Economic studies

As the third largest power within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia generates 13% of the region's wealth. In 2014, growth is estimated at 5.7%.

"Vision 2020" aims to increase GDP per capita and transition Malaysia from a "middle-income country" to a "high-income country". Several programmes are aimed at guiding the country towards the realisation of this ambitious challenge.

Malaysia does not lack assets to attract exporters. The liberalisation of its economy stimulates trade relations, attracts more foreign capital and contributes to the country's rise in international competitiveness rankings.

On the occasion of the joint Belgian economic mission from 22 to 28 November 2014, the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency has published an "economic study". The first chapter is dedicated to Malaysia's macroeconomic situation, while the second includes an analysis of four dynamic sectors in which the trade opportunities are numerous: Islamic finance, cleantech, construction and healthcare. This is followed by a selection of recent success stories of Belgian companies in Malaysia.

This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to Malaysia and Singapore in November 2014.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

Mexico has a large internal market, which is growing thanks to the reforms carried out under the ambitious Pacto por México programme. The country also has an extensive network of international trade agreements. New agreements with both the European Union and the United States & Canada are also in the pipeline. It is therefore an excellent time to discover the market.

This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to Mexico in February 2019.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

The Moroccan economy has undergone a strong transformation in the last twenty years and is in a very strong position today. A stable GDP growth of around 4% is expected in the coming years while inflation, interest and exchange rate are also stable. Morocco's ambition to serve as a bridge between Europe and Africa, along with other assets discussed in the study, make the country an attractive haven for investment. Additional focus in this study is on the logistics and transportation sector, infrastructure and energy.

This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to Morocco in November 2018.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

Because of its geographical isolation, New Zealand is home to very special fauna and flora, much of which is endemic. It is not only New Zealand's great biodiversity that is important, but also its primary sector, whether it be fishing, farming, forestry or natural energy resources, that is flourishing.

Over the last 20 years, the government has succeeded in transforming this agriculturally, geographically and economically isolated New Zealand into an industrialised economy with free trade. Like many other Anglo-Saxon countries since the 1990s, New Zealand experienced a period of very strong growth during the 2000s. This lasted until the global economic crisis, during which the decline of the New Zealand economy was relatively limited.

However, it is not only the natural resources and the primary sector that are important: New Zealand can also count on an internationally recognised film industry, without forgetting the importance of the construction and infrastructure sector.

During the economic mission to New Zealand, which was chaired by HRH Prince Philip from 27 to 30 November 2012, special attention was paid to these sectors.

This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to New Zealand in November 2012.

Document only available in French and Dutch.