Debrecen Airport renewal on the agenda to recover pre-pandemic passenger volumes
Debrecen Airport is set for modernisation, with plans for a new runway and expanded infrastructure to boost passenger and cargo capacity. Despite reduced flights and an ageing runway, upgrades and new cargo operations, like the China–Debrecen service, aim to restore pre-pandemic traffic and solidify its role as a regional hub.
Debrecen Airport’s great potential
As we have reported HERE, Debrecen Airport anticipates surpassing 300,000 passengers this year, maintaining last year’s levels despite reduced capacity from Wizz Air. Backed by the Ministry of National Economy, efforts are focused on recovering pre-pandemic passenger volumes by reintroducing popular routes and exploring new markets. Meanwhile, the airport’s cargo operations are thriving, highlighted by the recent launch of a China–Debrecen service delivering 30 tonnes of goods four times weekly. Infrastructure upgrades, including an expanded terminal accommodating four simultaneous departures, aim to support medium-term plans to restore passenger traffic to its 2019 peak of over 600,000 travellers annually.
However, the ageing runway, nearing the end of its design life, requires urgent rehabilitation to ensure long-term operations. Sustainability measures, such as electric ground support equipment and upgraded security systems, reflect the airport’s commitment to green energy trends. Strategically located with strong road and rail links, Debrecen Airport is positioned as the region’s leading hub for passenger and freight transport, with ambitious plans to expand routes, reduce seasonality, and enhance connectivity across Hungary and neighbouring areas.
Renewal on the horizon
As Mfor writes, Debrecen Airport is set for modernisation with plans for a new runway, though funding remains uncertain. Passenger traffic lags far behind the 2019 peak of 600,000, expected to drop to under 300,000 this year, following Wizz Air’s base closure and route cuts. In contrast, Lufthansa’s four weekly flights, primarily serving the BMW factory workforce, highlight the airport’s evolving role in regional economic development. However, outdated infrastructure continues to hinder growth; the Soviet-era runway, temporarily closed this summer due to its poor condition, urgently requires replacement. Plans for a new runway to enable future airport expansion are in motion, but the timeline remains unclear.
Cargo flights between Debrecen and China
Debrecen Airport is gearing up for expansion amid rapid regional investment growth. From November, cargo flights between Debrecen and China will operate four times a week, driving the need for increased warehouse capacity. Xanga Group, the airport’s former owner, has partnered with Ghibli Transport Ltd. to lease a 22,000-square-metre warehouse for freight storage, set to open next April, with plans for further expansion by 2026. Xanga is also finalising an 80-room airport hotel, addressing growing demand as the airport evolves into a key logistics hub.
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Mercedes-Benz to shut down production for one month in its Hungarian base
Mercedes-Benz will be shutting down production at its base in Kecskemét (C Hungary) for a winter break from December 18 until January 20, 2025, the local unit of the German car maker said on Thursday.
Mercedes-Benz shuts down for a month
Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary said that during the break the plant is undergoing significant transformation work in preparation for the production of new models based on the MMA and MB.EA platforms.
The company said Mercedes-Benz is continuously optimizing its production network in order to operate at optimal capacity and to respond to fluctuations in demand using the available flexibility.
The Mercedes-Benz Group achieved stable sales in the third quarter despite model changes, a challenging market environment and tough competition, especially in China, it added.
Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary had EUR 5.1bn revenue last year. Headcount at the unit averaged 4,477 in 2023.
Read also:
- AutoWallis issues EUR 20m bond in private placement
- Electric surge: Hungary’s electric vehicle count climbs to 68,000, could hit 120,000 by 2026
Featured image: depositphotos.com
SHEIN opens its first Hungarian store in Budapest shopping centre – UPDATED with SHEIN deny
On 10 December 2024, SHEIN made a stylish splash in Budapest by unveiling its first-ever Hungarian pop-up store at Sugár Shopping Centre. This exciting venture invites fashion enthusiasts to experience the brand’s trendy offerings in person, as eager shoppers lined up to explore a chic space brimming with affordable options.
SHEIN in Budapest
As Pénzcentrum writes, on 10 December 2024, global fashion giant SHEIN launched its first Hungarian store in Budapest’s Sugár Shopping Centre, located on Örs Vezér Square. Known for its strong online presence, the brand’s entry into the Hungarian retail market takes the form of a pop-up store, offering customers a chance to engage with the brand in person. The opening drew significant attention, with eager shoppers queuing ahead of the event to explore the modern, minimalist space showcasing a wide range of trendy clothing, shoes, accessories, and home décor products. Prices remained consistent with the online store, complemented by special promotions and exclusive gifts to mark the occasion.
