The Hungarian Investment and Trade Development Agency (ITD Hungary), together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Exporters' Association, has organized a visit by a delegation of food industry representatives from Hong Kong to Hungary.

The delegation is sampling Hungarian cuisine and visiting the Tokaj, Eger, Villány and Balaton wine-growing regions during their three-day stay.

Exports of Hungarian wine to Hong Kong rose about 50% in 2008, said ITD Hungary's wine industry expert György Kerekes.

Hungary and Hong Kong recently signed a letter of intent on working to raise the profile of Hungarian wines in Asia.

Hong Kong has become an important wine broker for Asia since it scrapped its tariff on imported wine in 2008.

ITD Hungary has organized about 30 promotional programs with wine marketing company Magyar Bormarketing since 2007. Their efforts were concentrated on markets in Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK. In 2008, exports of Hungarian wine were up 16% to Sweden, 24% to the Netherlands and 29% to the UK.