ALX Polat Foreign Trade

ALX Polat Foreign Trade
Representative of Hungarian National Trading House (MNKH)
in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus
1
Copyright ALX Polat Dış Ticaret A.Ş. 2016
Adnan Polat
Chairman of Executive Council for Turkey - Hungary Business Council
Chairman of Board of Directors of Polat Holding
My trade relations with Hungary date
back to the year 1992. At that time, we
were organizing European sales of Ege
Seramik and we chose Hungary as our
logistics center. Hungary, which is located at
the center of Europe, has drawn my interest
not only with its location, but also with the
quality of qualified labor, know-how and the
investment opportunities it offers.
We have established ALX Polat Foreign
Trade, a 100% subsidiary company of our
Group as a partner of Hungarian National
Trading House (MNKH) in Turkey, Greece
and Cyprus. MNKH is an organization
which has been working for the purpose of
developing the foreign trade of Hungary
and in order to attract investments to
Hungary. We have a wide network in the
countries where we provide our services.
We are working in coordination with the
Embassy, Consulate General as well as
with commercial attachés of Hungary
and in coordination with the Hungarian
Investment and Promotion Agency
(HIPA). Furthermore we have the financial
supports of Hungarian Eximbank which had
recently opened a branch office in Turkey.
The
Hungarian
Government
and
municipalities offer quite significant
investment opportunities for the
investors. I certainly believe that
entrepreneurs and businessmen
should benefit from these advantages
and opportunities. I think that Hungary is
capable of exporting goods and services
on various fields including but not
limited to environmental protection,
water
management, renewable
energy, biotechnology, IT industry and
technology transfer areas. For this reason,
I am truly inviting all entrepreneurs and
brave investors to Hungary, the land of
opportunities, to make their investments.
3
Suat Karakuş
ALX Polat Foreign Trade – General Coordinator World Turkish Business Council (DTIK)- European Committee Vice President
Hungarian-Turkish Trade Chamber - President
DEIK Turkish-Hungarian Business Council – Member of Executive Committee
Having entered the market economy 26
years from now, the foreign trade volume of
Hungary today has reached 200 billion dollars,
making an important strategic and economic
partner for Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. Due to
its location at the intersection of “ground, air,
iron and water (Danube river) ways” Hungary
can be seen as a logistic hub and trade center
for companies willing to invest. Hungary has
become an attractive spot for investors due
to several reasons: the corporate tax is %10,
subsidies to some areas reach up to %50
and high quality labor can be provided at
low cost. Especially for companies willing to
market their products to Europe, Hungary is
an ideal country.
Apart from Budapest, the southern Hungarian
cities Pecs, Szigetvar and Mohac along with
the airport can attract tourism investors
to this area in terms of culture, health and
gastronomy tourism. The same applies to the
area where Balaton, Europe’s largest lake, is
located. Furthermore Hungary is a country rich
of thermal water and baths. Other potential
industries for cooperation are agriculture,
health tourism, automotive, construction,
energy, education and real estate. Trade missions, Hungarian National Trading
House (MNKH), ALX Polat Foreign Trade
(Representative of MNKH in Turkey, Greece
and Cyprus), Industrial and trade chambers,
Hungarian Eximbank and Hungarian
Investment and Promotion Agency (HIPA)
provide all necessary support to increase
the trade volume between the countries.
It is beneficial for companies willing to run
business with or invest in Hungary to contact
these organizations regularly in order to
obtain the necessary subsidies and support.
Galip Yılmaz
ALX Polat Foreign Trade General Manager
With expertise in finding trustworthy
investors and offering prosperous
partnerships on a golden platter, ALX
Polat Foreign Trade is authorized in Turkey,
Cyprus and Greece by the Hungarian
National Trading House (MNKH), the
government entity of Hungary. We create
an export market for Hungarian products
and likewise import products to Hungary,
pursuing our activities in full swing within
this framework.
Established in 2015 and with its
headquarters located in Istanbul, ALX
Polat Foreign Trade brings together
the market dominating buyers with
the reliable seller, having accurate and
credible quality-price ratios. In order
to develop trade and export, ALX Polat
Foreign Trade has commercial presence
under five offices in Turkey (Istanbul,
Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Gaziantep) and
offices in Athens, Greece and Nicosia,
Cyprus. With our expert team and
sectoral experience, our main
objective is to diversify and improve
foreign economic relations of
Hungary by taking advantage of
undiscovered opportunities and
synergies. Our mission is to improve
commercial affairs and smooth the way
for Hungarian companies doing business
in these markets. We help investors
wishing to make business with Hungarian
companies by informing them about the
investment opportunities in Hungary and
guiding them in their investments.
I am glad to announce that we will
endeavor our best efforts in order to
support and share our experience with
investors and entrepreneurs.
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Polat Holding
Energy
Having implemented various rewarding
investments in real estate and energy
sectors in Turkey, Polat Holding
encompasses numerous companies such
as Polat Energy, AP Energy and AP Real
Estate within its bodily constitution. As
per the foreign trade industry, ALX Polat
Foreign Trade facilitates under the Polat
Holding constitution. The primary principle
of Polat Holding is to provide value in all
areas by placing social benefits at the
heart of all of its projects and to realize its
responsibilities without sacrificing quality,
justness and trust.
Established by Adnan Polat, Adnan Polat
Enerji Yatırım A.Ş. operates in producing
energy from renewable energy sources and
developing energy projects. Polat Enerji
Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. was founded in the
year 2000 and focused mainly on wind
energy which is known as the biggest energy
potential of Turkey, producing several wind
energy centers in the country. Polat Enerji
has 643 MW installed power in total and
is the largest wind investor of Turkey with
its highest installed power. Polat Enerji
owns approximately 12% of the installed
wind energy capacity of Turkey and in 2008
became a partner of EDF Energies Nouvelles,
one of the largest companies throughout
the world in the field of renewable
energy production. The renewable energy
investments, representing the philosophy
of Polat Enerji to leave a sustainable living
environment for the next generations,
provide great contribution to the
development of the Turkish economy and
employment rates. The investments also
protect the environment by decreasing the
greenhouse gas emissions.
Construction and Real Estate
As Polat Energy enriches Turkey day by
day with even larger wind energy centers,
Polat Holding furthermore undertakes
the largest urban transformation project
in Turkey – Piyalepaşa Istanbul – within
its construction industry. With its 800
million dollar investment, Piyalepaşa
Istanbul is located in Beyoğlu, the heart
of Istanbul. The project is named as the
largest urban transformation project in
Turkey undertaken by the private sector
and includes residences, hotels, offices
and a shopping avenue. Currently the
residences are at the stage of sale and
the project is aimed to be completed by
2018.
With its innovative vision, AP Real Estate
aims to produce new projects in the
Turkish construction industry and aims
to introduce the newest technologies
to Turkish architecture. Presenting its
first office project - Kağıthane Polat
Office - to the business world, AP Real
Estate continues its investments with its
two diverse projects located in Istanbul
(Göztepe and Akatlar).
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Contents
ALX POLAT FOREIGN TRADE SERVICES
10
VISION AND MISSION
14
PARTNERS & SYNERGIES
18
INTRODUCING HUNGARIAN NATIONAL TRADING HOUSE (MNKH)
20
HUNGARIAN INVESTMENT PROMOTION AGENCY (HIPA)
24
SUBSIDIES FOR INVESTMENT PROJECTS IN HUNGARY
28
HUNGARIAN EXIMBANK
31
HUNGARIAN TOURISM LTD. AND TOURISM IN HUNGARY
32
HUNGARIAN CULTURAL CENTER
36
CONTACT US
40
HUNGARY
42
TURKEY
44
GREECE
46
CYPRUS
48
9
Introduction of ALX Polat Foreign
Trade services
ALX Polat Foreign Trade offers a wide range of
services aiming to meet the needs of Hungarian
and foreign operators looking for starting or
consolidating economic relationships.
All-inclusive management of export processes. Through
the one-window system we follow the complete trade
transaction, minimizing the risks and potential difficulties
during the transaction. Our services include the specific
search for business partners, from ensuring financing
options to transporting.
Searching for business partners. Our database consists
of various export compatible Hungarian enterprises from
several industries. Each of these enterprises is controlled,
so for the incoming demands we are able to offer our
partners abroad companies providing high-quality
products and services with a guarantee.
Targeted meetings for business people. By organizing
targeted meetings for business people and partners we
facilitate setting up direct contact and holding meetings
with Hungarian business people. These meetings can be
linked to exhibitions, visits of business delegations in
Hungary or abroad as supporting events.
Ensuring flexible financing opportunities. We help our
partners find the most favorable financial conditions, both
for their trade and investment plans.
Integration of goods base. Due to its integrative role, ALX
Polat Foreign Trade joins the capacity of the enterprises
working in the same sector, therefore creating a base of
goods that can fulfill large-scale demand.
Competitive logistics solutions. In case of road, water or
air transport we offer competitive and reliable solutions
to our partners.
