In his opening speech, Mr. Augustin Matata Ponyo, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo said that it is not only Congo but the whole African continent that is looking for partners in the fields of business and investment.
More than 900 representatives of 34 countries took part in the conference.
Hungary was represented by Mr. Sándor Balogh, President of the African-Hungarian Union, who emphasized that now is the perfect time to invest in Africa, Several countries of the region already have the appropriate amount of financial capital but they have little international experience. The President of AHU said; it is clear that these countries are not expecting charity any more, but seeking serious business partners with whom they could get involved in long-term cooperation. He added that the opening of the third HTCC (Hungarian Trade and Cultural Center) or Hungarian House in Uganda at the end of October will also help cooperation and cross-cultural awareness for businessmen of the two countries.
Mr. Sándor Balogh, President of the African-Hungarian Union
Mr. Morio Omari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce of Kenya also held a speech at the conference. He said this business conference was a great opportunity for them to give a detailed presentation of their country. In his speech Mr. Omari mentioned the terrorist attack and hostage drama that happened only a few weeks ago. He emphasized that it was an extreme case which must not discourage businessmen from investing in Kenya. Mr. Morio Omari considers the country safe and it is worth for investors taking their chance there too. Kenya is planning to increase their coffee, cocoa and tealeaf export in the United States and in Europe too.
Mr. Augustin Matata Ponyo, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo