10 GOOD REASONS to INVEST in WALLONIA a LAND of GROWTH Create

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Wallonia10 10 GOOD REASONS TO INVEST IN WALLONIA A LAND OF GROWTH Create...... 5 WHERE THE HEART OF EUROPE BEATS Reach...... 6 65 % OF THE EUROPEAN MARKET IN A FEW HOURS Grow...... 8 130 state of the art business parks

MEN AND WOMEN Innovate...... 11 11,000 researchers serving innovation Manufacture ...... 12 A productivity 20 % higher than the European average

ENHANCING YOUR COMPETITIVENESS Take advantage ...... 15 OF SMART CORPORATE TAXATION Benefit ...... 16 FROM FINANCIAL INCENTIVES AND ACCESS TO CAPITAL

A TRADITION OF OPENNESS Export...... 19 WALLONIA, A REGION NATURALLY OPEN TO THE WORLD Communicate...... 20 Know each other to better innovate Relax...... 22 NATURE, CULTURE, LEISURE, FUN, etc

2 Wallonia10 Welcome to Wallonia, Region of Belgium

Wallonia10 “to the 10th” is a welcoming and successful region that has taken its future in its own hands and is opening its arms to you .

Wallonia is located in the backyard of the capital of Europe, at the heart of a gigantic market favourable to businesses .

An area of innovation and competitiveness where men and women appreciate work and effort .

An attractive and competitive region offering smart taxation and a customized financial assistance system .

A quality area open to the world, where the authorities promote creativity and initiative; a welcoming land of culture and traditions .

The Wallonia Export and Investment Agency now makes it easier to set up your business.

Brussels

3 A LAND OF GROWTH

With a territory of 17,000 km2 and over 3,400,000 mainly in the following sectors: economy, external inhabitants, Wallonia is one of the three regions trade and employment, but also in the areas of of federal Belgium: the French speaking region applied scientific research, new technologies, close to Brussels, with autonomy and powers transport, energy and regional development .

4 Create WHERE THE HEART OF EUROPE BEATS

Wallonia is in the immediate vicinity of Brussels and Western Europe’s major cities . The area is home to the main offices of the largest international institutions and the headquarters of many multinationals .

Brussels with the European Commission, European Parliament, NATO, Eurocontrol, The World Customs Organisation, the SHAPE, 1,500 Guy Lebeau Company Group Chairman, international organisations, 220 representative offices of cities and Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices & Diagnostics, regions, 160 embassies, and most European professional associations and Europe, Middle East and Africa federations . “The effort made by the Wal- lonia region, in conjunction Brussels also hosts the largest journalist centres in the world, over 60 with its central location in foreign banks, 1,700 international corporations, more than 300 international Europe, the presence of the law firms or consulting businesses, and 21 international schools . airport and transportation infrastructure, and the pos- sibility of teaming up with With Paris, Strasbourg, London, Amsterdam, The Hague, Luxembourg, CEVA Logistics were the key Cologne, Frankfurt, or even Munich and Geneva within a few hours, factors in making this invest- Wallonia is directly connected to all decision making centres in Europe . ment decision ”.

BAXTER BURGO ARDENNES Baxter has been in Wallonia for over 50 years and A subsidiary of Burgo Marchi Group, a Southern employs close to 2,400 people in its production fac- Europe leader in coated paper, Burgo Ardennes tory, its European logistics complex and its R & D holds a strategic place in Europe and is the 2nd centre . largest industrial employer in the Belgian Luxem-

5 Three international airports The densest road network A rail system geared towards With Liege and Charleroi, Wallonia has two in the world Europe and exceptionally dense airports handling 500,000 tons of freight Wallonia has a modern communication Not just several High speed train lines and more than 4 million passengers each network to suit the needs of interna- (Thalys, ICE, Eurostar), but also cargo year . And of course, Brussels-National Air- tional companies, with close to 900 km links connected to the main European port is not very far, with more than 18 mil- of free flowing motorways interconnect- rail centres . lion passengers and over 700,000 tons of ed to the European network . freight annually . Reach 65 % OF THE EUROPEAN MARKET IN A FEW HOURS!

The geographic location of Wallonia By road, you can cover an area that is beyond compare: the vast majority includes 20 of the largest European of the European market is directly cities and 400 million consumers, in accessible within a radius of 500 km! just one day .

A market within reach thanks to an Being located in Wallonia increases impressive transport system and top your efficiency and allows you to quality infrastructures . deliver your products in record times .

CATERPILLAR COCA-COLA COMPANY Prime world manufacturer of construction and With Coca-Cola Enterprises and Coca-Cola Ser- mining equipment, engines and turbines . The Gos- vices, Coca-Cola has made Belgium a hub for its selies factory near Charleroi is the largest of its research and development . Coca-Cola has a pro- subsidiaries outside the United States . duction site in Wallonia (Sources Chaudfontaine)

Glasgow Copenhagen Malmö Dublin

Hamburg London Southampton Amsterdam

Anvers Bruxelles Köln Lille Frankfurt Paris Strasbourg

Lyon

Genoa Bilbao Porto Marseille

Lisbon Barcelona Stockholm

Naples Valencia

Stockholm Stockholm

Glasgow Glasgow Malmö Copenhagen Malmö Copenhagen Dublin Dublin

Hamburg Hamburg London London Southampton Amsterdam Southampton Amsterdam

Anvers Anvers Bruxelles Bruxelles Köln Köln Glasgow Lille Frankfurt Lille Frankfürt Paris Paris Strasbourg Strasbourg

Lyon Lyon

Genoa Genoa Bilbao Bilbao Porto Porto Marseille Marseille Malmö Lisbon Barcelona Lisbon Barcelona

Naples Naples Copenhagen Valencia Valencia Dublin At the very heart of the largest network 21st Century logistics where of waterways in Europe intermodal does marvels The four river ports including Liege, third inland port in Eu- Transport, warehousing, distribution and logistic services with rope, handle 45 million tons each year . WalloniaStockholm has a key po- high added value: with its six intermodal platforms spread

sition in the Scheldt-Meuse-RhineGlasgow network . across the entire region, Wallonia logistics has upgraded from Copenhagen Malmö Dublin “Third Party Logistics” to a vital player on the European scene .

Hamburg London Southampton Amsterdam

Anvers Bruxelles Köln Lille Frankfürt Paris Strasbourg

Lyon

Genoa Bilbao Porto Marseille

Lisbon Barcelona

Naples Valencia Amsterdam

The Hague Marianne Nerinckx H&M Spokesperson in Rotterdam Belgium “Wallonia constitutes the ideal geographical base for London service to Europe . It com- Antwerp prises major road, railway, waterway and air infra- Maastricht Brussels Cologne structures and the chosen location operates perfectly Bonn as an extended gateway for Liege the Zeebrugge, Antwerp and Lille Mons Rotterdam ports ”. Namur Charleroi

Frankurt

Luxembourg Paris

Waterways

High speed train lines /TGV

Ports

EUROGENTEC EVS BROADCAST EQUIPMENT A spin off from the University of Liege has become A Wallonia high tech company: 80 % of the world’s one of the biggest suppliers for genome and pro- market in idling hard disk televised systems . teomics research .

Lyon

Genoa Bilbao Porto Marseille

Lisbon Barcelona

Naples Valencia Rent (Euro/m2): Belgium Wallonia 38 - 42 Hungary 54 - 60 Belgium Brussels 57 - 60 Belgium Antwerp 45 - 50 The Netherlands 55 - 70 Italy 57 - 92 France 46 - 55 United Kingdom 56 - 128 Czech Republic 58 - 62 Source: DTZ

Grow 130 state of the art business parks

Property costs in Wallonia are among the lowest in Europe

In Wallonia, entrepreneurship is sec- • 6 Science Parks, directly connected to ond nature . No wonder that everything research centres, laboratories, uni- is done to welcome and help compa- versities, business centres and incu- nies develop by offering them the low- bators are vital partners in the tech- est property prices on the market: nology sectors . • 130 fully equipped Business Parks • More than 4,000 acres (1,700 ha) are now hosting close to 5,000 com- fully equipped and available at the panies and are creating more than lowest prices in Europe 150,000 jobs .

EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL FERRERO FILMS EUROPE, INC One of the world leaders in the chocolate and Set up in the Belgian Luxembourg province, 500 confectionery sector: Arlon is one of the company’s people make oriented polypropylene film for wrap- largest production units in the world . ping food and non-food products . Over 95 % of the production is exported . © EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL FILMS EUROPE, INC © FERRERO

8 Infrastructure and efficiency Power and competitiveness Wallonia Business Parks are strategi- Over a total area of close to 600 ha, the cally located over the entire territory “Wallonia Science Parks” are directly and managed locally . They are perfectly connected to 7 R&D centres and labora- equipped and benefit from a direct ac- tories, 4 incubators, 7 business centres cess to all European communication and are linked to 9 university centres . and transport networks . Almost every- They can host companies following sim- where in Wallonia, huge areas are still ple and rapid procedures . The services available at very competitive prices . offered cover infrastructure, consulting, information and networking .

