Hungary has become one of Serbia’s largest foreign trade partners with a permanent growth trend
In addition to being a personal recognition, the appointment to the position of Honorary Consul of Hungary and the opening of the Consulate Office in Novi Sad in October this year is also the validation of the exceptional Serbian-Hungarian relations, which should be nurtured and improved. By accepting the exequatur, by which I was assigned the competence of the Srem, Južna Bačka, Severna Bačka and Zapadna Bačka administrative districts, I was also given the task of improving the economic relations between the two countries. Although the Novi Sad consulate is not the first in Serbia, it certainly has special weight, having in mind that it is located in the capital of Vojvodina and covers the districts with the largest Hungarian population.
How can we further improve the relations between Serbia and Hungary, which have been at the highest level since the establishment of bilateral relations? While we have been maintaining exceptional political relations and nurturing interethnic relations which are now better than ever, what can we do to make the life of the citizens of both countries even better?
The answer lies in the economy and constant effort to improve life for citizens.
Hungary has become one of Serbia’s largest foreign trade partners with a permanent growth trend. The value of foreign trade in 2019 reached 2.6 billion euro, of which the import of Hungarian products to Serbia amounted to 1.7 billion euro and the export of Serbian goods to Hungary 932 million euro. Relative to the period from 2012 to 2014, that amount was increased by as much as one billion euro, i.e. by more than 50 per cent, which indicates the upward trajectory of the Serbian-Hungarian relations.
I am proud that in various ways, as a lawyer and an active member of the Hungarian community in Serbia, I was a factor and witness to the improvement of Serbian economic relations, and now I am honoured and morally obliged to do everything in my power to maintain and improve these fantastic relations.
“I am sure there are opportunities for additional investments in the sector of tourism, hotel industry, real estate, energy and other economic branches”
Serbia, and especially Vojvodina, is a great place to invest. The management of big Hungarian companies is very aware of this, which can be seen from large investments in the agricultural, banking and energy sectors. I am sure there are opportunities for additional investments in the sector of tourism, hotel industry, real estate, energy and other economic branches. People from Serbia often frequent Hungarian spas. Why shouldn’t we enable them to enjoy a similar quality in Serbia too? The same goes for retail chains, agricultural and food products.
At the same time, I am sure that companies from Serbia have something to offer to the Hungarian market, and I see a potential chance for the merger of Serbian and Hungarian companies and their appearance on third markets.
That is why I see my mission and office in Novi Sad, as a provider of services to businesses and citizens of the two countries. I see them also as a communication channel where a potential investor from Hungary will be able to get guidance on where and to whom to turn, without having to waste time on bureaucratic procedures. I have been building my reputation and network of contacts in Serbia and Hungary for two decades now and I am making them available to this honorary position. I believe, and I have already been assured of this, that the Vojvodinian government and local authorities will support the newly opened institution of the consulate and help us carry out our mission. The media have already recognized the importance of the new consulate and have been reporting about us in a very commendable tone, which means that we are doing a great thing for new investments in Vojvodina.