In 2012, overall local tax revenue in the Western-Hungarian city of Tatabánya exceeded 5.2 billion forints, which is an 18% rise compared to 2011 and an increase on pre-crisis figures, Mayor Csaba Schmidt informed participants at a reception for "large taxpayers".

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó said at the event that the crisis brought about a competition of alliance-forging. He pointed out that although small and medium-sized enterprises provide jobs for 75% of those in employment, they receive only 20% of the overall export performance, and so four further trade houses will be set up with a view to enhancing the sector's participation on foreign markets.

The Secretary of State added that the Government would continue to conclude strategic agreements in future, of which 12 have already been signed with various large corporations, and their number could reach 40 by the end of the second quarter of 2013.

(Prime Minister's Office)