Economic studies

The Chilean economy is the most competitive economy in Latin America. The country, with a healthy macroeconomic system, is an excellent destination for any business interested in Latin America. Indeed, Chile regularly tops international lists, both in terms of development potential and in terms of economic and political stability.

This study was realised in the context of the Belgian economic mission to Chile in December 2011.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

Today, China is an absolute superpower on the international scene and a leader in international trade. The country, which has experienced an annual economic growth of 8% over the past decade, is by far the world's leading exporter and the second largest importer. In addition, China is in the final phase of negotiations with the EU on a bilateral investment agreement, which should make the market more accessible for European investors.

This study was realised in the context of the Belgian economic mission to China in November 2019.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

Colombia is one of the fastest growing economies on the Latin American continent. Thanks to annual growth rates of 4.7% on average over the past four years, the republic is mentioned in the same breath as the CIVETS countries, a new generation of tiger economies.

This favorable situation is the result of an improved security environment, combined with the economic policy of President Santos, who was re-elected for a second term in office in June 2014. This will include support for 5 “engines of growth and job creation”. These are infrastructure, housing, mining & energy, agriculture, and innovation, all sectors of vital economic importance.

At the same time, Colombia is increasingly opening up to foreign investors and efforts are being made to broaden and deepen international relations. The recently concluded free trade agreement between Colombia and the European Union can also be understood in this context. This treaty opens markets for both European and Colombian exporters.

On the occasion of the joint trade mission to Colombia and Peru from October 18 to 25, 2014, the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency published an “economic study”. The first chapter of this study is devoted to Colombia's macroeconomic situation, while the second provides an analysis of three dynamic sectors in which the trade opportunities are numerous: the agro-industry, construction & infrastructure and the energy sector. Finally, a selection of recent success stories of Belgian companies in Colombia is given.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. With growth rates averaging 8% annually over the past 20 years, it is part of the BRICS coutries, the club of five that is one of the engines of the global economy.

The XIIth five-year policy programme (2012-2017), based on the mantra "faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth", sets major investment targets. The bulk of the effort should come from the domestic and foreign private sector. The focus is on key sectors, such as infrastructure and energy. In addition, India is committed to inclusive growth, which is to be stimulated by the evolution of purchasing power.

According to experts, India will continue to play its role as a leader in the world economy. It goes without saying that this prognosis for the future offers considerable business opportunities for our Belgian companies.

On the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to India (23-29 November 2013), the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency has published an "economic study". The first chapter is devoted to India's macroeconomic situation, while the second contains an analysis of five dynamic sectors in which trade opportunities abound: cleantech & renewable energy, healthcare & pharma, diamonds, infrastructure and telecommunications. This is followed by a selection of recent success stories of Belgian companies in India.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

As the 16th world economic power, Indonesia offers interesting potential for our exporters and investors. The country is one of the emerging nations taking up the torch from the BRICS countries. Despite the slowdown recorded in recent years, the country's growth continues to hover around the significant 5% level in 2015, with optimistic prospects for the coming years.

The demographic structure makes the country especially attractive. As the fourth most populous country in the world, Indonesia has a young population and a strongly growing middle class. There are natural resources such as agricultural land and minerals in abundance. The archipelago wants to diversify and move from an economy dependent on raw material exports to one based on processing the latter into high-quality end products.

The elimination of fuel subsidies gave the government of President Widodo the space to allocate the budget thus freed to the renovation of domestic infrastructure, the development of renewable energy sources, the relaunch of the maritime sector and the introduction of measures to ensure access to education and health care.

On the occasion of the joint Belgian economic mission to Indonesia from 12 to 19 March 2016, the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency published an economic study. The first part analyses the macroeconomic situation of Indonesia, while the second part focuses on the most dynamic sectors: infrastructure, energy, cleantech and the maritime sector.

Document only available in French and Dutch.