75 Years of the Chamber System – Two-Day Jubilee Celebration in the Service of Enterprises
This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Hungarian chamber system, which has long served as a unifying force and advocate for entrepreneurs. To celebrate the jubilee, a two-day series of events was held on 27–28 August, with central programmes taking place in Sopron and Fertőd. The festivities began at Sopron’s Lenck Villa – a symbolic location, as the first chamber organisation in Hungary was established in the city in August 1850. The anniversary not only honoured the past but also looked toward future challenges, symbolised by the cutting of the “cake of the future,” a slice of which was presented to Zoltán Pusztai, research and development engineer at Széchenyi István University.
“Zoltán embodies the bridge between the traditions of the past, the values of the present and the promises of the future – a true symbol of what Széchenyi University represents,” was emphasised at the celebration.
Economic Development for the Next 175 Years
In his speech, Elek Nagy, President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK), highlighted:
“After 175 years, the goal remains the same: to strengthen the economy, support enterprises, and provide answers to the challenges of the future.”
Imre Pintér-Péntek, Vice President of MKIK and President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Győr-Moson-Sopron County, added that with the support of Eurochambres, new cross-border committees may be established, focusing in particular on Hungarian–Austrian relations, infrastructure development, and labour market integration.
The celebration continued with a gala dinner at the Esterházy Palace in Fertőd, followed the next day by cultural programmes at the Fertőrákos Quarry and Cave Theatre. The jubilee’s prestige was elevated by performances from the Győr Ballet, the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Jávorkai brothers, who recently completed a tour in Japan.
Partnerships that Shape the Future
At the event, it was announced that the Chamber, in cooperation with the Hungarian Academy of Arts, will launch a nationwide patronage programme. The initiative aims to strengthen social responsibility and build bridges between the business and cultural sectors.
“This collaboration builds bridges between the economy and culture,” said Attila Turi, President of the Hungarian Academy of Arts.
Dr. Bálint Filep, President of Széchenyi István University, also emphasised the close partnership between the University and the Chamber:
“Our goal is to educate professionals who can provide practical answers to the latest challenges. We apply our knowledge in a wide range of areas – from cutting-edge technologies to sustainability and digitalisation.”
Source: uni.sze.hu
Photos: X-Meditor
