Embassy News

Ambassador Broadens Dialogue on Commerce and Environment in Preparation for Trade/Investment Visit to U.S. 

Ambassador Foley speaks with students at Tatabánya's College of Modern Business Studies.  Rector Kocsik moderates. (Embassy photo by Attila Németh - full size photo)

On February 19, 2008, Ambassador Foley visited an area of western Hungary successfully recovering from the loss of mining industries to learn more about how they attract new business and protect the environment. 

In the city of Tatabánya, she met first with faculty and students at the new and growing College of Modern Business Studies (CMBS).  She praised CMBS for three exemplary practices: consultation with private companies to identify skills desired by the job market so as to target curriculum accordingly; an internship program that gives students practical application of their studies; and a yearly exchange program with a U.S. college that helps students prepare for a globalized, English-speaking workplace. 

The Ambassador was briefed by Tatabánya's Climate Group, a grass roots environmental protection initiative, on its comprehensive municipal strategy of education and action to reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy.  This unique program, which brings together stakeholders from all sectors of the city, is now under study for use in Anchorage, Alaska.  In turn, the Ambassador briefed the group on President Bush's initiatives in these fields as well as the practical steps that the Embassy has taken to reduce our carbon footprint and recycle glass, paper, and other objects. 

The Ambassador was impressed with Tatabánya Mayor Bencsik's efforts to create a welcoming business climate and noted her own work in concert with major companies and the Hungarian government to promote U.S.-Hungary commerce and eliminate obstacles to increased investment. 

Finally, at Zoltek Corporation, located in Nyergesújfalu, the Ambassador gained a first-hand understanding of carbon fiber production and the growing market for this light but durable composite used in everything from sporting goods to airframes.