Debrecen4U
November 6, 2025
German-Hungarian Business Forum: Debrecen is a magnet for entrepreneurs
“Changing economy—shaping the future together” was the motto of the first German-Hungarian business forum held on Wednesday. Economic and geopolitical challenges around the world are shaping the day-to-day operations of companies.
Adapting to these challenges is crucial for all economic players, including Hungarian manufacturers and suppliers. These issues were also discussed at a panel discussion attended by senior executives from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes.
Economic and geopolitical challenges are shaping the day-to-day operations of companies around the world. Adapting to this is crucial for all economic players, including Hungarian manufacturers and suppliers.
Serial production began a few weeks ago at the BMW Group Plant Debrecen. This was also the central topic of Wednesday’s German-Hungarian business forum.
Barbara Zollmann, CEO of the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said that Debrecen attracts businesspeople like a magnet, as this forum clearly demonstrates. In her opinion, this event is taking place at a historic moment and in a symbolic location, fulfilling Debrecen’s long-cherished desire to become Hungary’s new economic center. With the opening of the BMW factory five weeks ago, this has become a reality, and we all know that a large e-mobility cluster has been built around the factory with numerous German and Asian investors.
Mayor László Papp emphasized that the goal is to create a healthy, diversified economic structure. Since 2015, 13 German companies have invested in or implemented significant expansion in Debrecen. These companies have created more than 8,000 jobs and invested a total of more than EUR 3.5 billion in Debrecen. “Debrecen’s economic strength, development, and international success are joint achievements. It is the result of joint work, shared beliefs, and a common vision for the future. German companies in Debrecen are not just investors, but partners. They are valuable members of our community and shapers of our future,” he said..
BMW, Audi, and Mercedes participated in a joint panel discussion at the event, and the organizers called it a historic moment that the three German premium car manufacturers appeared together. Representatives of all three companies emphasized that there is enormous competition in the market, in which China is the biggest competitor. The country began the transition to electromobility years ago.
“Looking westward, towards Europe, we are in the middle of a huge debate about what this transformation will be like. Is electromobility good? Is it worth considering? The fact is, in our opinion, that we will use electric drives in the future, but the transition will not go as fast as we thought five years ago,” Michael Breme, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Audi Hungaria Zrt., said.
Geopolitical challenges were also on the agenda at the panel discussion. The result of restrictions and tariffs is that products become more expensive, which is ultimately paid for by customers. “Something needs to happen here, above all in the regulatory environment. We need to take action here; the position on our part and mine is completely clear so that markets are open and trade is free. These tariffs and trade barriers, which my colleague spoke about, in my opinion, are holding back innovation,” Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Hungary Kft., pointed out.
Manufacturers are constantly trying to innovate in both technology and design. Among other topics, the legitimacy of self-driving cars was discussed, so that they can compete with Chinese companies. In addition, they are constantly striving to expand their capacities. “There are two parallel ramp-ups underway in Kecskemét, and even a factory expansion, and our plan is that from next year we will be able to produce 300 thousand vehicles annually,” Zoltán Guth, head of communications and external relations at Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Kft., said.
Professional presentations and panel discussions were held throughout the day at the German Business Forum.
More than three hundred people participated in the event, including leading economic experts from Hungary and Germany, representatives of large German and Hungarian companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
