During the course of his three-day visit to South America, Hungary’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs discussed technology and education in Brazil and held a presentation at the World Science Forum (WSF).

In his address, Péter Szijjártó discussed fundamental changes in the world economy and the heavy indebtedness of EU member states resulting in Europe losing competitiveness.

He stressed that Hungary's new strategy to tackle the problems has proven to be successful, noting the introduction of a proportionate tax system, easing the burden on enterprises and transforming the welfare and higher education systems and labour regulations. This has resulted in decreasing state debt, increasing employment and triggered a turnaround in economic growth.

The State Secretary met Glaucius Oliva, President of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), to discuss possibilities for extending the scope of Hungary's next grant scheme for foreign students, to be launched in September 2014, to include the areas of economic and human sciences in addition to the current IT, engineering, natural sciences and medical studies. This year, 432 Brazilian students began their studies in Hungarian universities and another 1,000 will come to Hungary in February 2014.

He also held talks with President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences Jacob Palis about broadening bilateral cooperation in technology, as well as with Eduardo Vieira, President of the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil is Hungary's most important trading partner in South America, with foreign trade totalling 490 million dollars last year, Péter Szijjártó said, adding that Hungarian exports grew by 24 percent. He identified prospects in boosting Hungary's exports in agriculture, water management, medical and environment protection technologies, as well as in the pharmaceutical sector.

(Prime Minister's Office)