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ALX Polat Foreign Trade services for
potential buyers interested in Hungarian
products and services and likewise
importing products to Hungary
• One stop shop system
• Identification of potential Hungarian suppliers
• Company information, references on suppliers
• Facilitation of the communication
• Match making and organization of B2B meetings
• Collection and consolidation of the Hungarian offers
• Site visits at the Hungarian companies
• B2B meetings with Hungarian Partners
• Freight optimization
• Elaboration of credit schemes
ALX Polat Foreign Trade services
for Hungarian exporters
• General market analysis and personal counseling related to market
access.
• Product focused market studies.
• Exploration of the local administrative and financial burdens and
proposals for the optimal market entry.
• Identification of distribution channels and company information on
potential buyers.
• Match making and organization of B2B meetings
• Tailor made sales presentation from the planning up to the
realization.
• Identification of the relevant promotional events and forums.
• Local assistance for trade fairs participation.
• Market monitoring
• Collaboration with local experts (legal, financial, interpreters etc.)
• Elaboration of credit schemes
• Freight optimization
• Advisory activity on marketing and PR material
• Utilization of ALX Polat Foreign Trade infrastructure (prestigious
offices etc.) for company meetings.
ALX Polat Foreign
Trade services for
potential investors
• General information on
the business environment,
taxation, wages, legal
requirements etc.
• Identification of available
subsidies for the project
• Assistance during the site
selection procedure
• Organization of B2B
meetings with site owners,
local service providers,
employment and training
centers etc.
• Identification of Hungarian
suppliers, subcontractors
potentially linked to the
project.
• B2B meetings with Hungarian
partners
• Mapping Hungarian
companies interested to
attract foreign participation
(J/V, capital increase etc.)
• Due diligence for potential
buyers
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Vision:
With the quality of products and services
provided in the foreign trade field, the
vision of ALX Polat Foreign Trade is to
operate as one of the most preferred and
reputable Foreign Trade companies in the
surrounding region.
Mission:
Its mission is to provide the best
services to companies in these markets
by extensively analyzing the need for
products and services in this region.
Furthermore, ALX Polat Foreign Trade’s
mission is to have an established service
network that relies on sustainable,
trustworthy sources and relations.
ALX Polat Foreign Trade believes that
traditionally excellent political relations
and an encouraging economic situation
create a solid base for new business
opportunities. Its priority is to attract new
enterprises that are potentially ready
to cross the national borders with their
products and services to the international
commercial activity.
Market potential
Potential sectors in Hungary:
• Agricultural and Food industry
• Healthcare and Biotechnology
• Electronics Industry
• Mechanical Engineering
• Waste Management
• Human Services
• Info-Communication (ICT)
• Smart City
• Water Management
• Real Estate
• Tourism
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Main Hungarian
export items
• Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical
equipment
• Vehicles and associated transport equipment
• Products of the chemical or allied industries
• Plastics, rubber and articles thereof
• Base metals and articles of base metal
• Prepared foodstuffs; beverages; tobacco
• Optical, medical and measuring instruments;
watches
• Miscellaneous manufactured articles
• Vegetable products
• Mineral products
• Live animals, animal products
• Articles of stone, plaster, cement; ceramic
products; glassware
• Textiles and textile articles
• Materials and products of paper industry
• Wood, articles of wood; basketware; charcoal; cork
• Animal or vegetable fats, oils and waxes
• Raw hides and skins, leather, fur skins and articles
thereof
• Footwear, headgear and accessories of fashion
• Pearls, precious stones and metals; jewelries; coins
• Arms and ammunition
• Works of art, collectors’ pieces and antiques
Main Hungarian import items
• Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical
equipment
• Vehicles and associated transport equipment
• Products of the chemical or allied industries
• Mineral products
• Base metals and articles of base metal
• Plastics, rubber and articles thereof
• Prepared foodstuffs; beverages; tobacco
• Textiles and textile articles
• Optical, medical and measuring instruments; watches
• Miscellaneous manufactured articles
• Materials and products of paper industry
• Vegetable products
• Live animals, animal products
• Articles of stone, plaster, cement; ceramic products;
glassware
• Wood, articles of wood; basketware; charcoal; cork
• Footwear, headgear and accessories of fashion
• Raw hides and skins, leather, fur skins and articles thereof
• Animal or vegetable fats, oils and waxes
• Pearls, precious stones and metals; jewelries; coins
• Arms and ammunition
• Works of art, collectors’ pieces and antiques
Source: Hungarian Statistical Office (2015)
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PARTNERS &
SYNERGIES
We are in close
collaboration with the
following organizations in
the below markets:
Hungary
• Hungarian Investment Promotion
Agency (HIPA)
• Hungarian National Trading House (MNKH)
• Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (MKIK)
• Hungarian Export Import Bank (EXIM)
• Hungarian Tourism Company (MT Zrt.)
