First, Márton Nagy, Hungary’s Minister of National Economy, gave a presentation on the government’s business development policy. In his presentation, he emphasized that the amount allocated to state economic development has tripled since 2010. The SME sector will remain a priority in the development of the Hungarian economy, as SMEs play a key role in rural development. By 2026, nearly two-thirds of government business development spending will support businesses, he added.

Following this, Elek Nagy gave a presentation in which he discussed the economic challenges facing entrepreneurs. He explained that over the past 15 years, the Hungarian economy has been on a path of extensive growth, which has significantly improved the standard of living in the country, but it is time to shift our perspective and reinterpret the Hungarian economy’s long-term position in the global order. The president of the MKIK emphasized that the key to success lies in embarking on a knowledge- and technology-based development path, which begins when businesses collaborate with one another, as well as with universities and research institutes. Next, Dr. Ádám Balog, Vice President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Board of the MKIK Capital Fund Management, took the stage to share his thoughts with the audience on economic productivity.

Finally, the conference host, Tamás Fehérváry, CEO of the Hungarian Economic Development Agency (MGFÜ), gave a presentation on the MGFÜ, which operates as a government-backed institution. He outlined the programs and results of the priority project titled “GINOP PLUSZ-1.1.1-22-2022-00001, “Providing Targeted Business Development Services for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises,” as well as the VALI.HU website, which aims to provide businesses with fast, reliable, and personalized information on topics of greatest interest to them. In his speech, he emphasized: The goal of the MGFÜ is to make conscious business development an integral part of the day-to-day operations of businesses.

Following the presentations, the conference concluded with panel discussions that addressed, among other things, the challenges and solutions facing SMEs, programs supporting supplier development, and the role of artificial intelligence. Afterward, attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with organizations offering support and development opportunities in the exhibition hall.