The HEBC consists of the leaders of 15 subsidiaries of foreign companies. The companies have a combined net annual revenue of some 3,500 billion forints (EUR 12.3bn) and employ about 62,000 people.

Local chief representative of GDF Suez Holding Péter Csiba told the HEBC forum that predictability and competitiveness were the main interests of investors in Hungary.

Martonyi said that the Hungarian government and foreign companies operating in the country shared the same goals including economic growth, job creation, the reduction of public debt, fiscal discipline, competitiveness and the improvement of the country's image and reputation. He underlined that despite some differences of opinion on methods, there was an agreement on the guiding principles.

Assessing the annual report of the Hungarian European Business Council, he said "At a time when the world and Europe are uncertain and unpredictable, it is especially important to provide predictability, transparency and trust."

Concerning the European crisis, he put forward that Europe has arrived at a crossroads: either European integration and thus the success story of the last 60 years terminates, or Europe recovers and continues on stronger than before. Central Europe and Hungary are interested in a unified EU succeeding in tackling the crisis, he said.

As regards Hungary's talks with the EU/IMF, Martonyi said that starting the talks this week and providing a successful outcome were important for both Europe and Hungary.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the fact that the annual report of the HEBC was not restricted to the economy and had a wider scope embracing social policy, a sign, he said, that it was looking to the future.

Source: Prime Minister's Office - kormany.hu