambers of Commerce and Industry from Central and Eastern Europe (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia). The special guest will be Serge Grange, CEO of Isitec International, who will share his story of a successful entry into the Czech market with the collaboration of the chamber there. The 45-minute Zoom webinar will be held in English on February 16 from 1 p.m. Participation is free of charge, but prior registration is required via email at info@ccifrance-hongrie.org

Canadian Business Breakfast Series Continues

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary will hold the next session of its Business Breakfast Series, with the theme “Good Design, Good Business,” at The Ritz Carlton Budapest (Erzsébet tér 9-10, 1051 Budapest) on February 15, from 8:30-11 a.m. The topic is presented by brand strategist David Robák and lead designer Levi Fignár, founders of the internationally awarded Next Ship, a brand strategy, design, and communication business based in Budapest. Standing out as a business has become incredibly difficult. What tools do business owners need to invest in to stay relevant? How do they stay afloat on this ocean of information and navigate towards their goals? Can they catch the next ship towards the horizon? How does good design result in good business? Breakfast and coffee, business networking, and a tour of the hotel’s Presidential Suite are included in the event. Admission will cost members HUF 21,500 (incl. VAT) and non-members HUF 26,500 (incl. VAT). Parking is not included in the fee.

AmCham Policy Forum With Integrity Authority

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary will host Ferenc Bíró, president of the recently established Hungarian Integrity Authority, at an online Policy Forum on February 15 from 3-4:30 p.m. In November 2022, the State Audit Office established the Integrity Authority to promote the efficient and correct use of EU funds and detect and prevent EU funds-related irregularities.

At the Policy Forum, Bíró will inform AmCham members about the mandate and operation of the organization. His presentation will also set out the authority’s goals, scope, status, and future plans. He will also answer questions in a Q&A session after his presentation. The forum will be held in English without translation, and will only be open to AmCham members, who must register by noon on Tuesday, February 14. Please visit the AmCham website (amcham.hu/events).

Dutcham Winter Business Lunch

The latest Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce Winter Business Lunch, an informal event to network, build connections, and discuss business topics, will be held at the Axis Café & Lounge at the Crowne Plaza Budapest (Váci út 1-3, Budapest 1062) on February 21. The lunch runs from noon until 2 p.m. and costs HUF 5,900 + VAT for members or HUF 7,900 + VAT for non-members. The fee includes a three-course daily business menu and mineral water.

Minister of Energy Csaba Lantos (left) and DUIHK chairman András Sávos.

Barbara Zollmann, DUIHK’s executive director.

Challenging Topics in Challenging Times

Growth prospects, energy matters, and the range of services for businesses were the focus of the annual kick-off event of the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK). The event at the House of Hungarian Music also opened the celebratory program of the Chamber, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of its founding in 2023.

DUIHK chairman András Sávos highlighted that energy was one of the crucial factors for the long-term competitiveness of German and Hungarian companies. He noted that the chamber’s more than 900 members had contributed massively to the successful development of German-Hungarian trade and investment ties during the past three decades. Bilateral trade reached about EUR 66 billion last year, about one-quarter of Hungary’s total trade turnover.

Hungary’s Minister of Energy Csaba Lantos dealt with multiple aspects of the current energy situation. He emphasized that due to Hungary’s dependency on imports, energy sovereignty is a strategic issue for the government, meaning it is committed to the continued use of nuclear energy. In addition, he endorsed the high capacity of installed solar plants and the liberalization of wind power plants, and investment in their infrastructure.

Barbara Zollmann, DUIHK’s executive director, gave an overview of the chamber’s plans for its anniversary year. On top of business consultancy (ranging from market access advice and training to strategic topics such as sustainability and digitalization), DUIHK will also launch joint projects with new partners, such as the Budapest German School and the Goethe Cultural Institute, as well as with the Budapest Stock Exchange in the field of ESG. Moreover, the chamber will intensify activities to promote Hungary in Germany as a business and investment location, for example, with a large business forum and information events in various German cities.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of February 10, 2023.