Hungarian Export Promotion Agency

What Hungarian Export Promotion Agency does

HEPA Magyar Exportfejlesztési Ügynökség (Hungarian Export Promotion Agency) is a state-owned export promotion agency established in 2016 by consolidating Hungary's prior trade promotion entities (MNKH Magyar Kereskedelem-fejlesztési és Promóciós Kft and MNKH Magyar Nemzeti Kereskedőház Zrt). Operating as a National Closed Company Limited by Shares (Nzrt.) under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, HEPA implements Hungary's National Export Strategy and supports Hungarian companies — primarily SMEs and large enterprises — in entering and expanding within international markets. All services to Hungarian companies are provided free of charge, funded through state budget allocations and EU programs (GINOP, Brexit Adjustment Reserve, Western Balkans Investment Support, National Export Protection Program).

HEPA's service portfolio spans five pillars: foreign market presence (exhibition participation, product demonstrations), foreign market consulting (export readiness assessment, strategic advisory), international partner search (B2B matchmaking via its own offices and the Enterprise Europe Network), target market intelligence, and training delivered through its Exportakadémia platform. The agency operates five regional partner offices in Toronto, Shanghai, Istanbul, Tashkent, and Belgrade, and maintains working relationships with Hungarian diplomatic missions and trade attachés worldwide. It also acts as the Hungarian consortium leader of the Enterprise Europe Network and runs a dedicated partner-search database of Hungarian exporters.

Go-to-market is direct and event-driven: HEPA engages companies via its hepa.hu portal, Exportakadémia workshops, and recurring national pavilion presence at international trade shows, complemented by inbound and outbound business delegations and bilateral events with counterpart agencies (HKTDC, FICCI, Ontario MEDJ, Türkiye's TIM). Headcount is in the 51–100 range, with a headquarters at Kacsa utca 15-23, Budapest. Management is led by CEO Bihari Katalin, with Deputy CEO Dr. Artner Gábor Péter and directorates covering corporate relations, support programs, and administration. The agency is a non-commercial entity, so its growth is measured in program throughput, bilateral trade volumes, and number of SMEs prepared for export rather than top-line revenue.

Name

Hungarian Export Promotion Agency

Legal name

HEPA Magyar Exportfejlesztési Ügynökség Nzrt.

Website

https://hepa.hu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA) is a state-owned agency that provides free export support — market research, B2B matchmaking, exhibition organization, training, and grant programs — to Hungarian SMEs and enterprises seeking international market entry, operating through five regional partner offices and the Enterprise Europe Network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Export Promotion Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Export Promotion & Market Access Support (BPADAMAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Trade Finance, Export Credit & Risk Mitigation (BPADAMAG), Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) & Trade Finance Institutions (BPADACAF), Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) & Official Export Finance (FSABAKAC)

Keywords

• Export promotion services
• International trade consulting
• B2B matchmaking
• Market entry support
• Export training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Budapest

HQ country

Hungary

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government-funded Operations: HEPA operates as a government-backed institution funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Services to Hungarian companies are provided free of charge. Revenue is derived from government budget allocations and EU-funded programs.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

HEPA is Hungary's national export promotion agency providing free, customized services to Hungarian companies seeking international market entry and expansion. Core offerings include foreign market consulting (export readiness assessment, strategy development), international partner search and B2B matchmaking, target market intelligence, exhibition participation via national stands at major international trade fairs, and export training through the Exportakadémia. The agency supplements services with financial support programs including the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, Western Balkans Investment Support, and Foreign Market Growth Support Program.

Product overview

HEPA (Hungarian Export Promotion Agency) is a government-backed export development organization offering a portfolio of services organized around five core areas: foreign market presence (exhibition participation, product demonstrations), foreign market consulting (export readiness assessment, innovation advisory), international partner search (B2B matchmaking via partner offices and Enterprise Europe Network), target market intelligence, and export training via the Exportakadémia Képzési Központ. Supplementary programs include the Fit for Export training project, Brexit Adjustment Reserve, Foreign Market Growth Support Program, National Export Protection Program, and Western Balkans Investment Support. HEPA also provides access to EU trade facilitation tools including Access2Markets, Single Entry Point, and Trade Barriers List. The organization operates Regional Partner Offices in Toronto, Shanghai, Istanbul, Tashkent, and Belgrade, supported by a network of trade attachés.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Exportakadémia: Training center providing online and in-person courses on international trade, export readiness, and market entry strategies for Hungarian companies.

