In an exclusive interview with Daily News Hungary, Chinese Ambassador Gong Tao discusses the future of Hungary–China relations following Hungary’s recent political transition, the progress of major Chinese investments such as BYD and CATL, the delayed Budapest–Belgrade railway project, expanding trade opportunities for Hungarian businesses, growing tourism links, and the role of education and cultural exchanges in strengthening ties between the two countries. The ambassador also shares personal reflections on life in Hungary and explains why he believes Hungary remains a key partner in China’s European strategy.
Daily News Hungary (DNH): China–Hungary relations have strengthened visibly in recent years. The election has created a new situation. In your view, which areas of cooperation between the two governments offer the greatest potential for development in the coming years?
His Excellency Gong Tao: The traditional friendship between China and Hungary dates back a long time, and China has always regarded Hungary as a good friend and partner. Over the 77 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China–Hungary ties have remained on a course of sound and steady development spanning different historical periods. Following the conclusion of the National Assembly elections, a new government was formed. China respects the decision of the Hungarian people. In his congratulatory message to Prime Minister Magyar, Premier Li Qiang stated that he looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges with Hungary’s new government, enhancing political mutual trust, expanding practical cooperation, broadening people-to-people exchanges, and delivering greater benefits to the peoples of both countries. In his reply, Prime Minister Magyar noted that the Hungarian government attaches great importance to the relations between Hungary and the People’s Republic of China, regards China as an important economic partner, and looks forward with confidence to the future development of relations between our two countries, which will undoubtedly, serve the mutual benefit of our peoples.
In my view, both the Chinese and Hungarian governments place great importance on promoting economic development through technological innovation. This year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period. Over the next five years, China will continue to pursue high-quality development, expand high-standard opening-up, and accelerate efforts in emerging fields such as next-generation energy storage, intelligent robotics, embodied AI, and 6G technologies. Friends from Hungary’s political and business communities have also expressed to me their interest in cooperation in these areas. I believe these represent important potential avenues for China–Hungary cooperation. The two countries have already established a solid foundation for collaboration in sectors such as new energy, robotics, and 5G communications, providing a strong basis for further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. Going forward, the two sides can strengthen strategic communication, enhance policy coordination, and work together to create an even more favorable environment for practical cooperation between our two countries.
DNH: Several major Chinese investments have arrived in Hungary in recent years. How do you see Hungary’s role in China’s European economic strategy, especially from the perspective of Central Europe?
Gong Tao: In recent years, more and more Chinese companies have chosen to invest in Hungary. This is both the result of the continuous deepening of practical cooperation between China and Hungary and a reflection of Hungary’s important role in economic and trade cooperation between China and Europe.
From a geographical perspective, Hungary is located at the heart of Europe and serves as an important hub connecting Western and Eastern Europe as well as the Balkan region, offering significant advantages in logistics and industrial support infrastructure. From a policy perspective, Hungary has long adhered to an open economic policy, welcoming international investment and providing a favorable environment for business development. From an industrial perspective, Hungary has developed strong capabilities in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, power batteries, new energy, and electronic information technologies, which are highly complementary to the strengths of China’s industrial supply chains.
For Chinese companies, Hungary is not only an investment destination but also an important gateway to the European market. In recent years, a number of major projects by companies such as BYD and CATL have been established in Hungary, driving the clustering and development of upstream and downstream industries and injecting new momentum into China–Hungary cooperation in industrial and supply chains.
It is always China’s belief that China–Europe economic and trade cooperation is, by its nature, mutually beneficial and win-win. Chinese enterprises investing in Hungary not only support their own growth but also contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, increasing tax revenues, promoting technological innovation, and facilitating industrial upgrading. It has been proven that Chinese businesses have become an important force in attracting foreign investment and promoting economic development in Hungary. Looking ahead, China is willing to work together with Hungary to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, green development, and technological innovation, and to achieve new progress in China–Hungary relations and China–Europe economic and trade cooperation, bringing greater benefits to both countries and their peoples.
DNH: BYD’s investment in Szeged has been described as one of the largest industrial developments in the city’s history, and it could become an important pillar of the company’s European presence. In addition, BYD’s European headquarters is also located in Budapest. We also know that trial production started at BYD’s Szeged plant at the end of January. Are there any further developments? Many people are eagerly awaiting the actual launch of production.