• Embassies, Commercial sections in
Hungary and in respective countries
• Honorary Consulates
• Turkish business community
• Hungarian-Turkish Businessmen
Association
Turkey
• The Union of Chambers and Commodity
Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)
• Foreign Economic Relations Board of
Turkey (DEIK)
• Turkish Industry & Businessmen
Association(TÜSİAD)
• Independent Industrialists’ and
Businessmen’s Association (MÜSİAD)
• Hungarian Embassy, Consulate and trade
mission
• Hungarian Exim Bank İstanbul Branch
Greece
• Embassies and commercial attachés
• Professional chambers in related
prefectures
• Business associations
• Investment funds (institutional,
private, other)
• Enterprise Greece invest & trade
• Hellenic Republic Asset Development
Fund (HRADF)
• Ministries
• Municipalities
Cyprus
• Ministry of Energy, Commerce,
Industry and Tourism (MECIT)
• Professional chambers
• Business associations
• Investment funds (institutional,
private, other)
• Municipalities
• PR opinion makers, press
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INTRODUCING
HUNGARIAN NATIONAL
TRADING HOUSE
(MNKH)
High quality
pro d uc t s a n d
services from Linking supply
Hungary
and demand
Hungarian enterprises
offer high quality products
and services in several
industries offering excellent
value for money that are
competitive globally as well.
The aim of the Hungarian
National Trading House
(MNKH) Cls. is to support
enter p r i s e s t h a t a r e
capable of exporting in
finding adequate business
partners in the international
markets. Furthermore, they
provide state guarantee
to their partners in order
to facilitate smooth trade
activities that are mutually
beneficial for both parties.
Recently, we expanded our
commercial presence to
almost 40 countries of four
continents. Our strategic
objective includes the
opening of further trading
houses in the Carpathian
Basin and expansion within
the framework of the
policy entitled Opening
to the South in the South
American region as well.
Our activities are based
on two main pillars. On
the one hand, assisted by
our experts and extensive
contacts we continuously
search for Hungarian
enterprises that could be
competitive in external
markets as well. On the
other hand, with the help
of our local trade houses
established in the
target countries we
assess the demand of the
given market and explore
the potential business
opportunities interesting
from the point of view of
the Hungarian companies.
In recent years our priority
was to help small and middle
sized domestic enterprises
that established innovative
technologies and achieved
great results in the area of
research and development
to enter external markets
an d c o n s e q u e n t l y t o
support the export of
Hungarian know-how.
21
Services to
facilitate export
We search for potential
business partners on the
foreign markets for our
Hungarian partners and
offer a single point-ofcontact service supporting
the complete process of the
export activity. We possess a
unique database of Hungarian
SMEs producing high quality
products and services
which are compatible on
the international markets,
as well as help to create
valuable business relationships
between our Hungarian and
foreign partners.
“Hungarian National
Trading House
(MNKH) provides
state guarantee to
their partners in
order to facilitate
smooth trade
activities that are
mutually beneficial
for both parties.”
23
Hungarian Investment
Promotion Agency (HIPA)
The Hungarian Investment Promotion
Agency (HIPA) is the professional
government organisation with the
goal to promote investments in
Hungary, which operates under
the supervision of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade. Through
its extensive network of contacts
in the public and private sectors,
HIPA provides foreign investors
with high-quality support for critical
investment decisions, and a wealth
of supplementary services. HIPA
provides information in a one-stop
shop system about the Hungarian
busines s e n v i r o n m e nt , t he
domestically-financed, European
Union co-financed programs and
funding opportunities. HIPA is
here to help you through the whole
investment process, from start to
finish, through a one-stop shop
service model, free of charge.
The Agency offers its project
management services tailored
to meet the specific needs of
companies. Within this framework, it
recommends investment locations,
organises site and reference visits,
B2B events and meetings with
experts. Upon request it helps to
identify and find suppliers and offers
to put together a list of experts.
HIPA is actively involved in the
preparation of government support
of investments.
HIPA also organises events to
promote international investment
and welcomes business delegations.
It handles its own project portfolio
(the Hungarian Investment Projects –
HIP), that contains projects certified
by experts that are awaiting foreign
capital input. It promotes the reinvestment by companies already
present in Hungary.
