Máté Pesti

Máté Imre Pesti is a Hungarian diplomat and China expert with more than fifteen years of experience in diplomacy, economic strategy, investment promotion and high-level government relations. A sinologist by training, he also holds an MSc in Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Following earlier Asia-focused assignments and diplomatic positions in Brussels and London, he served as Ambassador of Hungary to the People’s Republic of China from January 2018 to July 2026. During his tenure, he played a central role in strengthening political and economic cooperation between the two countries. He is also an Honorary Professor at Beijing International Studies University.

A key focus of his work has been building strategic relationships with leading Chinese high-tech companies and supporting their expansion into Europe. He was directly involved in facilitating and coordinating major investments in Hungary’s technology, electric mobility and battery industries. These include CATL’s €7.3 billion battery manufacturing project—the largest greenfield investment in Hungary’s history—and BYD’s first European passenger vehicle manufacturing facility. Between 2018 and 2025, Hungary supported 59 major Chinese investment projects worth more than €18 billion, contributing to the creation of over 34,000 jobs and reinforcing Hungary’s position as a leading European hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation. He earned his degrees in Oriental Studies, specializing in China, from Eötvös Loránd University and speaks Hungarian, English, German and Mandarin Chinese.