Hungarian Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy delivered a keynote address at the China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) in Shenzhen on 14 November. The globally influential event, now in its 26th year, showcases cutting-edge technology trends and aims to foster the international trade of high-tech innovations. With over 5,000 companies and organizations from more than 100 countries participating, the fair attracts approximately 250,000 attendees annually across a vast 400,000-square-metre exhibition area.
During his opening speech, Minister Nagy highlighted Hungary’s progress in artificial intelligence (AI) governance, underscoring that the European Union recently became the world’s first region to adopt comprehensive AI regulations. These new laws, set to take effect in 2026, establish a structured framework for the responsible use of AI, affecting not only developers but also companies employing these technologies. The regulations extend to generative AI, requiring documentation and compliance with designated authorities to ensure safe deployment. Minister Nagy explained that AI regulation in Europe will operate on two levels: the European Commission will oversee generative AI developers, while member states will monitor practical applications within their jurisdictions. In Hungary, a dedicated AI Office is expected to open by August 2025, supported by the Ministry of National Economy. This ‘one-stop-shop’ initiative will handle all AI-related matters and will offer a regulatory sandbox for testing innovations before live use. ‘Establishing this AI office is vital for Hungary’s competitiveness,’ Nagy stated, noting that a predictable regulatory environment for developers will give Hungary an edge in the international AI arena.
‘A dedicated AI Office is expected to open in Hungary by August 2025, supported by the Ministry of National Economy’
Nagy also stressed the importance of including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the AI ecosystem, pointing out that benefits from AI should not be limited to large corporations. The government intends to support SMEs in adopting AI tools, fostering an inclusive environment to engage all sectors of the economy. Beyond AI, the Hungarian government is investing heavily in high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. Hungary inaugurated the Komondor supercomputer in Debrecen in 2022, with a performance of 6.2 petaflops, followed by the Emese supercomputer, which was developed through a partnership between the state and the banking sector. The next major step will be the Levente supercomputer, set to achieve quadruple the Komondor’s capacity and equipped with quantum connectivity capabilities. This move signals Hungary’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
Recognizing China’s competitive lead in AI and other technologies, Minister Nagy emphasized Hungary’s interest in learning from China’s experience. The collaboration between Hungary and China is structured at two levels, involving both governmental and corporate partnerships, which facilitate broad knowledge-sharing. To support this effort, Hungary’s Ministry of National Economy collaborates closely with China’s Ministry of Cyberspace Administration, enhancing bilateral exchange and advancing mutual technological capabilities.
With Hungary’s rapidly advancing AI governance and supercomputing projects, the visit highlighted how Hungary and China’s partnership strengthens both countries’ high-tech ambitions. The China Hi-Tech Fair served as an essential platform for Hungary to showcase its strides in technology while promoting deeper cooperation and knowledge-sharing on a global scale.
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