Chongqing—Chongqing and Hungary have deepened their bilateral relationship with significant trade, technology, and cultural exchange achievements. Key milestones, such as over 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) in trade facilitated by the China-Europe Railway Express and the establishment of the Chinese-Hungarian Technology Transfer Center (Chongqing), exemplify this flourishing partnership.
On June 19, 2020, Chongqing Customs officers prepared for the departure of the China-Europe Railway Express (Yuxinou) direct train to Budapest. (Photo/Tang Yi, Xinhua)
China-Europe Railway Express bridges Chongqing and Budapest
On the morning of November 4, a freight train departed Chongqing's Tuanjiecun Central Station bound for Budapest, Hungary. The journey, part of the China-Europe Railway Express (Yuxinou), is expected to take just 11 days. This route has grown to become one of the most stable links between China and Central Europe, reducing the time and distance between the two regions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as global logistics were disrupted, the China-Europe Railway Express emerged as a reliable solution for Eurasian trade. By April 2020, a direct line from Chongqing to Budapest was launched, and regular operations were achieved by June of the same year. Since then, the service has played a critical role in strengthening trade ties.
As of September 2024, over 17,500 TEUs of goods valued at more than 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) have been transported between Chongqing and Hungary. The primary exports include communication devices, electronics, home appliances, industrial machinery, automotive parts, and consumer goods. Budapest has also become a pivotal distribution hub for Chinese goods entering the European Union.
According to Chongqing Customs, bilateral trade between Chongqing and Hungary grew by 8.3% year-on-year from January to September 2024. This robust trade relationship underscores the strategic importance of the railway connection.
Chinese-Hungarian Technology Transfer Center sets a model for collaboration
The Chinese-Hungarian Technology Transfer Center (Chongqing), established in 2016, has become a benchmark for cooperation between the two regions. Originating from discussions in 2015, this initiative led to the creation of a platform that facilitates innovation, talent exchange, and industrial collaboration.
The center has actively fostered partnerships, which were recognized as a priority under the Belt and Road Initiative during the 2021 China-CEEC Summit. To date, it has hosted more than ten major project matchmaking events, facilitated over 100 cooperation meetings, and resulted in the signing of 20 key agreements. Beyond supporting businesses in Chongqing and Hungary, the center has extended its influence to China's southwestern provinces, including Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou, promoting regional technology exchange.
Strengthening cultural bonds
Cultural exchanges have further solidified ties between Chongqing and Hungary. In 2010, Hungary established its Consulate General in Chongqing as a bridge for exchanges between Central and Eastern European countries and Chongqing. Chongqing has played an increasingly important role in relations between Hungary and China.
On March 14 this year, China implemented a trial visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries, including Hungary. On that day, more than 20 foreign travelers from Hungary and Austria arrived in Chongqing on a flight from Budapest, becoming among the first to benefit from the new visa-free entry policy.
Another notable initiative is the annual “Western China Hungarian Cultural Festival,” launched in 2016. Held twice a year, it has become one of Chongqing's most significant foreign-organized cultural activities.
Additionally, in April 2024, a delegation of Hungarian media outlets visited 12 districts and counties in Chongqing, capturing cultural and tourism highlights that were later broadcast on Hungarian national television and promoting Chongqing to the European audience.
Mr. Czégel Bálint, Consul General of the Consulate General of Hungary in Chongqing, highlighted the unique connection between the two regions, noting, “Both Hungary and Chongqing share a love for spicy food and a spirit of openness and enthusiasm. Here, I feel at home despite being far away.”
With trade flourishing, technological cooperation advancing, and cultural ties strengthening, Chongqing and Hungary have laid a strong foundation for long-term partnership. Both regions look forward to expanding their exchanges, fostering innovation, and enhancing people-to-people connections in the years to come.
(Yang Jun, a reporter from Chongqing Daily, contributed the Chinese version of this report.)