For outsiders it is hard to believe but it is true. There was no need for interpreter at the opening of the Hungarian Trade and Cultural Center in Accra as the Ghanaian participants, among them Dr. LaurenceTete, Anglican clergyman, Mr. Francis Kwasnyi, doctor colonel, Mr. Benjamin Dagadoo, Deputy Minister for the oil and gas industry, all got their degrees in Hungary. Due to this, they could easily discuss issues with Mr. Kalman Kepes, leader of the Centre, Mr. Boldizsar Peter Entz, Honorary Consul of Ghana to Hungary, Mr. Zsolt Maris, Ambassador-at-Large of Africa and Dr. Zsolt Becsey also representing the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Work has immediately begun, the Hungarian Trade and Cultural Center (HTCC) in Accra has practically been open for interested businessmen, investors and entrepreneurs with an office, meeting room and guest rooms, apartments since 11th April. There is also a representative and official in charge at all times who helps with legal affairs. The African-Hungarian Union had an important role in speeding up the events, as they were the ones who started working out the HTCC-network on the continent with the help of their relationships and financial basis. On 15th Marc this year, Mr. Sandor Balogh, president of AHU opened the first Hungarian Trade and Cultural Centre in Rabat, Morocco. This was the first step, Accra followed and, according to plans, there will be new centers in 3 or 4 other African countries.
It is worth knowing about the background of the Ghana Center that the Hungarian-Ghana Ltd. led by Mr. Kalman Kepes, which is an enterprise with agricultural, education, energetic and commercial activities, was incorporated in April 2010. The main aims of the company, according to the principles recorded in the new Széchenyi-plan is to improve the situation of Hungarian small- and middle-size enterprises, as well as help them get into the market. The intention was clear: to revitalize old markets and relationships and to involve new markets and areas. After two years of research and study, the company finalized its concepts and accordingly changed its name for Hungarian Commercial and Consulting Center Ltd. With the joining of the African-Hungarian Union processes speeded up. They successfully determined the drawbacks that had set back for Hungarian small- and middle-size enterprises to get into the market, such as the lack of language knowledge, legal and customs procedures. Other problems with travelling, shipment and accommodation, as well as the lack of appropriate environment for business meetings and negotiations added to all this. And for all these problems the Center offers overall solutions.
Laurence Tete és Dr. Becsey Zsolt
Benjamin Dagadoo és Dr. Becsey Zsolt