Products and services

• Külpiaci megjelenés (Foreign Market Presence) Support services enabling Hungarian companies to participate in international trade fairs and exhibitions with national stands, including exhibition organization and on-site support.
• Külpiaci tanácsadás (Foreign Market Consulting) Advisory services including export readiness assessment via questionnaire and foreign market innovation consulting to help SMEs develop their international competitiveness.
• Külpiaci partnerkeresés (International Partner Search) B2B matchmaking services leveraging the HEPA partner office network, trade attachés, and Enterprise Europe Network to connect Hungarian exporters with international business partners.
• Külpiaci információk (Target Market Intelligence) Market research and analysis providing up-to-date foreign market information, economic trend analysis, sector-specific insights, and regulatory guidance to reduce market entry risk.
• Exportakadémia Képzési Központ (Export Academy Training Center) Training center offering online and in-person courses on export-related topics and international trade practices, covering both knowledge building and individual skill development for Hungarian companies.
• Fit for Export Program EU co-financed training and advisory project providing targeted consultation, training, and preparation for SMEs to enter foreign markets consciously with a defined export strategy. The project concluded in October 2023 after preparing 177 companies.
• Brexit Adjustment Reserve (Brexit Alkalmazkodási Tartalék) Non-reimbursable support scheme of approximately 22 billion HUF to help Hungarian companies adapt to negative effects of the UK's exit from the EU customs union.
• Foreign Market Growth Support Program (Külpiaci Növekedési Támogatási Program) Program supporting Hungarian companies' foreign expansion and transition to regional or global multinational status, operated jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, HEPA, and CED network.
• National Export Protection Program (Nemzeti Exportvédelmi Program) Program launched as part of the Economic Protection Action Plan, comprising the Foreign Market Access Support (3 billion HUF) and Foreign Market Growth Support (~60 billion HUF) schemes to help companies maintain and strengthen export performance.
• Western Balkans Investment Support (Nyugat-Balkán Beruházási Támogatás) Investment support scheme totalling 5.84 billion HUF for Hungarian companies to implement projects in Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, targeting economic development of the Balkan region.
• Access2Markets Platform EU Commission platform providing detailed trade information for goods and services exporters, including tariff rates, trade agreement frameworks, regulatory environment, and market access barrier data by product HS code and origin/destination country.

Quantifiable outcome

• 177 companies prepared for successful export market entry through Fit for Export program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers30 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship, strategic and core.

