Economic studies

The country's future looks brighter than ever after the rapid catching-up that Ivory Coast recorded following the clashes at the beginning of this decade. In 2016, Ivory Coast was among the world's top five growth countries and, thanks to a regained stability and a business-friendly government, everything points to this trend continuing in the coming years.

This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to Ivory Coast in October 2017.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

Japan is the world's third-largest economy, after the United States and China, and boasts several assets. Among them, Japan is a leading exporter of vehicles, machinery, electronics and robotics. The country also has a modern infrastructure, a large consumer market with a population of 126 million, very high savings reserves, a low unemployment rate and a high degree of stability.

After several waves of COVID infection in 2020 negatively impacted consumer spending, exports and inbound tourism, real GDP growth was 1.6% in 2021. GDP growth is expected to continue in the coming years and this is due to continued strong policy support measures, high vaccination coverage and declining global supply constraints. As the uncertainty associated with the pandemic and the supply of goods and services will subside, investment will also pick up.

It is in this context that the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency, in collaboration with its partners, the FPS Foreign Affairs, Flanders Investment & Trade, hub.brussels and AWEX, is organising a joint economic mission to Japan (Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto) from 5 to 9 December 2022, chaired by HRH Princess Astrid, Representative of His Majesty the King.

Consult our study for an analysis of the Japanese economy.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

Interview with HE Makita Shimokawa, Ambassador of Japan in Belgium (November 2022):

Interview with HE Roxane de Bilderling, Ambassador of Belgium in Japan (November 2022):

Kazakhstan is a young country (it became independent in 1991) with many natural resources and has almost all the elements in Mendeliev's table. However, the income from oil is particularly important.

The 1st part of this study outlines the macro-economic basis of Kazakhstan and its impact in terms of foreign trade. Then some opportunity sectors for our Belgian companies are presented. The study concludes with the chapter entitled "Etiquette", which deals with certain local customs that should facilitate local contacts.

This study was realised on the occasion of the Belgian economic mission to Kazakhstan in October 2010.

Document only available in French and Dutch.

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.