Fake store?
SHEIN told us that their products are only available online through their official website and app. Any stores in Hungary that claim to be SHEIN stores are not authorised by SHEIN or affiliated with them in any way, and they cannot guarantee the authenticity or quality of the products they offer. From time to time, they may host temporary offline retail “pop-up” experiences, but customers will always hear about these directly from SHEIN via their social media channels. They are taking the appropriate measures to deal with this unauthorized store and to protect their customers in Hungary. Here’s a video of the fake store:
@lauraaa_l1 Shein Store Budapesten! Megéri ellátogatni?? #fy #foryoupage #fyp #sheinstore #budapest #foryou ♬ sonido original – SONIDOS LARGOS
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Featured image: depositphotos.com
Solution to problems caused by US sanctions on Gazprombank close, says Hungarian minister
Solutions to manage the problems caused by US sanctions against Russia’s Gazprombank imposed by the United States have been adopted in three of four instances affecting Hungary, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto told lawmakers on Tuesday.
At the parliamentary hearing, opposition MEPs were mainly interested in why the Hungarian government is increasing its purchases of Russian energy and why it is not trying to replace its dependence on Russia with green energy instead. Several opposition members also asked whether the natural charging of battery power plants would pay off in Hungary in the long run. There was also criticism that foreign trade is negative, and according to the latest KSH data, the Hungarian economy is in massive recession.
Giving testimony before parliament’s economy committee, Szijjártó said the legal constructions devised to resolve the matter, reached at meetings in Moscow a day earlier, would ensure Hungary’s energy supply. Related article: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov again received the Hungarian Foreign Minister in Moscow
He added that the sanctions had affected several European countries that made payments for their Russian energy through Gazprombank, and coordination among them was ongoing. Related article – Hungarian minister: We are working with the Russians on a solution to avoid US sanctions
He said those countries happen to be sympathisers of President-elect Donald Trump. He added that Russian banks that manage payments for uranium exports were granted exceptions to the sanctions.
He noted last year that the US was the biggest buyer of Russian uranium.
Szijjártó said Hungary rejected any initiative that attempted to muddle energy supply and economic cooperation with ideological or political matters. He added that, given the existing infrastructure, Hungary had not been made a better offer than that for its gas from Russia.
Szijjártó pointed to efforts to diversify Hungary’s energy supply, including the start of deliveries of Azeri and Turkish gas and talks on purchasing Qatari LNG for the period after 2027. He added that the European Commission had been unwilling to provide financial support for the infrastructure necessary to diversify the energy supply in the region.
Addressing electromobility, Szijjártó augured a rebound in demand for EVs after a temporary downturn and said EV industry investments that had been scrapped were in countries where they had not even started, while projects in Hungary were well underway.
He added that state support for such investments would have to be repaid, with interest, if conditions were not met.
read also: Slovak interior minister: Possible Hungarian terror attack against the Friendship crude oil pipeline, details HERE
Hungarian government believes car industry and EV factories are key priorities
Hungary’s economic recovery is underway this year, in spite of extraordinary difficulties and turbulence, laying the foundation for significant growth in 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said giving testimony before parliament’s economy committee on Tuesday. As he said, Orbán cabinet believes car industry and EV factories are key priorities.
Szijjarto said the weight of the global economy had shifted to the East in recent years, while the competition to attract multinationals’ investments had intensified. He warned of the danger of efforts to divide the world into blocs again and said the government was focused on strengthening connectivity.
He said the government had adopted a policy of economic neutrality, paving the way for the country to become a “meeting point” for the economies of the East and the West.
Hungary has become the “number one” location in Europe for cooperation between Western and Eastern companies, he added.
Szijjártó said the government had supported 255 investments with HUF 869bn in subsidies in 2023 and the first half of 2024. Those projects were worth more than HUF 6,000bn and created around 25,000 jobs, he added.
He noted that
62pc of that investment volume had come from China. South Korean companies were runner-up, followed by ones from Germany, he added.
Hungary accounted for 44pc of all Chinese investments in Europe during the period, he said. This year, Chinese investments in Hungary created 11,500 jobs, while investments by German companies created 3,000, he added.
read also: Chinese CATL to begin production next year in Hungary
Government support for investments went to projects in 19 branches of industry, although the most support went to electromobility investments, he said.
Szijjártó highlighted big investments in the pipeline, including Chinese EV manufacturer BYD’s plant in Szeged, German car maker BMW’s factory in Debrecen and the expansion of the Mercedes base in Kecskemét.
When those projects are finished, annual vehicle production in Hungary will climb over 1 million, he added.
