MKIK Vice President: Economic challenges must be turned into opportunities

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 28. 11:20

The role of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK) is to turn economic challenges into opportunities for entrepreneurs, said the Vice President of MKIK at the opening ceremony of the 18th Szakma Sztár Festival on Monday at the Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center.

Imre Pintér-Péntek, Vice President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK), speaking at the opening ceremony of the 18th Szakma Sztár Festival at the Hungexpo Congress Center on April 28, 2025. Photo: MTI/Zoltán Máthé

According to Imre Pintér-Péntek, businesses can only be successful if they adapt to changes and are prepared for emerging opportunities. He emphasized that the agreement awaiting signature between the government and the MKIK will set out tasks for the next five years, but success also requires having highly skilled professionals.

The head of the advocacy organization called the nearly 200 students competing in more than 50 trades over the two-day event the inevitable economic players of the future.

“Stars must be trained not only in football but also in trades, as the best can already consider themselves winners. Therefore, self-esteem is justified, but thanks are also due to the parents and teachers who make this wonderful goal achievable.”

– he emphasized.

According to the President of the National Chamber of Agriculture (NAK), challenges must be met with joint solutions. György Zsolt Papp highlighted that mechanization, irrigation, and the selection of modern varieties could be answers to agricultural challenges, but the Hungarian agriculture and food industries cannot be successful without well-trained professionals.

He mentioned that secondary-level agricultural education operates in 141 institutions across the country, and the students graduating from these schools will be the ones applying the innovations essential for sustainability and efficiency in practice.

He pointed out that besides droughts and other weather changes, as well as the shifts in consumer habits, Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU could pose a new challenge, as it would not only take away markets but also vital development funds needed by Hungary.

The President of NAK stressed that in this situation, it is especially important that the government provides strong support for rural development, and that agriculture remains a highly significant sector in Hungary.