Amsterdam AmsterdamAmsterdam

London LondresLondres Jeff Van Doorslaer Brussels BruxellesBruxelles Head of Semi-Industrial FrankfurtFrancfortFrancfort& Logistics Agency Cushman & Wakefield Belgium According to the COMPARI- SON OF PRIME LOCATIONS Wavre Wavre Wavre FOR EUROPEAN dISTRIBU- TION AND LOGISTICS 2009 Lille Lille Lille study carried out by Cush- man & Wakefield, Wallonia is Strépy-Thieu Strépy-Thieu Strépy-Thieu the number 1 logistics region in Europe . “Wallonia’s geographic location, near to the major ports and good level of accessibility to the major European markets explain its position at the top of the ranking . Low costs Paris Paris Paris (taxes, warehouse or labour costs), clearly lower than those of the Netherlands or Germany, also constitute a Logistics PlatformsPlateformesPlateformes logistiques logistiques nonnegligible asset . Moreo- Universities UniversitésUniversités ver, Wallonia benefits from Industrial and servicesZones industrielles ZonesZones industrielles et de services et de services highly productive and even Science Parks Parcs scientifiquesParcs scientifiques multilingual labour, qualified in employment in the sector of distribution chains .”

GLAXOSMITHKLINE BIOLOGICALS IBA One of the main vaccine producers and designer of This spin off from the University of Louvain-la- drugsTGV in the world; TGVemploys TGVaround 6,200 people Neuve designs and produces cyclotrons producers worldwide,Train includingTrain more thanTrain 4,000 in the Wallo- of radioisotopes for brachytherapy, protontherapy nia BrabantAutoroutes provinceAutoroutes . Autoroutes and industrial sterilization . Voies d’eau Voies d’eauVoies d’eau © A . STEVENS © IBA, Siège Social de Louvain la Neuve (©photo: Globalview)

9 MEN AND WOMEN

Wallonia has developed an extended, highly sity education get a job as soon as they finish performing educational network of colleges, their studies . Businesses benefit from a qual- universities and graduate schools . The training ity workforce: productivity is 20 % higher than meets market requirements since the large the European average… majority of graduates from higher or univer-

10 300 public and private 20 centres of excellence 9 university centres open centres of research and more serving the competitiveness to the world and close than 11,000 researchers of companies to 200 spin-offs created Innovate 11,000 researchers serving innovation

Basic research, applied research, public or private laboratories, high level university training and centres of excellence: Wallonia has huge resources serving business performance .

Competitiveness centres and corporate networks Jean Stéphenne 6 competitiveness centres (Aeronautics Moreover, numerous companies have CEO and Chairman and Space, Agro-industry, Life Sciences, formed networks in order to develop of GSK Biologicals Transport and Logistics, Mechanical their business and increase their com- “The four large universities Engineering and environmental tech- petitiveness . 14 sectors are currently are playing a part in the in- nologies) take part in the new growth involved: autoMobility, solid waste, eco- dustrial redeployment . The dynamics initiated by the Government construction, space, nutrition, clinical vice-chancellors now consid- and position Wallonia at the heart of research, ICT, transport and logistics, er they have a part to play in the Knowledge Communities . Innova- construction, micro-technologies, plas- economic development . Con- tive projects arising from public and tics innovation, sustainable energy, im- sequently, the universities private initiatives (companies, university age, sound and text technologies and are closer to market require- research centres, training centres) are photonics . . The companies extend their ments and current indus- also supported in order to create the international contacts and prove to be trial developments . They see technology of tomorrow . more innovative . change positively, and like the SMEs, want to contribute This offensive strategy places Wallonia among the most to it” . The success of centres successful regions of Europe of competitiveness will not be able to materialize without a close synergy between all the players .”