Szijjártó also noted big battery manufacturing investments necessary for EV production.
Exploring Unlimited Possibilities: OMODA&JAECOO’s Fantastical Journey with Universal Pictures’ Wicked
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Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is based on one of the most beloved and enduring musicals in Broadway history. The film now arrives in cinemas as a visually stunning cinematic event this November. Wicked boasts an all-star cast, featuring Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner and Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo and Grammy Award-winning global superstar Ariana Grande in the lead roles. In addition, the film stars Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, film icon Jeff Goldblum, Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey, and four-time Emmy Award winner Peter Dinklage. Wicked arrives in cinemas from 22 November 2024.
In Wicked, Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power. Ariana Grande plays Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart. As they forge an unlikely friendship, their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
In this collaboration, OMODA&JAECOO have specially created two car wraps themed to the film: the E5 Green Witch edition and the C5 Pink Witch edition. These wraps feature the characters of Elphaba and Glinda on each of the respective vehicles, awakening limitless imagination, and longing for the magical realm in everyone’s heart.
As the film arrives in cinemas, there will be opportunities to view the specially customized Wicked-themed cars by OMODA—the E5 Green Witch Edition and C5 Pink Witch Edition. These custom-modified vehicles will allow car enthusiasts and film fans alike to experience their unique charm and extraordinary appeal firsthand.
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About Universal Pictures’ Wicked
One of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its journey to the big screen as a spectacular cinematic event this holiday season.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 21, 2025.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning and Oscar®-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda, played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman); and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt p.g.a. (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows, and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations, and 36 Tony nominations, and multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are Stephen Schwartz, David Nicksay, Jared LeBoff, Winnie Holzman, and Dana Fox.
Wicked is based on the generation-defining musical stage play with music and lyrics by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, from the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. The screenplay is by Winnie Holzman Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The film score is by John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone produced the Broadway stage musical.
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Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.
BREAKING: New Hungarian airline founded with Chinese help
A new Hungarian airline was founded, and a cooperation agreement was signed on 27 November with Boeing at Beijing’s Chain Expo. Launching a new, Hungary-related airline is such important news that it is strange Minister Péter Szijjártó, who is regularly present on such occasions, was not there and did not even report about the event on his Facebook page.
Chinese founder, Boeing provides 100 new planes
According to Budflyer, a Hungarian air travel news Facebook page, Új Szemle, a Hungarian-Chinese news outlet, wrote about the birth of the new airline and their agreement with Boeing in Beijing. Hungary Airlines CEO is Duan Bo, who signed the documents with Boeing Commercial Sales & Marketing in Greater China VP Gao Sixiang. The agreement is about acquiring 100 new B737 MAX aircraft, but Budflyer and its Chinese source did not mention a deadline for the delivery.
Hungary Airlines plans to open new routes between China and Central Eastern Europe. Furthermore, they would like to use Budapest as their European hub.
The head of the Relations Department of HEPA (Hungarian Export Promotion Agency) said that Hungary Airlines aims to become a global trademark and provide sustainable and effective air travel services. Moreover, they would like to strengthen the relationship between China and Hungary.
Based on the article published by Új Szemle, Hungary Airlines plans to launch its first flight to Hong Kong. However, it is not specified whether that will be a cargo or a passenger flight.
Új Szemle is a Hungarian-Chinese news outlet founded by Geng Jie and her husband in 2000 in Budapest. It has a print and online version and acquired thousands of followers on WeChat in China. The news outlet publishes news about Hungary for the Chinese diaspora living here. The articles are written by Chinese people living in Budapest.
New Hungarian airline without Hungarian governmental help?
Interestingly, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó did not post about the launch of a new Hungarian airline despite being very active in communicating such news.
The last time the Hungarian foreign minister wrote about China-related news was on 26 November, when he was happy about Zhejiang’s new plant in Jászfényszaru, which will start mass production next spring, serving a Tesla plant in Germany. Concerning the production of cogwheels and axles, the Chinese company will be the market leader in Europe thanks to its plant in Hungary.
The airline changed its name in May
HEPA CEO Gábor Jenei said Hungary’s strategic position, highly-developed infrastructure, innovation and commitment to cooperation make Hungary a natural bridge between the East and the West.
According to portfolio.hu, direct flights are commuting between Budapest and Beijing, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Chongqing. Based on their article, Hungary Airlines was active before in cargo transport. In April, they signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the China Zhejiang Airport Group and the Shenzhen Airport Group about the “Air Silk Road” Hungarian-Chinese cargo hub project.
According to Opten’s data, Hungary Airlines was created in May 2021, and its principal activity was air cargo transport. Before, passenger transport was not included in the company’s activity portfolio. The company has two CEOs, Wu Jiang and Duan Bo.
