Chamber of Commerce Corner, May 31, 2024

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (CCCH)

The CCCH celebrated a successful Canadian BBQ event at the ÖbölHáz at Kopaszi-gát on May 29. The event provided a delightful fusion of Canadian flavors and Hungarian hospitality, all within a stunning outdoor setting by the Danube. The evening featured an array of traditional Canadian dishes, showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage. Attendees included notable business people from various sectors across Hungary, making it an excellent opportunity for networking and fostering business relations in a casual yet professional atmosphere. This event is part of the CCCH’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchange and business collaboration between the two countries.

Italian Chamber of Commerce for Hungary (CCIU)

The CCIU invites guests to celebrate “The 4 Seasons: Italian Wine & Beverage,” a series of four events created in collaboration with Italian Excellence to enhance Italian food, wine and artistic culture. Each event highlights the peculiarities of one of the four designated regions. The first stage of this culinary journey, which highlighted Puglia, was held on April 18. The journey will continue on June 13, promoting the regions of Emilia Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto. Iconic dishes such as risotto allo zafferano, polenta, tortellini, piadine, bigoli and sardines in saor, are only a tiny part of the country’s gastronomic heritage. Typical products of Northern Italy, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham and Lambrusco, Prosecco and Franciacorta wines, are symbols of craftsmanship that respect traditional production methods handed down through the generations.

• When: June 13, 7 p.m. • Where: Mixat Udvar, Krúdy Gy. utca 7, 1088 Budapest • Fee: Non-members HUF 12,000 (plus VAT)

British Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (BCCH)

The BCCH invites guests to the fourth CEO Dinner of the year on June 11 at the Párisi Udvar with Julianna Kulczycki, country head at BP. The firm is a long-standing chamber member. During the event, guests will enjoy a luxurious three-course dinner with wine and welcome drinks while hearing from one of the energy industry’s foremost professionals her views on recent developments and current industry affairs. Paul Fox, British Ambassador to Hungary and BCCH chairman Duncan Graham will give opening remarks at the event.

• When: June 11, 6-8 p.m. • Where: Párisi Udvar Hotel, Petőfi Sándor u. 2-4, 1052 Budapest • Fee: Members HUF 28,000 (plus VAT); non-members HUF 38,000 (plus VAT)

The Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Swisscham)

On May 22, Swisscham held its annual meeting at the Raiffeisen Bank HQ. Before the formal agenda, Swiss Ambassador Jean-Francois Paroz summarized Swiss-Hungarian diplomatic relations, the current situation and this year’s high-level state visits to Switzerland. Following the adoption of the annual reports for 2023, four new members of the board and one member of the supervisory board were elected to the 15-member panel: Miklós Andorka (Mapi), Gábor Briglovics (Alpiq Csepel Kft.), Tibor Kovács (Ringier Hungary), Colette Matz (Novartis Hungary), and Nóra Rácz (LeitnerLeitner). Former board members Mária Szmodis, Balázs Bene, and László Deák were thanked for their service. The formal AGM was closed by a comprehensive economic presentation by Zoltán Török.

German Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK)

The DUIHK held its annual meeting on May 16, this time at the HQ of Deutsche Telekom TSI Hungary Kft., thanks to the hospitality of managing director László Kónya! DUIHK president András Sávos gave an overview of the external environment in which the chamber and its member companies operate. The reports of the various committees were then presented. Managing director Barbara Zollmann presented the report of the executive board, Roland Felkai, president of the supervisory board, presented his assessment, and Gyöngyi Ferencz gave the report of the auditing company. Treasurer Armin Krug explained the financial results. The results of the elections, which had taken place electronically prior to the AGM, were also announced. Radovan Jelasity, Robert Keszte, András Kozma and Nóra Rácz were elected members of the executive board, and Mihály Jankovich was elected for a further term as a member of the supervisory board. Departing Board members Alfons Dintner, Gábor Katona and Thomas Narbeshuber were thanked for their service. The “Reliable Employer” award was presented for the eighth time at the meeting: this year, the expert jury honored 37 companies. Photos, a press release and more information can be found on the chamber website.

American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (AmCham)

On May 17, AmCham Hungary hosted Barbara Botos, Hungary’s Ambassador-at-large for Climate, at a Policy Forum discussing recent global and European developments in climate policy. Botos started her presentation by introducing COP 28 results, emphasizing the importance of the crucial and collective pledge by the states to transition away from fossil fuels toward green investments. Additional critical points included the UAE consensus on the Global Stocktake (a comprehensive assessment of global progress towards climate goals) and new funding arrangements to respond to Loss and Damage, promoting nature-based solutions. She also addressed the central questions of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and EU regulation on deforestation. Regarding CBAM, she noted that we are now in the transitional phase, which will last until December 2025. This was designed to collect data and serve as a learning period for all stakeholders. Concerning the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal, the ambassador stressed the need for complementary deals, confidence, and legal predictability. She also highlighted the importance of Europe remaining a continent of innovation. The discussion was hosted by Thomas Narbeshuber, vice president and head of Central & South East Europe for BASF and the chair of AmCham’s Sustainable Growth Committee.

Hungarian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFH)

The CCIFH invites guests to celebrate “La vie en Rose” in a very French way at its garden party on Buda Hill, surrounded by nature, lanterns and chansons.

• When: Friday, June 14, 5- 10 p.m. • Where: Normafa Síház, Eötvös út 59, Budapest 1121. • Fee: Members HUF 36,000 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 54,000 (+ VAT).

To take action and build solutions, first, we need to understand the problem. The CCIFH “Klimate Fresc” workshop is available to anyone within member organizations. The workshop animators are from Air France-KLM, Decathlon and Michelin, the professional event partners.

• When: Tuesday, June 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Where: Milestone Intézet W17, Wesselényi u. 17, Budapest, 1077 • Fee: Members HUF 14,900 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 19,400 (+ VAT).

Belgian Business Club In Hungary (Belgabiz)

Belgabiz will hold its yearly Belgian Dinner this year at the W Hotel Budapest. This prominent event celebrates Belgian-Hungarian relations and the EU leadership transition in a glamorous ambiance as we bid farewell to Belgium’s tenure and welcome Hungary to the helm of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Besides the fine social and gastronomic experience with a Belgian touch, the evening promises excellent fun in an international surrounding with a tombola. Company tables are available.

• When: Friday, June 14, 6-11 p.m. • Where: W Hotel Budapest, Andrássy út 25, Budapest 1061 • Fee: Members HUF 55,000; non-members HUF 65,000.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of May 31, 2024.