As the need for electric vehicles grows, so does the demand for batteries. According to experts, by 2030 every second new car will be electric. Catching on with the new trend, the government plans to secure the country’s car production industry. The idea is great in theory, but there are several obstacles on the horizon. Will it be good for the economy if the aspirations come true?
There are two main problems with battery and electric car production. First, it requires less manpower than regular cars. Second, this market is very heavily ruled by just a few large conglomerates. Usually, large quantities of batteries are produced by a few large companies that also invest in the research and development of these technologies. Therefore, it is questionable whether Hungarian companies can even compete in this market.
The market on the production side is mostly ruled by one country, China. This country has an average share of 60-70 percent in production. The required materials are coming from different countries where these are mined, like Australia, Indonesia or the DRC. In Hungary, most production is primarily dominated by South Korean companies. Even though the Hungarian market is dominated by South Korea, new Chinese actors are on the way.
According to G7.hu, the total worth of investments was around EUR 5.3 billion which created about 13,800 job opportunities. The three biggest investments in the country, one by Samsung and two by SK, received HUF 138.6 billion (EUR 3.4 million) in state funding. This financed about 12 percent of the total cost of the investment. However, smaller endeavours also receive funding, which on average accounts for 10 percent of the costs. Of course, these investments require additional infrastructural upgrades in the surrounding area.
However, despite the effort, the newly settled companies usually bring their own suppliers. Hence, they are not reliant on Hungarian companies. Most of the hindrances stem from the lack of technological capabilities of the country and the small scale of the domestic market. There is no power in the hand of Hungary from a strategic perspective. As Hungary lacks the materials to have a strong chemical industry, the only way the country can have a larger stake in the more knowledge-intensive processes.
Hungary is only a superpower on the surface. First of all, statistics used present a false image as they overrepresent the role of Hungary. Secondly, the companies are just producing here, but they take no real part in Hungarian exports and the economy overall. The survival of the car production industry of the country is definitely a good point. But the road to success starts from development, not from production. Hungary needs to do its own research and development to be able to compete in this market. Nevertheless, this can mean a fast track for Hungary into a rapidly growing industry. However, for true success, more trust is needed in the innovative capabilities of domestic companies.
Hungary and South Korea have agreed to sign an investment promotion and trade development agreement, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on Monday.
Szijjártó said on Facebook that the agreement he signed with South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun in Dunakeszi near Budapest would help bring more investments to Hungary. Given that South Korean companies are leaders in the global electric vehicle industry, their investments in Hungary are crucial, the minister said.
South Korean EV industry players like Samsung SDI, SK Innovation, W-Scope and others have created more than 10,000 jobs in Hungary in the recent period, he said. Meanwhile, bilateral trade turnover reached a record 5 billion US dollars last year, he said, adding that Hungary will soon resume meat exports to the country.
The minister emphasised the importance of investments carried out by reliable and strong Eastern businesses at a time when “Europe is rapidly moving towards a recession due to Brussels’s failed sanctions”.
Thanks to its balanced economic policy, political stability and the fact that it has the lowest taxes in Europe, Hungary is an attractive investment destination for large Eastern companies, Szijjártó said.
Eastern countries have been the biggest sources of foreign investment in Hungary since 2019, with South Korea being the top investor in 2019 and 2021 and China in 2020 and this year, he said.
These Eastern investments are what will prevent Hungary from getting caught up in the European recession, he added.
Sándor Lezsák, the deputy speaker of parliament, held talks with Yerlan Koshanov, speaker of the Kazakh parliament, in Astana, Parliament’s press office said on Friday.
The two officials marked the 30th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations and discussed bilateral ties which are at the level of a strategic partnership, the statement said.
They hailed Hungary and Kazakhstan’s strong parliamentary ties, noting that the Kazakh house speaker will pay an official visit to Budapest in the first half of 2023.
Meanwhile, Lezsák also held talks with Darkhan Kydyrali, Kazakhstan’s minister of information and social development, Sayasat Nurbek, the minister of science and higher education, and leaders of Astana’s Nazarbayev University. Lezsak’s talks with the university leaders touched on the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships offered by Hungary to Kazakh students and cooperation between Hungarian and Kazakh universities.
At his meetings, Lezsák also talked about the memorial year dedicated to the bicentenary of Hungarian poet and revolutionary Sándor Petőfi in 2023 as part of which central Hungary’s Lakitelek Folk School will cooperate with the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) in holding an international literary translation competition involving Petőfi’s works.
The deputy speaker also visited the site of the Alzhir labour camp where he laid a wreath at the memorial honouring the Hungarian women who were imprisoned there in the Stalinist era, the statement said.
With a total of 623 vibrant and edutainment activities lined up for the 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2022) that runs from November 2 – 13 at Expo Centre Sharjah, young visitors have plenty of options to keep themselves entertained through interactive workshops, theatre shows, and edutainment activities led by 45 professionals and experts from 14 countries.
The expansive programming agenda for children at SIBF 2022, which runs under the theme ‘Spread the Word’, is designed to nurture creativity and imagination and help children of all ages unleash their artistic potential.
