On Monday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held talks with the President of the China Construction Bank (CCB) Liu Guiping in Beijing.
According to a statement by the PM’s press chief Bertalan Havasi, on 16 October, Liu Guiping received a high-ranking delegation led by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The statement indicated that Liu Guiping warmly welcomed Viktor Orbán and the delegation. They reviewed the friendly dialogue and cooperation that Hungary has maintained with China in recent years. Additionally, the Chinese leader expressed his appreciation for the fruitful results achieved in recent years through Hungary’s ‘Eastern Opening’ strategy and China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative,’ which is supported by the Hungarian Prime Minister.
The host expressed gratitude to the Hungarian government regarding CCB’s Hungarian branch for their guidance and support.
He made it clear that CCB considers the opening of the Hungarian branch as a new starting point to provide better financial services to customers from both countries and further enhance bilateral partnership. Liu Guiping emphasized: ‘Hungary boasts more than ten Nobel laureates, and this year, two more Hungarian scientists received Nobel Prizes, once again showcasing the scientific and innovative talent of the Hungarian people.’
‘In recent years, CCB has made significant advancements in the field of financial technology (FinTech) solutions. Now, CCB has established a FinTech product innovation laboratory in Hungary to explore the future directions of FinTech in collaboration with Hungary, leveraging the Chinese market capacity and resources, as well as the technological expertise of both countries. I hope that this collaboration will contribute to further success stories in the partnership between China and Hungary,’ Liu Guiping expressed.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that in the current geopolitical situation, Hungary remains committed to strengthening its ‘Eastern Opening’ and dialogue and cooperation with China. He thanked CCB for the support extended to Hungary in recent years. The PM congratulated the opening of CCB’s branch in Hungary and described it as a wise decision. He recalled that the deepening of relations between the two countries in recent years has elevated bilateral economic and trade cooperation to a significant level. The government head asserted that
CCB is a welcome partner in Hungary, particularly in the field of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and new energy projects,
as well as in various other areas of collaboration.
A day later, on 17 October, the Hungarian PM met the Chinese President in Beijing. Viktor Orbán stated that during President Xi Jinping’s tenure, Chinese–Hungarian relations have reached ‘unprecedented heights,’ which is extremely advantageous and beneficial for Hungary. Orbán expressed gratitude to his host for the constant and unwavering support that Xi Jinping has provided for the development of bilateral relations. The Hungarian Prime Minister travelled to Beijing for the summit of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative,’ a massive infrastructure-based programme. The idea originated from Xi.
In this context, Viktor Orbán stated that Hungary has been supporting the initiative from the very beginning.
‘We are convinced that this is an initiative that will change the world,
transform the global economy, and serve the well-being of more people than ever before,’ the PM noted. He underscored that China can continue to count on Hungary’s participation in the initiative in the future, irrespective of European political debates, and that Hungary is seeking cooperation with Beijing.
The current, third summit involves more than 130 countries and numerous international organizations. China is Hungary’s ninth most significant trading partner, and once again this year, it is the country’s largest foreign direct investor.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/Press Office of the Prime Minister/MTI
