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China Brand Fair Opens in Budapest to Strengthen China-CEE Economic Ties
The 2026 China Brand Fair opened in Budapest on June 18, featuring 10,000 square meters of exhibition space showcasing Chinese and CEE products and technologies. With more than 7,000 expected professional buyers and dedicated matchmaking activities, the event aims to deepen economic cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, with bilateral China-Hungary trade having grown 28.3 percent year-on-year in 2025.
Quick Facts
Who
Judit Zolnay
What
Opening of 2026 China Brand Fair
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Budapest
- Opening of 2026 China Brand Fair
- Exhibition of products and technologies
- Business matchmaking activities
- Promotion of Hungarian exports to China
- Economic cooperation discussions
The 2026 China Brand Fair (Central and Eastern Europe) opened in Budapest on June 18, bringing together Chinese and regional enterprises to explore new business opportunities and deepen economic cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries. The three-day exhibition covers 10,000 square meters and features cutting-edge products and technologies in sectors including agricultural and forestry machinery, energy storage equipment, electronics, and building materials. More than 7,000 professional buyers from CEE countries are expected to attend the fair.
Hungary's State Secretary for the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Judit Zolnay, emphasized that lasting economic cooperation is built on trust, predictability, and reliable partnerships. She reaffirmed Hungary's commitment to providing an open and stable environment for global investors, positioning the country as a key meeting point between East and West. Zolnay stressed that the next phase of Hungarian-Chinese economic relations should focus on high-value-added cooperation, closer institutional ties, and greater mutual benefits.
Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao highlighted the contributions of Chinese enterprises investing in Hungary to the country's industrial upgrading and technological innovation. He called on entrepreneurs to leverage the exhibition to unlock business opportunities, deepen mutual trust, and contribute to stronger China-CEE cooperation. Wang Deyang, deputy director of the Foreign Trade Development Bureau under China's Ministry of Commerce, reported that bilateral trade between China and Hungary increased by 28.3 percent year-on-year in 2025.
This year's event places special emphasis on promoting Hungarian and other CEE exports to China. Dedicated business matchmaking activities have been arranged to help regional enterprises gain easier access to the vast Chinese market, reflecting a mutual commitment to expanding trade relations and fostering closer economic integration.
Why This Matters
This fair represents a strategic platform for expanding China-CEE trade beyond traditional bilateral relationships. The 28.3% year-on-year growth in China-Hungary trade signals strong economic momentum, while the emphasis on high-value-added cooperation and mutual market access creates tangible opportunities for businesses in both regions. For companies seeking to diversify supply chains or access Central European markets, this event catalyzes deal-making and institutional partnership-building that can translate into sustained commercial growth.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2025
WireBilateral trade between China and Hungary increased by 28.3 percent year-on-year
Jun 18, 2026
Wire2026 China Brand Fair (Central and Eastern Europe) opens in Budapest