Speech on the launch of Invest Hungary by Paul Kan

14th November, 2013

Good afternoon to all my distinguished guests here today,

I'm very pleased to announce the launch of Invest Hungary. This is an initiative to promote investment in Hungary through foreign direct investment; promote co-operation between Hungarian SMEs and companies from Hong Kong and China; as well as to foster Hungarian and HK partnership.

As you all know, I have been a long-time advocate of closer trade and investment exchanges between Hungary and Asia, even before I was appointed as the Honorary Consul General in the HK and Macau SARs in Jan 2011. My recent appointment as the Ambassador of Hungary in August meant that I have to work harder to promote Hungarian trade!

I'm proud of the partnership with Hungary which represents an exceptional opportunity for Hong Kong, and by extension, for China and Asia. Hungary, with a population slightly bigger than HK, has a rich culture and innovative bent. It has generated over a dozen Nobel Prize winners, and is uniquely placed in the high value-add disciplines of IT, Biotech; life sciences, nanotech, and R and D.

Hong Kong, on the other hand, is the gateway to China and uniquely positioned within Asia, with its rule of law, freedom of speech and the status of a leading international financial centre. Through the Invest Hungary initiative, I'm confident that we can help enhance business co-operation, and inward as well as outward investment into and out of Hungary to Asia.

On the top of my mind, Hungary is a great destination for the tourists with Budapest as the most beautiful capital in Europe and some of the best spas in the world known for wellness and health improvement. Hungarian sausages and wine are also of premium quality. So book your next holiday there and see for yourself!

Thank you all again for joining this event and for supporting me in the launch of the Invest Hungary initiative.

Please join me in toasting to our success!

By Ambassador Paul Kan CBE, Comm OSSI, Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, SBS, JP