Chamber comes up with proposal to retain exports to Russia

Speaking at a session of MKIK's Hungary-Russia chapter, Parragh said that the package contained "technical solutions" and ways to support market activities.

MKIK's Hungary-Russia chapter is in charge of monitoring the impacts of the Russian embargo on Hungary's ventures.

Parragh said that the Russian embargo not only had a direct negative effect on Hungarian companies but also the impact on German companies could also be felt by Hungarian firms which export to Germany.

MKIK also urged the government to take comprehensive diplomatic steps in aid of the activities of Hungarian small and medium-sized firms on the Russian market. Imre Tóth, head of the chamber's Hungary-Russia chapter, said cooperation between the central organisations of the two countries' chambers was important, noting that the MKIK was strengthening ties with Russian commerce chambers and holding regular meetings. A business delegation from Russia is expected to visit Hungary before the end of the year, he said, adding that the MKIK was organising more and more visits by business delegations to Russia and states which have formal trade arrangements with Russia, including Belarus.

Not only are the sanctions against Russia affecting Hungarian farm trade, but it also has an impact on industry and services, Tóth said. Yet there is still demand on the Russian market for Hungarian farm and food industry technology such as cutting-edge refrigeration units and greenhouse complexes, he noted.