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Special Guest / Focus
So, they increase our level of exportation stability,
compared to the commodity-based sectors that
were hit hard in Q4 2008 and Q1 2009".
"What’s more, we show higher growth in the
sectors covered by the competitivity poles than
do our competitors in the same sectors. The
Marshall Plan has played a big role in developing
these high-tech sectors in Wallonia. Our capacity
for R&D is recognised internationally, and we
can now translate that research into commercial
activities and products. We have more companies
operating in high-tech sectors, and more of them
are engaged in exportation".
One of the hardest hit sectors in Q1 2009 was the
fabricated metals sector. For years the number
1 export sector for Wallonia, it dropped from
representing 22.83% of total Walloon exports in
2008 to only 17.04% in 2009. Overall, fabricated
metals exports decreased -39.4% in Q1 2009.
The number 1 place was taken over by chemical
products, led by the strong performance of the
Walloon pharmaceutical industry (+19% growth).
Chemical products –long the number 2 export
sector – grew from 20.13% of total Walloon
exports in 2008 up to 23.89% in Q1 2009. While
overall growth in chemical product exports was
modest, at 1.5%, this still represents a success
that must be recognised.
The only other top 10 sector to show positive
growth in 2009 was optical and precision
instruments. This sector – which ranked 15th
in importance in 2006—has grown steadily, up
to 8th position in Q1 2009. It is one to watch for
the future.
Losing sectors 2009(Q1) - Top 10 sectors
% of total Walloon
exports 2009 Growth 2008/2007 Q1 2009
Fabricated metals 17.04% 5.7% -39.4%
Machinery, electric and
electronic equipment
Plastic and
rubber material
12.11% -6.1% -20.1%
8.49% -3.2% -26.7%
AWEX and Walloon export evolution
"I believe that AWEX has played an important
role in the continuing strength of Walloon exports
to markets like BRIC", insists Stéphane Gagné.
"What’s more, we have continued to send a
positive message to Walloon companies not to sit
out the crisis, but to continue developing markets,
especially in emerging countries. This is a
strategy we have been promoting for a long time,
and it is paying off.
"We want to make it clear that there has been
no «credit crunch» at AWEX! We are still available
to help companies in their export activities. We
are an ‘all-terrain’ vehicle ready to help them face
the crisis".
AWEX continues to expand its own activities and
actions towards emerging countries: more than
60% of commercial actions in 2009 are aimed
outside the EU15. "We have also focussed on
staying active and visible during the crisis by
reinforcing our proximity to the exporting base in
Wallonia. In 2009, we established ‘Road Shows’:
a circuit of meetings and seminars with Walloon
companies that are not yet exploiting
the opportunities AWEX offers. We met about
200 potential clients during the Road Shows.
Some of those will certainly become exporting
companies in the future".
Looking ahead: post-crisis
The global financial crisis will not last forever.
Since the beginning of the second semester of
2009, some experts see signs that the worst is
over. "Our companies need to position themselves
for the post-crisis period", says Stéphane Gagné.
"Despite the poor results this year, Walloon firms
have not given in to a sense of fatalism. Instead,
they have searched out the opportunities that
exist even in crisis times. They have continued to
develop growth sectors and in growth markets, and
have shown tenacity in their efforts. The figures
for Q4 2009 should be brighter, and our Walloon
companies are well-prepared for the future".
Food and beverages 5.52% 4.3% -8.1%
Mineral products 5.85% 40.0% -36.1%
Transport equipment 4.11% -4.7% -6.1%
Stonework, cement,
ceramics and glass
Live animals
and animal products
3.81% 0.4% -29.7%
3.76 0.8% -11.5%
Winning sectors 2009(Q1) - Top 10 sectors
% of total Walloon
exports 2009 Growth 2008/2007 Q1 2009
Chemical products 23.89% 19.9% 1.5%
Optical and precision
instruments
3.83% 97.0% 30.1%
12. Dynamisme Special Issue