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Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you’re not frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were. David Rockefeller (1915 - ) © Charline Lancel CHAPTER 9 Economy and Industry Riding out the Global Slowdown Soaring oil prices have fuelled a global economic slowdown and curbed GDP growth, but Belgium’s stable, diversiﬁed economy is well-placed to ride out the current economic conditions. Economy and Industry © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

The soaring cost of oil is causing growing business confidence index showing compiled “in a context of considerable strain to economies around the world and a sharp drop in confidence in this turbulence in financial markets as a result of Belgium is no exception. With oil prices industry, while business indicators edged the crisis in the US housing market, a sharp more than doubling in the past year to upwards in construction and trade. rise in oil prices and other commodities”. a record US$145 a barrel in early July The economy ministry’s Federal Planning The figures show that Belgium’s GDP 2008, the impact is being felt acutely Bureau recently published its annual medium growth is expected to slow to 1.7% in by consumers and businesses alike. and long-term projections for Belgium, 2008 and 2009 down from 2.7% in 2007. Businesses in the manufacturing revising its 2008 and 2009 GDP growth figures The figures are much closer to those of the industry in particular are feeling the pinch down in line with the current slowdown. The euro area, which is expected to show 1.6% with the National Bank of Belgium’s June ministry said that the latest figures were and 1.5% growth in the next two years.

148 Best of Belgium drivers blocked roads into Brussels on the eve of an EU summit to push leaders for help coping with the skyrocketing fuel prices. While the government is unlikely to give in to demands for fuel subsidies, the impact of these price shocks on the economy is expected to dissipate over the coming months. Business and consumers alike can take comfort in the stability and diversity of the Belgian economy over the past year, which serves as a cushion against possible global knock-on effects. In 2007, despite fears that the global credit crunch would have downward implications for the Belgian economy, the country out-paced most expectations, posting 2.7% GDP growth. The NBB argues that the Belgian economy withstood the turmoil on the world markets in 2007, triggered by the crisis on the US subprime mortgage market and fears about over-exposure from financial institutions, thanks to high private consumption, corporate investments, exports and improvement in the labour market. Further signs of resilience in the Belgian economy were shown by increases in corporate investments, up by 5 % as a result of the increased use of production capacity and higher profits; an improvement of 2.5% in private consumption and purchasing power in real terms, a stabilisation of the savings ration at around 12.5% and the creation of 70,000 new jobs in the economy. Economic reports also showed that the Brussels region is the 3rd richest metropolitan area in Europe, while the port of Antwerp grew by an impressive 10% in 2007, handling 182 million tonnes of freight. Unemployment in Belgium decreased by 7 % in 2007 with twice as many jobs being created in 2007 as in 2006. Belgian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were responsible for the bulk of the new jobs created and structural employment in SMEs (excluding temporary jobs or student jobs) grew by 3.5 % in 2007, compared to 1.7 % in 2006. These new jobs in turn, resulted in a rise in purchasing power. Even with the current dip in GDP growth, the economy is expected to create 42,000 jobs annually in the next two years. The economy ministry also predicts that The current slowdown in GDP growth can expected following successful inflation- despite posting a fiscal deficit of between be largely attributed to the steep fuel and targeting in 2007 and reflects the “sensitivity 0.3% and 0.9% of GDP in 2008 and food price increases, which saw Belgium’s of the energy component to oil prices in 2009, the country’s debt will continue to year-on-year inflation rate hitting a 24-year Belgium, some administered tariff increases drop, reaching 70.8% of GDP by 2013. high of 5.8% in June 2008. The National for electricity and gas and the somewhat As the economy ministry and the Bank of Belgium (NBB) estimates that larger impact of the food price shocks”. NBB’s figures show, Belgium will enjoy the average inflation rate for 2008 will be Two sectors feeling the impact of “less strong” growth in 2008 and 2009 just under 4% and that this will ease to the fuel increases are agriculture and but the economy will pick up again an average of 1.9% in 2009. However, transport. In early July 2008, hundreds thereafter with forecasts of 2.2% GDP the current figure is well above what was of Belgian farmers, truckers and taxi growth for the 2010-2013 period.