Interestingly, the company changed its name this May from Universal Translink Airline Hungary Ltd. to Hungary Airlines Ltd. Its owner is the UTL (Beijing) Digital Logistics Co. Ltd., a company registered in Beijing.
Yesterday, we reported that Hungary and China are set to negotiate modifications to their aviation cooperation agreement, aiming to expand the number of flights between the two nations beyond the current 21 per week. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, during his visit to Beijing, highlighted the growing tourist exchange and significant Chinese investments in Hungary as drivers for enhancing air connectivity. The proposed changes could include new routes and increased flight frequencies, strengthening both passenger and cargo traffic.
Read also:
- New Hungarian airline set to launch by late 2024 – read more HERE
- Korean budget airline eyes Budapest in major European expansion
Chinese edition of book on Hungarian strategy written by Balázs Orbán launched
Balázs Orbán, the prime minister’s political director, launched the Chinese edition of his latest book on Hungarian government strategy at an event hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) in Beijing on Thursday.
Hussar Cut: The Hungarian Strategy for Connectivity, examines the shifting global order from a Hungarian perspective. The book takes its title from a swift, daring and risky manoeuvre by the Hungarian cavalry that could reverse the outcome of a battle.
In a speech at the CASS, Orbán said the book had been penned in extraordinarily turbulent times, when every country, Hungary too, needed courage and the ability to adapt to achieve success.
He acknowledged that the West was no longer the dominant world power as countries in the East took a bigger share of the global economy. He likened Hungary’s role in the new global order to the “keystone” at the top of an arch over two pillars, stabilising the whole.
“Hungary wants to fill this role between Asia and Europe,” he said.
Orbán said the policy of economic neutrality adopted by Hungary’s government meant decisions on trading partners, on investments and on technologies were taken on the basis of the national interest. “We hope that new economic policy will produce great advances,” he added.
Read also:
More flights on the horizon: Budapest and this immensely popular Asian country to deepen aviation ties
Hungary and China are set to negotiate modifications to their aviation cooperation agreement, aiming to expand the number of flights between the two nations beyond the current 21 per week. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, during his visit to Beijing, highlighted the growing tourist exchange and significant Chinese investments in Hungary as drivers for enhancing air connectivity. The proposed changes could include new routes and increased flight frequencies, strengthening both passenger and cargo traffic.
Hungary has announced plans to begin talks with China to revise their aviation cooperation agreement, seeking to boost the number of flights between Budapest and major Chinese cities, AIRportal.hu reports. According to Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, this development aligns with the increasing tourist traffic and substantial Chinese investments in Hungary, which currently amount to over HUF 4,000 billion (EUR 9.66 billion).
At present, there are 21 weekly passenger flights operated by several Chinese airlines connecting Budapest to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Cargo traffic is equally robust, with major Chinese carriers like Air China Cargo, China Eastern Cargo Airlines, and China Southern Cargo facilitating regular freight services. Additional charter and cargo flights are also operated by other Chinese airlines, as well as Uzbek and Georgian carriers.
The proposed revisions to the aviation agreement could allow for new routes to be opened and flight frequencies to be increased.
Discussions are already underway for direct connections between Budapest and Chengdu via Sichuan Airlines and Xiamen via Xiamen Airlines.
This move follows an agreement made last year, which raised the cap on weekly flights between the two countries from 21 to 42, encompassing both passenger and cargo operations. With tourism already surpassing pre-pandemic levels, this initiative aims to meet growing demand while fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between Hungary and China.
Read also:
- Authorities warn about a new form of crime emerging at Budapest Airport
- Minister Szijjártó: Hungary ‘number one’ destination for Chinese investment in Europe
Featured image: depositphotos.com
Minister Szijjártó: Hungary ‘number one’ destination for Chinese investment in Europe
Hungary is now the “number one” destination for Chinese investment in Europe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said after a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by his ministry, Szijjarto said further developing bilateral cooperation was important to both the governments of China and Hungary. He added that Hungary had profited much from that cooperation, noting that the country was the destination for 44pc of all Chinese investments in Europe last year.
He said Chinese companies are investing more than HUF 4,000bn (EUR 9.97bn) in Hungary. Those projects will create tens of thousands of jobs and ensure a base for economic growth in the coming years.
He said talks had started on boosting the number of weekly direct flights between China and Hungary from 21 at present. He added that the number of guest nights spent by Chinese tourists in Hungary was now over the pre-pandemic peak.
He said another Confucius Institute, the sixth in Hungary, would open at the University of Győr.