KRAFT FOODS L’OREAL The second largest food group in the world has One of the world leaders in cosmetics: the factory a soft cheese and snacks factory in Namur and a in the Belgian Luxembourg province is the compa- coffee roasting factory in Liege . Over 90 % of pro- ny’s largest manufacturing unit globally . Nivelles ducts manufactured in Namur and in Liege are for hosts l’Oreal Luxury Products’ distribution centre

11 Manufacture A productivity 20 % higher than the European average Many international studies show This talent for performance is linked not that Wallonia is a region of Europe only to the diversity of companies and where work efficiency is a major as- to a culture open to the world, but also set, whether in terms of motivation, to an education and professional train- productivity or skills . According to ing system in which many resources European statistics, Belgium is one of have always been invested . Therefore, the countries that spends the most in it is not surprising that many Wallonia education* and in training . and foreign entrepreneurs say that they are highly satisfied with the quality of the workforce available .

(* Statistics Eurostat 2003 - as a percentage of GDP)

LYRECO MATERNE-CONFILUX The office supplies and IT consumables distributor One of the biggest European producers of jams and has offices in 27 countries and is market leader in preserves exports over 60 % of the production from Belgium . distribution centre in Liege . its factory in Namur province .

12 7.90 7.24 144.8 (f) 6.67 6.49 124.8 121.1 6.06 5.96 115.5 5.60 111 108.3 107.6 5.26 104.5 100 4.47 4.36

IR JPN USA BE FR NL UK IT LU NL USA BE FR NL UK IT DE ES JPN AVAILABILITY OF A SKILLED WORKFORCE PRODUCTIVITY TRANSLATED INTO GDP CREATED PER WORKING PERSON (2008) Source: IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2009 (EU27 = 100) / Source: Eurostat - (f) = forecast

It is easy to have a skilled Productivity in Belgium is much higher workforce in Belgium than the European average. Corporate managers rank Belgium highly, almost on a par This is explained by a motivation of workers that is among with Japan and France . the highest in the world (survey- IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2009) . It is a major advantage of the Belgian workforce .

Multicultural and multilingual, the workforce in Wallonia is a real richness JAN WILLEM DEKKER Executive Vice President Carlson Wagonlit Travel Wallonia has always benefited from tive educational system and the flow of Benelux many external influences . This natu- workforce . In Wallonia, multicultura- “We want to be where our customers are . We have ral openness to the world can be ex- lism stands out: this cultural richness decided to set up in the very plained by several factors: proximity of goes hand in hand with a knowledge centre of Wallonia in order to meet the needs of the Walloon major European countries, presence of foreign languages that is proven to people . Louvain-la-Neuve won of international institutions, an im- be among the highest in the world (ac- the wager for its accessibility portant industrial history, an attrac- cording to the OECD) . and for its “favourable labour pool”, receptive to travelling and languages . Moreover, we find ourselves within a university environment and a growing economic area” .

MÖLNLYCKE NOMACORC European leader specialized in the manufacture Present in 35 countries, Nomacorc represents over and distribution of single use surgical consu- 30 % of the synthetic stoppers market . Its stopper mables . The Waremme site runs a production and manufacturing and finishing factory is located in sterilization factory, a customer service section Wallonia, in the vicinity of Liege .

© MÖLNLYCKE and a distribution centre serving clients across © A . STEVENS Europe . 13 ENHANCING YOUR COMPETITIVENESS AMONG THE MOST ATTRACTIVE IN EUROPE Recent steps taken by the Wallonia Govern- petitive of countries in the Euro area, both for ment aimed at reducing any anti-econom- companies and for expatriates . ic taxation to a minimum (in particular the This political will is accompanied by consid- suppression of tax on power, the tax exemp- erable financial assistance at all stages of tion of investments involving equipment and the company development: set up, equip- tools) make Wallonia the least taxed region ment, R&D, employment, training, exports, of Europe and of Belgium . etc . An entire range of regional and Europe- Government authorities have made Belgian an aids that make Wallonia one of the most and Wallonia taxation one of the most com- attractive regions of Europe .