Gong Tao: BYD’s investment in Szeged is one of the largest industrial development projects in the city’s history and serves as an important strategic link for BYD’s expansion into the European market.
It needs to be pointed out that construction of the project is still underway and trial production has not yet begun. At present, the final assembly workshop has entered the calibration phase, while employee training is being carried out. Once all necessary conditions are in place, the factory will commence operations as soon as possible, and BYD will release information in time.
We are confident that, as the project continues to advance steadily, the Szeged plant will become a model of China–Europe green cooperation. BYD will not only create more employment and development opportunities for Hungary but will also contribute Chinese expertise and strength to Europe’s green transition.
DNH: In the case of major investments, it is particularly important for local communities that jobs, training opportunities and supplier partnerships are also created. In your view, how can Chinese companies become even more deeply integrated into Hungary’s economic and social environment?
Gong Tao: For large-scale investment projects, creating local jobs, providing training, and building supplier cooperation networks are indeed key benchmarks for measuring success. Chinese enterprises are fully aware of this. In order to truly integrate into Hungary’s economic and social environment, I believe sustained efforts are needed in three aspects.
First, localization of employment. Even during the current construction phase, the proportion of local employees at CATL’s Debrecen plant and BYD’s Szeged plant has already exceeded 70 percent. Once operations begin, this proportion will be even higher. This is a sure choice for long-term corporate development, and a way to ensure that Hungarian people become participants in and beneficiaries of corporate growth.
Second, localization of talent. Chinese companies are seeking synergy with Hungary’s higher education and vocational education systems. CATL has established training programs in cooperation with the University of Debrecen, while BYD is exploring joint talent development initiatives with the University of Szeged. These are efforts that help Hungarian youth acquire future-oriented skills in green industries, thereby supporting their career aspirations and providing a sustainable source of high-caliber talent for Hungary’s electric vehicle and innovation sectors.
Third, localization of supply chain. During the construction of industrial parks, Chinese companies have worked extensively with local construction firms, engineering service providers, and supporting service providers. For raw materials, local procurement is maximized where supply is available. At the same time, companies are actively building long-term and stable partnerships with local suppliers, enabling Hungarian SMEs to integrate into the supply chains of Chinese enterprises.
Last but not least, social integration alongside economic integration. Chinese companies are increasingly engaged with local communities, sponsoring cultural festivals, supporting education, contributing to urban greening initiatives and moving from project implementation toward deeper integration with local communities.
DNH: CATL’s battery plant in Debrecen is one of the largest industrial investments in Hungary, but at the same time the project has also raised environmental and social questions. How can economic development and the trust of local communities be strengthened at the same time?
Gong Tao: CATL’s battery factory in Debrecen is one of the largest industrial investment projects in Hungary and a major milestone in China–Hungary green cooperation. The project has created thousands of local jobs and contributed to the development of the broader European new energy vehicle industrial chain.
Chinese companies fully understand and take seriously the concerns raised by local communities regarding environmental protection, water resources, and health and safety issues. Economic development and community trust are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are mutually reinforcing. In this regard, CATL has already made, and will continue to make, concrete and substantive efforts.
In terms of environmental technology, CATL’s Debrecen plant adopts advanced clean technologies and equipment, and has developed an efficient wastewater treatment system with chemical and biological treatment processes to ensure that post-treatment wastewater meets discharge standards to avoid pollution to receiving water bodies. Regular monitoring is conducted to ensure compliance with EU and local regulatory requirements.
In terms of community integration, the proportion of local employees at the factory has already exceeded 70 percent, with a target of rising to more than 80 percent within three years once operations begin. The company is working with the University of Debrecen and vocational training centers to provide skillset training and employment opportunities for local young people. It also sponsors food festivals and school science fairs, supports local cultural events, and participates in urban greening projects.
In terms of transparency and communication, CATL has also drawn important lessons from the recent “green liquid” incident. Although official testing has not detected any harmful pollutant, the existence of improper discharge must not be shunned. The company has worked with Hungarian authorities to complete the cleanup and has accepted penalties as they should. More importantly, it is working to regain the trust of local residents through more open and transparent information disclosure and regular community dialogue.