25
HIPA from Start to Finish
Before Making Your
Decision …
• We offer you a one-stop-shop consultancy
service to address your requests related to
the public sector (including administrative
processes, labour market needs, etc.)
• We provide you with tailor-made information
packages on the business environment,
labour market, incentives, etc.
• We assist you with location search and
evaluation
• We organize site visits and show you available
office spaces and possible locations for
green or brown filed investments
• We familiarize you with the Hungarian market
and give you the chance to get first-hand
information from the leaders of foreign
companies already located in Hungary
• We schedule meetings with HR and real
estate agencies, law firms and other
consultants, taking your needs into account
• We assist you with your incentive application
We offer you our
after-care services
• We welcome your feedback about the
business environment in Hungary and, based
on your input, we mediate between the
government and businesses
• We support your further expansion and plans
We are proud
of our Received
Awards
Through its work HIPA contributes
to the fact that FDI Magazine
belonging to the Financial Times
Group, has chosen Budapest, the
capital of Hungary, as the most
attractive city in terms of foreign
direct investment in Eastern
Europe in 2014-2015.
HIPA played an active role
to receive an international
recognition of The Conway
group, which has released
a publication titled “The
Wo r l d ’s M o s t C o m p e t i t i ve
Cities 2015”. Budapest was
the most attractive city of the
Eastern European and Central
Asian region in the field of
t h e a u t o m o t i ve i n d u s t r y,
mechanical engineering,
l i fe s c i e n c e s , m e t a l l u r g y,
power engineering,
transportation and logistics.
In addition, it shared first
place in the sectors of
I n f o r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g y
and Communications and
achieved second place in
the field of business and
financial services.
27
Subsidies for investment
projects in Hungary
The Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency
(HIPA) supports investments with a onestop-shop service. As part of the support
package, HIPA undertakes all-inclusive
project management for projects granted
direct cash subsidies (EKD) by a discretionary
government decision, and provides VIP
treatment and comprehensive information
about other subsidies available.
Maximum regional aid intensity
The Hungarian Government, through HIPA
as intermediary, offers wide range of
investment incentives in order to assist you
with a prosperous investment in Hungary.
1. Cash grants:
• Subsidy with Individual Government
Decision (EKD)
1. • EU co-financed tenders
2. Development tax allowance
3. Training subsidy
4. Workshop establishment aid
5. Social tax allowance
6. Job creation subsidy
Subsidy for large investment projects is also subject to an adjusted
regional aid ceiling, on the basis of the following scale:
Eligible expenditure
Adjusted aid ceiling
Up to EUR 50M
100 % of regional ceiling
For part between EUR 50-100M
50 % of regional ceiling
For part exceeding EUR 100M
34 % of regional ceiling
Subsidies
Form
Amount of
the subsidy
Condition
Application
Subsidy with
Individual
Government
Decision (EKD)
cash, nonrefundable,
post-financed
decided individually by the
Hungarian Governmen
Asset investment:
• min. EUR 20 M investment volume, and 100 new jobs in
the following counties: Fejér, Komárom-Esztergom and
Győr-Moson-Sopron
• min. EUR 10 M investment volume , and 50 new jobs in the
following regions: Northern Hungary, Northern Great Plain,
Southern Great Plain, Southern Transdanubia and in the
following counties: Veszprém, Zala and Vas
• min. EUR 20 M investment volume, and 100 new jobs in
case of starting investments undertaking new economic
activities implemented by large enterprises in the
preferred areas of Central Hungarian region (in case of
SME’s capacity expanding can also be eligible)
• min. EUR 5 M investment volume, and 100 new jobs in
case of starting investments undertaking new economic
activities implemented in the following regions: Northern
Hungary, Northern Great Plain, Southern Great Plain,
Southern Transdanubia and in the following counties:
Veszprém, Zala and Vas
„request list” containing
core investment data
submitted to HIPA
Job creation:
• min. EUR 10 M investment volume
• in Northern Hungary, Northern Great Plain, Southern Great
Plain, Southern Transdanubia and Veszprém, Zala, Vas
counties: min. 50 employees
• in Fejér, Komárom-Esztergom and Győr-Moson-Sopron
counties : min. 100 employees
Creation or expansion of Regional Shared Service Centers:
• min. 50 new jobs in every region of Hungary that can be
subsidized
EU co-financed
tenders
cash, nonrefundable,
post-financed
specified by the tender
specified by the tender
specified by the tender
Development tax
allowance
tax allowance
following the
completion of the
investment
exemption for 80% of
the corporate tax payable
for 10 years following
the fulfillment of the
investment
Depending on the created workplaces, on the volume of the