14 Corporate tax in 2009 (* average effective rate after deduction for notional interest)

Ireland 12 .5 % The Netherlands 25 .5 % Luxembourg 28 59. % Austria 25 % Belgium * 26 % Germany 29 .44 % Denmark 25 % Finland 26 % Spain 30 % Greece 25 % Sweden 26 3. % Italy 31 .4 % Portugal 25 % United Kingdom 28 % France 33 .33 %

Source: KPMG’s corporate and indirect tax rate survey 2009

A competitive nominal tax rate Taxes are drastically reduced. The nominal corporate tax is highly competitive compared A system unique in Europe! with the other countries of Western Europe . Another example: with the concept of “notional interest deduc- In addition, simple and profitable tax arrangements can make tion”, financing based on equity is processed in the same way as this nominal rate even lower . For example, small and medium financing based on loan . As a result, companies can deduct a size companies with a small taxable income can benefit from fictional interest each year, based on their equity . This particular a reduced rate of taxation . system, which is unique in Europe, brings the corporate tax rate back to an actual rate of approximately 26 % on average . Take advantage OF SMART CORPORATE TAXATION

Advance Tax Ruling: the tax authority Expatriates: a fair and favourable regulation becomes your partner! The tax authorities can analyze and calculate tax consequences A special tax regulation can apply to non-residents, foreign based on a specific situation or transaction . This is fundamen- executives and scientists temporarily in Belgium . tal in assisting businesses in their choices and in determining the future impact of decisions in terms of direct and indirect First advantage: business expenses are tax exempt for some ac- taxes . tual additional expenses: moving costs, certain trips to the home country, education fees for children, “tax equalization”, etc . This procedure guarantees legal certainty for investors in com- pliance with international laws . In addition, they are only taxed on revenues from work in Bel- gium, and not on professional activities abroad, including busi- There are also particularly favourable tax regulations for differ- ness trips . ent types of businesses . These regulations - which make use of the “cost plus” or “resale minus” systems - apply to service centres (shared service centres, call centres, etc) and distribution centres .

SAINT-GOBAIN SCA HP The world leader in glass crafts business has European leader in the manufacture of paper hy- based its Benelux head office in Namur province giene products, packaging products and paper and has a network of over 50 subsidiaries . Saint- for newspapers, produces mainly in the surroun- Gobain Sekurit Benelux, Autover Distribution and dings of Verviers, a toilet paper unique in Europe

A complete system of financial incen- In addition, several very useful Euro- tives has been implemented to make it pean financial assistance programs easier to set up a business in Wallonia . are also available .

These incentives not only are a signifi- Moreover, access to venture capital is cant contribution to the cost of set- made easy thanks to a large number ting up a business (up to 20 %), they of private or public funds, readily also lower tax and social costs, pro- available to participate in creating or mote hiring and staff training, make it expanding successful businesses . In easier to pay for consulting, help with Wallonia, more than elsewhere, busi- export plans and promote the use of nesses have the reputation of offer- renewable energy and environment ing a high return on investment in the initiatives . medium range .

SHANKS SIEMENS One of the biggest European independent com- One of the leaders in technological solutions in panies in waste management, industrial cleaning communication, energy, lighting, transport, security and soil rehabilitation is in Seraing, in Mont-Saint- and health for businesses and consumers . Operates Guibert and in Hainaut province where it also pro- in Wallonia mainly in development, maintenance,

16 EXAMPLES OF ASSISTANCE AND FINANCIALS INCENTIVES

Pharmaceutica distribution center (pharmaceutical division of a big international company)

Investment of € 49,000,000 135 jobs created Government support: - Subsidies of 22 4. % for set up costs: € 11,000,000 - Employment aid for recruitment and selection

Silicon R&D Center Dirk Collier Corporate secretary Investment of € 36,000,000 to increase production capacity and delivery of new products . of Janssen Pharmaceutica Energy improvement and environmental efficiency of the production unit were also upgraded . (J&J Group) 75 jobs created “Choosing La Louvière and Government support: Wallonia in general for set- - Subsidies of 21% or € 7,500,000 ting up our new distribution centre was made easy by its location at the every heart Van der Valk - Verviers of several major markets, and by a favourable network Investment of € 11,000,000 of road, railway and airport 32 jobs created in an economic development area transport systems . Moreover, Government support: Belgian scientific know-how - Subsidies of 18 % under its set up costs: € 1,980,000 in the pharmaceutical sector, - Exemption for 5 years from property tax in addition to a “highly competitive tax climate were also decisive factors .”

SIOEN FABRICS SKECHERS A leader in coating of fabrics for protective clothing A US giant in the manufacture and distribution of and for mattress protection, airbags and lorry tar- shoes for men, women and children . Belgian dis- paulins, the company has two sites in Wallonia . tribution centre in the vicinity of Liege Logistics .

17 A TRADITION OF OPENNESS

Wallonia’s know-how, quality of products and Over time, Wallonia has proven to be a wel- natural resources have been highly successful coming place for international businesses, all over the world for a very long time and many whose activities occupy an important place in ‘Wallonians’ have become famous worldwide the economy . for centuries . That is why the Wallonia government has creat- The political will to support the export capaci- ed an agency that is a unique partner for foreign ties of Wallonia businesses is generating spec- companies wishing to set up a business in Wal- tacular results . The volume of exports is rising lonia . The main goal of this agency is to provide each year in all sectors and is making the re- information, assistance, contacts and solutions gion one the largest exporters per capita . suited to prospective foreign investors .

18 % EXPORT SALES % IMPORT SALES MARKET SHARE 2007 2008 (AS A %)

18 16 70.00 14 65.00 13 52.00 46.10 10

22.00 21.40 23.00 21.20 5 13.50 4 4 11.00 9.00 7.50 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2

BE NL DE FR USA JP UK FR DE BE NL PL IT HU SE CZ % OF SALES MADE ON EXPORT AND ON IMPORT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN WESTERN, CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE Source: Awex Source: Ernst & Young annual barometer on Belgian attractiveness 2010

An economic tradition based on trade Investments confirm the attraction Wallonia is a region that has always based its development on of Wallonia trade with adjacent countries but also with distant countries . Belgium ranks 4th among the 20 most attractive European coun- The ideal geographic location and the high quality of transport tries in terms of investments, and attracts 6 % of all foreign in- facilities have also heightened this natural predisposition of vestment projects in Europe . The survey carried out with inter- Wallonia businesses to explore foreign markets . national corporate managers confirms the benefits of its central location in Europe, its sound logistics infrastructure and its tar- geted financial incentives (Ernst & Young Research 2010) . Export WALLONIA, A REGION NATURALLY OPEN TO THE WORLD The Wallonia Export and A real exporting power Foreign Investments Agency: a passport for growth Wallonia exporting power also shows up in the figures . For around a decade, exports have continued to grow considerably (close to 10 % per year on average), which is way ahead of the European average Thanks to its experience and missions for promotion, information, training and and most of the neighbouring countries . A genuinely impressive consulting about Wallonia, the Wallonia performance, especially when we know that over half its GDP Export and Foreign Investment Agency comes from exports, in a wide range of sectors clearly illustrating is a genuinely efficient partner to all businesses . the diversity of the production performance from our businesses . One hundred and five offices worldwide can assist you in analyzing, explor- ing, and developing your international Breakdown of export sectors (% of total) markets . Many experts in all sectors will inform and assist you in projects Chemistry 26,7 % Mineral 4,5 % canvassing foreign clients . Financial Metallurgy 17 % Stone, cement, ceramics and glass 4,1 % assistance can also be granted for cer- Machines and equipment 11,6 % Transport 3,9 % tain purposes . Plastics 8,9 % Animals 3,6 % Agrofood 6 % Optics and precision 3,3 %

Source: AWEX - evolution of Wallonia Export - 2009

SOLVAY SONACA This Belgian crown jewel stands out in the fields Based in the province of Hainaut, SONACA is a of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics and is world leader in the design and manufacture of lea- present in 50 countries and employs over 30,000 ding edges for plane bodies for Airbus, Embraer people . Its Chemicals and Plastics site is located in and Dassault Aviation .

19 54

38 59.45 31 29 50.14 48.08 45.74 24 24 41.47 41.26 39.08 38.62 37.28 18 16 13 14 21.39 11 8 5 3

BE DK FR NL IT FI SE UK DE IR AU PL GR ES PT LU FR BE NL IT AL UK ES JP PL NUMBER OF DAYS NEEDED TO CREATE A BUSINESS IN THE EUROPEAN PRODUCTIVITY - GDP per person employed per hour (US$) COUNTRIES / Source: Belgian Government Source: IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2009

Start ups: European champion! A fair weather social climate The efforts to promote economic development are bearing Productivity and work motivation are vital components for de- fruit . It is now possible to start up a business in only 3 days, veloping a business and a region . For several years, the Wal- which makes Belgium (and Wallonia), the most successful lonia authorities and the unions have been recognizing and country in this field . supporting a particularly serene social climate enabling businesses to stay competitive and successful .

Communicate Know each other to better innovate

Setting up and doing business in Wal- For many years, Wallonia has entered lonia cannot happen without contacts a logic system of administrative sim- with authorities and policy makers . plification and “e-government” aimed Therefore, it is vital that these contacts at making formalities easier, more effi- be quick and efficient, and that for- cient, and lighter: suppression of certain malities be reduced to a minimum . The constraints that have become unneces- great proximity of Wallonia authorities sary, electronic handling of procedures, (government, administration, etc) and simplification of documents, traceabil- the administrative simplification pro- ity of files, smart interactive forms, etc . mote this efficiency . Wallonia authorities are actively participat- ing in the economic growth of the region .