123 shows
During the 12-day cultural extravaganza, 123 immersive theatrical shows and roaming parades led by 22 artists and performers from eight countries will nourish and foster the imagination of young children.
‘Toy Tale’ play
‘Toy Tale’, an exciting musical, is a play that explores the impact of children’s addiction to video games. The events unfold in an abandoned toy store where young children will experience and learn the negative consequences of their obsession with video games, especially those that are not age-appropriate.
The diverse cast includes Ahmed Al Najjar, Hussein Al Mahdi, Heba Al Durri, Dima Ahmed, Iman Faisal, Malak Abu Zaid, Muhammad Al Muslim, Jana Al Failakawi, Saud AlZarouni.
Living Lamp Posts
An enchanting and illuminating act, the Living Lamp Posts are a marvellous moving display of ornate light and colour that will light up visitors’ faces and fill them with joy as they stroll through the fair’s halls.
Pinocchio on Ice
The adventures of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet who becomes a boy with the touch of a fairy’s wand and whose nose grows longer when he lies, will come to life on the ice rink with elaborate props, colourful costumes and amazing acrobatics.
Speed Painter
SIBF visitors can look forward to the fast paced, high energy of talented artists who will delight audiences with their lighting-fast painting skills. Infusing gentle humour as they execute dynamic artworks, the theatrical art show springs a pleasant surprise when the painter turns his artwork upside down.
Scienza Della Plastica
Visitors will gain an introduction into the science of plastics and explore the secrets of plastic recycling through amazing science experiments packed with spectacular optical illusions and peppered with fun facts throughout the mesmerising show.
In addition, the 12-day cultural event will host a diverse range of vibrant activities and workshops each day, targeting children of varied age groups to expand the knowledge and experiences of young generations. The action-packed agenda of activities including science and interactive workshops are led by qualified experts from across a spectrum of art, science and creative disciplines, and will help visitors hone their skills and unleash their talents.
The Hungarian State Opera House participated in a series of performances in India. In three sold-out performances, the opera house of the Indian Opera Orchestra. Johann Strauss’s operetta The Bat and Ferenc Erkel’s opera Bánk bán were also received with great interest and appreciation between 12 and 16 October 2022 at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, the press release said.
The performances of The Bat, in German with English subtitles, were a great success for audiences in India’s financial and entertainment metropolis of 12 million people (25 million including agglomeration). On all three occasions, the audience practically filled the 1,100-seat NCPA Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, the city’s leading cultural institution.
The audience in Mumbai was perhaps even more relaxed than at home, very open, living and breathing the performance
– Szilveszter Ókovács, Director General of the Hungarian State Opera House, said on the spot.
The audience of about 700 people at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre was also receptive to the Hungarian opera production of Bánk bán, which, as the Opera’s general director said in his introduction to the performance,
“was conceived in the Hungarian composer’s own style: this music, inspired by Verdi’s romantic voice, verbunk motifs and rhythms, with its Hungarian historical theme and the inescapable drama of Katona, is a true masterpiece.”
While The Bat was presented by the Hungarian State Opera at the request of the Indian partner who invited it, the 15 October concert performance of Bánk Ban was included in the guest performance at the suggestion of the Hungarian side. The performance of Ferenc Erkel’s work is part of the Budapest Opera’s intention to make Hungarian national opera as widely known as possible. The production has been performed in New York, Berehovo in Transcarpathia and Tegu in the south of the country for the past five years. The Hungarian State Opera travelled with more than 90 people for the week-long tour. The Opera will then tour Japan from 25 October to 20 November 2022 with an ensemble of 115.
Hungary’s minister of foreign affairs and trade decorated Yoshio Sato, head of the European committee of Japanese business federation Keidanren, with the Order of Merit of Hungary, Knight’s Cross, in Budapest on Tuesday.
In his address at the ceremony, Péter Szijjártó said Hungary and Japan were “entering a new era of ties with many opportunities”, adding that “such reliable partnerships are especially important in the current, difficult economic situation in Europe.”
The Japanese federation has been instrumental in “building a fair picture of Hungary and promoting investment opportunities” in the country, Szijjártó said in his laudation.
Keidanren is an umbrella for some 1,500 Japanese companies, 108 trade federations, and all 47 regional economic organisations of Japan, Szijjártó said.
Concerning the global economic situation, Szijjártó said the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine were widening the gap between East and West, “while cooperation is needed more than ever.” While 15 years ago 80 percent of the investments worldwide were financed from western capital and 20 percent came from the East, the ratio has now been reversed, he insisted. “No wonder Europe is fighting for investments by large Eastern companies,” the minister added.
Szijjártó called the government’s Eastern opening strategy one of the most successful schemes of the past 12 years, and said Hungary’s trade turnover with countries in the East had increased by 49 percent since 2010, adding that the largest annual FDI had come from the East in the past three years. Cooperation with Japan has largely contributed to that trend, he said.
The Hungarian government currently has six strategic partners from Japan, and Japanese companies are the seventh largest investment community in the country, Szijjarto said, adding that some 200 Japanese companies in Hungary employed a total 30,000 people.
