Minister of Innovation and Technology László Palkovics, Government Commissioner of the North-East Hungary Economic Development Zone, announced in Debrecen that the city government had decided to establish an SME park in the Southern Economic Zone in order to further strengthen the local SME sector. The newest industrial area of the county seat, nearly 600 hectares, has been declared an investment target area by the government.
The Mayor of Debrecen, László Papp, emphasized that one of the largest industrial development programs in Central Europe is taking place in Debrecen. In the last 5-6 years, the industrial areas of Debrecen have increased by more than 700 hectares. Many large companies have settled in the city in recent years, more than 700 billion forints of working capital have been and continue to be received, and more than 10,000 new jobs have been created.
The mayor added:
the Debrecen 2030 Program wants to continue this process. As part of this, we are announcing the launch of the small and medium-sized enterprise program. The SME sector is significant in Debrecen, accounting for 66% of the city’s total employment, and has grown by 16% compared to 2014. Looking at the city’s overall economic performance, 59 percent of sales revenue is also provided by the SME sector.
The concept intends to provide opportunities for businesses in several phases, on about 60 hectares, of which the first phase will be located on 14 hectares, each with an optimized size of up to 2 hectares.
The SME program will be implemented through a tendering system. Applicant SMEs must, for example, meet conditions that do not engage in polluting activities, that their industrial activities do not disturb other companies located in the Southern Economic Zone, and that they fit in with the industrial structure and strategy of Debrecen. Bankruptcy, liquidation, winding-up proceedings must not take place against them and must be considered a transparent organization.
SMEs will be able to apply for the areas with a short business plan and a presentation of their activities. The application will be in two rounds.
Member of Parliament Lajos Kósa said:
the Southern Industrial Park – which is being developed by the government together with the city of Debrecen – also takes into account the conditions that Debrecen primarily wants to support the technology industry, high value-added industrial technology and innovation companies. He added that they are looking for legal and regulatory tools to support this type of development.
The efficient operation of businesses will be supported by an established utility and internal road network.
Debrecen City Hall Press
Photos: János Miskolczi
