Local services
A press conference was held in Debrecen on Wednesday morning to mark the closing of the first phase and the opening of the second phase of the road, rail and infrastructure developments associated with the development of the Northwest Economic Zone.
Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Construction and Transport, responsible for building construction investments Zoltán Nyul said at the event that it is a great milestone to talk about the handover and continuation of such an investment. “In the past difficult period, it was important to ensure that investments that are of such economic and social benefit that they can serve our future goals do not suffer any damage,” he said, adding that the Northwest Economic Zone has seen major road and rail developments in recent years.
“This investment will improve the potential for freight transport, but it will also provide a lot for passenger transport,” Zoltán Nyul stressed. He also said that this industrial development is a textbook example of how to develop the related infrastructure to a high level, in line with the expected goals of economic development, in order to increase the future potential of the region and its economic actors and to benefit society in the long term.
Deputy general manager of MÁV Zrt. István Virág underlined: the completed facility is a huge step forward for them, the first stage of a very serious development is now completed. He pointed out that there are still a lot of steps left in the second phase, but this also gives a lot to public transport.
“Not only a factory complex and a logistics park were born here. This will also have a positive effect on transport in the suburbs of Debrecen, as a result of which our network will also function better. The state-of-the-art system has been implemented here, of which I would highlight the remote management of high-value networks. The security equipment is modern, and variable-speed heaters have been built: these are all elements that meet today’s expectations,” he explained.
Mayor of Debrecen László Papp recalled that the agreement was signed five years ago, “making history in Debrecen”. He added that despite the difficulties of recent years, “one of the most modern industrial parks in Europe has been created in the city, a BMW factory representing a new era of e-mobility is being built here, new motorway interchanges, overpasses and a rail terminal have been built, and thousands of new quality jobs have been created.” For the first time since Trianon, we have a vision of a rural metropolis capable of alleviating the country’s water shortage, the mayor underlined. László Papp also pointed out the fact that the country’s industrial and economic centre of gravity is shifting from the West to the East and having a major impact on the people living here: wages are rising, new jobs are being created, and Debrecen is gaining momentum.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said that despite the economy being turned upside down, the revolutionary transformation of the automotive industry has not been halted.
The minister pointed out that the electric car industry continues to build up incredible momentum. It is a foregone conclusion that the automotive industry will be electric, but it is also a necessity, as transport is responsible for 20% of global emissions, including 70% from road transport.
Hungary has become one of the global leaders in transforming the electric car industry, and Debrecen has become one of the centres of the electric car industry.
The minister also pointed out that BMW is bringing the focus of its future electromobility strategy to Debrecen, and Europe’s largest electric battery factory is also being built here. The government has decided to create a major railway development in Debrecen, which we have divided into two phases, with a total investment of HUF 130 billion. The Debrecen-Füzesabony line and the Debrecen-Balmazújváros line will be renewed. Stations will be upgraded, the railway line will be electrified, and new stations and sidings will be built. As a result, a direct link has been established between the Northwestern Economic Zone and the main rail transport lines.
The first phase has been completed, the first HUF 65 billion investment can now be handed over, and the second phase of the same amount will be launched, the minister stressed. He also said that the development will create one of the most important industrial intermodal terminals in Eastern Europe.
He said that the new logistics centre would enable BMW’s plant to be fully serviced by motorway and rail.
The Northwestern Economic Zone is the site of a HUF 1,000 billion investment by companies. The government is continuously fulfilling the commitments it has made to BMW, and we are also continuing the developments that will improve the living conditions of the people living here.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
