Dr. Gabor Peter Artner, Deputy Director of the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), said in a recent written interview that China's rapidly developing digital economy has created vast opportunities for Hungarian technology enterprises, and that Hungarian and Chinese companies can leverage their complementary technological strengths to deepen cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and digital healthcare.
The fifth edition of the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) was recently held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, with Hungary participating for the first time as a Guest Country of Honor. Artner noted that the expo provided Hungary with a high-level platform to showcase its strengths in digital technology and innovation. HEPA organized 11 Hungarian companies and the Hungarian Innovation Agency to participate, presenting commercially viable solutions in fields including digital technology, engineering, healthcare, and agricultural technology.
"The message we want to convey is that Hungarian companies can contribute distinctive expertise, applied innovation capabilities, and export-ready solutions to global value chains," he said.
Artner said Hungary has strengths in combining engineering expertise with specialized digital technologies. A distinctive feature of Hungary's innovation ecosystem, he noted, is that it pursues not only scale but also high-value-added applications in niche sectors. Smart parking platforms, livestock management software, and precision measurement systems for microchip and solar cell production are concrete examples of how Hungarian enterprises translate scientific research and engineering know-how into market-ready solutions.
This year's GDTE is themed "Meet the AI Future at GDTE." Artner observed, "In recent years, China's artificial intelligence technology has developed rapidly, and the increasingly widespread application of AI across all sectors of the economy is creating a broader market for complementary technologies and related services."
He believes Hungarian and Chinese enterprises can create value together through technological complementarity. For instance, Chinese robotics hardware can be combined with Hungarian expertise in software development and system integration to deliver higher-value-added solutions. He noted that during the visit, the Hungarian delegation toured enterprises and facilities in Hangzhou specializing in artificial intelligence, digital logistics, smart glasses, and robotics, seeking opportunities for technological integration and commercial cooperation.
Artner said the Chinese market offers important opportunities for Hungarian technology enterprises. HEPA supports Hungarian companies in exploring the Chinese market by providing market intelligence, identifying potential partners, and offering other forms of assistance.
During the expo, the Hungarian delegation hosted a Hungary-China Business Cooperation Seminar, arranging business matchmaking sessions between Chinese enterprises and Hungarian exhibitors. Artner expressed hope that the participation would help forge new business contacts and lead to substantive discussions, laying the groundwork for sustainable business partnerships.