Amerikai Magyar Szó, 1992. január-június (46. évfolyam, 1-26. szám)

1992-04-30 / 18. szám

Thursday, April 30. 1992.

6.

AMERIKAI MAGYAR SZO

PICK: THE ORIGINAL HUNGARIAN SALAMI

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN CUBA '92

by Bertram Stiller

in February, the Cuban Academy of Sciences invited me to attend the celebration of its 30th anniversary

It is now widely recognized by Cuban government officials that it was a serious policy error to ignore trade with Latin America for 30 years, and to have focused primarily on the needs of East Europe. The medical and technological developments in Cuba are not matched by most Latin American countries and therefore a great trading potential exists in the Western Hemisphere for Cuban products This is especially true of the smaller countries which do relatively little trade with the U.S. government.

During my visit to a numoer of scientific institutes, it became clear that even during the "Special Period", the effort to build strong biotechnology research and production facilities has not slowed down. In fact, at the Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, I found that not only have their laboratories been updated and expanded since my last visit but in addition, apartment houses for staff are being built within walking distance of the Institute

At the conference most talks

given by Cubans were on software that has been developed both for use in Cuba and for export, In medicine, these talks ranged from hospital administration to expert systems analyses of physiological data for diagnostic purposes. In non-medical fields, the talks ranged from hotel and tourism, management to automation of industrial processes. Computers were set up in a large exhibit hall, where one could try out many of these programs, as well as inspect hardware Droducts.

We all heard about the joint venture activitites of Cuba in the field of tourism. During this visit, I learned of a new group that is exploring the feasability of over 100 joint ventures in a variety of industrial fields. This is another example of the Cuban government's recognition that its economic recovery can only come about by taking the pragmatic approach of dealing with capitalist enterprises.

STUDY HUNGARIAN IN THE SUMMER AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

The new institute of Hungarian Studies at Rutgers University informs the public that during the 1992 New Brunswick Summer Session Elementary Hungarian 1 and 2 will be offered at Rutgers. These are basic courses emphasizing the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Elementary Hungarian 1 from May 27 to July 1; Elementary Hungarian 2 from July 5 to August 12. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 10 PM in Scott Hall, 202 and 120, respectively. Both courses offer 4 credits.

For further information call (908) 932- 1367 or (908) 932-7604. Mailing address: Institute of Hungarian Studies, 172 College, New Brunswick, N J 08903.

The Hungarian Minister of Industry and Trade is expected soon to relax the ban on advertising alcoholic drinks.

The ministerial order is expected to remove the advertising ban from alcoholic drinks containing less than 22.5 per cent alcohol, thereby exempting wines, vermouth and beer. However, bans will still apply to spirits as well as to cigarettes.

SZEGED - known as the "Sunshine City" in the center of southern Hungary - is proud of the historic relics and epics of its colorful past, its famous brand of Szeged hospitality, its cultural contributions to the Hungarian tapestry, its popular traditions, industries and professional achievements and something else..

...THE SECRET OF ITS SALAMI-MAKING

Szeged's reputation has circled the globe via the gourmet and delicatessen following of Pick Salami, the production of which was first introduced by Marcus Pick, an agricultural trader born in Szeged. In the factory he founded in 1869, Pick turned out a successful product made unique and delectable by its special Hungarian formula of flavors and textures that captured the fancy and appetite of a large number of countries elsewhere in the world at the time. From then on, Pick salami garnered prizes and kudos at international fairs and exhibitions with the result that the product found its way to the shelves of specialty shops in almost 20 countries.

WHY PICK SALAMI IS CALLED THE

“WINTER SALAMI” IN HUNGARY

The origin of this apellation dates back to the time of Marcus Pick or earlier, when salami could only be produced in the winter since there was no refrigeration. Nowadays, the Pick salami factory can produce salami of excellent and permanent quality without thought for the climate and season. As a result, the composition of Pick salami and its traditional mode of production have remained true to the

Forint devalued

As of 16 March the National Bank of Hungary (NBH) has devalued the forint by 1.9 per cent against a basket of convertible currencies. # ,

NBH president Peter Akos Bod said the exchange rate adjustment was prompted by the fact that the forint has been constantly gathering strength lately, and that the rate of devaluations has been smaller than the increase in the domestic producer's price level. Cheap imports are gradually squeezing Hungarian products out of the market.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY CENTRE IN SOPRON

In one of the most distinguished resort areas of western Hungary, in Sopron, in the Lover Hotel, a Hungarian-Austrian joint venture was set up to ensure a healthier and beautiful style of life; for this the following facilities are offered; medical tests, physiotherapy, massage, cosmetic treatment with bio-creams, sauna, solarium, fitness room, swimming pool, physical exercise in the forest, cycling tours, weight reducing menus, vegetarian meals and tea bar.

Address: Varisi utca 4. 9400 Sopron, telephone: 36-99/11-061

original through the years. The quality control experts ensure the integrity, the quality and character of the salami of Szeged. Its special aroma derives from the use of only natural ingredients, from its spices through to its moldcoat encrusting the salami. Apart from its ability to safeguard taste, this moldcoat shields the salami from light, prevents rancidity and thus guarantees preservation of taste, texture and aroma until the salami is consumed.

Hungarian investors abroad

To date, the Hungarian authorities have issued 367 licences to Hungarian businesses for setting up joint ventures abroad, and total Hungarian investments abroad now near Ft2 billion ($26M).

The sum is not very great compared to the $2.8 billion worth of foreign investment in Hungary, but there has been a marked rise in Hungarian investment aborad since 1990.

The number of joint ventures Hungarians have set up abroad grew from 159 in 1990 to 367 in 1991, but imported capital grew only sightly: from Ft 1.42 billion to Ft 1.988 billion.

Most Hungarian investors have plumped for the former Socialist countries: so

far, they have set up 87 ventures in Romania, 64 in Czecho-Slovakia, 52 in the former Soviet Union, and 45 in Germany, the bulk in the Eastern Lander.

Hungarian companies have invested Ft 1.19 billion in the CIS. Germany ranks second with Ft 159 million, and Austria third with Ft 109 million invested.

Although the largest number of Hungarian joint ventures has been set up in Romania, only Ft 91 million of capital is involved.

The main criterion the Ministry of International Economic Relations takes into consideration when issuing a licence for capital export is the profitability of the venture.

DEBRECEN AIRPORT. The city council of Debrecen (E.Hungary) and Air Service Hungary operate a former Soviet military airfield as a civil passenger airport. An upswing in thermal tourism is expected.