The Embassy of Ecuador in Hungary organised the first trade mission of Ecuadorian exporters to Hungary. A delegation of nine Ecuadorian women-led companies successfully completed a trade mission to Budapest from 8 to 10 May 2025. Representing Ecuador’s leading agri-food and floriculture sectors, the group held over 50 business-to-business (B2B) meetings with Hungarian importers and distributors, and it was held at the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry BKIK.
The strategic cooperation and business forum, hosted at the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BKIK), also marked a milestone in Ecuador–Hungary trade relations. A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between FEDEXPOR and BKIK, paving the way for institutional cooperation.
From left to right:
1. Pál Varga-Koritál, 2. Gabriella Urresta, Vice-President of Organisational Development of FEDEXPOR, 3. H.E. Cynthia Marie Mayer Zavala, Ambassador of Ecuador in Hungary,
4. Dr. József Sztranyák. Photo: Embassy of Ecuador
A full agenda – Rich in opportunities
During three intensive days in Budapest, the delegation engaged directly with Hungary’s wholesale and retail sectors to gather valuable market insights. The visit included contact with purchasing directors at the Budapest Wholesale Flower Market, METRO Hungary, Auchan, and CBA Prima. They also visited Paleocentrum’s functional foods distribution centre and toured Yellow Fresh Fruits Kft.’s biggest banana maturation and distribution centre in Hungary.Â
Midway through the mission, participants met with the Hungarian Women’s Association—led by Ms. Margit Batthyány-Schmidt—to exchange views on the role of women’s leadership in international trade and exchange experiences about Ecuador and Hungary.
From left to right: 1. Laura Gómez, 2. Sandra Monroy, 3. Franco Casale Alloa, 4. MarÃa Auxiliadora RodrÃguez, 5. Marek Szulc, 6. Marianela Ubilla, 7. H.E. Cynthia Marie Mayer Zavala 8. Cruz Amada Godoy, 9. Gabriela Urresta, 10. Jennyfer Farias, 11. SofÃa Chandi, 12. SofÃa Atiaga, 13. Nicole Siguenza, 14. MarÃa Gracia Saavedra, 15. MarÃa Fernanda Porras, 16. Milton Jefferson Vallejo. Photo: Embassy of Ecuador
Ecuador has made notable progress addressing gender inequality. According to the latest WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report (WEF 2024), Ecuador ranks 16th globally, and 2nd in the region, surpassing both the average index of the LA5 countries2 and the global average index. The goal of this trade mission was not only to promote Ecuadorian and Hungarian business, but also to give visibility to the women leaders of the Ecuadorian exporting sector.
Bilateral trade reaches new heights
Under the EU–Ecuador Free Trade Agreement, Hungarian buyers can now access Ecuadorian goods more competitively, bypassing intermediaries in third European countries. Also, Ecuador now has access to the Hungarian exportable offer without import taxes.
In recent years, Ecuador–Hungary trade has grown significantly, providing a strong platform for future expansion. In 2024, Hungarian imports of Ecuadorian products increased by 116% compared to the previous year, surpassing USD 30 million in value. This surge was largely driven by the popularity of Ecuadorian roses, astromelias, and plantain snacks—recognised for their superior standards and appeal among Hungarian consumers.
Positioning Ecuador in Central Europe: A long-term strategy
Photo: Embassy of Ecuador
The trade mission to Hungary reflects Ecuador’s broader vision to strengthen its presence in Central and Eastern Europe—regions that show increasing demand for sustainable, high-quality products. The mission delivered critical insights into consumer preferences, distribution networks, and pricing strategies, all of which will support future commercial efforts. Ecuador is not only emerging as a competitive supplier of premium products but also as a long-term strategic partner in the region.
Read more about Hungary’s South American connections HERE.
