Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Swisscham)

Swisscham members were able to pick and choose from several events in October. First was the “Let’s speak AI” workshop at Sigma Technologies with partner chambers as part of Netzwerk Digital. The latest HR Café was held at the Information Center of the University of Hagen in Budapest, with guest speakers and industry professionals sharing a stimulating roundtable discussion on the importance of training. Lastly, we held a second round of the Joint Afterwork Networking event at the Paulaner Beer House, jointly organized with two partners, the Netherlands-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hungary.

Belgium Business Club in Hungary (Belgabiz)

Belgabiz and Dutcham, in cooperation with the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH), will organize a seminar titled “CSRD: Transforming Businesses, Impacting Futures” on Tuesday, Nov. 21, in the K&H Auditorium. This event will delve into the implications and opportunities the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive presents as industry leaders converge to shape a more sustainable future.

Italian Chamber of Commerce for Hungary (CCIU)

By the time this issue is published, the CCIU will have taken six Hungarian buyers to the “B2B Sardinian Food 2023” fair on Monday, Oct. 30, in Cagliari. The event is part of a project called “Preparing SMEs for International Markets,” promoted by the Cagliari-Oristano Chamber of Commerce, which aims to support Sardinian SMEs in approaching foreign markets. The “B2B Sardinian Food” fair includes a day of B2B meetings between participating Sardinian companies and interested foreign buyers.

Joint Venture Association (JVSz)

The third occasion of the JVSZ Country Ride series will be held in Kecskemét on Thursday, Nov. 23. The opening speaker will be Minister of Energy Csaba Lantos. The event will focus on the current energy challenges, the latest trends in energy efficiency and savings opportunities. Business leaders of Bács-Kiskun, Csongrád-Csanád and Békés counties are invited to attend. Program details and registration: jegy.jointventure.hu

French-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFH)

CCIFH is providing a playful collaborative workshop on sustainable development as a simple way of raising employees’ awareness of the challenges of climate change. Employees can learn in small groups and immerse themselves in the “Climate Fresco” workshop. The workshop animators are from AIR France-KLM, Decathlon and Michelin, the professional partners of the event. • When: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-noon. • Where: Milestone Intézet W17, Wesselényi u. 17, 1077 Budapest • Fee: members HUF 9,900 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 14,900 (+ VAT)

The French Chamber is also inviting guests to a Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Party to celebrate this typical and friendly French event. • When: Thursday, Nov. 16, 6-8 p.m. • Where: Le Troquet Winebar (French Institute), Fő u 17, 1011 Budapest • Fee: members HUF 9,900 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 14,900 (+ VAT)

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (CCCH)

The CCCH will host its 29th traditional Canadian Lobster Dinner on Nov. 11, one of the most prominent business events of the year. A portion of the raffle proceeds will go to SOS Children’s Village, a foundation that works in 136 countries to support families and help children at risk grow up in a loving home. Participants will be entertained by live music, exhibitors, a silent auction and raffle prizes. Unlimited cocktails and alcoholic beverages are included in the entry tickets. The Canadian lobster is little different from its European cousin but has a slightly wider claw. It is exported to Europe in large quantities, and its quality is not compromised by professional transport. Its meat is delicate, and if not handled properly, it quickly loses its flavor and aroma. The seafood, now a luxury item, was considered a “mass food” in the 17th and 19th centuries, not least because it did not cost the people living by the sea any effort to obtain it. • When: Saturday, Nov. 11 • Where: Hotel Intercontinental Budapest, Apáczai Csere János u. 12-14, Budapest • Fee: members HUF 69,723 (+ VAT); non-members HUF 88,773 (+ VAT)

American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (AmCham)

On Wednesday, Oct. 25, AmCham welcomed three guests from the Ministry of Energy: Deputy State Secretary for Energy Policy Márk Dezső Alföldy-Boruss, Deputy State Secretary for Climate Policy Daniella Deli, and Deputy State Secretary for Energy Transition Viktor Horváth, to its Policy Forum. AmCham members discussed with the deputy state secretaries the current status of the European Union’s Fit for 55 package and how the revised National Energy and Climate Plan supports achieving shared European goals. Paramount questions about international and EU climate policy and the ministry’s plans for improving energy efficiency were also addressed. The deputy state secretaries stated that nuclear energy, including the extended operation of Paks I and later Paks II, will play a significant role in reaching the EU’s decarbonization targets. In line with the EU’s climate targets, renewable sources, especially solar energy and biogas, will also be pivotal in the energy mix in the upcoming years. It was also noted that the share of solar power plants in the total energy generation is already above the EU average. As it is included in the EU taxonomy, natural gas will serve as a transitional energy resource but will be gradually reduced over time. Regarding plans for improving energy efficiency, the government’s main focus would be on properties: this is supported by the fact that the operations of buildings on a global level account for 30% of global final energy consumption. The objective is firstly to improve the insulation of buildings and secondly by other developments such as heat pumps.

German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK)

The joint event of the DUIHK and the Budapest Stock Exchange on Tuesday, Nov. 14, offers Hungarian companies the exclusive opportunity to learn first-hand about the ESG expectations of large German companies from ESG and procurement managers at the head offices. At the same time, the stock exchange and the chamber will present already available services and programs that SMEs in Hungary can use to prepare for the new ESG era.

On Tuesday, Nov. 21, DUIHK is organizing a business forum with Minister of Construction and Transport János Lázár. The minister’s portfolio is of enormous importance for business enterprises; his area of responsibility includes not only the construction industry, rail transport and road building, but also state investments and infrastructure projects. In his presentation and the subsequent panel discussion, Minister Lázár will give chamber members an insight into the Hungarian government’s transport, construction and investment policy and will also be available to answer questions from the audience.

British Chamber of Commerce in Hungary (BCCH)

The BCCH invites guests to join it for one of the best-known and most successful events on the expat calendar, the St. Andrew’s Ball celebrating Scotland’s national day, sponsored by long-standing BCCH member Budapest British International School. Experience authentic Scottish entertainment with Craig Weir, one of Scotland’s leading bagpipers, and dance with the fabulous Liam Smith Ceilidh Band. There will be a three-course meal from the Marriott, along with wine, beer and (naturally) whisky, courtesy of Diageo. There will also be a charity tombola for the benefit of Tabitha Haz Children’s Hospice, followed by disco hits to keep the dancing going until the early hours. Törley will be the official sparkling wine supplier for the event. Dress Code: Black tie or Highland dress. • When: Saturday, Nov. 25, 6 p.m. • Where: Budapest Marriott Hotel, Apáczai Csere János u. 4, 1052 Budapest. • Fee: HUF 39,000 per person (+ VAT)

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of November 3, 2023.