The turnover of bilateral trade increased by 20 percent last year, while the Hungarian state contributed to 35 investment projects, Szijjarto said. Twenty-six Japanese companies in Hungary saved 17,000 jobs through their investments during the years of the pandemic, he added.
‘Spread the Word’ is the thought-provoking theme of the region’s biggest celebration of books, reading, culture and creativity this year, as the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) returns for its 41st annual edition with an exciting and packed agenda with 2,213 publishers from 95 countries – the largest contingent of global publishers ever to participate in the annual book fair in its 41-year-history who will be showcasing 1.5 million+ titles.
They will be joined by 129 authors, intellectuals and experts from 57 countries worldwide who will lead 1,047 activities at SIBF 2022 slated for a 12-day run at the Expo Centre Sharjah, from November 2-13.
The 12-day celebration of authorship, readership and the vital sector of publishing is organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and will celebrate Italy as the Guest of Honour this year with a vibrant agenda presented by Italian authors, intellectuals, artists and publishers to offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about cultural prowess and impact of the historic European nation.
The details of the upcoming edition of one of the world’s top book fairs were shared by the organisers on Wednesday during a press conference held at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) in the presence of HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA; HE Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; HE Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Consul General of Italy in Dubai; Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF; Mansour AlHassani, Director of Publisher’s Services at SBA;
The press conference was also attended by HE Ali bin Hatem, President, Emirates Publishers Association (EPA); HE Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director, EPA; Salem Omar Salem, Executive Director of the SBA; Ida Zilio Grandi, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi; Amedeo Scarpa, Director, Italian Trade Agency, UAE; and Mohamed Al Ameemi, Vice President/Business Engagement and Customer Support, Etisalat.
SIBF: ‘A manifestation of Sharjah’s cultural project’
HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “The annual Sharjah International Book Fair is a manifestation of Sharjah’s cultural project, and brings together thousands of publishers and hundreds of writers and creators, in addition to millions of books in different languages under one big roof. This is a source of great pride for us and the fruit of a seed planted and nurtured by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah more than 41 years ago”.
The SBA Chairman added:
“The book fair started with just a few hundred publishers and visitors. Today, it is hosting the largest number of publishers in its history as it welcomes 2,213 publishers. Last year, SIBF was recognised as the largest book fair in the world in terms of buying and selling intellectual property rights. Even though this achievement was not our primary objective but is the outcome of the wise vision of His Highness to build nations by fostering knowledge exchange and elevating communities through the power of the written word.”
‘A model cultural project’ HE Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said: “The Sharjah Broadcasting Authority is proud to be the official media partner of this prestigious international event which advances Sharjah’s model cultural project. Through our affiliates and subsidiaries, we will provide comprehensive coverage of the activities at SIBF 2022, including conducting interviews with distinguished guests and setting up dedicated studios for our satellite channels and radio stations.”
Forging bonds through vehicle of culture Expressing his deepest respect and gratitude to the Sharjah Ruler, HE Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, thanked His HIghness for the wise vision that has enriched the crucial role played by books in shaping societies and their development.
Stating that Italy’s Guest of Honour recognition is an exceptional opportunity to further forge bonds between Italy and Sharjah through the vehicle of culture, the Consul General said that cultural exchanges are essential to build mutual understanding among all peoples.
2,213 publishers at SIBF 2022: 1,298 Arab and 915 international publishers
Mansour AlHassani, Director of Publisher’s Services at SBA, revealed that for the first time in its 41-year-history, SIBF brings together 1,298 Arab and 915 international publishers to showcase more than 1.5 million titles across a 18,000 sqm area.
With the participation of 339 publishing houses, the UAE tops the list of Arab publishers, followed by Egypt with 306 participants and Lebanon and Syria represented by 125 and 95 publishers respectively. On the international level, 112 publishers will be coming in from India while the UK will be represented by 61 publishers.
SIBF 2022 will also mark the debut participation of publishers from 10 countries including Cuba, Costa Rica, Liberia, Philippines, Ireland, Malta, Mali, Jamaica, Iceland and Hungary.
12th SIBF Publishers Conference
Unveiling details of the professional programmes scheduled for the 2022 edition, Mansour AlHassani said that more than 230 Arab publishers will receive specialised training in collaboration with New York University that focuses on international publishing standards and practices.
More than 30 speakers and experts will lead 8 panel discussions at the 12th SIBF Publishers Conference, taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah from October 30 – November 1. The three-day event will address the key issues and challenges facing the publishing sector, the future of digital publishing in the Arab world, and spotlight emerging markets to market audio books. The event will also serve as a platform for deliberating ways to advance the sector, expertise exchange, and strike new deals.
National Libraries Summit
The second edition of the two-day National Libraries Summit will be organised at Expo Centre Sharjah on November 6–7 in partnership with the American Library Association, and will see the participation of delegates from 30 countries, he added.
Sharjah International Library Conference
The 9th edition of the Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), held in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA), will run between November 8-10, and bring together an international group of librarians and experts representing various libraries in the US and countries around the world.
