Doing Business in Belgium - RSM International

2.2.4. Biotechnology
In 2006 some 140 companies were active in biotechnology in Belgium. Universities
and research centres have forged strong links with economic players to develop this
forward-looking sector. Belgian companies accounted for 16% of Europe’s turnover
in biotech and around 10% of R&D spending.
2.2.5. European headquarters
Brussels offers a strategic location, an attractive real estate market and the presence
of key European decision-making bodies, making it the ideal headquarters for major
corporations. Hundreds of multinationals – mainly American and Japanese – have
their European headquarters in Belgium.
2.2.6. Transport and logistics
Belgium is the perfect location for a logistical base, headquarters or distribution
centre in mainland Europe. The infrastructure, skills and IT facilities provide an ideal
environment and beachhead for conquering the European market.
2.2.7. Automotive
Over the past 20 years Belgium has turned out an average of 1,000,000 vehicles a
year, most of them destined for export. Belgium is a key player in vehicle assembly.
With plants like Opel Antwerp, Ford Genk, Audi Forest/Brussels, Volvo Europa, Van
Hool (busses) and Truco, we truly have a strong presence in the production market.
2.2.8. Aerospace
Belgian industry plays a key role in the aerospace sector. Many aircraft bear the
stamp of Belgian know-how: Airbuses, Boeings, the F-16, the Rafale, the Falcon 7X, the
Ariane 4 and 5 space programmes, SPOT earth observation satellites to name but
a few. In its economic development plan, the Walloon Region specifically promotes
competitiveness in the aerospace industry.
2.2.9. Pharmaceuticals
Belgium is a world leader in pharmaceuticals. Nearly 30,000 people work in
this sector, which alone accounts for 10% of all Belgian exports. In fact, 40%
of all private sector R&D investment is in the pharmaceutical industry, twice
the European average.
2.3. Invest in Brussels: Capital city and region
Not only is Brussels the capital of Belgium and Europe, but it is also one of the three
regions – along with Flanders and Wallonia - that together make up the federal state
of Belgium. The regions enjoy powers and responsibilities in many areas, including
the economy, employment, energy and scientific research.
Brussels hosts the European Institutions as well as numerous professional federations.
It is a prominent international business decision centre where opinion leaders of all
industries are meeting everyday.
Alongside the federal government’s fiscal measures, Brussels supports business
through incentives, auxiliary measures and premiums. It also provides support for
recruitment, training, logistics and research and development.
Brussels has a population of approximately 1 million and covers 162 km 2 . The region
is home to 54,000 businesses, mostly SMEs and international companies. The region
is officially bilingual (French and Dutch) but in practice, the city of Brussels is one of
the most cosmopolitan in Europe and lies at the crossroads between the Germanic,
Latin and Anglo-Saxon cultures.
As home to headquarters of all the main EU institutions, Brussels has become a key
decision-making centre and a hotbed of economic activity. Some 13,000 lobbyists
are active in the city, ranking it second only behind Washington DC in terms of sheer
numbers of interest groups and NGOs.
Its location at the heart of the European rail network means that Brussels is just 1 hour
20 minutes from Paris and 1 hour 51 minutes from London by train. But compared to
those cities, Brussels has managed to retain a highly competitive real estate market
and it is certainly no coincidence that so many multinational companies have already
chosen to set up their respective European headquarters in the city.
2.4. Invest in Flanders
Flanders is one of three regions – the others being Wallonia and Brussels – that make
up the federal state of Belgium. The administrative capital of Flanders is Brussels.
Alongside the federal government’s fiscal measures, Flanders supports businesses
through incentives, auxiliary measures and premiums. It also provides support for
recruitment, training, logistics and research and development.
Flanders has a population of around 6 million and covers 13,522 km 2 . It is one of
the most prosperous regions in Europe. The region is home to many businesses,
mostly SMEs. The official language of Flanders is Dutch, but the active population
is multilingual. The people are well known for their trustworthiness, productivity
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DOING BUSINESS IN BELGIUM
DOING BUSINESS IN BELGIUM
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