To commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary and to foster scientific and technological exchange and cooperation between the two nations, the Smart Hungary Agricultural Technology Projects Roadshow took place in Shanghai on June 3, 2024. This significant event was co-organized by the Embassy of Hungary in Beijing, the Consulate General of Hungary in Shanghai, and the CEEC Industrial Cooperation Park, with organizational support from the NINGBO CEEC Innovation Center and Zhejiang Saichuangweilai Venture Capital Investment Management Co., Ltd.
Distinguished attendees included key representatives from the Hungarian Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General of Hungary in Shanghai. They delivered impactful speeches, alongside a representative from the Hungarian Innovation Agency, who outlined the agency’s innovative ecosystem, and Ms. Chu Zhangrong, Director of the Industrial Investment Promotion Department of China-CEEC Industrial Cooperation Park, who provided insightful recommendations.
AGRI-FOOD.AI, under the leadership of CEO János Vass, proudly participated in the roadshow as part of the Hungarian delegation specializing in agricultural technology. Five notable projects were showcased: AGRI-FOOD.AI’s artificial intelligence solutions for agricultural products, Livestocker’s smart agricultural livestock solutions and Freshland’s commitment to delivering freshness and health, among others. These projects highlighted Hungary’s cutting-edge innovations and opened new avenues for agricultural technology cooperation between China and Hungary.
This event marked the first agricultural technology delegation dispatched by Hungary’s official authorities following high-level meetings between Chinese and Hungarian leaders. Sponsored by Hungary’s “NEXT” and the “NIÜ XPAND” programs, these projects not only demonstrated Hungary’s advancements in agricultural technology but also paved the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
The roadshow also featured a diverse array of participants, including agricultural experts, leaders from technology enterprise incubators, and representatives from various enterprises, institutions, and investors from Ningbo, Shanghai, Yancheng, and Hefei. A delegation from the Yancheng Science and Technology Bureau attended, and a promotional video on Yancheng’s agricultural technology was screened. Post-event, Yancheng enterprises and Hungarian agricultural companies expressed their intention to pursue further exchanges and collaboration.
Ningbo, supported by the Ningbo Association for Science and Technology and CEEC Industrial Cooperation Park, has been actively partnering with the Hungarian Embassy since 2021 to organize the “Smart Hungary” series of events. Over 40 Hungarian technology projects have since been connected with Ningbo, with Hungarian technology enterprises like VRpark establishing a presence in Ningbo.
In an address, a representative from the Hungarian Embassy highlighted the fruitful collaboration between the Hungarian Embassy and Ningbo Innovation Center since 2021, including the successful Smart Hungary traveling exhibition. This success has spurred ongoing efforts to bring more Hungarian innovations and startups to China.
China-CEEC Industrial Cooperation Park plays a vital role in implementing Central and Eastern European technology projects. Ms. Chu Zhangrong emphasized the park’s commitment to providing high-quality support for these projects, promoting their industrialization within the park.
Mr. Zhang Mingming, General Manager of NINGBO CEEC Innovation Center and International Business Department Manager of Zhejiang Saichuangweilai Venture Capital Investment Management, noted that the event significantly advanced exchanges between Sino-Hungarian technology enterprises, promoting collaboration and laying a strong foundation for integrating Hungary’s innovation ecosystem with China.
The successful hosting of this event not only facilitated critical cooperation between China and Hungary in agricultural technology but also established a robust foundation for future collaborations. With the deepening Sino-Hungarian relations, the cooperation in science and technology is expected to yield even more fruitful results.