I try to travel outside Budapest for a couple of days at least once a quarter. Last week I visited Miskolc and Eger. It was an excellent trip.
In Miskolc I was able to meet the mayor and chat with him about local developments and challenges, I gave a presentation to the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county Chamber of Commerce and explained the opportunities which exist for collaboration with good British companies both here in Hungary and in third countries. And then I travelled into the countryside to visit a couple of projects we support for the Roma communities there.
It was a great experience. I saw how the local police try to attract Roma people to the force, visited a local community and cultural centre where the Roma culture is celebrated (and where I took part in a jam session using traditional Roma instruments).
And then visited a super project through which the community cultivate and sell mushrooms (not for profit). I was so impressed I’ve put in a standing order for Embassy events. Everyone who eats mushrooms at my house will be enjoying them thanks to this project and the dedicated team who are driving it.
Two other highlights from my visit were a visit to the Royal Tokaj winery – where a British company is working with local growers and experts to produce some of the finest wines in the world. And a visit to a British firm which manufactures parts for the automotive industry.
It was really exciting to see their production facilities (I love that manufacturing environment) and then to talk about some of the ways the Embassy can help the company to develop new contacts and potentially contracts.
It was an intense and intensive couple of days. But it gave me a real buzz. Can’t wait to get back on the road again!