Xinhua News Agency, Budapest, May 27-Exclusive interview: An open China unlocks opportunities for the world-Interview with Gabor Jenei, Director of the HEPA
Xinhua News Agency reporters: Chen Hao and Huang Fuhui
"China's continued opening up not only brings new export opportunities to Hungary but also unlocks opportunities for collaborative innovation and technological cooperation serving the Chinese and global markets," said Gabor Jenei, Director of the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency reporters recently.
The Fourth China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair concluded in Ningbo, China, on the 25th this month. Gabor stated that 12 Hungarian companies participated in this Expo, showcasing products in key export sectors such as food and beverages, agricultural technology, logistics, and cosmetics.
Gabor emphasized that participating in events like the China-CEEC Expo is of critical importance to Hungarian businesses. Such a platform not only enables Hungarian companies to directly connect with Chinese buyers, distributors, and key decision-makers but also offers significant opportunities for Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their strength. “Enhancing mutual understanding and fostering trust are the cornerstones of long-term business success.”
In 2024, the bilateral trade volume between China and Central and Eastern European countries reached USD 142.3 billion, marking a historic high with a 6.3% YOY growth. Gabor stated that this record-breaking figure clearly illustrates the "increasingly deep interdependence and complementary advantages" between China and Central and Eastern European countries. To this end, HEPA is making active efforts to expand Hungary's export volume to China. “We are confident that we will exceed the milestone of USD 142.3 billion.”
Gabor noted that China's push for high-standard opening up has provided more favorable conditions for foreign companies to grow and thrive. China promotes the adoption of high-quality foreign technologies, products, and services in areas such as healthcare, smart agriculture, food safety, and green technology. This not only facilitates foreign enterprises' exports to China but also paves the way for joint innovation and technological collaboration serving both Chinese and global markets, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital solutions.
Gabor noted that the recent decision by Chinese electric vehicle company BYD to establish its European headquarters and R&D center in Budapest clearly reflects Chinese enterprises' recognition of Hungary's innovative capabilities. Hungary aims to seize this opportunity to enter the Chinese market with high-value-added services and products.
Looking ahead, Gabor expressed optimism about the cooperation between the two countries in areas such as medical technology, information and communication, smart agriculture, and environmental technology. "There is significant potential in areas where Hungary's R&D strengths align with the demands of the Chinese market."
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Xinhua News Agency. The Xinhua News Agency version shall prevail.