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New Zealand’s relationship with Hungary is friendly and based largely on people-to-people links. New Zealand has a small community of Hungarians (around 1,400) many of whom arrived as refugees following the 1956 revolution.
Although links with Hungary are not extensive in comparison with the larger EU member states, there is a steady level of interesting bilateral projects between New Zealand and Hungary, spanning a range of areas, including education, science, investment, environment and cultural development. New Zealand visitors are warmly received in Budapest, and the growing number of business, immigration and tourism enquiries with New Zealand’s Honorary Consul in Budapest reflect further growth potential in the bilateral relationship.
One of the main bilateral issues between New Zealand and Hungary is to make progress on negotiating a bilateral Working Holiday Scheme (WHS).
New Zealand has also begun negotiations with Hungary on a social security agreement.
New Zealand is interested in developing R,S&T links with Hungary, although we currently do not have a bilateral arrangement in place. The EU-New Zealand Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, which entered into force in January 2009, should provide a framework for collaboration with the EU as well as member states and therefore facilitate the development of collaborations with Hungary. The possibility of cooperation between Universities is another area of potential interest, given that our respective research priorities seem to be a good fit.
There is potential to expand trade links and bilateral trade has grown steadily over the past years; total bilateral trade totalled NZ$65 million in the year to June 2009 with New Zealand exports to Hungary comprising NZ$10 million of that total in the same period. This marks an increase of nearly NZ$10 million in bilateral trade compared to the year before and New Zealand exports doubled in value in the same period, rising from NZ$5 million. Hungary’s position “at the heart of Europe” and highly creative workforce give it particular advantages. Hungary also sees itself as a potential investment destination for New Zealand companies.
Bio- and nano-technology are particular areas of focus. NZTE has identified trade potential in the health sector, where New Zealand’s advances in the areas of patient safety and hospital efficiency could be of interest to Hungary. More New Zealand firms are also participating in trade fairs held in Hungary, therefore increasing potential for business links to grow.
Land Area 93,030 sq km
Population 10.0 million (2009)
Capital City Budapest
Language Magyar (Hungarian)
Political system Parliamentary republic
National government Minority government led by the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP), tolerated by the Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ)
National legislature National Assembly of 386 seats with four year term; Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister; President elected by parliament for a five year term
Last election April 2006 (parliamentary); June 2005 (presidential)
Next election due April 2010 (parliamentary); June 2010 (presidential)
Head of State President Dr László Sólyom (elected June 2005)
Head of GovernmentPrime Minister Gordon Bajnai (since April 2009)
GDP US$153.8 billion
Real GDP growth 0.4 %
Exports US$106.6 billion
Main exports machinery and equipment, other manufactures, food products, Imports US$106.5 billion
Inflation 6.1 %
Unemployment 7.8%
NZ Exports (FOB) NZ$10.44million
Main Exports iron and steel products
NZ Imports (CIF) NZ$54.47million
Main Importstransmission apparatus, data processing machines, electrical apparatus
The Safe Travel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Hungary [external link].
