A Chamber of Member-To-Member Approach

Established in 2002, the Budapest-based Dutch-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Dutcham) is a self-financed business association with the aim to facilitate the exchange of professional expertise and provide networking possibilities for Dutch companies operating in Hungary.

In April this year, Maurice Janssen took over as Chairman of the Dutch-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce in Budapest. Regarding his motivation to fill this post and his plans in this position, he recalls to Diplomacy&Trade that he became a Dutcham member almost five years ago after he moved to Budapest to open up the Crowne Plaza hotel in the Hungarian capital. “It was important for me to connect to the Dutch business community being originally from the Netherlands. My predecessor at the helm of the Dutch chamber, Katinka Zinnemers did an amazing job. Last year, the Board asked me to become the Chairman, and I thought it was a good opportunity for me to add some duties to my day-to-day role and become the chair of this vibrant community in Hungary. After the new coronavirus epidemic, we needed to find ways to continue to connect to our members and to continue our membership growth. Katinka has done that together with a very seasoned board because some board members have been there for years, some even decades. That's a great basis for me and the board to go from and continue that growth momentum. The Dutch community in Hungary, just as the membership of Dutcham, is very diverse. We need to have a holistic approach to our operation in order to be of value for everybody.”

Leadership experience utilized
When asked how much of his career experience from the past he can utilize at the helm of Dutcham, he stresses that “as the General Manager of Crowne Plaza Budapest or any hotel for that matter, you need to be hands-on, flexible and considering many stakeholders in your day-to-day operations and decisions. Hoteliers are very solution oriented. Our world is fast- paced. The hospitality industry as well as our guests expect instant responses, instant results. My leadership experience due to the aforementioned trades is easily applicable to Dutcham. Definitely, the industry has prepared me greatly also for a role in the Dutch-Hungarian Chamber.

A chamber available to all
Dutcham helps not only Dutch companies here, but also Hungarian companies in The Netherlands. This is not very common in other chambers. As Balázs Erényi, Vice Chairman of the Dutch-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and a long-standing member of the board of directors points out, Dutcham is a chamber that is available to all regardless of nationality or size of business. “We support business wherever we can in Hungary but also help those on the way who want to set foot on Dutch soil. As you know, The Netherlands was a stomping ground for many big multinational companies that have Dutch heritage but are not necessarily Dutch anymore.”

‘Member-to-member’ approach
Apart from the members themselves, Balázs Erényi confirms that Dutcham has important partners in performing its duties. “In the past years, Dutcham evolved into one of the most vibrant business communities in Budapest. Our activities aim to facilitate the exchange of professional expertise and provide networking possibilities for Dutch companies operating in Hungary and for those Hungarian companies setting foot in the Netherlands. Based on the positive feedback we receive from our members and wider network, I am confident to say that our ‘member-to-member’ approach is working well. Members appreciate our efforts to think beyond the traditional networking and knowledge-sharing practices. Besides advocating Dutch business values and innovative ideas in the areas of sustainable business practices, digital transformation, economic environment, HR&Leadership, we also try to identify the synergies with the other bilateral chambers and business organizations that we can explore and make a real difference together. Differentiation and synergies can create an impact that will drive an increased number of memberships and the satisfaction of our current members.”
He adds that everything the Chamber stands for is connected to Growth: “growth as a human being, growth of our knowledge, our networks, our experiences. At the end of the day, the Chamber is only able to work for their members with sufficient financial support. Dutcham is dependent on the membership fees and the sponsorship of member companies. Although we are grateful for the long-lasting support of our members and very kind partners and sponsors, I still can see a big potential here. We will actively try to connect to new members and make them part of our journey to bring business and people together.”
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is another important partner, with which Dutcham has a close relationship. The Deputy Ambassador often participates in the board meetings as an extraordinary member. “The Embassy is often represented on our events as well, we join them on official visits in Budapest and the countryside,” he adds.

At the helm of EU Chambers
This year, Dutcham is the presiding chamber of the European Chamber of Commerce in Budapest. As for the tasks and responsibilities this role means for the Dutch chamber, the General Secretary of Dutcham, Beáta Rakos-Szegleti highlights that since its establishment in 1994, the Permanent Commission of EU Member States in Hungary (EU Chambers) has been dedicated to enhancing the legal, institutional, and business landscape for companies from other EU member states operating in Hungary. EU Chambers actively foster investment and trade between Hungary and other EU countries and organize collaborative events. As part of the rotating presidency among the chambers, this year serves as a pivotal moment for Dutcham as it is both an honor and a privilege to continue the mission of the Commerce in Hungary.
“EU Chambers is already a testament for 31 years to the shared vision that unites us: a strong, resilient and inclusive European business environment. Hungary continues to play a vital role in the economic fabric of Europe. Positioned at the crossroads of East and West, this country has proven itself to be a strategic hub – not just geographically, but also in terms of innovation, adaptability, and ambition.”
She asserts that economic growth cannot happen in isolation. “It thrives when we embrace inclusivity – when we ensure that opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of background, nationality or sector. At the heart of our efforts lies a belief in the power of working together. Within Europe, we have always been more than just a geographical or economic alliance; it is a living example of what we can achieve when nations, businesses, and people collaborate. The EU Chambers in Hungary embodies that spirit – connecting entrepreneurs, supporting cross-border cooperation, and serving as a bridge between local enterprises and the wider European market. During our term, we wish to inspire new partnerships, deepen trust and foster bold initiatives. Because in unity, we find strength. And in a shared purpose, we find progress,” she concludes.