IX. China-CEE Summit: China is Hungary’s number one investor in 2020, says Orbán
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Tuesday addressed the ninth China-Central and Eastern Europe summit, addressing topics such as the race for the coronavirus vaccine, constructive cooperation between East and West and world trade.
The conference was held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Orbán thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for convening the meeting amid trying circumstances. The pandemic, which started a year ago, “wrenched us out of our comfort zones and started a whole new era in world economic and global politics while also posing a dual challenge to governments: they had to protect the lives and jobs of their people at the same time,” Orbán said.
Like in the early stages of the pandemic, “the whole world” is competing to buy a commodity in short supply, Orbán said. “At the start of the pandemic, it was masks and ventilators, now it is the vaccine,” he said.
The ultimate solution to the crisis will be the vaccine, he said.
“It is the lives of our citizens and the revival of our economy that is at stake,” he said, calling for “more constructive East-West cooperation based on mutual respect and good will”.
Concluding an agreement between the European Union and China aimed at ensuring mutual protection for investments would be “a good step in that direction”, he added.
Orbán said Hungary was grateful to China for its help in view of current challenges, noting Hungary’s extensive acquisitions Chinese medical equipment. Chinese companies, he added, had used investment opportunities offered by the Hungarian government, launching projects that “made China Hungary’s number one investor in 2020”.
“We Hungarians support free and fair global trade, which now has more significance than ever before,” Orbán said.
The fewer the obstacles to economic cooperation, the faster the economy can recover, he added.
The prime minister welcomed the establishment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, saying that hopefully talks could soon start between the regional partnership and the EU on future cooperation.
“The 17+1 formula could serve as an engine to achieve that goal,” he added.
Orbán paid tribute to the Chinese scientific community for developing coronavirus vaccines and thanked China for allowing Hungarian experts to visit production facilities and consult with Chinese experts.
“I have received very reassuring reports from our delegation whose assessment allowed a licence for the vaccine to be used in Hungary in emergency situations,” Orbán said.
He said he greatly appreciated the Chinese authorities’ cooperative stance during negotiations that led to Hungary’s purchasing the vaccine, adding that he expected the first shipment to arrive next week.
The prime minister also said that the pandemic had not prevented Hungary from performing its obligations in the 17+1 group. He noted that planning for the Belgrade-Budapest railway project was under way, alongside preparations to open Budapest’s Fudan International University.
Read alsoHungarian government to locate the Chinese Fudan University in a new student city
Source: MTI
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4 Comments
Selling the country to Chinese should be the title of the article.
This blatant undisguised growing partnership with China that is occurring in Hungary is WRONG.
Short term it will damage the economy of Hungary in numerous major areas of its structure and long term, when all the jewels are sold off or surrendered, it will be a catastrophic mess.
Property market in Hungary over the past 24 months – what country clearly purchased the largest number or houses, apartments and warehouses – China.
This Political Philosophy and Idea by our present Government, is fraught with Danger.
It is a wrongful Policy into arrangements with a country China who are pursuing a ruthful and aggressive agenda to grab and own greater portions of World markets and the World.
This China/Hungary partnership, we will continue to see assets of Hungary relinquished signed away used to satisfy the demands of China in return for ongoing investments and ownership of Hungarian assets.
What “deal” that has not been released to citizens but is “on the table” has been made with China in regards to Immigration ?
Watch this space – in ALL probability it is coming sooner than later and the influx of increased numbers of Chinese immigrants will be on our soils, if it is not already happening.
China – history is there to read – past and present like CONTROL.
Control acting on there ways of Foreign Investment that “squeezes” the other side, in this case Hungary, lessens our position of Ownership – the ability to Control and Manage foreign investment structure, that China will explore use and abuse – they Win and Gain.
China – internationally accepted political opinion – never apologize.
China’s way – or no way, and if arrangements are not maintained to there satisfaction, they will walk away and cast blame on others.
I normally like Orban, but has he lost his mind? Have we all forgotten who’s fault this global mess is. Its CHINA and the Chinese COMMUNIST PARTY’s fault. Why would any country be snuggling up with these people who have made no secret to dominate the world. Does he really think China really cares about Hungary or Hungarians? Quit selling property to China, stop cozying up with these people. They are only interested in THEIR best interests , not Hungary’s . Wise up before its too late for Gods sake.
Truth does REALLY HURT – Bill.
When there is Political Blindness to TRUTH this as history tells us does not have pleasantness as an end result.
Totally agree your comments and those of Gary.
Blindness of World Leaders and people of the Free World – who through supposed Democracy have available to them the Right of a Political Voting System and are not rapidly elevating CONCERNS of the spread China continues to pursue Globally.
Could be the new silk road as the deepening signs of partnership being witnessed between China and Hungary expand into the Hungarian Political and Economic landscape.
Integration of Nationalities never a smooth transmission – NEVER.
Hungary, if they “relax” there Immigration Laws, permitting greater numbers of Chinese into Hungary, under Resident Permit arrangement, which has a (2) two year period of residency arrangement, which differs greatly from Residency Status, as you have to speak, write and read Hungarian, then afforded all privileges, as a Citizen of Hungary like a Health Card and “other” benefits funded from the taxes of Hungarian workers.
Interesting period of time in Hungary, and with National Elections in 2022.
I would expect this important directional change, that the present government have embarked on, the “crescendo” of questions and concerns, unease amongst Hungarians, will be at it’s highest pitch, come National Election time in Hungary in 2022.
Luckily my ability to use chop sticks is of a competent standard ///