Chamber of Commerce Corner, March 8, 2024

Analysis

This regular section of the Budapest Business Journal features news and events from various international business chambers. For further information and to register for specific events, visit the organizing chamber’s website. If you have information for inclusion on this page, send an email in English to Annamária Bálint at annamaria.balint@bbj.hu

Italian Chamber of Commerce for Hungary (CCIU)

On Feb. 29, the CCIU was pleased to take on the yearly rotating presidency of EU-Chambers, which this year coincides with the 30th anniversary of its foundation by the British, French, German and Italian chambers. In the Dorothea Hotel, in the presence of EU-Chambers members, ambassadors, politicians (including Deputy Minister Pál Barna Zsigmond of the Ministry of European Affairs), and businesspeople, CCIU president Bernardino Pusceddu was designated as the new leader of the pan-European lobby group by his predecessor, Damien O’Kane, of the Irish-Hungarian Business Circle. “Being united and standing up for the safeguarding and progression of our economies must continue to be our common priorities and goals,” Pusceddu said. “This year sees the fulfillment of two important events: the election for the renewal of the European Parliament in June and the Hungarian Presidency in the next half year. Events of such impact require open and constant dialogue among the EU-Chambers, our association, and all Hungarian Authorities.”

Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Dutcham)

Dutcham will hold a Dutch Business Forum in Kecskemét at the end of March. After welcome speeches, the program includes an introduction of the Bács-Kiskun County Chamber of Commerce and Industry by its president József Gaál, introductions of the Royal Netherlands Embassy and Dutcham, sessions on How to do Business With Dutch Companies and Setting up a Company, Taxation, and Legal Environment in the Netherlands, followed by informal networking and a sandwich lunch. The program is in English and Hungarian, with simultaneous interpretation. • When: Wednesday, March 27, from 10:30 a.m. • Where: Bács-Kiskun County Chamber of Commerce and Industry headquarters, Árpád körút 4, 6000 Kecskemét • Fee: Free to members, but pre-registration is required by March 25

Belgian Business Club in Hungary (Belgabiz)

Belgabiz, in cooperation with Euroatlantic Consulting, will hold a networking event called “Preparing for the Hungarian EU Presidency.” Belgium and Hungary hold the EU presidency after each other, which means that Hungary will continue the work on issues that start in the first semester of 2024.

The presentation will provide the participants with a general understanding of the actual policies that are on the table in 2024, tangible knowledge, and practical advice on the Hungarian EU Presidency and beyond, from EU business lobbying to funding opportunities. The official program will be followed by networking with refreshments.

• When: Thursday, March 21, 6-9 p.m. • Where: Create26, Király u. 26, 1061 Budapest. • Fee: Members free; non-members HUF 18,000.

Hungarian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFH)

Business Breakfast: Electric Cars and Charging: How to maximize return on investment for companies in 2024.

Join the CCIFH for a conference and round table discussion. What financial advantages will electric vehicle purchases provide for businesses in 2024? Discover the first-hand expectations of opinion leaders about a profitable move in 2024.

• Speaker: Márk Dezső Alföldy-Boruss Deputy State Secretary for Energy Policy. • Round table participants: Gábor Várkonyi, moderator and auto market expert; Attila Fésűs, executive director of Equans Hungary Kft.; László Károlyi, CEO of Legrand Zrt.; Gabriella Kelemen-Tüz, CEO of Mobilize; Balázs Vihari, PR manager for Renault; Villa Louis-Jérôme, executive director of Evergy Car Charging Kft.; László Fata, founder of Cafeteria Trend Magazine. • When: April 17, 2024 (Wednesday), 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Cocktail Reception & New Members’ Welcome

Join the CCIFH for a cocktail reception • When: Tuesday, March 26, 6-8 p.m. • Where: Tribe Budapest Stadium skybar, Könyves Kálmán Körút 34, 1097 Budapest.

British Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (BCCH)

ESG Challenges with Hungarian Specialities – Breakfast Seminar with VJT & Partners at the EST Grand Hotel Savoy

BCCH will hold a free morning breakfast seminar, specifically focusing on social and corporate governance, titled ESG Challenges with Hungarian Specialities, in cooperation with members VJT & Partners, and sponsored by and hosted by another chamber member, EST Grand Hotel Savoy. VJT & Partners’ expert Andrea Belényi will share her insight into ESG from a Hungarian perspective, what to do and what to look out for in the specific framework and attitudes of Hungary. • When: Thursday, March 21, from 9 a.m. •• Where: EST Grand Hotel Savoy, József krt. 16, 1085 Budapest •• Fee: Free to members, but pre-registration is required.

German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK)

In today’s highly competitive talent market and rapidly changing business landscape, finance departments, financial services and fintech firms must upskill their employees to stay relevant. DUIHK’s “Upskilling in Finance” workshop will seek to answer: What are the skills that will keep finance organizations relevant? What are specific skill gaps? What are the best practices in companies? What role could companies and universities take in upskilling? • When: Monday, March 25.

Promoting direct business relations between German and Hungarian partners is the core concern and competence of the DUIHK. At its DUIHK Information Day, you can familiarize yourself with the chamber’s services and obtain specific information on current opportunities and trends in bilateral business relations in thematic workshops. You can also discuss questions directly with DUIHK experts in individual consultations. • When: Thursday, April 11. • For more information on either event, visit the DUIHK website.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (CCCH)

Experts from Telcotrend will delve into the critical importance of prioritizing front-end applications in your business strategy at this CCCH event. Discover how enterprises can leverage front-end solutions to enhance customer experience and streamline business processes. Gain invaluable insights and practical strategies for optimizing your systems to meet the demands of today’s dynamic business environment. • When: Thursday, March 21, 8:30-11 a.m. • Where: Hotel Vision, Belgrád Rkpt. 24, 1056 Budapest • Fee: Members HUF 13,500 (+VAT); non-members HUF 23,500 (+VAT)

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of March 8, 2024.

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