Created in 1992, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce grew out of a small business club of Canadians who had come to Hungary to seek opportunities presented by the transition of Hungary to a free market system. Since then, the Chamber has grown in step with Hungary’s transition and eventually grew to be among the most respected organizations representing international business interests in Hungary. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, our membership has grown and we are proud to welcome Citibank Hungary PLC and the Generali-Providencia Biztosító Zrt to the CCCH as members of our new elite patron membership group .

Objectives for 2010 and 2011 include the creation of a closer dialogue between the international Chambers of Commerce in Hungary and taking steps to cooperate on dialogue with the Government of Hungary to adopt critical issues to improve competitiveness and to introduce incentives to adopt more transparent forms of business.

As the international economy has impacted Hungary and the region, the Chamber has recognized that it is needed by the community to provide its membership with a channel which targeted audiences, whether government or private businesses, may be reached effectively. Through conferences, seminars and joint initiatives to provide effective business networking, we are already demonstrating that our community is strong and very actively interested in making new business contacts and resolving concerns as well as seeking opportunities through Chamber activities. During our last joint business networking event (Speed Business Meetings), we most recently had nearly 300 participants from four chambers joining in.

Working closely with the Canadian Embassy in Budapest, the CCCH has adopted priority areas that are in-line with the Canadian Foreign Trade Policy. These areas include economic sectors, from communications and technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. However, in order to see positive developments here, the CCCH has also added to its priority areas a focus on SMEs and, in 2011, will be rolling out opportunities for local and Canadian companies to find mutual opportunity not only in Hungary, but also in Canada.

Widely recognized by those local and international residents in Hungary are our signature events and activities that have contributed to our growing successes. For 19 years running, the Annual Canadian Lobster Dinner is held every November and is considered by many to be one of the most anticipated events of the fall calendar. In 2010, we were launching an event to kick off the summer months– the Canadian Steak, Ribs and Wings Barbecue Night which we hope will help bring Canadian summer flavours and fun to Budapest as the city begins to sizzle under the summer heat.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization. Through the hard work of the members of our Board of Directors, transparency became a cornerstone for our operations. We have striven through 2009 to create documented guidelines and processes for greater transparency.

Finally, I am proud to report that the commitment of the leadership of the CCCH to maintaining an effective corporate social responsibility program is stronger than ever. For nearly 20 years now, in the spirit of the Canadian icon of the fight against Cancer, Terry Fox, the CCCH has through the Fuss a Rákkutatásért Foundation raised money to support Cancer research in Hungary. In 2009, these activities included the annual run for cancer on the Margaret Island on September 14th as well as support for the Canadian Firefighter and cancer survivor, Rudy Posposil’s ride for cancer. Among other opportunities, the CCCH has also supported several other community and national charities, such as the Gyermekétkeztetési Alapítvány. In 2012, the leadership of the Chamber intends to maintain this commitment and potential and introduce new ways to make a difference in Hungary in the areas needed most.

Congratulations to all those that helped make 2011 a great year and a heartfelt thank you to all those that made it possible! I encourage all those that see the benefits of our organization to contribute their time, ideas and membership support.

Nicholas Sarvari,
President,
The Canadian Chamber of
Commerce in Hungary