‘Spread the Word’ Commenting on the SIBF 2022 slogan, Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, said: “‘Spread the Word’ has great significance for Sharjah, the cultural capital of the Arab world. Through this slogan, we want to convey that the emirate bears the responsibility of spreading knowledge and literature worldwide and celebrate humankind’s capacity to create change, instil positivity, and connect with others. It is also an affirmation that Sharjah is a living platform for cultural exchange and a meeting place for peoples from around the world.”
Photo: SIBF
1,047 activities led by 129 guests from 57 countries Announcing the SIBF 2022 programming agenda, Khoula Al Mujaini noted that the 41st edition will witness a total of 1,047 activities led by 129 guests from 57 countries.
The book fair’s cultural programme in particular will be led by an elite group of 70 authors, intellectuals, and artists from 15 countries, who will present 200 activities including panel discussions, workshops and reading sessions to highlight creative journeys, knowledge and expertise in various genres.
Guest of Honour programme To celebrate its participation as SIBF 2022 Guest of Honour, Italy will organise 17 activities as part of its cultural programme.
Of these, 4 events are part of the Cookery Corner and 5 are children’s activities, in addition to 6 entertainment shows and roaming shows, she elaborated. The other activities led by Italy include ‘Aterballetto: A Poetry Abstraction’ and ‘Balletto Di Roma’ (Ballet of Rome).
Notable Italian authors participating in SIBF 2022 include Viola Ardone, Luigi Ballerini, Alessandro Baricco, and Francesca Corrao.
International guests
A galaxy of literary stalwarts from around the world will also headline SIBF 2022, she added.
Prominent names include New York Times bestselling author Deepak Chopra, the American author of Abundance: The Inner Path to Wealth and Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential; Lincoln Pierce, cartoonist/writer and bestselling author of the hilarious Big Nate book series; Rupi Kaur, Canadian poet, illustrator, photographer, and author; Pico Iyer, a British-born essayist and novelist; Geetanjali Shree, Indian author and short story writer and winner of International Booker Prize 2022; D.J. Palmer, American author of numerous critically acclaimed suspense novels including The New Husband and My Wife is Missing; and Megan Hess, Australian fashion illustrator who has written and illustrated 16 best-selling books.
Emirati and Arab literary personalities
The list of eminent Emirati writers, thinkers and poets participating in the 41st edition include Sultan Al Amimi, poet Khulood Al Mualla; poet and writer Ibrahim Al Hashemi, the writer Saeed Al Hanki, the historian Dr. Hamad bin Saray; author Asma Al Hammadi, and poet Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi.
Khoula Al Mujaini revealed that prominent literary personalities from the Arab region at SIBF this year include Libyan novelist Mohamed Alnaas, winner of the 2022 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF); Mohamed Al-Ash’ari, poet and former Moroccan Minister of Culture and Communication; poet Hisham Algakh, author Ahmed Mourad, Dr. Ahmed Emara, Egyptian mental health and bioenergy consultant, and screenwriter Hani Sarhan from Egypt; Kuwaiti poet Mohammed Jarallah Al-Sahli; and Algerian academic and writer Boumediene Belkebir.
Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF. Photo: SBIF
A vibrant children’s programme
SIBF 2022 will organise 623 activities, shows and workshops for children this year, which will be led by 45 professionals and experts from 14 countries.
123 shows featuring theatre, dance performances and musicals
The 12-day cultural extravaganza will stage 123 awe-inspiring theatrical and performances as well as musicals led by 22 artists and performers from eight countries.
New at SIBF 2022
The upcoming edition of SIBF will debut six new programmes, including a three-day Thriller Festival between November 8-10 to offer writers specialised in suspense and crime genres an opportunity to showcase their works and participate in workshops, discussion panels, and book signing sessions. The event is organised in partnership with ThrillerFest in New York.
The book fair will also organise the Young Emirati Writers Programme, which is a platform that provides support to budding writers to build and advance their skills through discussion sessions, poetry evenings, and more.
Responding to public demand, SIBF is organising a series of workshops for adults this year covering a variety of topics including photography, crafts, creative writing, and theatre.
An entire day will be dedicated to the UAE’s large Filipino community with a special Philippines Cultural Programme that reflects the unique cultural traditions, arts and music of the island nation.
The book fair will also introduce visitors to the diverse and rich African continent through the African – Arab Cultural Programme that brings together 17 eminent guests from Mali, Senegal and Nigeria.
8 chefs and experts to lead 30 activities at the SIBF Cookery Corner
Food lovers can be part of an expansive culinary journey with eight chefs from four countries and experts from nine countries who will lead 30 cookery activities throughout the book fair. Notable participants include Dr. Nourhan Kandil and Sally Fouad from Egypt; Cristina Bowerman, Alessandro Miceli, Damiano Carrar, and Luca Manfe from Italy; Indian chef Vicky Ratnani and Vindex Tengker form Indonesia.
