Sijaldor said that the Hungarian economy has been deeply integrated into the European economy, so the "economic neutrality" policy pursued by the Hungarian government is crucial, and its core is to make every effort to protect Hungary from the impact of European economic difficulties. "We are unwilling to take sides between our Eastern and Western partners in terms of investment, trade relations and energy security, and we work with our East and West partners at the same time," he said.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Sijardo's video screenshot

Sijaldor pointed out that Hungary's policy of "opening eastward" has achieved remarkable results, increasing the trade volume between Hungary and Eastern countries by about 60%. He disclosed that in 2020, 2023 and 2024, the investment from China was the most. "As for China's investment in Europe, 34% went to Hungary last year, compared with 44% the previous year."

Sijaldo believes that there are problems with the current EU policy towards China and that EU leaders have failed to see the huge opportunity to carry out civilized cooperation with China. "They have not put cooperation on a rational basis, but instead politicized and ideologicalized it."

He stressed that if European companies want to succeed in key areas, cooperation with China is crucial, and Hungary, which is an important intersection of Eastern and Western companies, is the best example.

Hungarian National Bank President Walgo Mikhai also said at the opening ceremony that international cooperation has become more valuable in an increasingly uncertain global environment, and the relationship between the two continents is particularly important because Europe and Asia are closely linked geographically and economically. He pointed out that Hungary is actively leveraging its geographical advantages to seek to become an economic portal between Eurasia.

Wallgou pointed out that at the turn of the century, Asia accounted for 26% of global GDP, and by 2024 this proportion has risen to 46%, while Europe's share fell from 30% to 21% during the same period. "Asia now accounts for half of global exports and investment, and the future growth engine has shifted eastward."

He recalled that Hungary launched the "Open East" policy in 2010, joined the "Belt and Road" initiative in 2015, and joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in 2017.

Hungarian National Bank President Walgou

Walgou emphasized Hungary's cooperation with China, covering areas such as finance, economy and infrastructure. He gave an example, saying that the Hungarian-Serbian Railway connecting Budapest, the capital of Hungary and Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a key project of the "Belt and Road" and that battery suppliers from China are increasingly cooperating with European automobile companies.

In April this year, the 21st meeting of the China-Hungarian Economic Commission was held in Budapest. According to the website of the Ministry of Commerce, Ling Ji, Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy Representative for International Trade Negotiation, said that since last year, bilateral trade has stopped falling and rebounded, and Hungary is China's largest investment destination in Central and Eastern European countries. The two sides should optimize the bilateral trade structure, promote cooperation in the fields of information technology, green and low-carbon, artificial intelligence, medicine and health, ensure the construction and operation of important investment projects, and jointly promote the quality and upgrading of China-Hungary economic and trade cooperation.

Hungary said that China is an important economic and trade partner of Hungary and one of the major sources of foreign investment in Hungary, and Chinese investment has made positive contributions to Hungary's economic development and scientific and technological progress. Hungary hopes to expand the export of high-quality agricultural and food products to China and strengthen cooperation in the fields of pharmaceutical health, artificial intelligence, interconnection and other fields. Hungary will provide an open, fair and convenient business environment for Chinese companies investing in Hungary.