Debrecen4U
May 15, 2026
Eastern Hungary Will Become the Engine of the Country, Says Mayor László Papp at PwC Business Forum in Debrecen
The economic development of Eastern Hungary, its growth opportunities and regional cooperation were at the centre of the business forum organised by PwC, one of the world’s leading financial and economic consultancy firms. The event brought together leading mayors from the region, company representatives and economic experts to jointly consider the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Regional cooperation opportunities in business life were the central message of PwC’s third Business Forum. Eastern Hungary will become the engine of the country, and cooperation between the region’s major cities could further strengthen this role, Mayor László Papp said at the event. He also added that fifteen years ago the region lacked the ability to retain its population. Today, it can offer a future and prospects to those living in the region, while also preserving its economic diversity.
“Cooperation between our cities can further strengthen the role and significance of this region, and in this regard we are counting on you and on local Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises becoming increasingly effective participants in the value chains provided by international corporations as the basis for this economic performance,” said László Papp.
It was also stated at the forum that, according to data from the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency, between 2015 and 2025 a total of 215 investments were realised in Eastern Hungary, worth altogether EUR 21.5 billion, creating nearly 49,000 new jobs.
At the same time, experts also highlighted that one of the greatest challenges facing the region’s development will be ensuring a sufficiently skilled workforce. “I believe the issue of labour is extremely important. Such major investments are taking place in Debrecen, Nyíregyháza and Miskolc alike that they inevitably raise questions regarding the availability of skilled labour. In this regard, it is crucial to consider how educational institutions and universities can support this growth,” emphasised Tünde Kis, Director at PwC Hungary.
The conference also addressed opportunities for future economic growth. In his presentation, the President of the Hungarian Banking Association spoke about the need for a predictable environment in order to achieve growth — namely equal competitive conditions, less regulation and closer cooperation. Discussions also covered the region’s property development plans, as well as the role of small and medium-sized enterprises, innovation, the application of artificial intelligence and opportunities to increase productivity.
“You either have to develop innovative products and services yourself, or within a value creation chain you must position yourself as close as possible to where innovation itself takes place and develops. Naturally, there will be no innovation in the future without the support of artificial intelligence. One of the key aspects of productivity growth is becoming more efficient,” said Csaba Juhász, Managing Director of Harro Höfliger Hungary.
Awards were once again presented at the event this year. The Excellence Award for Business Life was presented to Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Group Plant Debrecen. The Future Company Excellence Award was received by István Herdon, President and CEO of the Xanga Group. Médiacentrum Debrecen was the event’s principal media partner.
The programme also featured a panel discussion on the directions of economic development and growth, attended by the mayors of Debrecen, Nyíregyháza and Miskolc — László Papp, Ferenc Kovács and József Tóth-Szántai. Cooperation with the new government was also discussed during the conversation. We have summarised the main points raised in that discussion in a separate article.
Source and photo credit: dehir.hu