Best of Belgium 149 Enjoy doing Business in Belgium

Guy Quaden, Governor of the National Bank of Belgium

Belgium has a long-established position as represented about 12% of gross domestic a highly competitive economy and a prime product, one of the highest levels recorded destination for investors from all corners of among the advanced countries. The degree the world. The importance of foreign direct of openness to foreign trade is exceptionally investment in the country is clear proof of high, reaching some 48% in 2007. One of the this reputation: between 2003 and 2006, it main attractions of the Belgian economy is its

150 Best of Belgium London, Frankfurt and Paris. This advantage between finance raised through risk capital can be fully exploited thanks to an excellent and finance raised through borrowed capital, and extensive infrastructure of transport by allowing companies to deduct a notional (airports, sea ports, high speed rail and road charge (not stated in the accounts) from links), logistics and telecommunications on their tax base that corresponds to a specific which the country has built its reputation. percentage of their equity capital. Another The Belgian economy also benefits from measure that is much appreciated by firms being part of the euro area and its financial in Belgium is the one facilitating the very markets, where firms are not only able to trade rapid conclusion of agreements with the tax in one single currency but also have access authorities on rulings valid for up to five years. to extremely diversified and competitive Other significant measures contributed sources of financing in a capital market which the last years to drastically lighten the has now progressed to second place in the administrative burden on businesses, whether world rankings. Belgium is also renowned by simplifying or reducing administrative for its highly skilled and highly productive procedures - for instance, the time needed labour force, with a natural ability to work in to complete the formalities to set up a a multicultural and multilingual environment. business has been slashed from 56 days to Moreover, the fact that several international just three days - or by systematically using institutions, such as NATO, as well as the electronic means of communication for main EU institutions, namely the European accounting, tax and social security matters. Commission, the European Parliament The fact that Belgium is part of the and the European Council, have their European Monetary Union means that headquarters in Brussels, the country’s particular attention has to be paid to the capital, encourages strategic decisions relative movement in wage costs. Legislation to locate investment in Belgium. in force since 1996 requires the social partners Its macroeconomic policies guarantee to take account of wage developments in Belgium a stable environment that fosters Belgium’s three main trading partners, namely, private initiative. Thanks to the monetary Germany, France and the Netherlands, in policy conducted by the Eurosystem at their biennial round of wage-bargaining. the euro area level, the Belgian economy Without undermining the flexibility necessary enjoyed price stability during many years. for wage formation, this framework has Belgium’s fiscal policy is also committed to made it possible to ensure that wage rises stability, since public finances were almost remain moderate, whether in relation to these continuously in balance over this period. neighbouring countries or compared with Furthermore, with a view to guaranteeing the euro area as a whole. Government policy the sustainability of public finances over has also made a contribution here through the long term, taking into account the reductions in tax burden, targeted notably impact of the ageing population on future on foreign managers or research workers. pension and healthcare expenditure, the The Belgian economy has significant stability programme endorsed by the potential for development. Its integration into Belgian government provides for a budget the euro area and the structural reforms that surplus to be built up in the medium term. have been undertaken have most certainly Belgium is also implementing policies helped to strengthen it, as evidenced by designed to modernise the economy and the acceleration of its potential growth rate conform it fully to the strategic objective set over the last few years: according to the for the European Union by the EU heads European Commission’s estimates, that rate of State or government in Lisbon in 2000, rose gradually from 1.9% in 2003 to 2.5% in namely to become the most competitive 2006 and 2007 - a sharper increase than in and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the euro area as a whole, where it has risen the world, capable of sustainable economic from 1.9 to 2.1% over the same period. growth with more and better jobs and greater Last but not least, Belgium offers a quality social cohesion . Constant efforts are therefore of life that is the envy of many. Its historical being made to ensure that all markets in and cultural heritage has had a strong the Belgian economy are working with influence across the entire continent and optimum efficiency, as well as to encourage beyond. Brussels has established itself as a innovation and business start-ups. capital city of international repute, enlivened As regards enterprises more specifically, by cultural activities that appeal to very diverse the most significant measures that have been and demanding audiences. Moreover, the cost taken in Belgium in recent years have aimed of living in Brussels is still a lot lower than in geographical location at the heart of one of to establish an attractive fiscal framework for nearby major capitals. The country has a good the biggest and richest integrated economic companies investing in Belgium, especially many other assets, not least the beauty of its areas in the world - the European Union with the deduction of notional interest countryside and its excellent gastronomy. comprising almost 500 million consumers, charges, introduced in 2006. With this with direct and rapid connections to the scheme, Belgium is the only European country Guy Quaden biggest European business centres, such as to alleviate the differences in tax treatment Governor of the National Bank of Belgium

