Budapest, 29 October 2026 - The Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP) took part in two professional meetings with a visiting World Bank delegation, creating valuable opportunities to exchange perspectives on international water management, project financing and cooperation between public and private sector stakeholders.
The World Bank delegation included Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director for Water, Rochi Khemka, Programme Manager of the 2030 Water Resources Group (WRG), and Raimund Mair, Senior Water Resources Specialist.
HWP was represented by its Managing Director, Angelika Puskas, who participated in both meetings, while Balázs Varga, Head of the Water Industry Business Unit at Pureco, joined the evening roundtable discussion.
Connecting Hungarian Water Expertise with International Opportunities
The first meeting, hosted by the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, brought together representatives of approximately 20 Hungarian companies and institutions to learn more about the World Bank's water programmes, financing opportunities and the activities of the 2030 Water Resources Group. Among those, were members of HWP - PEN, and Geogold Kárpátia Ltd.
The 2030 WRG, an initiative operating under the World Bank, supports cooperation between governments, businesses and civil society to address water security challenges. Its approach includes policy advice, multi-stakeholder platforms and innovative financing mechanisms. Hungary is among the initiative's partners.
During the meeting, participating organisations had the opportunity to briefly introduce their activities and international experience.
Representing HWP, Angelika Puskas outlined the Partnership's operating model, its international activities and its cooperation with water-sector organisations across Africa and Asia. The presentation attracted particular interest from World Bank representatives, especially regarding HWP's established relationships with the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA). The exchange also highlighted opportunities to strengthen professional dialogue between HWP and relevant World Bank teams, building on existing contacts and shared interests in international water development.
Showcasing International Projects and Scalable Water Solutions
The dialogue continued later that day at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Drought Prevention Institute (DPI), where Angelika Puskas delivered a more detailed presentation on HWP's activities, international cooperation model and selected projects implemented by its members. The presentation highlighted water management projects in Ghana and Vietnam, illustrating how Hungarian expertise and technologies can contribute to addressing water infrastructure and resource management challenges in international markets.
Particular attention was given to the Ghanaian project, with World Bank representatives raising questions about its ownership structure, development process and potential for replication or expansion. The discussion demonstrated the importance of presenting not only technological solutions but also practical implementation models that can be adapted to different market conditions and financing environments.
Project Preparation Financing: A Key Challenge for Water Infrastructure Development
One of the central messages raised by HWP during the discussions was the need for dedicated financing mechanisms for the preparation of water infrastructure projects. Developing technically sound and financially viable projects requires substantial preparatory work, including feasibility assessments, technical planning, financial structuring and coordination among stakeholders.
However, adequate funding for these early stages is not always available, even where the underlying project has strong development potential.
HWP emphasised that better access to project preparation financing could help bridge the gap between promising water management concepts and investment-ready projects. Such support could reduce development barriers, improve project readiness and enable companies to mobilise their technical and financial resources more effectively during subsequent implementation phases. This issue is particularly relevant to international water infrastructure development, where successful project delivery depends not only on proven technologies but also on appropriate financing structures and effective cooperation among public authorities, financial institutions and private sector partners.
Building on International Dialogue
The two meetings provided an opportunity for HWP to present the capabilities of its member companies, strengthen professional contacts and exchange views with World Bank representatives on potential areas of cooperation.
The interest expressed in HWP's international partnership model and project experience underlined the relevance of connecting Hungarian water-sector expertise with global development priorities.
HWP remains committed to facilitating international cooperation, supporting its members in accessing new markets and contributing to the development of sustainable, affordable and financially viable water management solutions worldwide.
