Overview of best prospect sectors, major infrastructure projects, significant government procurements and business opportunities.
Top U.S. exports to Belgium include chemicals and petrochemicals; plastics and machinery.  Post sees major existing or developing opportunities for U.S. exporters in (in alphabetical order):  Energy, ICT Services, Medical Devices, Safety and Security, and Travel & Tourism.  As the host of NATO and EU headquarters, and hundreds of other international organizations, Belgium also offers opportunities for specific projects.

Belgium’s central location in the wealthiest region of Europe makes it an ideal gateway for exports to destinations throughout Europe.  Within a radius of 300 miles, 140 million EU consumers can be reached, representing 60% of Europe’s purchasing power.

Belgium is also seen as a test market.  Belgium contains a few distinctly separate socio-demographic groups such as the Dutch-speaking Flemings and the French-speaking Walloons, governed by the same legal system.  The Belgian economy largely reflects the overall European economy and consumer, a mini-Europe that is easier to enter than starting with larger European markets. 

Moreover, Belgian productivity levels are the result of high investment in the quality of its labor force.  Because of its location and history, the educational system in Belgium is highly oriented towards the instruction of foreign languages.  U.S. companies contemplating the Belgian market will be encouraged by the large number of English speakers.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.