Hungary

The National Bank of Hungary (MNB) raised the base rate, which is equal to the key two-week depo rate, by 300 basis points from 9.5% to 12.5% on Friday morning.

Leasing is a growing activity and has helped leading banks compensate for continuously shrivelling lending margins, according to recently released figures.

Deputy chairman in charge of international markets at Export Development Canada (EDC) Henri Souquieres, head of the Central Europe department at EDC Dennis Goresky, deputy CEO of insurer Magyar Exporthitel Biztosito (MEHIB) Andras Halasz and CEO o

The president of the Hungarian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (HVCA) Juliбn Tzvetkov, says he expects fundamental changes in the venture capital scene and the way it is regulated.

Venture capital and private equity transactions have so far totaled Ђ113 million in 2003, according to figures released by the Hungarian Venture Capital Association (HVCA).

With EU accession looming, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Union's development bank, has been busy extending loans to Hungary and the region to boost the small- and medium- sized enterprise (SME) sector in countries preparing for membershi

The sole offer for Konzumbank, made by the Hungarian Foreign Trade Bank Rt (MKB), was unanimously accepted by the board of directors of the MFB and is awaiting approval by the State Privatization and Holding Rt.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has adopted a new strategy to support the strengthening of Hungary's economy and institutions as the country approaches EU accession.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will invest a total of Ђ300m in Hungary this year, according to Hubert Warsmann, head of the bank's Budapest office.

A new business-development financing programme for micro and small companies has been launched by the Budapest Foundation for Enterprise Promotion (BVK) and AKKORD VF Venture Finance at a press meeting hosted by Erzsйbet Kцnczцl, member of the boa