Ministry of Finance
News
Government aims to boost competitiveness
Ministry of Finance, March 23, 2017 2:36 PM
Hungary’s economy has been placed on a growth path that is much more balanced and faster-rising than it was before, but the narrowing of the economic gap with developed countries necessitates further productivity and competitiveness growth, Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga said, following the first session of the National Competitiveness Council. And through the increase of competitiveness, the Minister added, the Government wants to see further wage increases.
Retail sector registered rising sales for the 43rd month in a row
Ministry of Finance, March 23, 2017 1:20 PM
In January 2017, the volume of retail sales rose by 4.8 percent year-on-year, which shows that a 43-month growth trend has remained in place. Sales growth exceeded the EU average. The growth in disposable income was higher than that of retail sales, which signals a robust savings trend and the potential for further consumption growth.
Positive general government budget balance in February 2017
Ministry of Finance, March 22, 2017 1:48 PM
The central sub sector of the state budget closed the first two months of 2017 with a surplus of EUR 180.4bn, the best figure in the past fifteen years. Fiscal data already show that measures introduced under the six-year wage increase and tax reduction agreement are taking effect.
Hungary does not let up on preferential VAT rate for Internet access
Ministry of Finance, March 21, 2017 3:19 PM
Brussels may not restrict Internet access in the 21th century through blocking the use of a preferential VAT rate, Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga said, following an ECOFIN meeting in Brussels. The Government wants Internet access for more and more people at reasonable prices, therefore it will do all it can to make sure that besides Hungary any member state, which considers digitalization to be important, is capable of applying a preferential VAT rate.
OECD: Hungary’s economic policy is on the right track
Ministry of Finance, March 20, 2017 1:26 PM
In the report published on Friday by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the institute is mainly upbeat about Hungary’s economic policy measures, but concerning some critical remarks it had ignored a number of key factors.
Double-digit wage increase in January 2017
Ministry of Finance, March 20, 2017 11:43 AM
In January 2017, gross wages were up by 10 percent year-on-year, rising to HUF 273 800, which means that families can already see the effect of the six-year wage agreement, Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga said. Even taken into account subdued inflation, wages in real terms rose outstandingly, by 7.5 percent. Thus wages in real terms have been rising uninterruptedly, since the beginning of 2013, for 49 consecutive months in Hungary, he stated.
“Skyrocketing” construction sector output registered in January 2017
Ministry of Finance, March 17, 2017 10:58 AM
In January 2017, output in the construction sector “almost skyrocketed”, driven by investment incentives introduces last year, Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga told public news channel M1.
Mihály Varga met with Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility Marianne Thyssen
Ministry of Finance, March 16, 2017 2:56 PM
Issues related to the posting and employment of workers in the framework of the provision of services, a major European pillar of social rights, were on top of the agenda discussed by Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga and the European Commission’s Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility Marianne Thyssen.
Low wages must not be the one and only factor behind competitiveness
Ministry of Finance, March 14, 2017 1:33 PM
The knowledge possessed by domestic companies is competitive even from a global perspective, Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga said at the presentation of the Awards for Successful Enterprises. As the Minister added, there was one common feature in the leaders of successful companies: bravery, knowledge and agility that led to achievement.
The IMF among international institutes recognizing Hungary’s economic achievements
Ministry of Finance, March 10, 2017 10:43 AM
In the Concluding Statement 2017 Article IV Mission published earlier today, the delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recognizes robust economic growth in recent years and favourable fiscal trends as economic policy successes. The IMF delegation – in accordance with Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement – held consultations on 23 February – 8 March 2017 in Budapest. As usual, at the end of this visit the delegation issued a staff report of findings, the Concluding Statement.