Best of Belgium 151 Reforming the State remains a Belgian Imperative Belgium’s delicately-balanced federal state structure is as Belgian as moules et frites (mussels and fries), luxury chocolate, Tintin and Magritte. Reforming this state structure has become the current political imperative as the long-standing conﬂict between the country’s two main linguistic groups becomes more acrimonious than ever and threatens to pull the country apart. Economy and Industry © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

One of the big stories in Belgium over the prime minister Guy Verhofstadt’s Flemish Open VLD, and its Wallonian counterpart the past year has been the political instability Liberal Party (Open VLD). With the NVA MR. The winning alliance campaigned on at federal level following the June 2007 subsequently withdrawing from the coalition, extending regional autonomy and it has been elections. In those elections, current Leterme was eventually able, after a record this regional agenda which has inflamed prime minister Yves Leterme’s Flemish 196 days, to obtain a majority vote of political sentiments and prevented any Christian Democrats (CD&V), in alliance confidence with a five-party coalition of his lasting stability at federal level. Extending with the moderate Flemish nationalist New CD&V, its Walloon sister party the CDH, regional autonomy effectively means giving Flemish Alliance (NVA), defeated former the Francophone Socialist Party (PS), the Belgium’s biggest and wealthiest region,

152 Best of Belgium © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

Vilvoorde (BHV), a bilingual electoral district political journalist Peter de Backer sums around Brussels within the Dutch-speaking up the importance of the situation: “The province of Brabant. Unlike Flanders and Flemish want and need reforms because Wallonie which are each administered that is what they promised their electorate. by one language group, in BHV voters The French, on the other hand, promised have the option of voting for candidates that there would be no reform, because they from either language group. For the last fear that this will be the end of Belgium.” 18 months Flemish politicians have been The international media have been calling for an end to this situation in line quick to pick up on the threat of Belgium’s with a 2003 court ruling. That would stop demise, and have predicted that the end- French-speaking politicians from seeking game has already started. “Time to call it votes in Flemish areas and effectively end a day,” declared The Economist cheerily. special bilingual rights for some 70,000 “Belgium has served its purpose. A praline French speakers living in Flanders, but divorce is in order.” Belgians themselves outside Brussels. Wallonian legislators on appear to be more pragmatic about the the other hand are blocking these changes, future of their country with opinion polls fearing an erosion of their power, and that showing most Belgians believe that the a divided Belgium would end the subsidies political leadership, whether led by Leterme that flow south from richer Flanders. or someone else, will “muddle through as The BHV issue has been a particularly usual”. The country has negotiated several emotive one for both sides. In one rounds of state or “institutional reform” since incident, Liedekerke, a small town in BHV, 1970, which have seen the establishment of controversially sought to bar French- the country’s three regions and three cultural speaking children from school outings such communities and Belgium becoming a fully- as swimming classes if they can’t speak fledged federal state with various powers Dutch. Flemish interior minister Marino devolved to regional and community level. Keulen quickly annulled the Leiderkerke Analysts point to the stability of the decision on school outings, but he too economy and to the effective governance has expressed annoyance at Flemish at regional level as allowing there to be a subsidies to Wallonie. One of Keulen’s fair degree of instability at federal level. And officers, Steven Vansteenkiste, was widely while the likelihood of Belgium bursting quoted in the media complaining about in the near future, as predicted by the Flanders, more power to run its own affairs a francophone veto, and the amount “België Barst!” graffiti in Liederkerke, is while devolving similar economic, industrial of money going from north to south. small, the fact that the old antagonisms and other powers to poorer Wallonie as For both sides there is a lot at stake when between the two main groups are out well as the Brussels Capital Region. Leterme’s government reports back on the in the open represents a shift in the progress of the state reform negotiations in political landscape. One thing’s for sure: BHV issue mid-July 2008. Any retreat from a regionalist whatever the outcome of the current The most difficult state reform dossier is agenda would see Leterme rapidly losing round of state reform negotiations, no-one that of the potential split of Brussels-Halle- the support of Flemish parties. Belgian can accuse Belgium of being boring.

Best of Belgium 153 InBev buys Bud to form World’s Largest Beer-maker Europe’s biggest brewer InBev has announced it is to merge with U.S. brewing giant Anheuser-Busch to form the world’s largest brewer by volume. The merger of the two brewing giants gives the expanded company an unmatched brand portfolio including the world’s two best-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light, and international market leaders Stella Artois and Beck’s. Economy and Industry © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

InBev CEO Carlos Brito will be chief company will generate approximately a hydrogen peroxide megaplant and in an executive officer of the combined company, `22.9 billion in annual net sales and brew Epicerol industrial unit which will produce which will be called Anheuser-Busch InBev. about a quarter of the world’s beer. epichlorohydrin with natural glycerin. In The expanded company will have a leading plastics, the Group is building a world-class position on the world’s top five markets — Solvay posts record returns vinyls production unit in Russia, which China, the U.S., Russia, Brazil and Germany The Solvay Group, a world leader in will complement the leadership positions — and balanced exposure to developed and chemicals, plastics and pharmaceuticals, it has built up in South East Asia, Latin developing markets. In a statement in July is continuing its impressive growth and America and Europe. In India, Solvay is 2008 the companies said the transaction posting record sales and profitability figures. inaugurating a new manufacturing unit “creates significant profitability potential both Operating from its international headquarters for one of its high value added plastics in terms of revenue enhancement and cost in Brussels and employing more than 28,000 specialties, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). savings”. The combination is estimated to people worldwide, Solvay had consolidated Sales in pharmaceuticals remained steady “yield cost synergies of $1.5 billion annually sales of `9.6 billion in 2007 from its three in 2007 but the sector suffered setbacks with by 2011 phased in equally over three years”. core areas with operating results (REBIT) the loss of the prescription drug Pantoloc InBev agreed to pay $70 per share up 9% from 2006 at `1.19 billion. in Canada, negative repercussions from the for the maker of Budweiser, up from its Growth in chemicals and plastics euro-dollar exchange rate as well as pressure original unsolicited bid of $65 per share. was impressive while the Group suffered on pricing in several countries and for This sweetened offer, which effectively setbacks in its pharmaceutical division. prescription drugs in Europe. Pharmaceutical means that InBev will be paying $50 Recently announced projects in Solvay’s sales elsewhere in the world continued billion for the merger, marked a 27% chemical division include expansion in strongly with TriCor and Androgel performing premium to Anheuser’s record-high stock Thailand where the Group is undertaking excellently in the United States. The sector price in October 2002. The combined ground-breaking proprietary technologies in also suffered a setback in Neuroscience

154 Best of Belgium © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine with Bifeprunox, their new schizophrenia therapy co-developed in conjunction with Wyeth, not yet receiving FDA approval.

Bekaert expanding in China Belgian steel cord and wire manufacturer Bekaert is investing `150 million together with major Chinese steel producer Ansteel in the construction of a new steel cord plant in China. The 50/50 joint venture is part of a strategic partnership between the two companies. The plant will be located in the Shuangqiao district within the Chongqing municipality in central China. Bekaert is a leader in advanced metal transformation and in advanced materials and coatings. In 2007 the company had combined sales of `3.4 billion and employed 20,400 people around the world. Consolidated sales rose 15.3% in the ﬁrst quarter of 2008 with combined sales also increasing signiﬁcantly to `903 million, an increase of 11.4% compared with the same period in 2007. Bekaert advanced wire products in Latin- America and Asia performed excellently, thanks in part to the successful start-up of galvanized wire production in Karawang, Indonesia. Strong local demand for various Bekaert products on the Chinese market and the company’s increasing market share combined to produce remarkable growth in steel cord China. The completion of major capital investment projects boosted annual production capacity of tire cord to 275, 000 metric tons.

Umicore increasing investments © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine in clean technology Brussels-based material technology group production to 900,000 from its two sites in of 2007. Jean-Paul Voltron’s resignation in Umicore is increasing its investments in Olen, Belgium and Oklahoma in the United July 2008 occured after he proposed cutting high-efficiency solar cells as part of its States. First quarter revenues were up by shareholder dividends as part of the Bank’s commitment to clean technology applications. 15% in 2008 with strong revenue growth attempts to raise `8.3 billion to boost its Umicore, the world leader in the production from Advanced Materials as well as from capital reserves. Like many banks, Fortis of germanium wafers for use in solar cells, is Precious Metal Products and Catalysts. needed extra capital to deal with the global investing `45 million in increasing production credit crunch and also to fund its `24 billion of germanium semi-conductor substrates at Fortis feeling the credit crunch acquisition of parts of Dutch bank Amro, its Oklahoma plant as well as expanding its Belgium’s largest financial services company which analysts say was over-priced. Fortis’s capacity for lithium-ion battery materials. Fortis became the first large European bank shares fell by 60% over the course of the The new production capacity will to lose its chief executive as a result of the year and the shareholder dividend cut was effectively double the group’s wafer credit crunch which started in the summer seen as the last straw by angry investors.

Best of Belgium 155 Belgium Leads the Way in Eco-Business Thomas Leysen, President Federation of Enterprises in Belgium

Thomas Leysen - President of the FEB

Population growth, the depletion of natural management and waste processing. With the many innovative companies operating resources and climate change are issues backing of internationally renowned university in the field of renewable energy and affecting all countries in the world, both and private research centres, Belgium has Belgian industry encourages partnerships developed and developing. responded to the need for a greener global with developing countries. Belgium has From an entrepreneurship point of view, economy by investing heavily in six areas of particularly acknowledged expertise in it’s each company’s duty to look after the eco-business: renewable energy, energy solar and wind energy sectors. The world’s these evolutions and continually launch efficiency, air, water, soil, recycling and waste. largest offshore wind farm is for example new applications to meet them. Europe’s currently being built in the North Sea, businesses have chosen to transform Developing clean-energy partnerships off the Belgian coast. Around 40 Belgian constraints into opportunities. At the heart According to the International Energy Agency companies are involved in this project. of Europe, Belgium has also taken up the (IEA), global energy consumption is set to challenge of green technologies with a relish. increase by 50% by 2030. The sun, wind Towards improved energy efficiency Many Belgian companies have become and water are potential climate-neutral Energy efficiency is a priority for all world leaders in renewable energies, water energy sources. That’s why Belgium boasts governments. Belgian industry boasts a