He said a work group for agricultural cooperation had held its first meeting to discuss a regionalisation agreement that could prevent a complete halt of exports of poultry or pork if only limited areas of the country were affected by outbreaks of avian influenza or African swine fever.
He mentioned the upgrade of the Budapest-Belgrade rail line in partnership with Serbia and China and said Europe’s biggest border crossing would be built in Röszke, on the border with Serbia. He added that a trilateral cooperation would also be the best way to build a crude pipeline between Hungary and Serbia.
He warned that the European Union’s punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs were a threat to Europe’s economy and competitiveness and said European-Chinese cooperation should be improved through negotiations.
Addressing the war in Ukraine, Szijjártó said the sides agreed that an escalation had to be avoided.
As we wrote today, Szijjártó addressed the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing. Details are HERE.
Read also: Chinese CATL to begin production next year in Hungary!
Hungary ‘safest location’ for East-West cooperation, says Minister Szijjártó in Beijing
Hungary is “the safest location” for East-West cooperation, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said, addressing the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing on Tuesday.
Halfway between Washington and Beijing
“We offer the safest place for Eastern and Western companies to work together in Europe,” Szijjártó said at the fair’s opening, where Hungary is the guest of honor.
He expressed concern over efforts to divide the world into blocs again and said those initiatives were “totally against” Hungary’s national interests. Hungary’s goal, he added, was for connectivity to characterise the coming decades.
He said the hope was for East and West to cooperate in a “civilised manner, based on mutual respect and aiming at mutual benefits.” He outlined the government’s strategy of economic neutrality, adopted in the context of Hungary’s historical experience, with a view to the country’s export-oriented economy and its geographical location halfway between Washington and Beijing.
Szijjártó said the government’s economic neutrality strategy dovetailed with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and provided a stable basis for economic growth.
He said that Hungary was now the “number one” destination for Chinese investments in Europe, noting that CATL was setting up the biggest battery plant on the continent in Hungary while BYD was building a factory that would turn out several hundred thousand EVs a year. He added that more Chinese investments are in the pipeline.
Szijjártó said those Chinese investments supported Hungary’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing cutting-edge technologies, raising the level of value-added, and shortening supply chains. The government’s strategy of economic neutrality is “the right one,” he said, adding that strengthening cooperation between China and Hungary would produce a “fantastic” year for the Hungarian economy in 2025.
Chinese-Hungarian Collaboration to Connect Eastern and Western Digital Payment Systems
Two major digital payment technology providers, Macau Pass Group Holdings Limited of Macau and Hungary’s Cardnet Group, announced today their strategic alliance to establish the BRIDGE Project.
The BRIDGE Project aims to create a technology platform serving both Asian and European digital payment infrastructures under a shared ecosystem: the Bilateral Retail Interoperability Digital Gateway Ecosystem (BRIDGE). This platform will seamlessly integrate Asian mobile payment systems with European contactless payment networks. By combining the expertise of Macau Pass and Cardnet, the project seeks to simplify and expedite cross-border payment transactions, enable real-time currency conversion, ensure transaction security, and comply with the highest financial, data protection, and security standards.
Macau Pass, a pioneer in Asian digital payment solutions, is a key partner of Ant International, owner of Alipay Plus.
Cardnet, collaborating with other Hungarian financial and technology partners, facilitates connections to European payment networks.
As part of the partnership, the two companies will establish a Central Interoperability Platform (CIP), enabling QR code-based and NFC-based transactions. This platform will cater to Chinese tourists, business travelers, expatriate workers, and European consumers.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, stated that there’s a growing number of Chinese tourists arriving in Hungary. Given that there are 21 flights on a weekly basis from big Chinese cities to Budapest and that many Hungarians are now taking advantage of the visa-free travel for Hungarian citizens to China, tourism in both directions has been increasing.
Minister Szijjártó added:
„I do believe that in case the common payment platform is being established, it is going to be even more attractive to travel into the countries of each other. Therefore, I do believe that the agreement between Macau Pass and Cardnet Group of Hungary is a very important milestone. This agreement makes it possible that a common payment platform is going to be established through which both Chinese and Hungarian citizens can pay much easier with their own payment schemes in the countries of each other. So I do count on the further increase of tourism between China and Hungary.”
Dr. János Kóka, Managing Director of Cardnet Group, said:
“This collaboration positions Hungary as a critical digital transit hub for payment transactions between Chinese and European customers in each other’s countries.”
Sun Ho, Chairman and CEO of Macau Pass Group Holdings Limited, said:
“By bridging the gap between East and West, we are laying the foundation for a truly interconnected global digital payment ecosystem.”
