Presentation of the Hungarian Chamber System   Péter Dunai Secretary General Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry   Brussels, 23rd May 2013

Main Features of the Chamber System in Hungary Re-established in 1994 by a public chamber law with compulsory membership;   Legally independent county chambers (23); National chamber with a strong coordinating activity; Changing the system in 2000, voluntary membership with the public status remaining; Latest modification of the Chamber Law in 2011; Compulsory registration from 1st January 2012; Introducing a chamber contribution.

What is the difference? The members pay membership fee and chamber contribution but they may deduct the sum of contribution from the fee;   may elect chamber officials and may be elected; may use the chamber’s services free of charge; The registered companies pay chamber contribution; may elect chamber officials (but may not be elected); are entitled to get free of charge services (advisory, business match-making, tender information);

Main Tasks of the Chamber System Representing the common interest of the economy;   Ensuring the security of the business activity; Public tasks in the field of vocational training; Developing the international trade relations; Participation in the development of the economy (Széchenyi card); Participation in the dispute resolution (arbitration, mediation and reconciliation); Providing information for the companies

Public Tasks in the Field of Vocational Training Introduction of the dual vocational training system practical training at the companies);   Chamber functions in the vocational training:   inspection of the training sites, concluding training contracts (between the students and the company), organizing grade examinations, organizing regional and national competitions in different professions, developing training materials.

Participation in the Development of the Economy Cooperation among the government, the chambers and the banking system to increase the credit facilities for the SMEs.   The Széchenyi SME Credit Card – a special financial tool: available for a wide range of SMEs,  easy understanding and fast availability,  low interest rate and state warranty,  two years expiry and very flexible using,  optimal credit facility to the SMEs.

Developing International Trade Relations County chambers: organize different events, seminars, business meetings, participate in exhibitions;   establish contacts with regional chambers of other countries; issue certificates of origin.   The national chamber:   develops the strategy of the international activity;   coordinates the trade promotion activity of the chamber system;   establishes contacts with other national chambers;   participates in international organizations (ICC, Eurochambres);   arbitrates in international affairs.

Priorities of the International Strategy To develop contacts with the EU and the businesses of the EU member countries; To develop economic relations with the neighbouring countries; To develop business relations with some other countries of high priority (Russia, China, Arabic countries); Institutional background (bilateral committees, joint chambers and business councils); Close cooperation with the Hungarian Investment and Trade Agency (HITA).

Institutional background of the international activity Brussels office, dealing with the EU-level affairs ( information, lobbying, organising events)   Joint chambers with the neighbouring countries ( Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Ukraine, Slovakia) Bilateral Committees = with neighbouring countries (Romania, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia) = with other countries ( Russia, China, Arabic countries, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Western-Balkan)   Carpathian-Region Business Network (11 offices in the neighbouring countries, alongside the border) Participation in the establishment of a Trading House Company dealing with „Eastern Markets”

Financial Background of the Chambers (2012)   Membership fees EUR 3 – 3.5 million (92% - 8%) Chamber contribution EUR 6.5 – 7 million (90% - 10%) Financial resource for the vocational training EUR 10 million State budget subsidy for the reconciliation bodies EUR 1.3 million (97% - 3%) Income from issuing certificates EUR 1.3 million (98% - 2%) State budget subsidy for the public tasks EUR 2.2 million Income from the arbitration EUR 3 million

Thank you for your attention!