In the past couple of years, Hungary has attracted significant foreign investment from countries in the far East, under its 'Opening to the East' policy strategy. Especially, Chinese investments stand out due to their large scale, fast pace and strong footprint in the automotive sector.

New greenfield investments or infrastructure projects have been announced some time ago, such as the construction of a battery factory by CATL, which will have seven times the capacity of the CATL's factory in Thuringia, Germany, when completed, or the plan by BYD, the world's largest electric car manufacturer, to build its first European factory in Hungary, which will produce up to 300,000 electric cars per year.

A new study by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Budapest (FES) has analysed China's economic presence in Hungary. The study gives an overview over current investments and projects as well as the impact it may have on the Hungarian labour market and other factors.

The study will form the basis for roundtable discussion with experts on Eastern investment into Hungary as well as industry insights, in particular in the automotive and battery field.

Agenda

Introductory remarks by

• Barbara Zollmann, CEO, German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce
• Dr. Ernst Hillebrand, Director of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung's office in Budapest

Presentation of the study by

• Dr. Magdolna Sass, Director of the Institute of World Economics in Budapest

Comments by

• Kamilla Szandrocha, Managing Director, Central European Investment Services, Budapest
• Dr. Róbert Keszte, Head of Operations, Continental Automotive Hungary Kft.

Moderation: Barbara Zollmann, CEO, German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce