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Investment guide The port of , an international integrated platform ith this investment guide we seek to support you in your decision-making process to realize an investment project in the heart of Europe. The is a crucial link in a supply chain that connects you to the inner European market and the rest of the world. With an annual volume of more than 200 million tons of maritime freight handled, the extensive storage capacity and the presence of the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe, the Port of Antwerp ADA CAN Antwerp is the largest maritime, logistics and ND A A industrial cluster in Europe. US CA RI MEDITE E RR M A A N N E Good nautical access, a dense TI AN LA

M of hinterland connections I network D D L E CONNECTING

and its geographical location are just E A S T the top three in the list of advantages. / IS C In addition, the Port of Antwerp offers YOUR an attractive investment climate in INVESTMENT IA an innovative environment, with A S USTRALIA/ A a wide range of support, excellent A TO THE WORLD quality of life for expats and a can-do FRICA mentality that pervades the entire port community.

N REGIO PACIFIC

2 Investment guide Investment guide 3

Stockholm

t ANTWERP Denmark IN WESTERN EUROPE

IE NL Berlin Great Britain Antwerp PL BE Luxembourg CZ 250 km

Wien ADA Bern Austria CAN Antwerp ND 500 km A A Switzerland Ljubjana US Zagreb CA RI MEDITE SL E RR HR M A A N N E TI AN LA 750 km BA M ID D L E CONNECTING

Italy E A S T / IS C YOUR INVESTMENT IA A S PT USTRALIA/ A NL A TO THE WORLD FRICA

Antwerp t ANTWERP IN

45 km DE N Brussels REGIO PACIFIC

BELGIUM

Wallonia

FR LUX

4 Investment guide 5 Investment guide Investment guide 1 Your choice to invest in the port of Antwerp is We offer you a cluster with room to invest in a future the right one for many reasons. You are in the oriented world port where sustainability and innovation industrial and logistics heart of Europe; you will find are key. The Churchill industrial Zone in our economic excellent connections to all parts of the world and and maritime hotspot is not only a unique investment be supported by an entrepreneurial and historical opportunity but a common challenge to create an culture. And finally, here you will meet partners and innovative future oriented industrial project, with great find new opportunities to realize your goals. added value for port and region, reinforcing the cluster. We look to work together with partners who share of Antwerp the same values and our vision for the future.

Jacques Vandermeiren Marc Van Peel CEO Antwerp Port Authority Chairman Antwerp Port Authority, Deputy Mayor of Antwerp

If you are looking for a strategic location for a new business venture, in whatever shape or form, Flanders — the northern region of Belgium — offers you a unique blend of advantages. Thousand of foreign companies are already taking advantage of these assets. Flanders is home to over 700 European Distribution Centers (EDC), the highest EDC density in Europe. It is a paradise for any logistics operation.

Claire Tillekaerts CEO Flanders Investment & Trade 3 10 good reasons to invest in the port of Antwerp 5 solid facts: 5 supporting arguments:

1 2 3 1 2 3 Crucial link Opportunities Good climate Qualified One-stop- Innovation in your  A world-class to invest and flexible shop support and R&D multifunctional port supply chain  Site area availability workforce  Dedicated teams  Multiple centers of  Customer-oriented approach excellence – Strategic  A reliable partner  Investment and permit  Highly qualified and  Flanders Investment & Trade Research Centers  Realising synergies climate productive workforce  Gateway to Europe and to  Federations  Belgian Industrial Research the world P 11  Stimulating incentives  Top ranking universities and Development (BiR&D)  Antwerp Port Authority from  In the centre of the EU  Supplementary subsidies  Specialist platforms landlord to facilitator  Flanders Innovation Hub for Sustainable Chemistry  Fast connectivity  Belgium as test market P P 20 22 (FISCH) P 7 P 15 P 24

4 5 4 5 Wide range Financial and Next-door Excellent of technical legal support decision quality of life support just around makers for expats  In Brussels you can contact  Excellent housing & leisure  Diverse storage facilities the corner the world facilities  Simple procedures to set up  Value Added Logistics a business  Pragmatic approach for  Multicultural environment &  Chain of technical and decision-making international schools innovative services  A virtual free trade zone P 26  At the crossroad of history  International goods  SHE and product compliance and new trends partners assurance and banking P 28 P  Circular 19 P 17

4 Investment guide Investment guide 5 1 Crucial link in your supply chain

„ Gateway to Europe and to the world „ In the centre of European industry and consumption „ European : 28 member states with free movement of goods, people and capital „ Investments in your future needs FINLAND

NORWAY

SWEDEN ESTONIA

RUSSIA LATVIA DENMARK LITHUANIA

UNITED KINGDOM RUSSIA

IRELAND BELARUS GERMANY Antwerp BELGIUM CZECH REPUBLIC LUX. UKRAINE 250 km " Member states of the SLOVAKIA

European Union (EU) which LICHTENSTEIN AUSTRIA MOLDOVA 500 km form a single customs area SWITZERLAND SLOVENIA 750 km CROATIA FRANCE 1000 km BOSNIA AND HERZEGOWINA SERBIA MONTENEGRO KOSOVO ANDORRA MACEDONIA ALBANIA

GREECE SPAIN

MALTA CYPRUS

We chose to set up in Belgium because we did not want to be seen “ as British, German or French… we wanted to be pan-European.” Ferdinando BECCALLI, President and CEO General Electric International

Investment guide 7 Investments to keep up 1 Third crossing 2 Development of additional 5 Kieldrecht A reliable partner THE PORT OF ANTWERP, AS THE HUB OF with your future needs contributing to an optimal space for logistics activities The second lock on the Left bank, To stand out from the competition THE EUROPEAN RAIL NETWORK FINLAND Public authorities continually accessibility of the port and the (Schijns and logistics inaugurated in 2016, offers a on the world market, companies invest in optimising mobility in Antwerp region by road transport parks). smooth access for seagoing call upon the best possible chain to get their at its final and around the port and in an (planned). vessels and to the Left optimal infrastructure, while destination. The port of Antwerp is SWEDEN 3 Future second rail access bank. ESTONIA private investments result in a crucial link in this chain offering (dedicated for freight) state-of-the-art equipment and 6 reliability, flexibility, productivity, LATVIA will expand the port's rail Liefkenshoek rail link sustainability and innovation. DENMARK warehousing. LITHUANIA capacity. The Liefkenshoek rail UNITED provides a quick crossing Widely connected to KINGDOM 4 Heightening bridges over between the Left and Right banks overseas destinations IRELAND NETHERLANDS GERMANY of the Scheldt and connects the Antwerp is the leading European Schwarzheide Kutno the Albert Antwerp port area on the Left bank to the port for regular breakbulk sailings Zeebruges Leipzig Wroclaw POLAND Heightening bridges over the Neuss Katowice to all areas, and for container Courtray BELGIUM Lovosice allows 4-layer eastern hinterland. Athus Paris LUX. CZECH REPUBLIC services to the Americas, Africa, Mannheim container transport to Vienna SLOVAKIA the Near and Middle East and Strasbourg Bratislava the port. MunichAUSTRIA the Indian Subcontinent. For Basel HUNGARY ROMANIA FRANCE VeronaSLOVENIA Curtici closer destinations, Antwerp offers Lyon Zagreb ITALY Bucharest numerous shortsea and feeder CROATIA services. The port of Antwerp offers BULGARIA Rome Varna direct connections to more than So a SPAIN 1300 ports worldwide. PORTUGAL Madrid GREECE In the centre of Europe Located 80 km inland in Europe, Antwerp offers the fastest, cheapest, MALTA and most sustainable connections CYPRUS with the European hinterland. 60% of European purchasing and produc- tion power lies within a radius of THE PORT OF ANTWERP IN THE HEART OF THE EUROPEAN 500 km, resulting in unrivalled mar- INLAND WATERWAY NETWORK ket coverage. It allows the combina- tion of in- and outgoing freights. If you opt for Antwerp, you will find Scheldt yourself in the gateway to Europe NTHLANDS Bremerhaven and be connected to the world.

Amsterdam Albert canal EU, a single customs union Netherlands All goods go through import/export to 1 hours procedures only once after which they are free to move anywhere in Loer hine region Zeebruges Anterp Duisburg EU. The European Customs Union is 1 to hours a unified market: the market condi- Belgium Düsseldorf AN tions in all 28 member states are to 1 hours equal with free movement of goods, Brussels BL Bonn people and capital throughout Dourges Liège Koblenz Valenciennes the EU. Frankfurt Mainz Northern France Fast connectivity to 3 hours L. Regular rail and barge services, Mannheim a large network of international Thionville FANC iddle hine region highways and major pipelines Paris Metz to hours offer a direct access to the main

production and consumption Strasbourg centres in Europe. Nancy

Mulhouse Ottmarsheim Basel STLAND pper hine region 4 7 to 9 hours

8 Investment guide Investment guide 9 2 Opportunities

„ A world-class, multifunctional port and unique maritime, value added logistical and industrial platform „ Customer oriented approach „ Realising synergies

MSC has been active in Antwerp for 40 years. Customer-oriented, more productive cranes, efficient dock workers. Time is of the essence. “ You will not find this mentality in any other port.”

Marc BEERLANDT, CEO MSC Belgium The port of Antwerp’s biggest customer

Investment guide 11 A world-class none. With over 30 production Customer-oriented multifunctional port sites and 16 tank storage terminals, approach The strength of the port of the port of Antwerp hosts Europe’s The port of Antwerp is active Antwerp is its triple cluster with largest integrated petrochemical 24/7 and the companies, both over 900 maritime, industrial and cluster and serves as a major public and private, are committed logistics players that mutually and ethylene hub. to openness, accessibility and reinforce each other as a dense Here, the cluster effects are most serviceability. Coupled with great agglomeration of companies. noticeable in comprehensive flexibility and broad expertise, they This, in combination with high product lines, a guaranteed energy exemplify the ‘getting things done’ productivity, results in a minor supply and a chain of supporting mentality. This ‘can do’ approach supply chain cost. The port owes technical services. Most energy is the shortest way to reach your this leading position to her central sources are available, from goal! location, to the strategic gateways conventional plants and infrastructure, and to a dense over combined heat-power units multimodal network of water, rail, to sustainable wind turbines and and road transport connections. solar cells. A highly qualified, Moreover, in the Antwerp region multilingual and productive you will find an industrial workforce guarantees operational environment that is second to excellence.

TRIPLE CLUSTER, REALISING UNIQUE SYNERGIES

(VALUE ADDED) LOGISTICS

CARGO HANDLING

INDUSTRY

12 Investment guide Investment guide 13 NTHLANDS

Scheldt- canal 3

CANAL DOCK B3 Good climate to invest

Scheldt ZANDVLIET LOCK LOCK „ Site area availability CANAL DOCK B2 „ Active contribution from European, Belgian, and local Antwerp city authorities „ Investment support related to taxes, employment, training and R&D „ Permit policy guaranteeing certainty DELWAIDE DOCK „ Belgium is the ideal test market for innovations and new products

CANAL DOCK B1 Site area availability Stimulating incentives Belgium as test market Is there still room for you in the Both the Belgian and Flemish Belgium is situated at the LOSTC PAK cluster? Yes, there certainly is. governments have implemented a crossroads of three major European There are possibilities for co-siting number of investment stimulating cultures: Germanic, Roman and SCHNS on both the right and left bank incentives. These range from Anglo-Saxon. Flanders, the Dutch areas of the port, with lots of op- investment incentives over tax- speaking part in the north, is CHCHLL portunities for synergies (integra- related schemes to employment, a region with high purchasing NDSTAL ON tion of production and its flows, training and R&D advantages. power, making it the ideal test integration of energy supply and Belgium has a favorable tax market for innovations and new sharing of technical and logistic environment for innovative products for many international services), enabling optimized shar- companies and offers a number companies (i.e. Coca Cola, H&M) DEURGANCK DOCK ing of costs. Finally, hundreds of of specific tax incentives. and organizations. DOCK BOUDEWIJN LOCK CHURCHILL DOCK hectares of greenfield and brown- These include the notional field sites are available throughout interest deduction (deduction VAN CAUWELAERT 6th HAVEN DOCK LOCK the port for further investments. of risk capital), meaning that We help you find the right site for companies can deduct a notional your specific requirements. interest based on their equity HANSA DOCK VERREBROEK DOCK Scheldt from their taxable income. In KALLO LOCK Investment and permit addition, an advance tax ruling DOCK

MARSHALL LEOPOLD DOCK climate system between the company and 3rd HAVEN DOCK In order to maximize the the tax authorities is possible. VRASENE DOCK 4th HAVEN DOCK 2nd HAVEN DOCK synergy effects and strengthen This agreement determines the ALBERT DOCK the supply chain, the port of company's future tax obligations INDUSTRY DOCK Antwerp aims to continually in order to create clarity and 5th HAVEN DOCK expand logistic, industrial and certainty. Our investment team AMERICA DOCK STRASBOURG manufacturing activities. We will be glad to guide you through therefore actively seek new this tax area. LOSTC PAK DOCK ROYERS LOCK investment projects. In the port AASLAND of Antwerp you will find an KATTENDIJK Supplementary subsidies LOCK investment and permit climate to In addition to the favorable tax which all administrations actively environment, you can benefit contribute: EU institutions, the from subsidies and non-tax-related Belgian federal government, incentives such as subsidies for Flemish regional government as training and environment-friendly well as the Antwerp city council. technology. In addition to this investment support, a permit AN policy has been designed to help investors make the right decisions and implement them quickly and accurately. A permit policy that moreover guarantees certainty for your project.

14 Investment guide FANC Investment guide 15 4 Wide range of technical support

„ Storage facilities for all types of products „ Value Added Logistics „ Chain of technical & innovative services „ Circular economy

Diverse storage facilities Chain of technical and SHE and product With more than 6 million m2 innovative services compliance partners covered storage, the port of The entire chain of technical As for safety, inspection, Antwerp has more storage capacity contractors is available in the pro- verification, testing and than any other port in Europe. It ximity of the Antwerp cluster, from certification, you will find well includes standard and refrigerated EPC companies over process opti- known international companies warehouses, extensive facilities for mization specialists to heavy lifting and experienced, well-equipped dangerous goods. Ten international and periodic or daily maintenance local in the Antwerp Port area. specialist firms — all working to (MRO, asset integrity management). the highest HSE standards — more Mechanical, piping, electrical & Circular economy than 7 million cubic meters tank instrumentation and safety equip- Last but not least you need to terminals. Most of the storage ment, risk analysis, environmental manage your materials effectively facilities are bonded (virtual free control and waste processing, every and efficiently. The port of zones). specialism is present. Antwerp is home to all European leaders in waste and material Value-added logistics Together with the industry and the management, to many smaller (VAL) manufacturing companies, the Ant- niche players and hosts an It is an important part of the werp Port Authority aims to further ecosystem of several hundreds port’s offering, including strengthen the triple cluster with of companies that might be able inventory management, quality production supporting activities to use the materials that are not control, retail packaging, labelling, (central warehousing, maritime ser- useful for you. It is also a logistic and for certain cargo even second vices, training center, lab). Last but hub connecting to all parts of the stage manufacturing. Customer- not least, the Antwerp port Author- world and thus to potential clients tailored freight handling at ity aims to encourage developments for your remaining material flows, warehouses located in the vicinity towards the 4.0 industry. Highly sometimes named waste flows. of the terminals reduces pre- and automated terminals are already post-haulage. present in the Antwerp Port area, as well companies actively taking steps towards the generation of ‘smart factories’.

We started out our activities in the port of Antwerp as a provider of electricity supplies to ships. Today we are active worldwide as “ a partner for the automation of internal materials handling at industrial and logistical companies. The port of Antwerp is an inspiring home base for us to develop our innovative solutions.”

Jan VERCAMMEN, CEO Egemin Automation

Investment guide 17 5 Financial and legal support just around the corner

„ Simple procedures to set up a business „ A virtual free trade zone „ International goods assurance and banking

Simple procedures to set A virtual free trade zone of Antwerp or to actually set up up a business The numerous available shop in the port area. In addition, Setting up a business involves alternatives to avoid direct Belgium with its small but very relatively simple procedures. import duties and taxes, make open economy, provides extra Our dedicated investment team the port of Antwerp an ideal security, through credit insurers, is your first entry and are open distribution and virtual free zone. for hedging specific risks that may to any queries you may have. Almost all warehouses, tanks, be encountered when investing This team will help you to find silos and terminals have the in or trading with emerging all the financial, legal and fiscal status of customs warehouses. . support that is available in This procedure allows goods to be Belgium, especially within the stored without any customs duties In Belgium you also have the immediate Antwerp/Brussels area. or VAT being payable at the time international banking world at In Brussels all major consulting of import. your fingertips, with a very wide companies have a strong presence. range of services and a dense These service providers are well International goods network of branches. From connected with the European assurance and banking Antwerp you are only a mouse decision makers and have very The Cargo Insurance Policy, click away from both the City good knowledge of the EU and a unique tool, is prompting of London and Frankfurt, the Belgian regulatory environment. commodity traders to route European financial hub. their freight flows via the port

PMV nv is a Flemish investment company. It finances promising entrepreneurs from the very start through the growth and to the internationalization of their business. “ It also invests in large infrastructure projects, real estate and renewable energy. It focuses on the sustainable economic development of Flanders, with demonstrable added value for both economy and society.”

Michel CASSELMAN, GENERAL MANAGER PMV www.pmv.eu

2016 KOF GLOBALISATION INDEX

ƒ The high level of openness 1 Netherlands 91.70 6 Singapore 86.93 is illustrated by the KOF Index in which Belgium is ranked No 3 on a 2 Ireland 91.64 7 Denmark 86.44 worldwide scale of most globalised countries in the world 3 Belgium 90.51 8 Sweden 85.92

4 Austria 89.83 9 Hungary 85.78

5 Switzerland 87.01 10 Canada 85.67 19 1 Qualified and flexible workforce

„ Large and varied pool of qualified people „ Top ranking universities „ Specialist platforms

Highly qualified and Top ranking universities Specialist platforms productive workforce In the greater Antwerp area you The Antwerp oil and chemical The region of Flanders is will find a large and varied pool of cluster has its own specialist renowned for its highly educated, highly qualified employees. The re- platforms set up by the industry multilingual and productive gion has a wide range of institutes in collaboration with the world workforce. Employees are famous covering all economic and techni- of education to supply additional for their hands-on attitude, cal disciplines. Moreover, Antwerp training for its operational customer and quality focus, is conveniently located for gradu- personnel. A good example is technical knowledge, eagerness ates from universities and colleges ACTA. It is the process industries’ to learn and reliability, not to in the European hinterland. partner for technical training: mention diplomatic empathy mechanical, electro-technical, and stress-resistance. Belgian The Belgian education system has instrumentation and automation employees are also known for an excellent reputation and is as well as process engineering. their strong work ethic, wide ranked 7th in the world according sharing of knowledge and high to the Global Competitiveness Re- standards for safety, quality and port 2014–2015 (World Economic the environment. Belgian members Forum). The Flemish are among of personnel at all levels and in all Europe’s most multilingual people. disciplines are frequently chosen by multinational companies to supervise and start up international investment projects in other parts of the world.

Belgian logistics service providers – with Antwerp in the lead – are the fourth most productive in the world, ahead of the Dutch, German “ and French.”

Amcham, The Conference Board Total Economy Database TM Summary Statistics 1996 – 2013

20 Investment guide 2 One-stop-shop support

„ Dedicated team ensures one-stop-shop approach „ Flanders Investment & Trade „ National and international federations located nearby „ Antwerp Port Authority from landlord to facilitator

Dedicated teams Flanders Investment Antwerp Port Authority You find great openness for discus- & Trade (FIT) from landlord to facilitator sion among local, regional and fed- Foreign companies with The port of Antwerp grew the eral governments, you will also ob- investment projects in the port last years from a landlord port to tain direct support from Antwerp of Antwerp can obtain additional an active facilitator. This means Port Authority with its one-stop- support from FIT with its many the Port Authority is an active shop approach by dedicated teams. years of experience in this area, in partner in creating the ideal site They will guide you through topics full confidentiality. factors and has daily and direct like: real estate, SHE and product links to private entrepreneurs. compliance partners, permits, Federations The Antwerp Port Authority owns employment related aspects, fiscal As an investor, you can call upon and manages the sites in the port regime and incentives, business the specialist expertise of: area, and makes them available and trade facilitation. ¡ VOKA Alfaport, the federation of to port companies for their Most of the service providers in the port-bound businesses and logistics activities on the basis of concession port of Antwerp offer end-to-end companies in the port of Antwerp, agreements. solutions (freight forwarding, stor- under the umbrella of the Cham- The Port Authority's concession age valued added logistics, custom ber of Commerce Antwerpen– policy is carefully designed to administration, fiscal representa- Waasland (VOKA). make the most efficient use of tion and distribution services). ¡ Industry federations such as the available land and to ensure Agoria (Belgian federation of the that new investments fit in with technical industry and essencia the strategic vision for the port, (Belgian federation of chemical, namely to promote sustainable life sciences and plastics development, create added value, industries). defend the port's competitive position, and care for the environment.

As a result of the port of Antwerp’s proactive concession policy, we had access to a larger surface area and were able to make “ groundbreaking investments in the breakbulk sector. In this way, iron and steel are anchored in the port of Antwerp with high quality guarantee.”

Peter , CEO Wijngaardnatie

22 Investment guide 3 Innovation and R&D

„ Multiple centers of excellence – Strategic Research Centers „ Belgian industrial Research and Development „ Flanders Innovation Hub for Sustainable Chemistry

Multiple centers of Flanders Make is the strategic BiR&D excellence – Strategic research center for the Belgian industrial Research and Research Centers manufacturing industry Make”. Development (BiR&D) is the name The has a strong In it, Flanders’ DRIVE, Flanders’ of the association that groups focus on innovation and R&D. Mechatronics Technology Centre international industrial companies Special provisions and incentives (FMTC) and laboratories of the with major operations and R&D have been developed to stimulate 5 Flemish universities join forces to activities in Belgium. The mission innovation and a knowledge-based set up a top-level research network of BiR&D is to stimulate the economy. A dense network of in Flanders. attractiveness and the effectiveness universities, complemented by of industrial R&D in Belgium. market-driven strategic research Imec is Europe’s largest Associated partners are Agoria and centers in selected fields, drives independent research centre essenscia. the knowledge-intensive economy. in nanoelectronics and nano-t In this respect, today's strategic re- technology and boasts high Catalisti search centers help bridge the gap expertise in software and ICT. The mission of Catalisti is to between fundamental and applied Its staff of more than 3,500 people identify, stimulate and catalyze research. includes over 550 industrial innovations for sustainable residents and guest researchers. chemistry and plastics in VITO is a leading European Imec’s research is applied in better Flanders. It is the first chemistry independent research and healthcare, smart electronics, knowledge centre in Europe that consultancy center in the areas smart cities, sustainable energy, has sustainability as the main of clean-tech and sustainable and safer transport. criterion for the assessment and development, working on solutions implementation of projects. to address the big societal VIB is a life sciences research challenges of our time. institute, where basic research is performed with a strong focus on translating scientific results into pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications.

Our climatic chamber customers are typically manufacturers of large and heavy machinery of up to 150 tons, so the port of Antwerp was “ a logical choice for us. With the help of the Port Authority, we opted for the Zuid-Natie Breakbulk site, which provided us not only with a suitable quay with various access routes, but also with logistic support in the form of the right cranes, fork lifts and qualified personnel for the handling of heavy loads in the lab.”

Pieter Jan JORDAENS, Business development & Innovation OWI-Lab

OWI-Lab

24 Investment guide 4 Next-door decision makers

„ Brussels, capital of Belgium and of Europe „ All main Belgian and European authorities are located in Brussels „ Contacts with decision makers are free, easy and pragmatic

In Brussels you can delegations from all over on a variety of lobbyists. contact the world the world, also the highest An estimated 3000 lobbying Contacts with decision makers are concentration of diplomatic entities have an office in Brussels an easy matter, both at Belgian missions in Europe. Even the most and target European institutions and at European level. All the main powerful European industrial (the European , the Belgian and European authorities regions have representations in European Commission and the are located in Brussels, the capital Brussels, you can contact for trade. Council of Ministers). They are of Belgium and of Europe and only mandatorily registered to 45 km away from Antwerp. Pragmatic approach for guarantee transparency. The Belgian federal ministries and decision-making the Flemish regional ministries are In Belgium contacts with decision located in Brussels. There you will makers at all levels are free and also find the EU administrations, easy. This applies even more so in the European Commission and the Antwerp with its long maritime European Parliament. European tradition. Lines of decision-making industry associations can introduce are short and direct, and matters you to the European bodies. are dealt with in a pragmatic way. Many international organizations And should you need advice on have branch offices in Brussels. dealing with officialdom, there are Brussels hosts 184 embassies, experts to help you at all levels. representative offices and Besides experts you can rely

The Antwerp Port Authority recognizes the importance of diplomatic expertise. Hence, my task is both to defend the international interests “ of the port of Antwerp in matters of strategic importance and to represent the port when receiving delegations and on visits at home and abroad.”

Frank GEERKENS, Port Ambassador Port of Antwerp

26 Investment guide 5 Excellent quality of life for expats

„ Excellent quality of life „ International schools „ Rich history but still one of the trendiest cities „ Crossroads of Europe „ Gastronomy, art, fashion and

Excellent housing & leisure Multicultural environment At the crossroad of history facilities & international schools and new trends Antwerp is a great place to live. In Antwerp offers a truly Antwerp, a bustling international or near the old city centre there is multicultural environment with port city, manages to keep in a wide range of houses, apartments an ingrained mix of nationalities. touch with its history while at and lofts available at affordable Nearby, there are several the same time remaining at prices. Just outside the city there international schools (with the forefront of developments. is a green belt with a variety of dedicated school transport) and a The entire architectural history of housing options in a countryside good choice of English-speaking Europe can be discovered here, as setting with a wide range of sports clubs and societies. Add to that well as cutting-edge international and leisure facilities. the fact that the majority of the developments in culture, fashion inhabitants speak more than one and cuisine. Antwerp’s focus on language and Antwerp becomes fashion and cultural tourism has an attractive place to settle. paid off, earning it the title of In theatres, concert halls and ‘trendiest city’ in many travel open-air museums the Latin, articles and guides. Germanic and Anglo-Saxon cultures come together in a true melting pot. Ballet performances and classical, jazz and pop concerts all vie for attention in Antwerp. Did you know that Belgium is the N° 1 place for summer music ?

Antwerp offers everything an international city should have — it is a “ great place where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.” Kentaro MORIKAWA, Secretary General Nippon Shokubai Europe nv

28 Investment guide Contact details

Sector and investment Governmental Training, Research organisations organisations & Development

ANTWERP PORT AUTHORITY · FLANDERS INVESTMENT · AGORIA · EUROPEAN COMMISSION · VITO NV · BiR&D Investments department AND TRADE Building Wetstraat 170 Boeretang 200 p/a Agoria Koning Albert II-laan 37 Boulevard Auguste Reyers 80 1040 Brussels 2400 Mol Diamond Building 1030 Brussels 1030 Brussels T +32 2 295 38 44 T + 32 14 33 55 11 Boulevard Auguste Reyers 80 Our dedicated team with its T +32 2 504 87 11 T +32 2 706 78 00 E [email protected] www.vito.be 1030 Brussels specialists: F +32 2 504 88 99 www.agoria.be www.ec.europa.eu E [email protected] E [email protected] www.birdbelgium.com www.investinflanders.com · Flanders Make Zaha Hadidplein 1 · ESSENSCIA · FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Celestijnenlaan 300c 2030 Antwerpen Belgian Federation for Chemistry OF BELGIUM 3001 · CATALISTI Belgium · FLANDERS INNOVATION & and Life Sciences Industries Paleis der Natie T +32 16 32 80 50 Diamond Building E [email protected] ENTREPRENEURSHIP Diamond Building Natieplein 1 E [email protected] Auguste Reyerslaan 80 www.portofantwerp.com/en Koning Albert II-laan 35, Bus 12 Boulevard Auguste Reyers 80 1009 Brussels www.flandersmake.be 1030 Brussels 1030 Brussels 1030 Brussels T +32 2 501 70 70 T +32 2 238 97 64 T +32 2 227 60 42 T +32 2 238 97 11 www.belgium.be E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] · IMEC www.catalisti.be E [email protected] www.essenscia.be Kapeldreef 75 www.vlaio.be · FLEMISH REGIONAL GOVERNMENT 3001 Heverlee Government of Flanders T +32 16 28 12 11 · ANTWERP Martelaarsplein 19 E www.-int.com · PMV HEADQUARTERS 1000 Brussels www2.imec.be Oude Graanmarkt 63 Zaha Hadidplein 1 T +32 2 553 1700 1000 Brussels 2030 Antwerpen E www.flanders.be/en/send-e-mail T +32 2 229 52 30 2000 Antwerp www.flanders.be · VIB E [email protected] T +32 3 229 67 85 Rijvisschestraat 120 www.pmv.eu E [email protected] 9052 www.antwerpheadquarters.be · CITY OF ANTWERP / T +32 9 244 66 11 INVEST IN ANTWERP E [email protected] · ALFAPORT VOKA – CHAMBER Work and Economy www.vib.be OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Francis Wellesplein 1 ANTWERP – WAASLAND 2018 Antwerp Markgravestraat 12 T +32 3 338 65 20 2000 Antwerpen E [email protected] T + 32 3 232 22 19 www.ondernemeninantwerpen.be E [email protected] www.visitantwerpen.be www.voka.be/antwerpen-waasland/alfaport

30 Investment guide Investment guide 31 Antwerp Port Authority is an independent NOTES municipal company responsible for day-to-day management of the Antwerp port area. It is the first point of contact for anyone wishing to settle in the Antwerp cluster. The Port Authority is headed by a CEO and has around 1600 employees. Thanks to its accumulated expertise as a pro-active facilitator and stimulator it is able to offer a one-stop-shop approach for potential investors.

FIT (Flanders Investment & Trade) is a agency that offers companies in Belgium and abroad a wide range of specialist services. Companies that are already located in the region can turn to Flanders Investment & Trade for advice and guidance on a variety of themes such as export services, financial support or help with their foreign investment. Companies looking for high-quality suppliers of products and services from Flanders can also turn to Flanders Investment & Trade.

Flanders Innnovation & Entrepreneurship is a government agency, charged with implementing the economic and enterprise policy in Flanders, the Dutch speaking northern part of Belgium. They help companies with the startup of their activities, the growth and continuity of their business, but also with the search for the right location, information on permits, financing, investments in innovation and ecological technologies, and other topics. In short, they confidentially guide entrepreneurs throughout the government landscape.

Foreign companies looking for a new investment in Flanders can count on free, expert advice on all aspects of their investment: financial and tax benefits, help with finding the right location, recruitment of personnel and establishing the right contacts. NOTES COLOPHON Responsible editor Havenbedrijf Antwerpen NV van publiek recht, Zaha Hadidplein 1, 2030 Antwerpen — Design Catapult, Antwerp © Pictures Antwerp Port Authority, Luc Van Haute, Michel Daucy, Thomas Vanhautte — October 2017 — D/2017/12.443/20