SÜDZUCKER SWIFT The German sugar giant Südzucker is present in Based in Wallonia Brabant province, a few kilo- two large production sites located in Wallonia . metres from Brussels, Swift supplies secure and standardized messaging services and interface software to over 7,800 financial institutions in more

20 The power to decide quickly Foreign businesses in Wallonia Government officials and authorities in Wallonia have the ad- and very happy to be there! vantage of a great proximity, not only physically, but also cul- The authorities’ strategic choice to promote foreign investment turally . An application can rapidly cross the various levels of has proven to be highly effective . Some foreign businesses have responsibility and lead to a quick decision . Meeting a minister already set up in Wallonia . For example, from 2000 to 2009, for- or a top official is much simpler than in many other countries . eign firms have invested in total more than 6 billion Euros in Wal- Moreover, useful information and advice are readily available lonia, which lead to the creation of close to 18,000 direct jobs . thanks to the presence of local administrative branches . In Qualitatively, these businesses state that they are extremely sat- Wallonia, economic development is a priority in which all levels isfied with the hospitality and assistance granted to them in the of power participate . framework of their setting up and development . [INRA]

A COMMITMENT TO GROWTH

The government policy has propelled Wallonia in an era of growth and development . Priorities have been set forth: to fo- cus on certain sectors to become European leader (these are the so- called Competitiveness Centers), to promote scientific PATRICK LONCOL Administrative and Finance research and collaboration between research, training centres Manager, L’Oréal Luxury and businesses, to strengthen assistance to business start-ups Products Belgilux and to reduce tax pressure on companies in certain regions . Ad- “With help of the Wallonia authorities, we were directly ditionally the government has stepped up efforts to train young involved in an economic Busi- people, in particular in learning foreign languages . A total of ness Park close to Brussels that offered interesting com- 1 .5 billion Euros have been invested over a 4 year-period . petitive advantages in the With such a program, Wallonia has become one of the most eyes of the group and a proximity of suppliers and clients . competitive regions in Europe! It is easy to understand that we found the best conditions there for running our business in a healthy setting” .

TECHSPACE AERO TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS - Feluy A Wallonia company originally, and part of the SA- The greatest production’s plant of polymers plastics of FRAN Group since 1989, a specialist in modules, the Total group . Each year, 1,200,000 tons of granulated equipment, services and test benches for aeronau- of polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene are pro- tical and space engines . duced in Feluy . Linked to the plant, the research center

Wallonia is not short on strong But beyond its evident charms that points or attractions . Harmoniously draw hundreds of thousands of tour- alternating rural and urban areas, ists each year, Wallonia is also a quality cities and villages, Wallonia is a land area where the following are easy to full of charm in many aspects: hos- find: spacious accommodation, ac- pitality, love of a good time, age old cessible schools, and a remarkable traditions, its architectural master- health and social protection system . pieces recognized as Unesco World International studies prove it . Heritage, a legendary gastronomy, warm-hearted welcome, relaxation, and more .

TNT Airways UCB With a large ground and air transport network A Belgian biopharmaceutical company, a world lea- for express freight in Europe, TNT Airways set up der in areas such as central nervous system, the its European sorting centre in Liege Airport and immune system, allergies, respiratory illnesses and connects daily to more than 200 countries world- oncology . In particular, UCB has set up its main R&D

22 23

Acting as an interface with European, federal To find out more about what Wallonia has to offer to and regional governments and local entities, the businesses in your sector or to get specific information OFI will help you find a global solution to set up for your company, if you have any question, wish to your business and will take care of your needs in receive information or documentation, please do not terms of land and property (search for buildings hesitate to . . and land), finance and tax (tax optimization), recruitment and training . CONTACT US

WALLONIA EXPORT & INVESTMENT Chicago (USA): +1 312 357 63 49 OFI - Office for Foreign Investors Tokyo (Japan): +81 3 3556 1061 www.investinwallonia.be Shanghaï (China): +86 21 6437 9489 Phone: +32/81 332 850 Fax: +32/81 332 869 With over 40 offices worldwide welcome@investinwallonia .be

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