Flemish export more successful than ever

Flanders exported more than EUR 300 billion for the first time in 2015, the highest amount ever, representing an increase of almost 2.2 percent compared to 2014. “Internationalisation is the lifeline of our economy and thus of our prosperity,” said Flemish Minister-President Geert Bourgeois. “This Flemish Government stimulates companies to diversify their export markets sufficiently and tap into new growth markets.”

The share of Flanders in the total Belgian export is no less than 83.1 percent. In addition, Flanders remains the sixth biggest exporter within the EU. Only Germany, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom and Italy are ahead of it. With a share of almost a quarter of Flemish total output, the chemical industry and pharmaceuticals were also leading at a distance in 2015.

North and Central America are growth markets

Flemish companies exported 3.2 percent more goods to other European countries last year. The United Kingdom and Italy are standing out as especially significant growth markets. Of all continents, the largest growth of export was reserved for North and Central America. Exports to the United States grew by an impressive 11.8 percent. In South America, Flemish products were popular in Argentina, Chile and Colombia.

Economic mission

Minister-President Geert Bourgeois is currently on an economic mission to India. With a tailored programme of themed seminars, individual business meetings and networking moments, he is promoting Flanders there. And he will continue to do so. “We were in Cuba earlier this year, which was the biggest Flemish economic mission ever. And in the autumn, we will be going to Iran.”