• cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Aerospace (2018)

    Belgian Aerospace (2018)

    The publication "Belgian Aerospace" outlines the past, present and future of the aerospace industry, while highlighting Belgium’s central role.

    Chapter 1 presents the broader framework of the aerospace industry, while chapter 2 focuses on several Belgian success stories in "Advanced materials & structures", "Platforms & embedded systems" or "Services & applications". Finally, chapter 3 contains a non-exhaustive list of Belgian companies active in the aerospace industry.

  • cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Audiovisual Technologies (2018)

    Belgian Audiovisual Technologies (2018)

    Belgian companies excel in innovative ideas and applications. As a result, it should not come as a surprise that they are prominent forces in one of the most disruptive sectors of the past few years: the audiovisual sector.

    This publication outlines the most important challenges and trends in event technologies, broadcasting technologies and immersive & interactive technologies, while also highlighting solutions of several leading Belgian players in this domain. The second part of the publication focuses on 9 Belgian success stories, whereas the last chapter contains a non-exhaustive list of companies offering innovative solutions in this sector.

  • cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Cosmetics (2016)

    Belgian Cosmetics (2016)

    As 9th market within Europe (turnover) and 7th largest exporter of the EU, Belgium is an important player. Our country benefits of favorable conditions for the activities of this industry and this throughout the whole value chain. Belgium is indeed a chemical cluster of world level and therefor the ideal test market for cosmetics. Known for its climate of innovation, Belgium also imposes a strict regulatory framework complying with the European directives.

    In the first chapter, the cosmetics sector is presented and a few Belgian assets are highlighted. 12 Belgian success stories make out the 2nd part of the publication. The third chapter lists (non-exhaustively) companies active in one of the for product categories of this sector: ‘toiletries’, ‘skin & hair care’, ‘decorative cosmetics’ and ‘fragances & perfumes’.

  • cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Digital Banking Technologies (2016)

    Belgian Digital Banking Technologies (2016)

    The Belgian banking sector is in constant evolution. One of the most important tendencies nowadays is digitalization. In Belgium there are many companies offering solutions to traditional banking institutions to enable them to handle the current needs of the sector. Fin tech companies are among these new players on the market, they are innovating startups building the link between finances and new technology. This publication studies 5 activities within this domain: infrastructure, big data, payment, cybersecurity as well as front-end & back-end solutions.

    The first chapter presents the Belgian banking sector in some data, its evolution to the digital world and discusses the different players in this domain. The second part comprises 15 Belgian success stories, whereas the last chapter contains a non-exhaustive list of companies offering innovative solutions in this sector.

  • cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Innovative Food Solutions (2015)

    Belgian Innovative Food Solutions (2015)

    The food industry occupies a prominent place in the Belgian economy. In 2014 exports accounted for 9.3% of the national total and generated almost half of the sector’s turnover. The quality and diversity of Belgian products are undeniable assets that contribute to this success, as well as the efforts made in the field of innovation. Belgium stands out thanks to the new solutions it provides to the food sector. "Belgian Innovative Food Solutions" categorises these as follows: ingredients, production equipment and conservation techniques.

    In the first part the publication presents the food sector in figures, highlighting the importance of exports and innovation for growth. The second part is dedicated to 9 Belgian success stories and the third part contains a non-exhaustive list of companies that offer innovating solutions to the sector.   

  • cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Waste and Recycling Solutions (2014)

    Belgian Waste and Recycling Solutions (2014) 

    Over the years our country has successfully switched to more sustainable methods that are higher up in the waste hierarchy. Today, Belgian companies are European and international leaders in the processing of different waste streams, including municipal, industrial and packaging waste and discarded electrical and electronic appliances. They also developed a far-reaching expertise and know-how regarding the environmentally-friendly management of landfill or storage sites for waste and sustainable remediation techniques.

    Historically, Belgium has always played an initiator’s role in the field of waste legislation and policy. This is no different today. Belgium takes up its pioneering role again and the regional authorities have planned a policy that gives priority to closing material cycles.

    In the first part of the publication “Belgian Waste and Recycling Solutions” the Belgian waste sector is presented: the market in numbers, the European and national objectives, the assets of Belgium and the different players. The second part is devoted to 12 Belgian success stories, while the third part consists of a non-exhaustive list of companies who are active in the industry. The companies were divided into 4 categories (collection & sorting, waste-to-material, waste-to-energy and landfill solutions).

  • cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Sustainable Energy Solutions (2014)

    Belgian Sustainable Energy Solutions (2014)

    The energy sector represents 14.1% of Belgian industry and contributes an amount of 2.3% to the total GDP of the country (data Eurostat, 2012).

    8th biggest energy user in the European Union, Belgium covers one quarter of its own needs, mainly thanks to its nuclear power stations. As Belgium does not have any oil, natural gas, uranium or coal, its degree of energy dependency relies entirely upon its production from renewable energy and waste.

    The government sets a double objective by 2020: 13% of green energy in the consumption mix and 21% of electricity is to be produced from renewable energy sources.

    In the first part of the publication “Belgian Sustainable Energy Solutions” the Belgian energy sector is presented: the market in numbers, the European and national objectives, the assets of Belgium and the different players.

    The second part is devoted to 12 Belgian success stories, while the third part consists of a non-exhaustive list of companies active in the industry. The companies were divided into 4 categories (production, electrical solutions, thermic solutions and energy efficiency).

  • cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Advanced Materials (2013)

    Belgian Advanced Materials (2013)

    With an export surplus of 10 billion EUR in 2012, the sector of plastics and rubber largely contributes to the positive trade balance of Belgium. Our country is a worldwide leader in the transformation and production of plastics per capita. Companies in this sector are at the forefront of innovation, for which Belgium is well known. 

    The first part of the publication "Belgian Advanced Materials – Plastics & Rubber" presents the sector of plastics and rubber, Belgian assets and the major sector players. The second part is devoted to 15 Belgian success stories; while the last part consists of a non-exhaustive list of companies active in the 5 application domains of this industry (automotive, construction, medical applications, packaging and technics).

  • cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Software (2012)

    Belgian Software (2012)

    The ICT industry is crucial in Belgium. Recent figures show that Information and Communications Technology is responsible for 0.62% of the growth of Belgium’s GDP, making it the fourth most dynamic industry in the European Union, with its 27 Member States.

    Software constitutes an important component of the ICT activity as a whole: approximately 30% of the Belgian employees that work in the ICT sector develop software. The industry represents 4% of the total GDP of our country.

    The “Belgian Software” publication by the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency aims to thoroughly analyse the assets of Belgium in the software field.

  • cover Sectoral publication - Belgian Biotechnology (2011)
    Belgian Biotechnology (2011)

    The Belgian biotechnology industry is one of the most dynamic industries worldwide. The presence of internationally renowned research centres and universities as well as the unconditional support of the regional and federal authorities have contributed to Belgium’s leadership position in biotechnology, in terms of health and the industry or the environment.

    During the joint trade mission to the United States presided over by HRH Prince Philippe from 22 to 30 June, the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency, together with the Regions and the sectoral organisations, drew up a publication on Belgium’s excellent performance in biotechnology. The publication was disseminated on a large scale in the United States and Belgium.