After 175 years, a new chapter begins in the life of the chambers of commerce

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 08. 27. 11:08

The launch of a new cross-border economic cooperation initiative and the introduction of a large-scale patronage program supporting cultural and creative industries were announced by Elek Nagy, President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the organization’s 175th anniversary event.

Elek Nagy, who announced the chamber’s renewal program last year as the newly elected president, recalled the beginnings dating back to the mid-19th century, when the first chamber of commerce and industry was founded in Sopron in Hungary in 1850, followed immediately by Bratislava and Pest-Buda, and then the chamber system was launched throughout the country. After 175 years, the goal is still the same: to strengthen the economy, help businesses, and respond to the challenges of the future.

On the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the existence of the chamber system, the MKIK, in cooperation with the Hungarian National Bank, is issuing a commemorative commemorative coin with a face value of 175 HUF. The special feature of the limited edition coin celebrating the self-organization of the Hungarian economy is that it is also valid in commercial circulation.

It was announced that with the support of Eurochambres, the European Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, it will be possible to form new Border Committees, the aim of which is to alleviate tensions arising from the free movement of labor, strengthen economic relations, and reduce infrastructural and legal obstacles.

“The joint program will pay special attention to the development of transport infrastructure and support for labor market integration in Hungarian-Austrian relations. This is of paramount importance in this region,”

added Imre Pintér-Péntek, General Vice President of MKIK, President of the Győr-Moson-Sopron County Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Chamber and the Hungarian Academy of Arts are launching a national patronage program in cooperation with the aim of strengthening social responsibility, connecting the entrepreneurial sphere and cultural life, strengthening the creative industry, and supporting young artists and creators.

“The meeting of the economic sphere and art creates special value in society. Through the partnership, artists can reach a wider audience, work with a more secure financial background and an inspiring professional environment. Cooperation is not only a meeting of two worlds, but also the building of bridges: the flow of values, thoughts and experiences between the economy and culture”

– emphasized Attila Turi, President of the Hungarian Academy of Arts.