The question faced by CATL in Hungary is the same as all multinational companies in globalization—a journey from “invest” to “integrate”. I am sure through more communication and concrete efforts, they will show the Hungarian public that Chinese companies come in full respect for and commitment to the land on which they operate—something that matters more than the jobs or taxation that they may bring. The Debrecen plant has every potential to become a good example of China–Europe green cooperation.
DNH: The Budapest–Belgrade railway line was launched as a project of strategic importance, yet after significant delays, civilian passenger traffic has still not started according to the previously expected schedule. According to the Magyar government, it will initiate the declassification of documents related to the Budapest–Belgrade investment with the Chinese side, since under the agreement Beijing must also approve such a step. Could you tell us how the Chinese side currently views the situation?
Gong Tao: The Budapest-Belgrade Railway is an important intergovernmental cooperation project between China and Hungary, constructed by a joint consortium of Chinese and Hungarian contractors in accordance with EU standards. During the construction phase alone, the Chinese contractor directly employed 288 Hungarian staff and created more than 1,100 local jobs indirectly through 78 local subcontractors. The Chinese contractor has also established long-term cooperation with 96 Hungarian suppliers for large procurement of materials and equipment, thereby substantially contributing to the development of related local industries and achieving win-win outcomes.
Through the joint efforts of both sides, the physical infrastructure on the Hungarian section has been completed.. Freight services were launched on February 27 this year and have been operating smoothly and safely. This will play a positive role in strengthening Hungary’s position as a transport hub in Central and Eastern Europe and in promoting regional economic development. The Chinese contractor is now making full efforts to cooperate with MÁV, the project owner, in carrying out testing of the ETCS, to ensure that the signaling system’s technology, quality, and safety all meet Hungarian and EU requirements. It is their aim to launch passenger services as soon as possible so that the Hungarian public can really benefit from the railway upgrade.
The repeated postponement of the launch of passenger services on the Hungarian section is due to a complex set of factors, including ETCS testing within Hungary and crossing solutions at the Hungary–Serbia border. The Embassy is willing to work closely with the Hungarian government and the project owner as a coordinator, and to support Chinese enterprises in completing the remaining work on the Hungarian section to the best of their ability.
We have noted recent remarks by the Hungarian side regarding the intention to publish all project-related information and will formally convey the request to the Chinese side. We have yet to receive the specific information on such a request you mentioned. We stand ready to maintain communication with the Hungarian side on this matter.
DNH: There is much discussion about Chinese investments in Hungary, but the other side of the relationship is also important: what opportunities do you see for Hungarian companies, products or services in the Chinese market? In which sectors could Hungary have a stronger presence in China?
Gong Tao: Judging from trade data, Hungary’s imports from China have increased significantly in recent years, with more than 60% consisting of intermediate goods. Chinese products, known for their quality and competitive prices, are not only good for reducing Hungary’s import costs but also contributed to its technological progress and industrial restructuring, thereby supporting the export of Hungarian manufactured goods to other EU member states. This is a win-win situation—Chinese products help Hungarian companies enhance their competitiveness, while Hungarian manufacturing, in turn, gains greater access to the broader European market.
At the same time, China is committed to increasing the export of Hungarian products to the Chinese market. Platforms such as the China-CEEC Expo, the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), the China International Import Expo (CIIE), and major e-commerce platforms all serve as convenient channels for Hungarian products to access the Chinese market.
At present, Hungary holds the largest number of food export permits to China among Central and Eastern European countries, fully reflecting the Chinese market’s recognition of Hungarian products. High-quality Hungarian agricultural products such as wine, meat, and dairy products are fully capable of winning the favor of Chinese consumers.
Next week, at the China Brand Goods Exhibition to be held at HunExpo, a dedicated China–Hungary business matchmaking event will also take place. I believe this will further promote Hungarian exports to China and further elevate China–Hungary trade and investment cooperation.
DNH: Chinese tourists are an important target group worldwide, and Budapest is becoming an increasingly well-known destination in Asia as well. This is a success story. What opportunities do you see for developing Chinese–Hungarian tourism relations, and how could Hungary become even more attractive to Chinese travellers?