The CEO of Macau’s leading mobile payment platform added that they are honored to partner with Cardnet.
True to its name, the BRIDGE Project aims to build a payment bridge connecting China with the world. The goal is to create a globally significant payment interoperability model and inject new momentum into global digitization processes.
read also:
Chinese CATL to begin production next year in Hungary!
The National Bank of Hungary cooperates with Chinese university
The National Bank of Hungary cooperates with Chinese university
The National Bank of Hungary (NBH) has signed a five-year cooperation agreement with the PBC School of Finance of Beijing’s Tsinghua University, one of the top institutions of higher education in the world, the central bank said on Friday.
The agreement, which renews an earlier one from 2017, was signed during the NBH’s Eurasia Forum.
Budapest Metropolitan University and Neumann János University of Kecskemét, partner universities of the NBH, also joined the cooperation. Working together, the sides aim to contribute to establishing a competitive education system, while paving the way for further chances to cooperate.
Professor Jiao Jie, the dean of Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance, was invited by NBH governor György Matolcsy to address the Eurasia Forum.
Hungarians have to prove themselves in international competition, says Orbán
Hungarians have to “prove their excellence” not just in their own micro-communities, but also in international competition, Balázs Orbán, the prime minister’s political director and chairman of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC)’s board of trustees, said at the opening of the MCC’s new centre in Subotica (Szabadka), in the north of Serbia, on Friday.
Hungarians believe that in addition to its “beautiful thousand-year history and beautiful present, Hungary also has a glorious future before it”, Orbán said, adding that it was important that students, teachers and researchers also contribute to the Hungarian community’s prosperity.
He said that one of MCC’s goals was to aid the political and interest representation groups in northern Serbia’s ethnic Hungarian community by training the next generations of intellectuals.
The MCC is now represented in 31 locations across Hungary and the Carpathian Basin and works with some 8,000 students, he said.
Read also:
- Mathias Corvinus Collegium to sue a Brussels district mayor
- Hungary’s largest private education institution MCC purchases top private university in Austria
Chinese CATL to begin production next year in Hungary!
A battery plant China’s CATL is building in Debrecen (E Hungary) will start production in 2025, the company’s general director for operations in Europe said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Jason Chen said the investment was “progressing well”, with the production hall structure complete and building installation work underway. Nothing stands in the way of production starting in 2025, according to plan, he added.
Responding to customer demand, he said CATL had started assembly of battery modules in a 60,000sqm hall it was renting next to the site of the plant. He added that the battery cells for the modules were being delivered from China.
Chen said Debrecen’s location and logistics infrastructure, as well as strong training programmes at local educational institutions, had made the city the “optimal” choice for the investment when CATL took its decision two and a half years earlier.
He said production would take place in a closed system and CATL had made a priority of setting up and operating an environmental protection monitoring system. CATL is using adiabatic coolers and greywater at the plant, reducing water consumption in the manufacturing process by around 50pc, he added.
CATL’s plans in Debrecen have a horizon that extends for decades and it aims to be a valuable member of the local community, while contributing to the European Union’s green transition along with its base in Germany, Chen said.
PR manager Noémi Sidló said CATL had already recruited 400 people. Next year, it will participate at 23 job fairs, she added.
She noted that CATL had signed strategic cooperation agreements with universities in Debrecen and Miskolc and with vocational schools in Debrecen and Berettyóújfalu.
Balázs Szilágyi, CATL Debrecen’s public affairs director, said the company was still looking for a site in Europe for a battery recycling plant.
He said headcount at the battery plant in Debrecen would exceed 1,000 by the middle of 2025 and reach 2,000 by year-end. Headcount will climb to 2,600 when the plant reaches full capacity in 2026, he added.
Read also:
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Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping in Casablanca
Casablanca — Acting under the High Instructions of King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan extended a warm welcome to the President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping, during his brief visit to Morocco on Thursday evening.
According to MAP, Xi Jinping traveled to Lima, Peru, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and before returning home, he planned a stopover in Morocco to meet Prince Moulay Hassan in Casablanca. The fact that the Chinese leader made a place for Morocco in his agenda, after returning from a very important summit, shows the international scope of the North African country for the great international powers, including China.
A Grand Welcome at Mohammed V International Airport
Upon his arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, President Xi was greeted personally by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan. The warm reception set the tone for the visit, emphasizing the strong ties between Morocco and China.
Following the Crown Prince’s welcome, President Xi was received by Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Head of Government, before inspecting a ceremonial detachment of the Royal Guard.
