PHOTOS: Chinese mini library inaugurated, China very proud on Szeged BYD plant

EV maker BYD’s plant under construction in Szeged (SE Hungary) is a model for cultivating ties between China and Hungary, Gong Tao, China’s ambassador to Hungary, said on Friday.

After inaugurating a Chinese mini library at the Déri Miksa Technicum in Szeged, Gong Tao said ties between Hungary and China had never been better, adding that a visit to Budapest by Chinese President Xi Jinping in May had given new impetus to bilateral relations.

The ambassador met with László Botka, the mayor of Szeged, Andras Magori, the head of the Csongrad-Csanad County council, and leaders of the University of Szeged during his visit to the city on Thursday and Friday.

He said construction of the BYD plant in Szeged was going smoothly and production was expected to start in the second half of 2025. He added that Chinese companies could help Hungary in the green transition, support high-quality development and contribute to putting the country at the forefront of Europe’s electric vehicle industry.

Here are some photos of the plant under construction. It will be the world’s largest EV maunfacturing plant:

China-Hungary cooperation praised

He acknowledged that all Chinese companies must abide by local rules and accept obligations with regard to environmental protection and sustainability. He also pointed to the importance of working to forge ties with local communities for those companies.

China and Hungary’s cooperation shows well the benefits of connection between the East and West, which promotes world peace and development, he said.

He added that bilateral ties were strengthening in the areas of science, technology, higher education and vocational education.

Students at the Déri Miksa Technicum are being exposed to the Chinese language with the support of the Confucius Institute in Szeged and most have said they would like to join a language course.

Chinese SAIC Motor takes over local importing of MG brand

China’s SAIC Motor is taking over the local importing of its MG car brand from Duna Motors Disztribúció, the parties announced on Thursday. SAIC Motor CEE will take over the importing activities from the start of 2025. Duna Motors Disztribúció started importing MG cars in September 2022. MG’s market share in Hungary stands at 1.9pc at present. This year, sales of the models are expected to exceed 1,500.

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