30 workshops at the Social Media Station
A total of 30 workshops at SIBFs popular Social Media Station presented by 10 experts from seven countries will cover topics including social media strategies, creative content and more. Notable guests leading the activities include Hala Harb and Hussein Al Azat.
Comics Corner to host 188 activities
Comics enthusiasts and lovers will have an opportunity to take part in a whopping 188 activities and workshops covering 16 topics, in addition to four roaming shows. The activities and workshops cover topics as varied as NFTs, character creation, and chibified characters.
The new Museum of Ethnography hosted the Arab Cultural Day, with 14 Arab countries.
The event was opened by László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, who drew the audience’s attention to Hungarian relations with the Arab world and culture, and highlighted that Arab-Hungarian relations date back to the pre-Hungarian founding of the state.
Karima Kabbaj, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Hungary and President of the Council of Arab Ambassadors, said that culture played a key role in cooperation between people and in the maintenance of their long-term relations. The Hungarian and Arab cultures have long been linked and live in the greatest harmony, added Karima Kabbaj, who thanked the Hungarian government for its stance on Arab affairs, especially in the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and for the scholarships it had granted to Arab students. More details: PHOTOS – Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest
Source: dailynewshungary.com
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
The event, organised by the Arab Council of Ambassadors, was attended by the embassies of Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The diplomatic delegations made a great effort by displaying the cultural artifacts that are most relevant to their countries, while many of them also tried to give visitors a lasting impression by showing off their traditional costumes.
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Of course, gastronomy was not left out of the repertoire either. Several varieties of dates from different countries were on offer, which was well-received by visitors with a sweet tooth. In the spirit of warm hospitality, the Arab countries also treated their guests to lunch so that they could taste Moroccan, Iraqi, Tunisian, Egyptian, and many other specialties.
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
There were also some countries that prepared a special attraction for the day. The unique shape of the Museum of the Future in Dubai was modelled by the Zsolnay porcelain factory, and the handmade creation was presented to the public by His Excellency H.E. Saud AlShamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates.
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
At the Saudi Arabian stand, you could get a close-up view of hunting snipe, while at the Qatari embassy’s stand, a miniature golden sculpture of the World Cup announced that the world’s most watched sporting event would be starting in their country in just over a month.
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Arab Cultural Day held in Budapest 2022. Photo: Daily News Hungary
The Debrecen International Airport and Wizz Air have been working together for 10 years. The first scheduled WIZZ flight from Debrecen to London Luton took off in June 2012. Wizz Air CEO József Váradi said back then that the success of the London flight was also a personal matter for him as a Debrecen resident.
Since its launch, the company has been contributing to the dynamic development of Debrecen Airport with its steadily growing passenger traffic, debrecen.hu wrote.
The Debrecen city administration has been working for 16 years to present Debrecen as an alternative to Budapest, and it seems that this urban policy has been successful. Debrecen, as the center of the Eastern region, has become an integral part of international air traffic, which will have a significant positive impact on the development of the economy, Mayor of Debrecen László Papp said at the opening of the Wizz Air base in 2015. In recent years, Wizz Air has been continuously expanding its network in Debrecen.
The mayor stressed at the celebration of 10 years of cooperation that the airport has played a decisive role in the economic and tourism development of Debrecen over the last eight years, adding that the cooperation with Wizz Air has practically opened up the world to the city. He added that the airport could also play a major role in opening up the Far East in the coming years. Levente Magyar, deputy minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said that Debrecen had grown into a true Central European metropolis.
Debrecen has the country’s only state-owned airport; the government has ambitious plans for further development and will implement them if the economic situation allows, Magyar said.
József Váradi, CEO and co-founder of Wizz Air, added that the positive economic prospects for Debrecen are clear, and Wizz Air intends to contribute to any further development.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held talks with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the president of Uzbekistan, in Budapest on Tuesday.
At the talks held at the Castle District premises of the Prime Minister’s Office, Orbán said Hungary considers Uzbekistan a crucially important partner in the central Asian region. Cooperation between the two countries is of strategic importance from a political, security, economic and energy standpoint.
The two leaders were in agreement that economic cooperation between Hungary and Uzbekistan was more intense than at any other time in the past, highlighting the role of the Hungarian-Uzbek Business Council. The talks also touched on Hungary offering one year of training to ten Uzbek university students in the field of nuclear energy as part of the Stipendium Hungaricum scheme with a view to promoting nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
Orbán accepted the Uzbek president’s invitation to the Organization of Turkic States summit to be held in Samarkand next month.
Hungary and Uzbekistan signed 14 agreements during Tuesday’s talks, including one on the advancement of their strategic partnership, as well as agreements on cooperation in the areas of health care, environmental protection, sports and agriculture.
President Novák holds talks with Uzbek counterpart in Budapest
President Katalin Novák held talks with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, her Uzbek counterpart, at the presidential Sandor Palace in Budapest on Tuesday.
The two heads of state agreed on the importance of peace and security, to boost bilateral economic relations as well as to do everything in their power to support parents raising children, Novák said on Facebook.
She noted that there has not been peace in Uzbekistan’s neighbouring country, Afghanistan, for years, and now there is a war going on in Hungary’s neighbour, Ukraine.