The two leaders were also introduced to several key Moroccan officials, including:
- Mohamed Mhidia, Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region and Governor of the Casablanca Prefecture,
- Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council,
- Jalal Benhayoun, Governor of the Province of Nouaceur,
- Mohammed Salmani, President of the Provincial Council of Nouaceur, and
- Abdelaziz Radi, President of the Municipality of Nouaceur.
From the Chinese delegation, President Xi was accompanied by prominent figures, including:
- Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC),
- Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs,
- Hua Chunying, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Also present to greet the Chinese leader were:
- Li Changlin, China’s Ambassador to Morocco,
- Zhou Zhicheng, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy,
- Xia Kelin, Military Attaché at the Chinese Embassy, and
- Zheng Wei, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
This visit symbolizes the robust friendship and collaboration between Morocco and China, which has deepened significantly under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Xi Jinping. The Sino-Moroccan strategic partnership was first established during King Mohammed VI’s historic visit to China in May 2016, paving the way for closer economic, cultural, and political ties.
President Xi’s stopover highlights the shared commitment of both nations to furthering this partnership. It underscores Morocco’s pivotal role as a bridge between Africa, the Arab world, and major global powers like China.
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Contemporary Chinese art on display at Hungarian National Museum
An exhibition dubbed Chinese Xieyi – Art from the National Art Museum of China presenting the works of contemporary Chinese artists opened at the Hungarian National Museum on Tuesday.
Contemporary Chinese art in Hungary
The partnership between China and Hungary goes back to several decades, with the two countries marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, the minister of culture and innovation said at the opening event.
There are strong ties between the two countries in economy, politics and culture, and they are dedicated to further strengthen cooperation between universities, in research and innovation, Balázs Hankó said.
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Hungary hosts European SME Assembly in Budapest
Budapest is hosting the European SME Assembly, a high-level political and professional forum for discussing current challenges and trends, and one of the tools for implementing the European Union’s SME Strategy, in the framework of Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the EU.
SME Assembly in Budapest
Addressing the assembly on Tuesday, National Economy Minister Márton Nagy pointed to the need to temporarily ease the EU’s fiscal regulations and channel more resources to the digital and green transitions. He pointed to the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal adopted at an EU summit in Budapest earlier in November, and said that the Draghi and Letta reports had warned the EU would fall behind China and the US in the global competition if fiscal rules weren’t loosened and more money wasn’t ploughed into the digital and green transitions.
Nagy said the current Maastricht criteria “significantly restricted” member states’ room for fiscal manoeuvre. He added that fiscal deficits relative to GDP had averaged 9pc in the US and 7.6pc in China in recent years, while the gap was 4.5pc in the EU.
He blamed the EU’s “prudent” fiscal policy for the widening innovation gap between the EU and the US and China.
Nagy said the EU’s competitiveness problems were also evident on the electric vehicle market, with the share of EV sales among new vehicle registrations reaching 15pc in Germany and 20pc in France, well under the 30pc rate in China.
He added that Hungary’s government was tapping significant resources to support the green transition.
Hubert Gambs, the European Commission‘s deputy head for the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, said proposals made at the meeting in Budapest could contribute to the drafting of the EC’s new single market strategy set to be unveiled in the summer of 2025.
At a press conference at the event, state secretary for SMEs Richard Szabados said nine companies, earlier winners of funding, had been showcased at the assembly, while the activities of local business development agencies were presented.
He added that sustainable operation of SMEs, developing the defence industry, boosting management skills, digital coalitions, business development clusters, and artificial intelligence in R+D+I were topics discussed at the assembly.
Szabados said the 500-600 participants got a chance to see local examples of businesses run by women and fintech companies on Monday.
He highlighted the need for economic policy to encourage corporate investments and for SMEs to have access to financing.
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Chinese soldiers in masks and a suspicious van: Mystery on Budapest’s streets?
Ákos Hadházy, an independent member of the Hungarian Parliament, has raised alarm bells by sharing a photo of a van featuring a Chinese flag, reportedly spotted speeding near Hungary’s Military National Security Service. The image, sent by a member of the public, has sparked speculation, with some Hungarian media suggesting that Chinese soldiers in black masks may be patrolling Budapest in a customised military vehicle.
Masked individuals in camouflage wear and a mysterious van
Mr Hadházy is a unique participant in Hungarian politics. He is always a non-aligned member of the parliament and regularly digging up shocking corruption cases related to the utilization of the EU monies. Now, he wrote about something else on his Facebook page. Hadházy, known for his persistent investigations into government corruption—particularly concerning the misuse of EU funds—took to Facebook to share this curious incident.
The image, reportedly sent by a supporter, depicts a van marked with a Chinese flag, allegedly seen in the vicinity of the Military National Security Service headquarters. Hadházy asserted that both the source of the image and the photograph itself were credible.
