Bridging Worlds: East Meets Europe丨SFC Markets and Finance

From the Pearl River to the Danube, Guangdong and Hungary represent two distinct yet deeply connected regions —through trade, culture, and shared ambition. China is Hungary's largest trading partner outside Europe. The bilateral trade volume in 2024 reached US$16.2 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 11.6%. About 10% of that originates in Guangdong, China’s major economic powerhouse. Hungary, with its location in Central Europe, serves as a gateway for Chinese companies to the EU. By the end of 2024, China's direct investment in the EU was nearly $110 billion. Meanwhile, Hungary has become a new favorite for Chinese companies, ranking ahead of other European countries for two consecutive years. Guangdong enterprises also played a key role in that. In 2024 alone, Guangdong's investment in Hungary surged by 113%, with firms like Huawei, ZTE, and BYD, making several investments in Hungary and creating over 10,000 local jobs.

But numbers tell only part of the story. Culture forms the heart of this connection —where music brings people together. The cultural exchange between Guangdong and Hungary is equally vibrant. Artists from Guangdong and Hungary performed in Budapest, further enhancing cultural dialogue. In addition, Hungary pays much attention to Chinese learning. The Hungarian-Chinese bilingual school is the first full-time school in the Central Europe that teaches in Chinese as well as the local language, nurturing a new generation that appreciates both cultures.

As both regions look to the future, innovation becomes the next frontier —not just in tech, but in education, cooperation and development. The new BYD European Center will conduct joint scientific research with at least three Hungarian universities, and work with local suppliers and enterprises to promote the upgrading of the new energy vehicle industry chain. Eve Power also signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Debrecen that extends to HR training, a scholarship program, joint R&D and the establishment of a battery research institute.

From trade routes to cultural roots, Guangdong and Hungary are finding new ways to grow together.

Chief Producer: Yu Xiaona

Supervising Producer: Shi Shi

Editor: He Jia, Li Yinong

Reporter: Shi Shi

Video Editor: Cai Yutian

New Media Coordination: Ding Qingyun, Zeng Tingfang, Lai Xi, Huang Daxun

Overseas Operations Supervising Producer: Huang Yanshu

Overseas Content Coordinator: Huang Zihao

Overseas Operations Editors: Zhuang Huan, Wu Wanjie, Long Lihua, Zhang Weitao

Produced by: Southern Finance Omnimedia Group