AmCham Hungary is a proud member of the AmChams in Europe Network, which, together with its members, this year celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Established in 1963, AmChams in Europe serves as the umbrella organization for 46 American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) from 44 countries throughout Europe and Eurasia. As a bilateral voice of American and European companies, AmChams in Europe works to communicate the importance of the transatlantic economy in both Europe and the United States.
On this special occasion for the organization Susan Danger, CEO of AmCham EU, and Chair of AmChams in Europe, said: "ACE is a unique network, a form for collaboration, knowledge sharing and speaking out for European and American business. It is also a significant network for promoting the transatlantic relationship, which is crucial at the moment. And most importantly, it aims to defend our shared values: human dignity, the rule of law, and democracy".
The U.S. and Europe are each other's largest trading partners and make up the world's largest and wealthiest market. AmChams in Europe jointly represents the interests of more than 17,000 American and European companies employing 20 million workers – accounting for more than $1.1 trillion in investment on both sides of the Atlantic.
Ajša Vodnik, CEO of AmCham Slovenia and Vice-Chair of AmChams in Europe, who represents and runs the organization's Secretariat, stressed: "More than ever, business bears responsibility for the environment, society, governance, and technology (ESGT). In all AmChams, we connect responsible companies and are the voice of collaboration and transatlantic values. Our history gives us the commitment and responsibility to continue connecting for a better future and opportunities."
As a member of the European Network, AmCham Hungary represents local and international business interests since its foundation in 1989. It also strives to strengthen US-Hungarian business relations and make a significant contribution to Hungary's competitiveness in relation to which Írisz Lippai-Nagy, CEO of Amcham Hungary highlighted:
"The US has been a key partner for the country for years. It is among the top three largest investors from outside the EU in Hungary, and Hungary’s number one export destination outside of Europe. In Hungary, there are nearly 1700 American companies employing 110 thousand people. In addition, trade between the two countries is exceeding 2 thousand billion forints."
"AmCham member companies,including US, Hungarian and international companies, are present in various economic sectors in Hungary such as the healthcare, ICT industry and electronics and many more. Besides their contribution to the economic effects mentioned above, their presence is also beneficial due to the know-how and innovative technologies they bring to Hungary that contribute to the country's competitiveness."
She also added that "investments and developments cannot be reduced to the result of a bilateral relationship, as in most cases they also require extensive European cooperation (from a common regulatory framework to knowledge sharing) which also reflects the importance of the network's commitments."
All in all, AmChams in Europe's mission is to develop and support a network of AmChams across the wider European area committed to the exchange of best practices among member AmChams; strengthening the "AmCham" brand throughout Europe and the United States (U.S.) providing a forum for discussion, debate, and where necessary, representation on issues relevant to the European and transatlantic business environment; promoting the importance of the transatlantic economy in both Europe and the U.S.; and representing the interests of U.S. investors in Europe and European companies investing in the U.S.