The economic studies aim to provide the reader with a macroeconomic overview. They also list the key sectors that offer important opportunities for our Belgian export companies.
  • Economic study Singapore (October 2014)

    Singapore is an economic success story in many ways. In just a few decades, the country has climbed to the top of the list of the richest countries in the world. Today, the island state ranks 7th worldwide in terms of purchasing power.

    Since 2010, the government has been promoting economic reform, focusing on high value-added sectors and limiting the inflow of foreign labour. In this way, it hopes to increase per capita economic output while improving overall productivity and competitiveness.

    Free trade agreements are an inherent part of Singapore's trade policy. Here, Singapore is not only targeting new emerging markets, but is also striving to deepen its trade relations with Western economies. The recently adopted text of a new and ambitious free trade agreement with the European Union is proof of this.

    On the occasion of the joint Belgian economic mission to Singapore from 22 to 28 November 2014, the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency published an "economic study". The first chapter is devoted to Singapore's macroeconomic situation, while the second contains an analysis of four dynamic sectors in which the trade opportunities are numerous: biomedical sciences, cleantech, logistics and banking technology. The study concludes with a chapter on Belgian success stories in Singapore.

    Document only available in French and Dutch.

  • Economic study South Africa (September 2013)

    South Africa has natural resources in abundance. They form the basis of its economy, as evidenced by its modern farms and intensive mining activity. The country also has a wide range of services, especially in the financial sector.

    The current government has made the continuous improvement of the transport, energy and communication infrastructure one of its spearheads. In this way, it wants to meet the growing need for modernisation and make full use of the country's pre-eminent position on the international trade scene.

    The Belgian economic mission to South Africa from 20 to 27 October 2013, the first to be presided by HRH Princess Astrid, will focus on three very dynamic areas, namely diamonds, infrastructure and renewable energy.

    This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to Angola and South Africa in October 2013.

    Document only available in French and Dutch.

  • Economic study South Korea (June 2017)

    The Republic of Korea is known as one of the "Asian Tigers". This expression refers to the strong economic growth recorded in recent decades. The recently elected president, Moon Jae-in, shows a will to break with the previous government and includes the economy and diplomacy among her priorities. She wants to "make South Korea a fair and just society" with more transparency, which bodes well for trading partners and foreign investors.

    The country is surrounded by two seas and a demilitarised zone separates it from North Korea, making its economy heavily dependent on international trade. With one of the most open economies in the world (an openness rate of almost 90%), the country reached sixth place as the world's largest exporter and tenth place as the world's largest importer in 2016.

    This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to the Republic of Korea in June 2017.

    Document only available in French and Dutch.

  • Economic study Thailand (January 2013)

    Thailand is not just about tourism, diplomatic unrest or climate issues; it is also an emerging economy. Thailand's resilience has been crucial to its progress and privileged position on the international stage.

    Thailand has natural resources in abundance and a well-developed industrial base. Traditional techniques are still often used, but the modernisation that is underway offers many opportunities to Belgian exporters.

    The mission to Thailand, which will take place from 16 to 22 March 2013 and will be presided by HRH Prince Philippe, will focus on five promising sectors, namely the food industry, healthcare, renewable energy sources, infrastructure and logistics and, finally, ICT.

    This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to Thailand in March 2013.

    Document only available in French and Dutch.

  • Economic study Türkiye (July 2012)

    While European economies are facing an unprecedented crisis that is still weighing on their growth, Türkiye's neighbour is demonstrating an economic strength that makes one dream. The liberalisation of its economy and its economic policy efforts have allowed Türkiye to join the famous CIVETS countries, an acronym for the most promising economies, in line with the infamous BRIC countries.

    The sectors of cleantech, information and communication technology, transport and logistics as well as construction and infrastructure, offer the best growth perspectives. They will therefore be discussed in detail during the Belgian economic mission that is presided by HRH Prince Philippe from 15 to 19 October 2012.

    This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to Türkiye in October 2012.

    Document only available in French and Dutch.