Novák said Hungary was “the centre for economic cooperation between the West and the East”. She said Hungary and Uzbekistan will strengthen their economic ties, particularly in the areas of energy, finance and the health industry.
She also highlighted the importance of family when it came to the future of both nations, saying that the two countries were doing their utmost to support parents raising children.
Novák welcomed that President Mirziyoyev intended to open an embassy in Budapest, and said she had accepted his invitation to Tashkent.
Hungary and Uzbekistan are launching a comprehensive nuclear cooperation programme designed as a key plank of their strategic partnership, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said after meeting Uzbek counterpart Vladimir Norov on Tuesday.
Hungary is “highly likely” to provide the cooling technology for Uzbekistan’s new nuclear plant, a model especially useful in places like the site of the new plant where water is scarce, Szijjártó told a press conference after the talks.
Hungary will also provide training for Uzbek nuclear experts as part of its grants scheme for 170 Uzbek students wishing to study in the country, the ministry cited Szijjártó as saying. The two countries will also launch an R and D project focusing on fuel rods, he said, noting that Uzbekistan is the seventh largest Uranium producer in the world.
“In the current energy crisis, capacity to produce nuclear energy has become extremely valuable; Europe won’t have secure energy supply or affordable energy without nuclear energy,” Szijjártó said.
Meanwhile, Hungary’s government sees the stability of Central Asia as an important aspect of European security, and Uzbekistan has a key role in this, he said.
He noted the challenges plaguing the region such as migration waves originating in Afghanistan. The region is also considered a hotbed of international terrorism, he said.
“If we manage to stop these dangerous trends in Central Asia, the security of Europe will improve; something the continent is in dire need of,” he said.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will sign a declaration on the nuclear cooperation programme later in the day, along with 16 other bilateral agreements between the countries’ respective ministries and other institutions.
Minister of Technology and Industry László Palkovics held talks with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev on prospects for industrial and defence industry cooperation in Zalaegerszeg on Saturday.
Khodjaev, who holds the investment and innovation portfolio in the Uzbek government, has arrived in Hungary to make preparations for the Uzbek president’s visit to start next Monday, Palkovics said after the talks. The minister escorted the Uzbek deputy premier to the local test track for autonomous vehicles and the Rheinmetall armed vehicle factory.
The site of the meeting was chosen with a view to paving the way for cooperation in vehicle manufacturing and the defence industry, Palkovics said, adding that Hungary is prepared to share its experience in developing an industrial ecosystem that is similar to the environment of the test track.
Hungary is sending medical supplies and other aid worth 15 million forints (EUR 37,000) to flood-stricken Pakistan, the minister of foreign affairs and trade said on Thursday.
Global warming and climate change “are kicking down the door on us”, Péter Szijjártó said in a Facebook post. Pakistan is currently living through the greatest natural disaster of its recent history, with some 33 million people living in areas hit by the historic floods, he said.
Reconstruction will take “years and billions of dollars”, and the international community is mobilising to send aid, he said.
Hungary is “doing what we can: we are sending medicine worth 10 million forints next week and support local Catholic communities with another 5 million forints, while Hungary’s honorary consul to Pakistan will donate food, tents and hygiene products to families in need,” he said.
Monsoon rains raging since June have flooded one-third of Pakistan’s territory, killing 1,545 and impacting over 33 million people, one third of them children.
The highly anticipated 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) will kick off on November 2 for 12-days, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced. Themed ‘Spread the word’, the cultural extravaganza will further SBA’s ongoing mission to highlight the emirate’s cultural project and raise the community’s awareness about the power of the written word and its importance in building a bright, sustainable future.
The 41st edition of SIBF will take place in Expo Centre Sharjah from November 2 – 13, and host Italy as Guest of Honour. The event’s slogan calls on people of the world to believe in the power of words in building bridges of cultural communication based on noble values.
With a line-up of hundreds of distinguished authors and intellectuals from around the world who will lead a vibrant cultural programme, SBA seeks to manifest what words can accomplish in honouring and respecting cultural diversity.
Commenting on the upcoming edition, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “The 41st edition of SIBF renews our commitment to the wise vision set by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, focused on building societies that understand the true value of books and its formative role in the developmental journeys of nations. It also asserts the impact of authors, creatives and intellectuals in driving the role of culture in building civilisations and making a tangible impact on human awareness.”
He added: “SIBF represents a living manifestation of Sharjah’s ambitions set more than 50 years ago, to present to the world one of the most successful and pioneering developmental projects in the region and the world – one founded on investing in culture and human capital development; one that transcends libraries and creative events, authors, intellectuals and poets to influence and shape other key sectors of a nation and the world. Books shape the identity of a nation. Books are the engines of an economy; they are change makers and a developmental tool. Without them no achievements in knowledge, science or investments can be realised.”
For her part, Khawla Al Mujaini, General coordinator of SIBF, said the slogan of the 41st edition ‘Spread the word’ reflects the true power contained in words and their impact on every aspect of life. “With this slogan, we want to convey that words are not written to be hidden between covers of books. Words are at the core of all creative pursuits, and in fact, at the heart of everything we do.”
