This important event demonstrates the Hungarian Government’s determination to achieve its targets for developing bilateral economic and trade ties between the two countries. The following is an interview given to a VOV reporter by the AHEAD Indochina Managing Director in Hanoi, Istvan Lenart,

Reporter: Why does AHEAD Indochina choose Vietnam as its hub for SEA?

Mr Istvan Lenart: Vietnam is a lucrative market and is located in a geographically advantageous position in Southeast Asia. For that reason, we think we can grasp a wealth of opportunities and do good business with our Vietnamese partners. Hungarian companies consider Vietnam to be a major gateway to other markets in the region as the country has a healthy GDP growth rate.

AHEAD Indochina will become a bridge to closer cooperation between Vietnam and Hungary. For Hungarian companies, we will serve as an information provider to help them explore the Vietnamese market effectively and expand their investment opportunities. We also want to become a focal point between Vietnam and Hungary as well as EU countries since Hungary has become a member of the EU.

Reporter: As an official representative of the Hungarian Government, could you tell us about AHEAD Indochina’s future activities?

Mr Istvan Lenart: AHEAD Indochina’s main aims are to transfer technology, distribute
products, survey the requirements of Government organisations and State-run enterprises, assess the markets and help businesses from both countries to seek out appropriate partners. We can also provide financial solutions and legal and infrastructure services, and support economic development projects run by the Hungarian and Vietnamese Governments. In addition, AHEAD Indochina is also a representative and advisor to Vietnamese and Hungarian businesses that operate in a third country.

After the inauguration ceremony for AHEAD Vietnam, we realized that Vietnamese enterprises are keen on promoting cooperation with Hungarian partners and we want to act as catalyst for relations between Vietnamese and Hungarian enterprises. We are currently looking at some promising projects with Vietnam in the fields of textiles, food, information and alternative energy. In addition, AHEAD Vietnam is carrying out a number of other projects to produce Hungarian wine, protect the environment and provides educational assistance.

AHEAD Indochina is an official partner of the Hungarian Government and we also participate in Hungary’s official assistance programme. As member of the EU, Hungary wants to help developing countries like Vietnam. During last March, Hungarian Foreign Minister Goncz Kinga visited Vietnam and said that Hungary has earmarked some US$60 million to assist with Vietnam’s development and we wish to contribute to that sum.

Reporter: What will AHEAD-Indochina do to promote economic ties between Vietnam and Hungary?

Mr Istvan Lenart: We place great importance on this issue. Trade and economic relations need to be speeded up to be on par with the traditional friendly relationship. Hungarian companies are very interested in the Vietnamese market but they face difficulties in accessing and seeking investment opportunities owing to the great geographical distance. AHEAD Indochina pledges to tighten the two countries’ relationship and plans to open more representative offices in Vietnam to serve as a firm bridge for the sustainable development of Vietnamese and Hungarian enterprises.