Government to help German companies operate profitably in Hungary

Top government officials met representatives of German businesses in Hungary to discuss energy and economy-related issues in Budapest on Friday, the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK), which hosted the event, said in a video posted on Facebook after the meeting.

In the video, Gergely Gulyás, the prime minister’s chief of staff, underscored the importance of a continued dialogue between the government and representatives of German companies operating in Hungary, which he said created an opportunity “to help one another” and “clarify any differences of opinion that might arise”. Gulyás said the meeting also created an opportunity “to employ the best practices in as many areas as possible”, as well as create “an economic environment that is attractive to further German investments”.

The current European crisis calls for common solutions that allow Hungary to remain an attractive investment environment, Gulyás said. He said common solutions must be found also to ensure secure energy supplies and allow companies that “have spent a substantial amount of money” in Hungary over the past years to continue “to operate profitably” in the country, Gulyás said. He called the meeting an important forum of discussion, expressing trust that the good working relationship will last.

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László Palkovics, the technology and industry minister, said they informed their German partners about “how the energy situation concerning the areas of electricity, gas and renewable energy sources may develop in Hungary in the coming period”. The German partners were also briefed about the possible impact of “the various devised scenarios” on the Hungarian people and industrial companies, including German-owned ones.

András Sávos, the president of DUIHK, said it was “reassuring” for their members to learn that the Hungarian government has drafted several scenarios on measures it may take depending on how the situation develops in the energy sector. “We discussed energy and economic issues at the meeting which we held in a good atmosphere,” he said, underscoring the importance of dialogue.