Interview with Cynthia Mayer, Ambassador of Ecuador in Hungary on economic relations, Ecuadorian products in Hungary, politics, and more

We at Daily News Hungary had the pleasure of conducting an interview with Her Excellency Ambassador Cynthia Mayer, Ambassador of Ecuador in Hungary (concurrent with Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia. Read our fascinating conversation below!

Daily News Hungary (DNH): You arrived in Hungary a few months ago. I would like to start by asking you how you feel about Budapest and the diplomatic community here.

Her Excellency (H. E.) Ambassador Cynthia Mayer: I’ve fallen in love with Hungary! The beauty of Budapest and the warmth of its people have made my time here truly special. I’m honoured to represent Ecuador in such a vibrant and welcoming country.  The diplomatic community in Budapest is incredibly diverse, offering a rich network that greatly enhances my work as an ambassador. The collaboration and exchange of ideas among diplomats here are invaluable, making it a dynamic environment to represent my country.

DNH: Before becoming Ambassador to Budapest, what were the most important stages in your career?

H. E.: With extensive experience in international trade, I’ve led successful export strategies, managed international supply chains, and represented Ecuador in key global markets. As the first female President of the National Federation of Exporters FEDEXPOR, I also founded OWIT Ecuador to empower women in international trade, fostering growth and international partnerships so that Ecuadorian women can be recognized as a key element in international trade.

DNH: Increasing Ecuador’s economic relations with Hungary was one of the main tasks of your mission. How are we doing in the region?

H. E.: Ecuador and Hungary benefit from a trade agreement between Ecuador and the European Union, which has strengthened our commercial ties and led to growing trade in recent years. However, we still face challenges such as promoting direct bilateral trade and mutual private investments to build stronger industries, create jobs, and achieve long-term benefits.

DNH: What Ecuadorian products can be found in Hungary, and what other products do you think might be in demand?

H. E.: The Hungarian market offers a diverse range of Ecuadorian products, from chocolate and fresh fruits like bananas and plantains to various processed foods such as sauces and snacks. Ecuador not only leads the banana market but is also making its mark on premium chocolates and healthy snacks in Hungary. Ecuadorian cacao is renowned for its aroma and quality, and many Hungarian brands use it to craft their chocolates. When it comes to snacks, Ecuador offers superfoods like gluten-free plantain chips, which are both delicious and nutritious. Ecuadorian roses and carnations are particularly renowned for their exceptional quality, lasting up to 30 days in vases, with larger blooms and a wide variety of colours.

DNH: You have given me an interesting economic statement. One of the highlights is that the statistics do not show the real presence of Ecuadorian products in Hungary because local distributors bring the goods from partners within the EU. What does this mean exactly?

H. E.: Bilateral trade statistics don’t fully capture the reality of Ecuadorian products in the Hungarian market. Many Ecuadorian goods enter Hungary through intra-European trade, often via importers in Germany, the Netherlands, or Spain. For example, the Hungarian banana imports from Ecuador don’t appear in direct statistics but actually, Hungary imported €66MM in 2023 from various European countries and in the market, you can find Ecuadorian bananas almost in all supermarkets and shops.

In the case of snacks or cocoa products, there is a growing market trend. Therefore, by establishing direct connections between Hungarian importers and Ecuadorian exporters, we could introduce a wider variety of products at more competitive prices, benefiting the final consumer.

DNH: Trade can also be interesting in the other direction. What Hungarian products are most likely to have a market in Ecuador?

H. E.: In the case of Hungarian products in Ecuador, this phenomenon doesn’t occur, allowing us to see a positive trade balance in favour of Hungary, with notable products such as Suzuki cars, pharmaceutical products and machinery. Our economies are complementary, not competitors, and we need each other to develop our industries. Starting in January 2024, thanks to the trade agreement between Ecuador and the European Union, Hungarian cars are now exempt from import duties in Ecuador. This greatly benefits Ecuadorian consumers and offers a competitive advantage for Hungarian products in the Ecuadorian market.