investment and on wage cost growth
request should be
submitted to the
Ministry of National
Economy
Training subsidy
cash, nonrefundable,
post-financed
50-70% of eligible
training costs
min. 50 new jobs
letter of intent needs
to be submitted to the
relevant minister
Workshop
establishment
aid
cash, nonrefundable,
post-financed
max.73% of eligible costs
min. 50 employees with student contract (available only for large
enterprises)
letter of intent needs
to be submitted to the
relevant minister
Social tax
allowance
tax allowance
The social tax is either
0% or 12,5% or 14%
depending on the type
of labour group (instead
of 27%)
The tax allowance can be granted for prioritized groups up to
gross wage of HUF 100 000 for researchers and developers with
PhD up to gross wage of HUF 500 000 for PhD students up to
gross wage of HUF 200 000
The claim of the
allowance is to be
indicated in the tax
documentation
Job creation
subsidy
cash, nonrefundable,
post-financed
decided individually by the
Hungarian Government
Granted Subsidy with Individual Government Decision, min. 250
new jobs, investment in a disadvantaged area
letter of intent needs
to be submitted to the
relevant ministry
29
EU co-financed tenders
In the 7-year financial period of the European
Union between 2014 and 2020 Hungary will
be entitled to approximately EUR 40 billion
of financial source.
Generally it can be said that this period will
be characterized by the followings:
• 60 % of the sources granted by the
European Union will be spent on
economic development (instead of
the 20 % allocated in the previous
period)
• the support of the SMEs, R&D and
rural development will be more
pronounced
EU funds are available for a number
of development goals, like asset
acquisition, infrastructural development,
new construction, renovation, service
development, job creation and financing
human resources costs.
Hungarian
Eximbank
The Hungarian Export-Import Bank Plc. and
the Hungarian Export Credit Insurance
Company Plc. (hereinafter referred
to as “EXIM”) is a state owned financial
institution, established in 1994. EXIM is
designed to provide foreign trade products and export
insurance in line with Hungary’s Foreign Trade Strategy,
by providing pre-shipment and post-shipment
financing and export credit facilities, in support of
export activities of Hungarian enterprises.
Introduction of Eximbank’s
Representative Office in
Istanbul
The representative office of Hungarian EXIM in Istanbul
has opened on October 2015. The objective of EXIM’s
representative office is to support Hungarian export
transactions to Turkey as the destination market,
and provide financing to Turkish companies with
their investment activities in Hungary. The Istanbul
representative office also aims to attract Turkish
corporations to invest in Hungary utilizing Eximbank’s short
to medium-long term product range with very competitive
interest rates. The opening and the presence of Hungarian
Eximbank’s representative office on the Turkish financial
market will greatly contribute to the strengthening of
economic and trade relations between the two countries.
The Hungarian government, while continuing to develop its
existing foreign economic relations, is also pursuing
a foreign economic policy and accords greater
priority to the financing activities of Hungarian
EXIM. Hungary’s foreign trade relations beyond the
European Union require EXIM to strengthen its ties
with partner institutions, and to actively support the
economic relations between the Hungarian exporters
and their foreign partners. To this end, in keeping with
the policy of “opening to the East and South,” EXIM is
building a network of foreign representative offices
to enable as many Hungarian exporters as possible in
gaining access to funds that serve to promote export
activities in the region.
31
HUNGARIAN TOURISM LTD.
AND TOURISM IN HUNGARY
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. is a stateowned national tourism marketing
organization managed by the
Ministry of National Economy. The
aim of its activities is increasing
the d em an d for H u n ga ri a n
tourism by promoting inbound
and domestic travels in order to
enhance the development of the
tourism industry. The company
plays an active role in improving the
business results of local service
providers in tourism and would like
to contribute to raise the prestige
of the tourism profession by means
of its activities. From 2012 the
organization is also responsible
for marketing the products and
services of the agricultural industry,
because high quality Hungarian
products, Hungaricums, gastronomy
and tourism attractions can be
promoted more efficiently together.
The primary aspect of the national
tourism marketing activity is
the achievement of business
objectives, i.e. increasing the
number of guest nights and the
tourist spending. In addition to
the budget provided from state
resources, external funding is also
involved in financing the effective
marketing activity. It is carried out
by means of the close cooperation
with the players of the travel
trade, conducting joint actions
and campaigns, by sharing the
costs, along common interests.
