Pécs and Baranya County are entering a new phase of development built on closer cooperation between businesses, the Chamber, the University of Pécs and public stakeholders. The strategic focus is clear: strengthening the local economy, improving connectivity and positioning the region as a competitive hub in Southern Hungary and the Western Balkans.

The Pécs-Baranya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIPB) play a central role in this process. Through its daily connection with local SMEs, the Chamber has a detailed understanding of business needs, investment intentions and development bottlenecks. Based on this knowledge, it actively coordinates development initiatives, supports project generation and represents the region’s economic interests at national and international level.

A strong pipeline of company-driven development projects has already been identified and is continuously expanded. These focus on industrial development, capacity expansion and technology upgrades, ensuring that the region’s growth is based on real market demand.

Key sectors include engineering, electronics, construction materials, food industry, ICT and health industry, with a growing emphasis on sustainable and circular economy solutions. Flagship initiatives such as the Hydrogen Valley programme and university-linked innovation developments are already shaping the region’s future economic profile.

Innovation is supported through stronger cooperation between the University of Pécs and local companies. The goal is to increase applied research, technology transfer and the market use of research results, creating higher value-added activities in the region.

Workforce development is another priority. New vocational training models, reskilling programmes and closer alignment between education and industry needs aim to ensure a stable and skilled labour supply. These efforts are closely coordinated by the Chamber together with its partners and Clusters.

At the same time, major infrastructure developments are underway to improve accessibility and investment attractiveness. Projects such as the Mohács Danube bridge, the extension of the M6 motorway, railway upgrades and the development of Pécs airport will significantly strengthen the region’s integration into European transport and logistics networks.

Baranya also builds on its strong international orientation. Through cross-border cooperation and targeted business development programmes, the region is strengthening its role as a gateway towards the Western Balkans. The Chamber actively supports international business partnerships, investment promotion and market entry through its extensive network and programmes such as Enterprise Europe Network and its business ambassador initiatives.

In parallel, targeted programmes support rural development, local supply chains and the food industry, while tourism development is shifting towards a coordinated, high-quality regional model built on Pécs, the wine region of Villány and the surrounding historical sites and wellness or active tourism destinations.

Overall, the region’s development strategy is based on coordinated action, business-driven growth and international integration. With the active involvement of the Chamber and its partners, Pécs and Baranya are building a more competitive, innovative and investor-ready regional economy.