Flanders Investment & Trade was created in July 2005 by the merger of the former Flanders Foreign Investment Office (FFIO) and Export Vlaanderen. Its aim is to promote sustainable international business in the interests of both Flanders-based companies and foreign enterprises through the synergies and widened networks and expertise achieved by the merger.
International Trade
Whatever the sector, we can help your company connect with the Flemish companies you're looking for. Whether you're interested in sourcing products or services, or seeking new business partnerships ranging from joint ventures to technology transfers, our expert advisers will provide the answers you need.
Inward Investment
Flanders Investment & Trade also assists foreign businesses seeking to set up or expand in Flanders, the northern region of Belgium and one of Europe's most favorable business locations. Whether your company is considering production or R&D facilities, contact centers, headquarters or logistics operations - or a combination of any of these - Flanders Investment & Trade will provide the right kind of advice and guidance free of charge.
Our focus on international business is supported by extensive and responsive networks at home and abroad. With more than 75 offices around the globe, Flanders Investment & Trade is positioned to provide the service you need, wherever you are.
SECTORS
Automotive
Logistics
Life Sciences
Chemicals
ICT
Food
Aerospace
Renewable Energy
Flanders has a number of exceptionally strong sectors that continue to attract investment by businesses from other countries. These sectors include the automotive industry, logistics, chemical production, the life sciences and a number of high-tech ICT fields.
In the automotive industry, around 800.000 cars a year are produced by the Ford, Opel (GM), Audi and Volvo plants, while truck, bus and special-vehicle makers also turn out vehicles and components for the world market.
In logistics, the location of Flanders and the region's transport infrastructure have attracted a large number of both in-house and third-party operations, while in chemical production the Port of Antwerp is Europe's largest cluster and the world's second largest.
In the life sciences, the region has a long tradition in discovery research, production and distribution. There are a variety of global players in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices and medical imaging, as well as in support activities.
And, in the field of ICT, Flanders has become a leader in fields such as digital signal processing, with a cluster of international and local start-ups based around the university city of Leuven.
Flanders has focused on providing the right environment for these sectors and others to flourish - the right infrastructure, the right workforce, the right platform.