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. carries
out marketing activities in 37
countries promoting Hungary as
an attractive travel destination and
offers its partners the opportunity
to join in a number of actions.
The main professional tasks
of Hungarian Tourism Ltd.
are consumer marketing
communi ca ti o ns a nd tra vel
tra d e s a l e s p r o m o t i o n . A n
emphasized part of the latter
is the business tourism (MICE)
activity. The consumer marketing
communication, i.e. the direct
addressing of potential tourists
is typically carried out in the
framework of the central marketing
activity, in the course of which the
company conducts campaigns both
in Hungary and abroad. The sales
promotion means all activities
aiming tour operators. These
include the professional lectures,
presentations, exhibitions, travel
trade events and study tours.
The travel trade promotion
activities of Hungarian Tourism
Ltd. include the TDM coordination
(cooperation
with
Tourism
De s t i n a t i o n
Management
Organizations), research activities,
the coordination of Tourinform
offices, the operation of the
Contact Centre as well as the
promotional communication activity
concerning the SZÉP-card (a
holiday card), various trademarks
and quality awards.
33
Tourism in Hungary
With more than 17 million foreign tourists a year,
tourism plays a significant role in Hungary’s
economy. It contributes 9.4% to Hungary’s
GDP and more than 12% of jobs are connected
with the tourism industry directly or indirectly.
Hungary has become one of Europe’s most
popular travel destinations. Among the major
European destinations in international tourism,
Hungary posted the highest growth in the
number of international tourist arrivals in the
first three quarters of 2015. According to the
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report
for December 2015 (World Tourism Barometer),
the number of international tourist arrivals
grew by 4,4% in the world, 5,1% in Europe, 6,6%
in the Central and Eastern European region, and
19.1% in Hungary. This is over four times more
than the world average, over three times the
European average and almost three times the
regional average.
Tourism keeps growing uninterrupted for the
5th consecutive year now and 2015 was again
a record-breaking year. Tourism traffic was
higher in each region; the number of arrivals
and tourism nights grew by 7.4 % and 5.4 %
respectively. Revenues at accommodation
establishments soared by 10 % year-on-year,
above the high base of 2014, another year
of record highs. The Ministry for National
Economy’s main tourism objectives have all
been surpassed: the number of arrivals was
above 10 million, the number of tourism nights
was above 25 million and revenues totaled more
than HUF 360bn.
Hungarian tourism’s recent record results are not merely figures: the
country’s popularity is due to the openness of the people who live here,
its traditions, the quality of its infrastructure and its natural features.
Hungary, in the heart of Europe, is a safe, relaxed, clean, welcoming
and popular destination, where it is a real joy, a true experience to be
a tourist. Hungarian Tourism Ltd.’s strategic aim is to create an image
of the country which focuses on national assets and traditions while
incorporating these into tourist attractions in a modern sense and
showing Hungary as a tourist destination that appeals to people of all
ages and target groups fits the needs of tourists well.
35
HUNGARIAN
CULTURAL CENTER
The
Hungarian
Cultural
Center (HCC) aims to bring
the greatest achievements
in Hungarian art, culture and
academics to international
attention while encouraging
collaborations
between
Hungarians and the local
community in Turkey. Dedicated
to enhancing knowledge and
appreciation of Hungarian
culture, the Hungarian Cultural
Center organizes and supports
a wide spectrum of innovative
programs
to
promote
Hungarian culture and artists.
Hungarian culture was first
represented in the Ottoman
Empire by the Hungarian
Scientific Institute Istanbul,
opened in 1916. Even though
it quickly closed by the end of
WWI, we are proudly celebrating
the 100th anniversary of our
institutional cultural relations
in 2016.
Today’s Hungarian Cultural
Center in Istanbul opened its
doors in 2013 and managed to
dive into Istanbul’s vigorous
cultural life by organizing
numerous
concerts,
art
exhibitions,
conferences,
language courses, workshops,
film screenings and forming a
forum for people and ideas. We
are aiming to add a Hungarian
taste to the multicultural world
of Istanbul and Anatolia as a
whole both within bilateral and
multinational projects.
37
We put a special emphasis on commemorating the
Hungarians who lived and worked in Turkey as well
as researching their work and taking care of their
memorials. Our wide range of cultural events both
targets the Hungarian diaspora and all other residents
of Turkey who are interested in our country and culture.