Gong Tao: Boasting a time-honored civilization and rich tourism resources, both China and Hungary place great importance on the development of the tourism sector. Hungary is endowed with a unique historical and cultural heritage, beautiful urban landscapes, world-renowned thermal spa resources, and a rich tradition of music and the arts. We are pleased to note that an increasing number of Chinese tourists are showing interest in Hungary, with Budapest becoming one of the key European destinations for Chinese travelers.
In the future, China–Hungary tourism cooperation faces promising opportunities for development. First, connectivity continues to improve, with Budapest already becoming one of the most closely connected cities in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of air links with China, creating favorable conditions for sustained growth in the tourism market. Second, demand among Chinese tourists for high-quality, in-depth travel experiences is steadily increasing. Hungary’s rich cultural heritage, distinctive spa culture, scenic Danube riverside landscapes, and musical and artistic resources are highly aligned with this consumption trend. Third, people-to-people exchanges between the two sides continue to deepen, enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries, especially among the younger generation, and providing a stronger social foundation for tourism cooperation.
To attract more Chinese tourists, I believe several areas garner our attention. First, the convenience of travel, including Chinese-language services, mobile payment infrastructure, and online access to tourism information. Second, tourism promotion in the Chinese market by further enhancing Hungary’s tourism brand visibility and influence with a focus on signature resources such as the Danube, spa culture, and World Heritage sites. Third, tailored tourism products that meet the needs of Chinese tourists across different age groups and consumer segments.
I am confident that as tourism cooperation between the two countries continues to deepen, more Chinese tourists will come to Hungary to experience its unique history, culture, and innovative vitality, while more Hungarian friends will gain a deeper understanding of a real, multidimensional, and comprehensive China through travel.
DNH: I have personally experienced the rich programme offered by the China Cultural Centre in Budapest. What major events are the Embassy and the cultural institute planning for this year?
Gong Tao: In recent years, we are pleased to see that an increasing number of Hungarian friends have come to understand and approach China through cultural, educational, tourism, and other exchange activities. This year, we will continue to work with partners across Hungary to carry out a wide range of people-to-people exchange activities, enabling more Hungarian friends to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and experience the developments and changes in contemporary China from multiple perspectives.
In fact, we have already held a series of vibrant and engaging cultural exchange activities since the beginning of this year. During the Spring Festival period, we organized a series of “Happy Spring Festival” events, including a Chinatown temple fair and the launch ceremony of the China–Hungary cultural heritage stamp series. In May, the “Tea for Harmony” event attracted broad participation from the Hungarian public, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate Chinese tea culture.
Looking ahead, we will also host the “2026 Budapest Silk Road Civilization Dialogue & Best from China—China Intangible Cultural Heritage, Tourism & Cultural Creativity Expo,” which will bring together intangible cultural heritage creative products from across China. The event will include traditional handicraft demonstrations, tea culture experiences, and AI interactive sessions. In September, we will also organize a series of cultural activities themed around the Mid-Autumn Festival, including “Mid-Autumn Festival: A Moonmoment to Remember” to share the unique charm of traditional Chinese festival culture with our Hungarian friends.
Notably, this year’s programs will place greater emphasis on interactivity and immersive experiences. We will continue to offer intangible cultural heritage experiences, cultural workshops, and youth exchanges, allowing participants to deepen understanding through engagement and build friendships through interaction. At the same time, we will further support cooperation among cultural institutions, universities, think tanks, and sister cities in both countries, so as to advance people-to-people exchanges toward broader fields and deeper levels of engagement.
DNH: One of the foundations of long-term relations between countries is that younger generations get to know each other better. How could Chinese–Hungarian educational, university and cultural exchange programmes be strengthened, and what role can Chinese students studying in Hungary, as well as Hungarian young people interested in China, play in this?
Gong Tao: First, we will deepen pragmatic inter-university cooperation to consolidate the foundation of science and education collaboration. We will continue to promote paired cooperation between Chinese and Hungarian universities, focusing on high-level institutions and disciplines with comparative strengths on both sides, and further develop joint education models. We will expand programs such as student exchanges, dual-degree schemes, and joint training initiatives. We will continue to promote exchanges between scholars from both countries and joint research efforts, building a stable and long-term inter-university cooperation platform, continuously increasing efforts in joint talent cultivation and coordinated teaching and research, and ensuring that inter-university cooperation becomes more substantive and effective.
