Gov. Eric Holcomb inspects a statue of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan at Liberty Square in Budapest, Hungary. The statue was unveiled in 2011 in recognition of Reagan's efforts to end the Cold War, during which Hungary was under the Soviet Union's sphere of influence. IEDC photo
INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb has inked an agreement with Hungarian officials to promote investment and trade between the central European nation and the state of Indiana.
The document signed by the Hoosier Republican, on behalf of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., and Péter Szijjártó, Hungary's minister of foreign affairs and trade, creates a framework for cooperation between governments, universities and businesses in Hungary and Indiana.
"The memorandum of understanding I signed launches a new Indiana-Hungarian working group to grow our communities and our economies together," Holcomb said. "And, in the name of Hoosier hospitality, we also extend a welcoming hand to Hungarian businesses to visit Indiana."
Indiana is the first U.S. state to establish a bilateral economic relationship with Hungary, which is nearly identical to Indiana in terms of land area but has about 3 million more residents than the 6.6 million Hoosiers who call Indiana home.
During his two days in Hungary, Holcomb also met with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and members of the National Assembly.
In addition, the governor and Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger promoted "A State That Works" to Hungarian business leaders looking to locate, expand or invest in Indiana.
"This was my first trip to Hungary and as we deepen our economic ties with our new European friends, I know it won't be my last," Holcomb said.
The Indiana delegation now is in France seeking to advance similar economic development initiatives at the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race Saturday and the International Paris Air Show.
Holcomb is expected to return to Indiana on Wednesday.
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