The aim of the event was to provide practical and up-to-date guidance for Hungarian companies interested in the French market, while also supporting the international expansion and networking opportunities of Hungarian businesses. The event, attended by nearly 70 participants, was moderated by Attila Bíró, International Representative of the BCCI.
The program was opened by Dr. Viktória Bódi, Secretary General of the BCCI, who highlighted in her welcome speech that France is one of the key players in the European economy. Therefore, the BCCI’s objective is not only to help Hungarian companies establish a presence on the French market, but also to enable them to appear as successful exporters and equal business partners. She also emphasized the importance of international chamber cooperation, particularly the strong relationship developed with French chambers, as well as the opportunities inherent in deepening Hungarian–French economic relations. In addition, she provided a comprehensive overview of the operation and organizational structure of the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The opening remarks were followed by a welcome address from Ágnes Ducrot, Director of the French-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who drew attention to the importance of Hungarian–French economic cooperation and the role of networking between businesses.
During the professional program, Péter Babák, Head of the International Relations Office of the BCCI, presented the chamber’s international activities, which focus on supporting Hungarian companies in entering foreign markets and facilitating the establishment and development of their international business partnerships. To this end, the office organizes domestic professional events, business meetings, and international business delegations, creating opportunities for companies to explore new markets and expand their international networks.
This was followed by an online presentation by Foreign Trade Attachés Bálint Mogyorósi, Alíz Molnár, and Dorottya Novák (Embassy of Hungary in Paris and Lyon), who provided a detailed overview of the characteristics of the French market. Their presentation covered the business environment, regulatory framework, practical aspects of market entry, and the exhibitions expected to take place this year.
In the next part of the program, Ágnes Ducrot introduced the operation and organizational structure of the French-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the current state and future development trends of Hungarian–French business relations.
Afterwards, Edina Gyulai-Kertesi, Business Development Manager of the French-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivered a dynamic and practice-oriented presentation in which she explained the process of entering the French market step by step. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying suitable business partners and leveraging AI-based customer acquisition opportunities, based on the chamber’s 35 years of experience and best practices.
Representing the French companies introduced at the event, Tímea Pesti, CEO of AYVENS Hungary, and Balázs Bartha, Head of Communications and Corporate Relations at Ceva-Phylaxia, shared insights from their own experiences regarding the operation of French–Hungarian business cooperation and provided inspiration for the participating companies.
As is customary at BCCI events, the program concluded with a networking session, during which participants were able to continue professional discussions in an informal setting and establish new business relationships, thereby further strengthening Hungarian–French economic cooperation.
