The Agreement was signed in Budapest by State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szíjjártó and CEO of Dalkia Energia Zrt. Gérard Bourland.

Following the conclusion of the agreement, Péter Szíjjártó said that the Agreement was proof of successful Hungarian-French economic relations, common advantages and respect.

The State Secretary reminded those present that the Government had already signed 17 strategic agreements with large international companies operating in Hungary, and the latest agreement was the 18th such agreement to be concluded.

Mr. Szíjjártó stressed that Dalkia had brought technological advances to Hungary that were unique in Europe. As an example, he mentioned that in Pécs, state-of-.the-art technology was replacing old machinery and the company's new project provides energy for the district heating system using renewable energy resources and biomass of local origin in a sustainable manner, facilitating energy independence.

The French company will play a significant role in increasing the productivity of the Hungarian economy, the State Secretary emphasised, adding that France is Hungary's fourth most important trade partner and that France is the country's fourth largest investor at a total value of 10 billion euros. 350 French companies operate in Hungary employing some 70 thousand people.

In his speech, given in Hungarian, Gérard Bourland stressed that the Agreement reinforced the company's current strategy and is a recognition of the expert knowledge of their professionals. According to the Chief Executive Officer, the agreement concluded with the Government creates a new form of dialogue for the two parties.

(Prime Minister's Office)