Hadházy referred to a summer article of Magyar Hang, pointing out that the Hungarian government had granted China permission to deploy militia-like units from the People’s Armed Forces Department (PAFD) to protect Chinese state-owned enterprises in Hungary. Intelligence Online has also reported that Hungary was chosen as the first European country to host such units. Hadházy noted that Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky had not denied these claims, leading him to believe they were accurate.
A secretive agreement between Hungary and China
According to the independent MP, Hungary and China have signed two agreements related to Chinese military personnel operating within the country. The first agreement permits Chinese police officers to assist Hungarian authorities in matters involving Hungary’s growing Chinese diaspora.
The second, more contentious agreement allows China to deploy its personnel to protect Chinese interests and employees in Hungary. Notably, this agreement was classified as a domestic arrangement, bypassing the need for parliamentary scrutiny or public disclosure.
Hadházy has pledged to question the Defence Minister about the purpose of the van and whether its presence signified a military operation or something more benign.
Chinese Tiktoker’s van?
In an update to his post, Mr Hadházy referenced a comment suggesting that the van might belong to a Chinese Tiktoker touring Europe in a similar vehicle. HERE you may check out the videos.
Regardless of whether the van was part of a military operation or simply a civilian project, Hadházy emphasised two key points. First, the agreements between Hungary and China remain in effect, enabling the deployment of Chinese personnel. Second, the van’s presence near the Military National Security Service raises significant questions about its activities and purpose.
As this peculiar case unfolds, Hadházy’s revelations underline concerns over the opaque nature of Hungary’s dealings with China and the implications for national security.
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What will Trump say? Budapest Airport: China’s e-commerce gateway to Central Europe
Budapest Airport has emerged as the primary distribution hub for e-commerce products in Central Europe following the coronavirus pandemic. An overwhelming 95% of e-commerce goods arriving at the airport originate from China, with the bulk destined for export to other countries in the region.
According to 24.hu, the surge in Chinese parcels at Budapest Airport is creating logistical challenges. Handling these deliveries has proven to be a complex task. The outlet reported that Budapest Airport has become the largest distribution centre in Central Europe for deliveries from the Far East.
The main players in this market are Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, with only a small proportion of their parcels remaining in Hungary. Approximately 95% of the goods are redirected to other countries in the region, including Austria, Slovakia, and the Western Balkans. Notably, Poland and Romania are less reliant on Budapest for distribution, as companies like Temu have already established local centres in those countries.
Budapest Airport: A strategic hub
In 2023, Budapest Airport handled 200,000 tonnes of cargo—a 50% increase compared to 2019. This is particularly striking when contrasted with the global air cargo volume, which showed no growth during the same period, according to Kam Jandu, the former CEO of Budapest Airport.
These figures underscore the Hungarian government’s strategic ambition to position Budapest Airport as one of Europe’s leading logistics hubs while simultaneously boosting tourist numbers.
Western European airports, such as those in Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, traditionally act as gateways for air cargo. However, Budapest’s central geographical location offers a strategic advantage by serving the Balkan and Central European regions directly, avoiding the need for road transport from Western Europe. The airport’s management and Hungarian authorities, including the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), have contributed significantly to this success through infrastructure development, digitalisation, and improved transport links.
Strengthening Sino-Hungarian relations
Hungary’s National Economy Minister, Márton Nagy, recently held discussions with senior executives of prominent Chinese companies during a visit to China. These companies are leaders in fields such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, battery technology, and intelligent border-crossing solutions. The minister’s itinerary included Huawei headquarters, where he explored AI applications, and visits to Shenzhen’s Futian District to view smart city solutions. He also examined advanced battery development and recycling technologies at CATL, Brunp, and Sunwoda, which could provide a template for Hungary’s sustainable industrial initiatives. Mr Nagy also had the chance to check out at the latest digital solutions at ZTE’s HQ.
Talks with Nuctech focused on enhancing security technologies at Hungary’s rail and road border crossings and international airports. Hungary is already the leading destination for Chinese investment in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2023, Chinese companies committed over €7.6 billion to the country, with major investments in the automotive, logistics, and high-tech sectors.
Companies such as CATL, SEMCORP, and BYD have announced “giga investments” that are expected to significantly boost Hungary’s GDP from 2025. “Hungarian-Chinese ties are of strategic importance not only in the economic sphere but also in technology and culture, offering mutual benefits for both nations,” Nagy stated. He emphasised the need to further strengthen this partnership and explore new areas of collaboration. By deepening these ties, Hungary aims to solidify its position as a bridge for capital, technological expertise, and innovation between East and West.
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