Past, present and future - a historical meeting at the 25th HBLF Financial Summit
A unique exchange of views took place at the 25th Financial Summit organised by the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum (HBLF), where for the first time four Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the past 35 years - Zsigmond Járai, Péter Oszkó, Ákos Bod Péter and Csaba László - sat around the same table. The participants, moderated by Borbála Czakó, founder of the HBLF Financial Summit, analysed Hungary´s economic policy stance, spoke about the importance of predictability and stability and looked back candidly on their own ministerial tenure.
Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Public Administration and Regional Development, also gave a speech at the event, in which he identified the development of urban and peripheral areas as the two major challenges of regional development. He said that Donald Trump's tariff measures could seriously affect the economy of the European Union and Hungary. He also noted that he expects an intensive relationship between the EU and Hungary and that the gradual release of EU funds remains a priority for Hungary.
State Secretary Richárd Szabados stressed the importance of supporting the SME sector. As he highlighted, they are trying to help with the Sándor Demján Programme, consultancy, information sharing and support programmes, in return for which they expect companies to mobilise their own resources and liquidity, to invest and modernise.
Another key theme of the conference was the future of economic relations between the United States and the European Union. Borbála Czakó, Honorary President of the HBLF, summed up the main message of the Ambassadors' panel discussion: one of the pillars of international stability is that territorial integrity must remain inviolable, otherwise global conflicts may arise.
András Bácsfalvi, HBLF Board Member responsible for the Financial Summit, said that their events are unique in that they are always topical, diverse, open and courageous. The organisation is committed to pluralism and solution-oriented dialogue, ensuring that all perspectives are heard, regardless of political affiliation - and they are pleased to see that this year's anniversary summit was a fitting reflection of this spirit.
A video summary of the event with short interviews can be found at this link.