"In 2011, Hungarian exports to Serbia increased by 38 percent compared to the previous year, exceeding 50 million Euros, while at the same time imports from our southern neighbour grew by 50 percent" – said State Secretary for Agricultural Economy György Czerván at the Serbian-Hungarian Economic Summit in Kalocsa.

"Hungarian exports gained impetus due to the almost doubling of meat and grain exports" – stressed the State Secretary. Hungarian agricultural exports to Serbia had already increased by 16 percent to 53 million Euros from 2007 to 2008, but fell back to 36 million Euros in 2009 as a result of the economic crisis, with only a minor increase in 2010.

György Czerván emphasised, "It is important that a wide selection of high quality, professionally processed Hungarian foods be present on the shelves of both local and foreign supermarkets. Increased employment in rural areas and the provision of the conditions for prosperity in villages and small towns can only be achieved through the heightened support of agriculture, agriculture-based industry, food production and processing, and of micro, small and medium-sized businesses."

The Ministry of Rural Development continues to support the participation of Hungarian farmers and producers at the Vojvodina International Agriculture and Food Industry Fair, which will be held from May 12 to 18 2012, through the promotion of Hungarian foods and by gaining new markets for businesses in the food industry. The Ministry feels it is important to increase the volume of products already available in Serbia, as well as to present new products.

The goal of the Ministry of Rural Development is to strengthen agricultural cooperation in the commercial sector, and to promote Hungarian products, such as meat, meat products, milk, dairy products, wine or pálinka, abroad – emphasised György Czerván.

Hungary's goals are to assist Serbia within the process of European integration, and to expand agricultural links between the two countries.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)