Chamber of Commerce Corner, July 14, 2023

German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK)

Germany is not only Europe’s most robust economy but also a top travel destination. This year, DUIHK’s partner DZT (the German Tourism Board) focusses its activities on areas such as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in Germany, sustainable travel and the variety of German nature to attract more visitors to the country. At the latest DZT press conference, Miklós Czeiszing, the head of the Budapest office, noted that Germany is the second largest travel destination in Europe after Spain, attracting 46 million visitors last year. From Hungary, German hotels recorded more than 600,000 guest nights, making Germany the third most-favored target country for Hungarian tourists, after Croatia and Austria, and ahead of Italy. The most popular regions for Hungarians in Germany are the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Swisscham)

On the day the 55th Blue Ribbon Sailing Race started, Swisscham, in cooperation with the Swiss Embassy and Philip Morris Magyarország Kft., held the Lake Balaton-Geneva Symposium in Balatonfüred. Guests could hear a panel discussion on the topic of sustainability and harm reduction from the perspective of members Péter Noszek (Nestlé Hungária Kft.), Péter Szlávik (Philip Morris Magyarország Kft.) and László Jánovszky (MSC Magyarország Kft.) On behalf of the government, Deputy State Secretary for Climate Policy Daniella Deli greeted the guests. In his speech, Swiss Ambassador Jean-François Paroz emphasized the partnership between the two countries. Afterward, guests could watch the race start up close from separate boats.

British Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (BCCH)

On the last weekend of July, the BCCH held “Ascot at Hilton,” one of the classiest events in the organization’s history. “We were particularly proud of the large turnout and thankful for the fantastic contributions made by our sponsors (Perisia Consulting, Antempus, AACM Central Europe, British Council Budapest, Special Effects and Diageo), as well as the long list of our prize sponsors and, crucially, to Hajnalka Tórizs Head Couture, whose fashion show made us all feel like we are attending the real thing,” BCCH said. Special thanks went to chamber chairman Duncan Graham for holding the opening speech and keeping the charity betting in order, and British Ambassador Paul Fox, for his opening words.

The Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Dutcham)

Dutcham will hold an informal summer business networking and drinks event at the Cult Terrace next week. The fee includes a wide range of cold and hot finger foods, beer, wine, mineral water and soft drinks for three hours. After 9 p.m., guests are welcome to stay but must pay for their extra consumption. • When: Wednesday, July 19, 6-9 p.m. • Where: Cult Terrace (Crowne Plaza Hotel, Westend) • Cost: Members, HUF 18,900 (+ VAT); non-members, HUF 23,900 (+VAT)

Belgium Business Club (Belgabiz)

Belgabiz participated at a reception celebrating the Day of the Flemish Community in Belgium at the premises of the Diplomatic Representation of Flanders and Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT) Budapest. The official date of the celebration is July 11, marking the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302, where Flemish forces defeated the French army near the city of Kortrijk. Koenraad Van de Borne, Diplomatic Representative of Flanders in Central Europe, Zsuzsanna Lénárt, head of office in Hungary, and Szonja Bender, economic and commercial counselor and head of office at FIT Budapest, hosted close to 80 Hungarian and Belgian guests at the event. The guests represented the rich historical, cultural, and economic relations between Hungary and the Region of Flanders: official diplomatic ties go back a long time, and there is a stable base for further strengthening these ties in the future.

French-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFH)

The CCIFH celebrated the 150th anniversary of the unification of Budapest with its signature Garden Party on June 23. More than 250 guests joined this large-scale prestigious event held at Városligeti Műjégpálya és Csónakázótó (City Park Ice Rink and Boating Lake). Inspired by the last century in its concept, decoration and programs, the event was opened by László Károlyi, president of the chamber, and Ágnes Ducrot, its director. French Ambassador Claire Legras, the guest of honor, shared her thoughts about Hungary and her ambitions for the further improvement of the already flourishing bilateral economic relations. Stay tuned for the Gala event of the CCIU to be held on November 25!

American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (AmCham)

AmCham hosted a lively U.S. Independence Day celebration at Öbölház, in the alluring green surroundings of the Kopaszi dam, on July 2. This vibrant family party brought together 200 guests of all ages to commemorate the birth of the United States of America in 1776. The festivities featured a delightful 4th of July menu, playful face painting for children, and an exciting selfie corner, ensuring everyone had the chance to capture memorable moments.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (CCCH)

The CCCH is organizing a three-hour long Balaton Sailing tour on the legendary Nemere II cruiser, considered the flagship of Balaton. Built at the Balatonfüred Shipyard in 1944, she won countless tours and track competitions. The time record, achieved by her at the famous Kékszalag competition in 1955, was not broken until 2012. In addition to its legendary reputation, it is still one of the most elegant boats on Lake Balaton. The participation fee includes the captain, warm clothes, a jacket in case of bad weather, and snacks, mineral water and beer on board. Registration is open only for members, and with space limited, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. • When: Thursday, July 27, • Where: Balatonfüred, LUA Resort • Cost: HUF 29,000 + VAT

Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (CCIU)

The CCIU announces its “Italian Agri-Food Technologies” event in Budapest on September 11-12. The main goal is to promote and strengthen industrial and economic relationships between Italy and Hungary in the sector by utilizing new innovative technology created in Italy, which will be presented at the event.

The conference will include an information session on the first day and customized B2B meetings on the second. The latter is intended to encourage knowledge exchange by allowing chosen Italian firms to meet Hungarian investors and manufacturers, demonstrate their ideas,and establish relationships.

The intention is to highlight the most significant Italian technological innovations in the agri-food industry, in addition to funding options available through subsidies, and a market outlook that will serve as a guide for Hungarian food and agricultural businesses in 2024.

The organization of this innovative conference demonstrates the CCIU’s ongoing commitment to promoting cooperation and development between the two countries.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of July 14, 2023.