In 2021, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), crossed a major cultural milestone by becoming the year’s largest publishing event worldwide in terms of business exchanges and copyright sales.
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced the launch of a significant new award for publishing rights professionals which will be awarded at the 2022 edition of the 12th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) Publishers Conference.
Designed to support rights professionals and enhance opportunities for industry growth, the debut Sharjah Rights Connection Award will be presented in two distinct categories: one, for an individual professional selling translation rights at a publishing company; and second, for independent professionals or those working with specialised agencies to sell the rights to books to publishers and other licensors.
The Publishers Conference was launched in 2011 with a groundbreaking rights translation grant programme that has supported the translation of works across all languages. The SIBF translation grant has since enabled the publication of 1672 books across 41 languages and the vibrant matchmaking programme that facilitates it at the annual SIBF Publishers Conference has been the axis of many new connections across the rights trading world with a unique emphasis on bringing new markets and publishers into the trading mix.
Organised in the lead-up to the annual book fair, the SIBF Publishers Conference is a robust platform for buying and selling rights, signing book deals, exploring translation opportunities, and serving other commercial interests of the sector.
HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA
Announcing the launch of the new award, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “Over the past decade, SBA has been proud to put rights trading at the centre of our activities as a fitting reflection of its role at the core of the publishing industry. Protection of copyright and related rights of creators is vital to disseminate knowledge and ensure the sustainability of the global publishing industry. We are pleased with our efforts in this area to date and delighted to put those who are the superstars of the international rights world in the spotlight via the Rights Connection Award.”
THE SBA Chairman added: “Rights professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the intellectual capital of creatives from infringement or unlicensed usage, enabling authors and creators to work freely and enhance their creativity. Our new award for rights professionals reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to foster the development of knowledge, culture, and creative environment in Sharjah and the UAE, and support the development of the global publishing industry. The new award also bolsters the position and role of the UAE in stimulating and encouraging creative industries and enhancing global competitiveness in this sector.”
Submission criteria
Global rights professionals can nominate themselves or be endorsed by their companies to be eligible for either of the two categories of the Sharjah Rights Connection Award.
Submissions must be made in English with two 500-word testimonials from clients that the nominated professional currently works with to make a compelling case for why they should win the award. Only individuals can apply, team submissions will not be accepted.
Applicants must specify the category they are applying for together with personal contact details. Applicants can also volunteer information not exceeding 1,000 words on the growth of their business during the previous year, successful deals clinched, innovations, partnerships, and other achievements, with supporting images.
Timeline
Registrations for the debut Sharjah Rights Connection Award will begin on September 18 and close on October 07, 2022. Winners will be announced during the 12th SIBF Publishers Conference in November 2022.
To apply for the award, global rights professionals can submit their applications on SIBF.com.
Kazakhstan is one of Hungary’s most reliable partners in the current crisis in terms of energy supply, the finance minister said after meeting Almassadam Satkaliyev, the head of Kazakh state-owned energy asset management company Samruk-Kazyna.
Ties between the two countries have strengthened in the past 20 years, contributing to Hungary’s current energy security, the ministry cited Varga as saying.
Varga and Satkaliyev discussed energy ties. Cooperation should be strengthened even further in view of the Russia-Ukraine war, Varga said, adding that Kazakhstan counted on Hungarian expertise in nuclear energy.
Hungary mainly imports crude, oil products and gas from Kazakhstan. Imports topped 155 million dollars in the first half of 2022, the minister said.
Dubai, the city of luxury, may be a worthwhile investment based on emerging real estate trends. The city has no limits to opulence, and you can find it even in apartments or villas. Locations such as Palm Jumeirah, the city center, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, etc., are some real estate investors’ favorites. Business and elite class people from all over the world have started investing in Dubai real estate, probably due to the high return on investment.
After purchasing a property, owners will not pay additional or recurring taxes in the future, just the one-time property registration and transaction costs. This makes houses in Dubai extremely affordable and, more importantly, profitable compared to other big cities getting rich with regular taxes.
Why Choose Dubai as Your Investment Option?
It attracts 15.93 million annual visitors.
It’s a gateway connecting 2.4 billion consumers in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and East Africa.
The world’s top city for visitor spending is $30.8 billion.
100% repatriation of invested capital and the total profit was obtained.
100% ownership of foreign companies is allowed.
The yield is up to 8% to 10% of the rental yield.
A potential property can bring you a windfall in less time. To find the property of your dreams, you can opt for a real estate company that roots you to your expectations. Wandering around town may not help you find the ideal deal, so assign an agent to make your job easier.
However, finding the perfect real estate agency in itself is a task. The Internet is full of promising real estate agencies, but you need to choose one that will provide you with the property of your dreams. Since not everyone can afford to own a piece of Burj Khalifa, you need a perfect guide to other areas of Dubai.
