A TRADITION OF OPENNESSWallonia’s know-how, quality of products andnatural resources have been highly successfulall over the world for a very long time and many‘Wallonians’ have become famous worldwidefor centuries.The political will to support the export capacitiesof Wallonia businesses is generating spectacularresults. The volume of exports is risingeach year in all sectors and is making the regionone the largest exporters per capita.Over time, Wallonia has proven to be a welcomingplace for international businesses,whose activities occupy an important place inthe economy.That is why the Wallonia government has createdan agency that is a unique partner for foreigncompanies wishing to set up a business in Wallonia.The main goal of this agency is to provideinformation, assistance, contacts and solutionssuited to prospective foreign investors.18
% EXPORT SALES % IMPORT SALESMARKET SHARE 2007 2008 (AS A %)211816141370.00 65.0052.00 46.<strong>10</strong>22.00 21.40 23.00 21.2011.00 13.50 9.00 7.504 43 3353 32 32 2 2 2<strong>10</strong>BE NL DE FR USA JP% OF SALES MADE ON EXPORT AND ON IMPORTSource: AwexUK FR DE BE NL PL IT HU SE CZFOREIGN <strong><strong>IN</strong>VEST</strong>MENTS <strong>IN</strong> WESTERN, CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPESource: Ernst & Young annual barometer on Belgian attractiveness 20<strong>10</strong>An economic tradition based on tradeWallonia is a region that has always based its development ontrade with adjacent countries but also with distant countries.The ideal geographic location and the high quality of transportfacilities have also heightened this natural predisposition ofWallonia businesses to explore foreign markets.Investments confirm the attractionof WalloniaBelgium ranks 4 th among the 20 most attractive European countriesin terms of investments, and attracts 6 % of all foreign investmentprojects in Europe. The survey carried out with internationalcorporate managers confirms the benefits of its centrallocation in Europe, its sound logistics infrastructure and its targetedfinancial incentives (Ernst & Young Research 20<strong>10</strong>).Export<strong>WALLONIA</strong>, A REGION NATURALLYOPEN <strong>TO</strong> THE WORLDA real exporting powerWallonia exporting power also shows up in the figures. For around adecade, exports have continued to grow considerably (close to <strong>10</strong> %per year on average), which is way ahead of the European averageand most of the neighbouring countries. A genuinely impressiveperformance, especially when we know that over half its GDPcomes from exports, in a wide range of sectors clearly illustratingthe diversity of the production performance from our businesses.Breakdown of export sectors (% of total)Chemistry 26,7 %Metallurgy 17 %Machines and equipment 11,6 %Plastics 8,9 %Agrofood 6 %Mineral 4,5 %Stone, cement, ceramics and glass 4,1 %Transport 3,9 %Animals 3,6 %Optics and precision 3,3 %The Wallonia Export andForeign Investments Agency:a passport for growthThanks to its experience and missionsfor promotion, information, training andconsulting about Wallonia, the WalloniaExport and Foreign Investment Agencyis a genuinely efficient partner to allbusinesses.One hundred and five offices worldwidecan assist you in analyzing, exploring,and developing your internationalmarkets. Many experts in all sectorswill inform and assist you in projectscanvassing foreign clients. Financialassistance can also be granted for certainpurposes.Source: AWEX - evolution of Wallonia Export - 2009© SOLVAYSOLVAYThis Belgian crown jewel stands out in the fieldsof chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics and ispresent in 50 countries and employs over 30,000people. Its Chemicals and Plastics site is located inthe province of Hainaut.© SONACASONACABased in the province of Hainaut, SONACA is aworld leader in the design and manufacture of leadingedges for plane bodies for Airbus, Embraerand Dassault Aviation.19
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