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EcoLinks - Your Business Partner in Hungary Andrea Hajdu, Hungary Matchmaking for U.S. firms in AR and TX January - February 2003 Country Overview Population: 10 million Area: 36,000 square miles 19 counties, 10 major cities over 3000 settlements priority: EU membership
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EcoLinks -Your Business Partner in Hungary Andrea Hajdu, Hungary Matchmaking for U.S. firms in AR and TX January - February 2003
Country Overview • Population: 10 million • Area: 36,000 square miles • 19 counties, • 10 major cities • over 3000 settlements
priority: EU membership stable market economy dynamic growth crossroads for trade in Europe excellent investment climate strong promotion for FDI Doing Business in Hungary
The Environmental Market • over 2.100 firms, mostly SMEs • growth potential: 20-30% • market is diverse • joint ventures - 50% • regulations / enforcement • exports: CEE region • technologies
The Environmental Market (cont.) • U.S. presence: 5% • Major competitors: Germany, France, Austria • Certification • Strength and Weakness
Regulatory Environment • National Environmental Program • National Waste Management Plan • (2003-2008) • - prevention, reuse, recycling, remediation • - cross-boarder transportation of waste • - enforcement • - local action plans
Main Environmental Issues • Water/Waste Water Treatment($ 4 bln) • only 44% connected to a sewerage system • Need: sewage network, alternative solutions and treatment facilities • Waste Management($ 1 bln) • Need: separated collection, recycling technologies, • treatment of waste
Main Environmental Issues(cont.) • Air Pollution Control($ 80 mill) • Need - instrumentation and process control software, air sampling/laboratory analysis • technology for gaseous emissions, air pollution control/ gas purification equipment
Strategies for Success in Hungary • Breakthrough technology at competitive prices • Local presence (teaming up with a Hungarian firm) • After-sales services • Local conditions
Market Opportunities for U.S. Firms • Strengths:Project Management, Consulting, and Technology • Recycling technologies • Competitive price/ importance of local agent • Best scenario:HU engineering firm + US technology • Waste-to-energy solutions
Obstacles for U.S. firms doing business in Hungary • Competing with EU funds • U.S. technology not widespread • Discrepancies in standards and measures • Uncertainty and transition for the application of EU standards • Industrial-scale operations do not exist in Europe
EcoLinks Services • Consulting and Advocacy • Market Researches e.g. FMR • International Partner Search (IPS) • Gold Key Service • Trade Mission • Single Company Promotion (SCP)
Current projects • Uniq-Globe Kft. - natural odor control products • Cellplast Kft. - polystyrene recycling • Consact Kft. - soil stabilization product to enhance road quality • B.K.Z Kft. - biomass
Project Financing • Subsidy from Central Government (KAC) • USG Agencies (TDA, Ex-Im Bank, EcoLinks QRA Grant) • European Union, EBRD, EIB, SAPARD • Commercial Banks • Venture Capital Firms
EcoLinks Case Study with a Success Story • Chemtech International • Pritech Kft.
Contact Information Andrea Hajdu U.S. Embassy - Budapest 7-9 Szabadsag Sqr. Bank Center Building, 1054 Budapest, Hungary Tel: (+36) 1-475-4090 Fax: (+36) 1-475-4676 andrea.hajdu@mail.doc.gov