The goal of the PwC Debrecen Business Forum is to showcase the economic strength and growth potential that Eastern Hungary offers to both domestic and international companies. In recent years, the region has become one of the most vital destinations for industrial, logistical, and service sector investments, while playing an increasingly dominant role in the performance of the Hungarian economy.
PwC’s Debrecen office now represents much more than a local presence: through the office established in the Forest Center, companies in the region can access audit, tax, legal, as well as business and technology advisory services locally.
Eastern Hungary stands on the threshold of a new era: beyond implementing and expanding investments, the region’s development and growth lie in collaborations, the emergence of high value-added activities, the strengthening of SMEs, and innovation. Our presence in Debrecen is closely linked to the ongoing business processes in the region and our partnership with the University of Debrecen. Beyond our outstanding professional activities, we see the key to success in promoting dialogue and successful networking among stakeholders, as well as in attracting and retaining talent,
The development of industrial parks, the expansion of infrastructure, and the construction of modern warehouse and logistics capacities are adding a new dimension to the economic role of the entire area. The true catalysts for growth are the educational institutions and the universities of the three county seats.
This year, the PwC Business Forum explicitly interpreted the region’s development through cross-city cooperation. The differing economic profiles of Debrecen, Miskolc, and Nyíregyháza complement each other to contribute to Eastern Hungary’s competitiveness, industrial development, and investment-attracting capabilities. This was confirmed during a panel discussion featuring city leaders: László Papp (Mayor of the Municipality of Debrecen), Dr. Ferenc Kovács (Mayor of the Municipality of Nyíregyháza), and József Tóth-Szántai (Mayor of the Municipality of Miskolc).
We believe that partnership and cooperation between Hungarian companies can be one of the engines of economic development. The fact that a nationwide IT company headquartered in Budapest chose us as the location for its first regional office confirms that we are on the right track. The very goal of our developments is to provide a technological and business environment that can serve as a competitive alternative even to the capital city,
The forum dedicated a separate session to how newly arriving multinational companies and those with a long-standing presence are shaping the region’s economic structure. The development of the Eastern Hungary region does not depend on individual investments, but rather on a trust-based ecosystem where companies, educational institutions, and local communities can collaborate in the long term. Machinery, automotive, electronics, chemicals, food processing, as well as logistics and service centers are all dominant sectors in the region. The key to long-term competitiveness is ensuring that domestic small and medium-sized enterprises integrate into these value chains in the highest possible proportion—as suppliers, service providers, or technological partners.
The event provided an excellent opportunity for this dialogue and networking. In the large enterprise roundtable discussion, participants (Harro Höfliger Hungary, Meleghy Automotive Hungary, Michelin Hungária, PwC Hungary) discussed adaptation strategies, growth opportunities, and provided guidance on how to operate competitively in a shifting economic environment.
The region’s universities, vocational training centers, and educational institutions play a crucial role in ensuring that a properly trained workforce is available for the expanding industrial and service presence. The good news is that their training profiles are aligning more and more closely with corporate needs. Educational institutions and companies can only support the workforce supply, innovation, and the regional strengthening of higher value-added activities by working together.
One of the most important foundations of the area’s competitiveness is that knowledge is generated and utilized locally. Collaborations established with the University of Debrecen, vocational training centers, and businesses ensure that a properly trained, motivated workforce stands behind the growing industrial and service presence. Therefore, the PwC Business Forum is not only an economic meeting point but an educational-corporate one as well.
One of the afternoon breakout sessions focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing, supply chains, administration, and training, exploring how experimenting with AI turns into tangible, measurable business value. The other session discussed the current state of the industrial, logistical, office, and residential real estate markets in Eastern Hungary, as well as future real estate development plans and projects of the county seats.
At this year’s forum, PwC once again honored stakeholders who, alongside their outstanding professional activities, have made exceptional contributions to the development of the region.
The Company of the Future Excellence Award 2026 was presented to the XANGA Investment & Development Group. The award was accepted by István Herdon, CEO of XANGA Group, from László Radványi, CEO of PwC Hungary, in recognition of decades of work that played a key role in developing the industrial-logistical infrastructure of Debrecen and the region. Its unique strategic vision fundamentally defines the development of the XANGA Group, which has now become one of the region’s most influential investors—creating an innovative environment not only in industrial and logistical facilities but also in modern office developments, commercial and service units, and residential property projects.
At XANGA Group, we never think merely in terms of walls and infrastructure, but rather in creating a diverse and interdependent ecosystem that serves the region's development and future technological needs in the long term. A place where high-quality office, commercial, and residential functions coexist alongside modern industrial and logistical developments. This award is a validation of our vision that Debrecen and the region are capable of becoming a world-class hub when strategic developments meet a sustainable business approach,
The Business Life Excellence Award 2026 was presented to Hans-Peter Kemser, Director of the BMW Group Plant Debrecen.
The company’s newest and most innovative manufacturing plant is not only a technological milestone but also sets a new direction in terms of sustainability, educational partnerships, and integration into local communities. The Debrecen plant plays a pioneering role within the BMW Group’s global network, operating entirely on renewable energy.
Source: pwc.com
XANGA 2025