The website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages
of the Istanbul Hungarian Cultural Center gives upto-date information about our programs, news, photo
albums and useful links about local cultural events as
well as topical issues and articles about Hungary.
www.balassiintezet.hu/en
39
Contact Us
Istanbul Head Office
Polat Ofis İmrahor Cad. No:23 B Blok
Kat:2 34400 Kağıthane
Istanbul
T.: +90 212 210 30 61-62
HUNGARY
F: +90 212 210 30 64
Budapest Office
info@alx.com.tr
H-1051 Budapest, Sas utca 10-12. 4th
floor
T: +36-1-909-1043
TURKEY
info@alxkft.com
Ankara Office
Ehlibeyt Mah. Ceyhun Atıf Kansu Cad.
Balgat Ata Plaza A Blok-100
No:2 Kat:3 Çankaya / ANKARA
T: +90 312 473 00 83
info@alx.com.tr
GREECE
Athens Office
Athens, 38 Vasileos Konstantinou ave.,
6th floor
11635 Athens
T: +30 210 722 0150-1
Izmir Office
Bayraklı Tower Kat:10 D:68
F: +30 210 722 0152
info@alx.com.gr
Bayraklı / İzmir
T: +90 232 502 14 30
F: +90 232 502 14 29
info@alx.com.tr
CYPRUS
T: +30 210 722 0150-1
F: +30 210 722 0152
Gaziantep Office
İncilipinar Mah. Nişantaşi Sk.
Cazibe İş Merkezi No:13 D:1301
Şehitkamil / Gaziantep
T: +90 342 215 33 76
F: +90 342 215 33 77
info@alx.com.tr
Bursa Office
Odunluk Mah. Liman Cad. Bina No:17
Kat:3 No:44 Nilüfer / BURSA
T: +90 224 451 64 68
info@alx.com.tr
41
HUNGARY
P O P U L AT I O N
9,949,000 (2015)
N AT I O N A L C U R R E N C Y
Forint (HUF)
AREA
93,030 km2
C A P I TA L ( p o p u l a t i o n )
Budapest
(1,754,000 as of 2015)
OT H E R M A J O R C I T I E S
Debrecen, Szeged,
Miskolc, Pécs, Győr
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Hungarian
GDP
257 billion $ (2015)
I N F L AT I O N
0.1% (2015)
M E M B E R S H I P I N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
O R G A N I S AT I O N S
EU (since 2004), UN, OECD, WTO,
NATO, IMF, EC, IMO, Council of
Europe
43
TURKEY
P O P U L AT I O N
77,695,904 (2015)
N AT I O N A L C U R R E N C Y
Tu r k i s h L i r a ( T R Y )
AREA
783,562 km2
C A P I TA L
Ankara
LARGEST CITY
Istanbul
OT H E R M A J O R C I T I E S
Izmir, Bursa, Adana,
Gaziantep, Konya
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Turkish
GDP
1.576 trillion $ (2015)
I N F L AT I O N
7.14% (2015)
M E M B E R S H I P I N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
O R G A N I S AT I O N S
UN, OECD, NATO, IMF, WTO, OIC,
OSCE, ECO, BSEC, D-8, G-20, ACD,
IMO, Council of Europe
45
GREECE
P O P U L AT I O N
10,775,643 (2015)
N AT I O N A L C U R R E N C Y
Euro (EUR)
AREA
131,957 km2
C A P I TA L
Athens
OT H E R M A J O R C I T I E S
Thessaloniki, Patras,
Heraklion, Larissa, Volos,
Rhodes
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Greek
GDP
281.6 billion $ (2015)
I N F L AT I O N
-0.4% (2015)
M E M B E R S H I P I N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
O R G A N I S AT I O N S
EU (since 1981), UN, OSCE, NATO,
OECD, Council of Europe, BSEC,
IMO, OSCE, WTO, IMF, EC
47
CYPRUS
P O P U L AT I O N
1,189,197 (2015)
N AT I O N A L C U R R E N C Y
Euro (EUR)
AREA
(Gi
9,251 km2
(Lefkosia)
C A P I TA L
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
OT H E R M A J O R C I T I E S
Limassol, Larnaca,
Paphos, Kyrenia,
Famagusta
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Greek and Turkish
GDP
27.91 billion $ (2015)
I N F L AT I O N
-2.1% (2015)
irne)
M E M B E R S H I P I N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
O R G A N I S AT I O N S
EU (since 2004), UN, WTO, IMF,
EC, IMO, OSCE, Council of Europe
49
51
ALX Polat Foreign Trade
Representative of Hungarian National Trading House (MNKH)
in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus
www.polatforeigntrade.com