China and Hungary Forge Strong Technological Partnership
China and Hungary are strengthening their partnership in the automotive and technology industries. Chinese automaker BYD is making significant progress in localising its operations in Hungary. Hungary has a solid foundation in the electric vehicle industry, while China brings.
Chinese automaker BYD has made significant progress in localising its operations in Europe, particularly in Hungary.
In January of this year, BYD signed a land pre-purchase agreement with the Hungarian government, marking a crucial step in its localisation efforts. The company delivered its first batch of ATTO 3 electric cars in Hungary the following month, expanding its market access in Central and Eastern Europe.
Hungary, with its well-developed infrastructure and mature industrial base, has a long-standing history of automotive development. In 2016, the Hungarian government launched an electric vehicle development plan to boost electric vehicle production.
"The electric vehicle industry in Hungary has a solid foundation," said Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao. "Complementing this, China possesses advanced technology, a vast market, and a mature industrial chain in the global new energy industry."
BYD has rapidly established its presence in Hungary's passenger car market since entering in October 2023. The company announced plans to build its first European EV factory near Szeged, southern Hungary, by December. This initiative is expected to be one of the largest investments in Hungarian economic history, fueling the country's long-term economic prosperity.
"The new energy vehicle production facility in Szeged marks a significant milestone in China-Hungary collaboration on green development and the digital economy," said Gong. "It is anticipated to generate thousands of local jobs, boost Hungary's stature as a new energy vehicle hub in Central and Eastern Europe, and bolster the country's push towards energy transition and carbon neutrality."
In addition to the automotive sector, China and Hungary are deepening their ties through technology transfer. Hungary, known for its innovation and patents, was the first European country to embrace the Belt and Road Initiative. The two countries have fostered robust cooperation, particularly in the automotive sector.
The Chinese-Hungarian Technology Transfer Center was established in Chongqing in 2016, with a corresponding office in Budapest a year later. Operating on a government-established platform, the center plays a vital role in fostering the exchange and partnership of scientific talent, innovative technologies, and industrial capital.
"The center not only fosters intergovernmental partnership for innovation but also builds a platform for non-governmental scientific cooperation," said Mei Huiling, director of the Chinese Hungarian Technology Transfer Center in Chongqing. The center has organised major project matchmaking events, facilitated project agreements, and supervised cooperation projects.
One notable project is the Caiyun Lake sewage treatment facility in Chongqing, which employs Hungary's food chain reactor (FCR) technology. This innovative approach utilises microorganisms and aquatic plants to degrade sewage pollutants, significantly reducing emissions and mitigating environmental strain on the Yangtze River.
"The plant is a model program of China-Hungary science and technology cooperation," said Mei Huiling. The Chinese-Hungarian Technology Transfer Center has expanded its network through joint construction agreements with scientific and technological service institutions across various provinces in China.
The partnership between China and Hungary is not only beneficial for both countries but also contributes to global technological advancements. With their combined expertise and resources, they are poised to make significant contributions to the automotive and technology industries.
China and Hungary are strengthening their partnership in the automotive and technology industries.
Chinese automaker BYD is making significant progress in localising its operations in Hungary.
Hungary has a solid foundation in the electric vehicle industry, while China brings
Source: CGTN