Second, we will enhance the quality of language education cooperation and build a distinctive people-to-people exchange brand. Leveraging the important platform of Confucius Institutes in Hungary, we will ensure the successful implementation of flagship programs such as the “Chinese Bridge” and “Chinese Language Day” and strengthen people-to-people exchange brands. We will also encourage Chinese enterprises in Hungary to deepen industry–university–research integration, expand internship and employment opportunities for Hungarian youth, and make Chinese language proficiency an important competitive advantage for local young people in the job market, thereby strengthening the foundation of youth friendship between the two countries.
Third, we will facilitate youth exchange channels and build bridges for people-to-people connectivity. Relying on high-quality resources from universities on both sides, we will expand the coverage of bilateral study-abroad scholarships and regularly carry out study tours and educational exchange activities for young people.
In recent years, China–Hungary educational and cultural exchanges have built a solid foundation and maintained a positive development momentum. We hope that both sides will continue to strengthen cooperation, further explore the potential of collaboration in education and culture, and enhance youth exchanges between the two countries. Through normalized and in-depth people-to-people interactions, we aim to support the high-quality development of bilateral relations.
DNH: Turning briefly to personal experiences, during your time in Hungary so far, what has been the experience, meeting or place that has been truly unforgettable for you?
Gong Tao: At the end of last year, I visited the village of Perkata in Fejér County, which left a deep impression on me. As the first Hungarian village to establish a sisterhood in China, Perkata has maintained sister-city relations with Beijing’s Huaxiang Town since 1960, spanning more than half a century.
During this visit, I had the opportunity to meet many local friends like Mayor István Olah and Uncle Imre, all of whom are witness to China–Hungary friendship. Throughout our talks, they held my hands so tightly that I felt the strength and warmth of this friendship through their grip.
At the Hunyadi Mátyás Primary School and the Rainbow Kindergarten, I could feel the vibrant growth of the future of China–Hungary friendship. When visiting the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Agricultural Company and Forrás Agro, I saw how the founding aspiration of the “friendship cooperative” has been carried forward amid the waves of the market economy.
During this visit, I also inaugurated the Chinese Corner at the Perkata China Center, where books and electronic equipment were donated on behalf of the Embassy. I sincerely hope that this newly established culture space, like the village of Perkata itself, will bear witness to and carry forward the precious friendship between the peoples of China and Hungary.
DNH: What would you consider the most important message for Daily News Hungary’s international readers about today’s China, the Chinese people, and China’s perspective on the world?
Gong Tao: If I can only use one phrase to characterize China’s vision for the world, it would be—a community with a shared future for mankind. As the term suggests, it means that the future of every nation and every country are closely interconnected. Countries should stand together, share both challenges and opportunities, and work to turn the planet on which we live into a harmonious global family, so that the people can live their dream of a better life. This is a vision that is both simple and profound. I believe through the concerted efforts of all nations in this world, we can turn this vision into reality.
DNH: I have left gastronomy to the end: which dishes have you come to enjoy here in Hungary, and which Hungarian dish would you be happy to introduce in China that is not widely known there?
Gong Tao: As China’s Ambassador to Hungary, I have had the privilege of experiencing authentic Hungarian cuisine. My favorite dish is Halászlé, made from Danube carp, paprika, and a variety of spices. It has a vivid red color and a rich, robust flavor. Served with handmade dumplings, it is both spicy and deliciously savory. In Hubei Province, where I come from, people are known for a strong preference for spicy food, and Halászlé is a perfect Hungarian match for my taste.
In China, the more widely known Hungarian dish is Gulyás, while Halászlé is still relatively less known. I very much hope to introduce this dish, which embodies the culinary wisdom and passion of Hungary, to my Chinese friends. It not only carries the culinary culture of the Danube region but also reflects a shared appreciation between the peoples of China and Hungary for bold, flavorful, and aromatic cuisine. I believe it will spark a new resonance of taste between us.
Daily News Hungary’s staff was also present at the Chinese ambassador’s press conference.
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