• Mag-Log TM Kft.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 25 June 2026Provided workshop on exhibition logistics with over 20 years of international freight and logistics experience, teaching practical aspects of shipping to exhibitions.
• Hong Kong Trade Development CouncilflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2026Collaborated on 'Hong Kong: Gateway to Asian Markets' business event connecting Hungarian companies with Hong Kong and broader Asian market opportunities. The partnership leverages Hong Kong's position as an international financial, trade, and logistics hub.
• Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office BerlinstrategicGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2026Partner in organizing Hong Kong market entry events, providing insights on Hong Kong's role as gateway to Asian markets.
• Invest Hong KongstrategicGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2026Collaborated on Hong Kong market opportunity presentations, providing international market and consulate information for Hungarian companies.
• Hong Kong Science & Technology ParkstrategicTechnology or Integration · 10 June 2026Partner providing technology park insights and startup ecosystem information for Hungarian companies exploring Hong Kong market.
• Ontario Ministry of Economic DevelopmentflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Hosted round table discussion with Ontario's Minister of Economic Development Victor Fedeli, facilitating direct dialogue between Hungarian exporters and Canadian business opportunities.
• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2026Jointly organized India-focused business forum connecting 21 Indian and 39 Hungarian companies. FICCI is India's largest exporter organization, facilitating bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
• Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TIM)strategicGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2026Hosted Turkish business delegation visit connected to Ipar Napja exhibition. TIM is Turkey's largest exporter organization, supporting Turkish-Hungarian economic cooperation.
• Bayern InnovativstrategicGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2026Organized international water innovations networking event at IFAT Munich 2026, connecting Hungarian companies with international partners through Enterprise Europe Network.
• Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHEPA serves as the Hungarian consortium leader of the Enterprise Europe Network, supporting SMEs in accessing the unified European market through cooperation opportunities, innovation support, and business partner search services.
• Külgazdasági és Külügyminisztérium (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHEPA operates as the background institution of the Ministry, implementing Hungary's National Export Strategy and supporting the Ministry's economic diplomacy initiatives.
• Magyar Kereskedelmi és Iparkamara (Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - MKIK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on ATA Carnet certification, trade document authentication, and joint business events. MKIK's okmányhitelesítési iroda (document authentication office) provides services supporting exhibition logistics.
• Magyar Fejlesztésösztönző Iroda (Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on international trends, sectoral strategies, and creating cooperation platforms for SMEs in sustainability, digitalization, R&D, and financing.
• CED Közép-Európai Gazdaságfejlesztési Hálózat (CED Central European Economic Development Network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with HEPA on the Foreign Market Growth Support Program, with CED handling cross-border economic development strategies and HEPA managing other territories.
• Kanadai Magyar Vállalkozók Szövetsége (Canadian Hungarian Business Association)strategicGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organizer of HungaroFest in Toronto, the largest Hungarian cultural event in Canada, which also promotes Hungarian export and supports companies entering Canadian market.
• GGGI (Global Green Growth Institute)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership agreement supporting sustainable development cooperation and green economy initiatives.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC): Statutory body promoting Hong Kong's trade with the world, organizing international exhibitions and B2B matchmaking. Direct functional counterpart to HEPA on the Asian market side and a current HEPA partnership collaborator.
• Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI): Germany's federal export promotion and investment agency, providing market intelligence, B2B matchmaking, and trade show support to German SMEs. Most directly comparable national export promotion agency in the EU, with a much larger resource base than HEPA.
• Enterprise Estonia (EAS): Estonia's national export and foreign investment promotion agency, helping Estonian SMEs access international markets and supporting export capability development. Similar-sized EU member-state agency with an analogous mandate to HEPA.
• Business France: France's national agency supporting international development of French companies through export promotion, partner search, and trade show organization. Directly mirrors HEPA's mandate and service portfolio at country scale.
• CzechTrade: Czech Republic's national export promotion agency, focused on helping Czech SMEs enter foreign markets through market intelligence, B2B matchmaking, and trade show organization. Closest Central European peer to HEPA given similar economic scale and EU membership profile.
• Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH): Poland's combined investment promotion and trade agency, supporting Polish exporters and attracting foreign investment. Closely comparable to HEPA in mandate and structure, operating from a similarly sized Central European economy with EU backing.
• Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA): Hungary's sister agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, focused on attracting foreign direct investment rather than supporting outbound Hungarian exporters. Closely related to HEPA as a complementary national promotion agency within the same ministry.
• Italian Trade Agency (ICE): Italy's government agency for trade promotion, internationalization of Italian companies, and attraction of foreign investment. Operates a similar national pavilion model at international exhibitions and is a direct functional peer to HEPA.
• Advantage Austria: Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's international trade organization, providing Austrian exporters with global market entry support, partner search, and trade fair organization. Comparable to HEPA in service breadth and Central European positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Enterprise Europe Network: EU-funded network connecting SMEs in 60+ countries with international business, innovation, and EU funding opportunities. HEPA leads the Hungarian consortium within EEN, making the network both a partner and a broader umbrella of comparable activity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@hepahungarianexportpromoti1879
• Facebookfacebook.com/magyarexportfejlesztesiugynokseg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hepa-hungarian-export-promotion-agency

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hungarian Export Promotion Agency