Debrecen4U September 24, 2025

The Debrecen Chamber of Commerce and Industry was founded 175 years ago

The County Chamber of Commerce and industry celebrated the anniversary with a large-scale event. The most successful economic actors were also awarded at the event held at the university. It was stated at the event that the chamber is one of the most important supporters of local businesses: it represents interests, helps companies with advice and programs, and supports economic development.

The Debrecen organization was founded following the imperial patent of 1850, and the County Chamber of Industry was established in 1994. Today, the chamber, as a compass of the economy, helps businesses with innovative services. “To learn about everything, to act in everything that may have even the slightest connection with trade and the interests of industry. This mindset is still relevant today,” emphasized Ferenc Miklóssy, president of the Hajdú-Bihar County Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has had an important task from the beginning to help and strengthen the economy,” László Papp said. As the mayor highlighted, “The organization also plays an important role in ensuring that Debrecen businesses are the winners of the global transformation. When we look at Debrecen’s economic policy over the past 10 years, we can confidently say that our city is one of the engines of Hungarian economic growth today, and it will be even more so in the coming decades.”

“All this would not have been possible without conscious strategic planning, consistent economic policy, and reliable partners. The chamber has always been a natural partner in this partnership, the rector explained, pointing out that the stimulation of the economy is also helped by an innovative approach. According to Zoltán Szilvássy, in addition to vocational training, high-quality higher education also helps this endeavor, which is why the university is constantly in consultation with the chamber on the most important strategic issues.

“The University of Debrecen is currently the best Hungarian university in the world university rankings, based on the last three rankings. In this, it is of great significance that the University of Debrecen does not operate like any other Hungarian university but has had a triple alliance since the Middle Ages, even a quadruple one. The city, the church, industrial enterprises, and more recently, financial institutions are also included,” the rector emphasized.

The ceremony awarded those professionals who have contributed to economic development in the long term with their activities. The Sesztina Prize was awarded to the rector of the university, Zoltán Szilvássy. The jubilee event featured performances by violinist Zoltán Mága, among others. The 175-year history of the local chamber was also presented in a short film, which was produced by Médiacentrum Debrecen.

Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu