BKIK presented business opportunities in Ecuador

On 8 May 2025, the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a successful business forum in cooperation with the Embassy of Ecuador, aimed at strengthening Ecuadorian–Hungarian economic relations. The event was attended by Ambassador Cynthia Mayer Zavala and nine leading Ecuadorian companies active in the food industry, agriculture and horticulture. Special attention was given to women-led companies, as well as representatives of the Ecuadorian Exporters Federation (FEDEXPOR) and the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT).

The event opened with the ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement between BKIK and FEDEXPOR, establishing a foundation for long-term economic partnership. The agreement was signed by Dr Viktória Bódi, Acting Secretary General of BKIK, and Gabriela Urresta Chevalier, Vice President of FEDEXPOR. The forum not only helped to explore concrete business opportunities but also showcased efforts to strengthen inclusive and sustainable trade relations.

Dr Viktória Bódi, Acting Secretary General of BKIK

In her welcome speech, Dr Viktória Bódi especially greeted the delegation of women business leaders. Dr József Sztranyák, Vice-Chair of BKIK’s International and Foreign Trade College, emphasised the chamber’s commitment to supporting the international presence of Hungarian enterprises, with a particular focus on Latin America. Ambassador Cynthia Mayer Zavala highlighted the significance of the event for developing economic ties between the two countries and outlined Ecuador’s new economic policy directions aimed at expanding international trade, encouraging investment and promoting sustainable development.

Dr József Sztranyák, Vice-Chair of BKIK’s International and Foreign Trade College

Varga Koritár Pál, President of the Hungarian–Latin American Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the openness of the Hungarian economy and the vast trade opportunities with Latin America. The event also presented Hungary’s logistical and economic advantages, including fast company registration, a favourable tax regime and an investor-friendly environment. Among the companies attending the forum, Réka Kaminszky, Managing Director of Paleocentrum Kft., presented her company’s success story in the Latin American region through cooperation with the Ecuadorian company SAMAI. The company has been working with Ecuadorian partners since 2018 and now offers ten different products, including items sold in the dm retail chain.

Representatives of FEDEXPOR and OWIT highlighted Ecuador’s excellent export products — such as bananas, cocoa, tropical fruits and premium roses — and the role of women entrepreneurs in international trade, encouraging participants to support women-led Ecuadorian companies.

After the presentations, Hungarian and Ecuadorian companies took part in workshops and B2B meetings, where they had the opportunity to establish direct business contacts and explore potential areas of cooperation.

BKIK continues to regard the organisation of such forums as a key priority to support its member companies in entering international markets and discovering new business opportunities.

Regarding the event, Péter Babák, Head of the BKIK International Relations Office, stated:
“One of the greatest challenges for companies is identifying the right foreign partners and building an optimal supplier network. By organising events like this and maintaining close cooperation with embassies, BKIK provides Hungarian SMEs with free opportunities at its headquarters to identify suitable partners and expand their business relations.”