Debrecen4U
November 6, 2025
German-Hungarian Business Forum: Debrecen is a magnet for entrepreneurs
“Changing economy—shaping the future together.” This was the motto of the first German-Hungarian Business Forum held on Wednesday.
Economic and geopolitical challenges shape the daily operations of companies worldwide. Adapting to this is key in the lives of all economic players, including Hungarian manufacturers and suppliers. These issues were discussed, among others, during a panel discussion with senior executives from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes.
A few weeks ago, the Debrecen plant of the BMW Group, one of the most influential players in the German automotive industry, began series production. This was one of the central topics of Wednesday’s German-Hungarian Business Forum, among others.
Barbara Zollmann, CEO of the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said at the opening, “Debrecen attracts business people like a magnet, which is well proven by this forum.”
“In my opinion, this event is taking place at a historic time and in a symbolic place, Debrecen’s long-cherished desire to become the new economic center of Hungary. With the opening of the BMW plant five weeks ago, this has been realized, and we all know that a large e-mobility cluster has been built around the factory with numerous German and Asian investors,” she said.
In his speech, 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 the “cívis” city.
“Debrecen’s economic strength, development, and international successes are common results. They are the result of joint work, common faith, and a common vision. German companies in Debrecen are not just investors but partners. They are valuable members of our community and shapers of our future,” he stated.
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,” said Michael Breme, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Audi Hungaria Zrt.
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,” noted Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Hungary Kft.
Manufacturers are constantly striving to renew themselves in both technology and design. Among the topics discussed was the relevance of self-driving cars. Among other things, the topic was the viability of self-driving cars and whether they can compete with Chinese companies. In addition, they are constantly striving to expand their capacities.
“In Kecskemét we have two parallel ramp-ups underway, along with an additional plant expansion, and our plan is that from next year we will be able to produce 300,000 vehicles annually,” explained Zoltán Guth, Head of Communications and External Relations at Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Ltd.
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:dehir.hu | Phopto credit: Facebook Papp László
