We had the pleasure to interview László KÁROLYI, CCI France Hongrie President and Ágnes Ducrot about the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), as well as the bilateral relations between Hungary and France, particularly focusing on investments in the country. The CCI France Hongrie is an influential organisation that promotes and supports economic and trade ties between France and Hungary. It serves as a crucial bridge connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries.
Here the interview: László KÁROLYI, President (CEO – Legrand Zrt.)
- Could you please introduce yourself?
I have been the CEO of Legrand, Hungary, for almost 2 decades. I was born and worked in Romania, and then I moved to Hungary. I am currently president of the CCI France Hongrie and since September 2020. We have been present on the Hungarian market since 1918 – as a member of the Legrand Group since 1992 – and since then we have tried to manufacture and distribute the highest possible quality products for our customers. Our goal is to build long-term, reliable business relationships. Thanks to developments and production based on strong innovation, our name is associated with reliability and quality.
- Could you tell us more about the Hungarian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry? How many members does it count? When was it created? What is your main role regarding French entrepreneurs wishing to operate in Hungary?
The main idea when the French Chamber of Commerce was founded was to represent french investors and entrepreneurs, and create a place for the french community where people can meet, exchange, so basically build network places for expat. This idea was not easy when we started 30 years ago, times were really different from now. We tried to create connexions with other Chambers of Commerce, because the more we are, the stronger, but it was difficult.
It’s always difficult when you change country. We realised that in the development of investments, we have our limits, as well as the country has their and the business has their. But, there were always newcomers, in the beginning, it had more significant investors, but later much smaller investors. We are not in a position of power in Hungary. The French Chamber of Commerce is an entirely independent and apolitical organization, we have no financing, our financing come from our members. We have 4 different roles: we are the representative of the French government in Hungary; we are helping French Companies to export; we are also representing the association called Promosalons which is promoting French exhibitions in markets; and we are the statutory partner of HEPA ( Hungarian Export Promotion Agency). We have a total number of seven employees and more than 230 members, among them SMEs or subsidiaries of large French companies, independent entrepreneurs, Hungarian or international companies.
- How would you define Franco-Hungarian economic relations?
The French-Hungarian economic relationship is stable. French companies are considering Hungary as a starting point to build their networks and reach the Central-Eastern European Market. In the early stage, there were only big investors in Hungary because of the interests in privatisation and in the low labor costs. As the market becomes more open, it is much easier.
- Could you describe to us the French investments in Hungary? Are there many SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) established (to set up) in Hungary? And how many big ones?
Our aim is to support companies from the beginning. French Investments in Hungary include export activity and help the companies to establish their base in Hungary. Mainly our clients are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Our mission is to support companies from the beginning, that is to say we can provide a complete market study, looking for partners, creating contacts and assisting them for meeting with potential clients or partners. We also offer translation services.
- How do you think business cooperation between the two countries will evolve? Can you comment on the diplomatic relationship between the two countries and the common Foreign policy goals?
In the past few years, there were several visits from the Hungarian Ministers to France, which wasn’t the case before. However, we cannot comment more as it is not our job. We developed the Hungarian business in France. No question about not continuing to develop business cooperation. Nowadays, more people are trying to learn English. Still, people should learn the language of the place where they are working as it helps them better understand the culture and helps in communication skills.
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