Know How You Can Choose the Right Real Estate Agency in Dubai
Determine the Experience of Companies
When finding the perfect agent, your industry experience should be your priority. Having a proven track record of satisfied customers is a sign that you have chosen the right company. Check out their testimonials and portfolio to look at their track record.
Law Enforcement
Check whether or not your real estate company adheres to UAE laws and regulations. Dubai is known for its strict laws that make the real-estate sector safer for investment purposes. If you are willing to invest, be sure to check the full price of the property. Under Dubai property law, the possession fee includes the mortgage along with the government and agency fees.
Investment Cost
Make sure your real estate company provides various property options within your budget. The average price of townhouses and villas in Dubai is between $1.5 million and $16 million, and apartments cost between $280,000 and $2.9 million. Dubai has a wide variety of properties for investors of all sizes.
Financial Assistance
If your real estate company assists you financially, there could be nothing more you can ask for. It is not about lending you dirhams but about helping you with loan procedures or suggesting the best ways to save you exorbitant expenses.
Investment Plan
Real estate investments are not a day job, so you need a proper investment plan. This plan covers all aspects of your investment, including ownership, loans, goals, financial risk, and insurance against them.
A Wide Range of Properties Is Available
You can have various properties, and one of the best returns comes from the off-plan properties in Dubai that are under construction, and you will get possession once the construction is completed. During the process, you can pay for your property in installments.
“Dubai is a lucrative investment hub now and for the foreseeable future. The high ROI is attractive to investors who come with protected assets. Structural defects insurance with deposit coverage for new homes makes it a safer investment, especially in off-plan properties. “Mr. Saeed Al Qadi.
The UAE also provides good infrastructure and legislation that respects the rights of all; investment opportunities and business growth, and ongoing and renewable government initiatives that support the economy to encourage expatriate influx and residence in the country.
Investor appetite for Dubai is inordinate these days, making the city a hub. Long-term investments in the UAE are the way of the future, and you can get them with the right real estate company.
Opened this June in Kristóf Square, Buddha Original invites you on an Asian journey. Savour traditional specialties of Asian cuisine while enjoying the view of Budapest’s beautiful inner city.
Food with rice. Photo: Socially / Puskás Nóri
Traditional Asian food
Located on Kristóf Square, in Budapest’s 5th district, Buddha Original awaits you with traditional Asian food. Although the restaurant is located in the heart of Budapest, the interior oozes an Asian atmosphere with a modern twist. One can create their own pad thai food by choosing different ingredients. And the options are endless! Bases include fried rice with eggs and vegetables, glass noodles, egg noodles and grilled vegetables. As for the toppings, one can just simply pick meat options like chicken or beef, but there are also bamboo shoots, shrimps, cashews, or wood ear mushrooms for those with a gourmet palate. However, if you want to max out on the Asian experience, you should go for the white rice soup which is considered one of the most traditional dishes in that region.
Buddha Original. Photo: Socially / Puskás Nóri
Buddha Original. Photo: Socially / Puskás Nóri
Although the newest restaurant can be found on Kristóf Square, there are also many restaurants in other parts of the city. For example, Buddha Original is open on Wesselényi Street, in Westend City Center Food Court or in Arena Shopping Center. If you are in Szeged, Budaörs or Dunakeszi, you should definitely visit the restaurants there to have a delicious meal.
Guests can choose from a wide rande of sushi selection. Photo: Socially / Puskás Nóri
The food selection is very wide, so everyone can find something to their taste such as wok, sushi, curry, soups,or desserts. Buddha Original places great emphasis on being able to fulfill everybody’s needs. The menu shows the ingredients each meal contains, including the allergens. Therefore, those who follow a gluten-free or vegan diet can leave with a full stomach as well. For example, Buddha Original serves vegan sushi and veggie rolls. In addition, we would recommend tasting the delicious desserts that cannot be found anywhere else in Budapest. The so-called Kao Niao Moang is a perfect mix of sweet rice, coconut milk, mango and sesame seeds. In addition, guests can choose health-conscious options from the menu or they can even put their own healthy meal together.
Buddha Original serves traditional Asian food. Photo: Socially / Puskás Nóri
There is a wide range of food selection. Photo: Socially / Puskás Nóri
Tom Yum and Miso
According to the restaurant, Tom Yum and Miso are their most popular dishes. But what exactly are these? Tom Yum soup is a traditional dish in Thailand. The beloved soup is made from coconut milk, Tom Yum sauce, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, onions, galanges, lemons, and lemongrass. Depending on what kind of meat you pick, this delicious soup costs HUF 1,800 (EUR 4,46) – HUF 2,990 (EUR 7,37). Tom Yum also refers to a sauce that Buddha Original uses to make their dishes spicy. And speaking of sauces, there are three kinds of curry sauces. Yellow stands for the least spicy, green curry for the medium, and red curry for the spiciest foods on the menu.
Another signature dish of Asian cuisine is Miso soup which includes tofu, miso, seaweed, and spring onion. Miso is a fermented paste that adds a salty umami flavour to many Japanese dishes.
The soups are popular choices at the restaurant. Photo: Socially / Puskás Nóri