156 Best of Belgium Traffic, industrial processes and building the 32 member countries of the European heating systems release smoke, carbon Environment Agency (EEA). According to the monoxide and dioxide, heavy metals EEA, this number could increase by 50% and other noxious substances into the between now and 2015. European industry, atmosphere. Fortunately, enormous including Belgian companies, has responded technological progress has already been to this challenge with a raft of innovative made and new innovations are emerging ideas - with knock-on benefits for the rest of all the time. Belgium has for instance the world. the world’s leading producer of catalytic converters for private vehicles. This Extracting economic value from waste technology consists in increasing the Recent studies confirm that recycling also reduction of the engines pollution. reduces greenhouse gas emissions since it uses less energy than manufacturing Water management: a global issue from raw materials. For this reason, Europe The issue of drinking water is a key challenge advocates sustainable management of for the 21st century. The substantial growth resources and waste. The technologies in the world’s population is placing ever developed by industry in this area range more pressure on the Earth’s freshwater from transforming waste into raw materials reserves; at the same time, the amount to recovering it for use as fuel. In this highly of waste water produced is increasing, competitive and diverse sector, there are a bringing with it a mounting risk of pollution. number of Belgian companies capable of The scarcity of water, especially in African exporting their know-how. Many Belgian and Middle Eastern countries, calls for firms boast acknowledged expertise number of flagship companies specialising in dynamic management of this life-essential covering every area of waste management three sectors: energy-efficient construction resource. Technologies designed in from collection to soil remediation via (windows, solar control, PVC, insulation, Belgium can help in the development of composting, recycling and biomethanisation. natural ventilation, cooper conductors, water treatment and purification projects As an innovative and outward-looking floor solutions, architecture), energy- that could improve the quality of life of country, Belgium has invested in the efficient consumption (lighting, home local people and reduce the amount of research and the development of effective automation, heating devices, heaters waste water discharged into the seas. environmental solutions. Many companies and fireplaces, transport) and energy- have developed a significant know-how efficient production (industrial installations Soil remediation in the fields of green technologies and and power generation plants). While it may be making our everyday lives eco-efficiency. Today, this expertise is easier, industrial development has sometimes waiting to be exported. Breathing pure air also caused serious environmental problems. Improving air quality is one of the challenges Some 250,000 polluted sites requiring Thomas Leysen of sustainable environmental management. urgent remediation have been catalogued in President of the FEB

Best of Belgium 157 Belgium, a Home Base for the Chemical Industry

Belgium has been a home base for the chemical industry thanks to major innovations and the pioneering role of several 19th-century Belgians such as Ernest Solvay, Lieven Gevaert, Léo Hendrik Baekeland and Albert Meurice. Economy and Industry Belgium: a small country, a major player in the worldwide chemical and life sciences industry

In more recent decades, people such 2007 figures as Paul Janssen and Christian de Duve played a major role in the development of the pharmaceutical industry. The spectacular development of the port area of Antwerp since the 1960s has been of vital importance for the growth of the base chemical industry CHINA in Belgium. Thanks to considerable investments by Belgian and foreign companies in the petrochemical industry and other major chemical activities, Antwerp has developed into a leading global petrochemical center. The pharmaceutical industry,

USA meanwhile, expanded rapidly during the past 20 years in Flanders as well as in Wallonia. A very diverse portfolio of chemistry- based industrial activities developed through the past two centuries in Belgium. The Belgian chemical sector today has one of the highest degrees of specialisation in the world.

JAPAN

Population (Belgium = 1)

Degre of specialization in the chemical and life sciences industry

Ireland Belgium China Netherl. Germany Japan France Italy Spain USA UK

Specialization index 3.5 2.3 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 1.0 0.9 0,8 0.8 0.7

Population (Mio) 4.1 10.4 1,313.9 16.5 82.4 127.5 62.8 58.1 40.4 298.4 60.6

Sources: Cefic - OECD - Eurostat - IMF. Calculations: essenscia, the Belgian Federation for Chemistry and Life Sciences Industries. Note: the specialization index is the ratio of a country's chemical and life sciences industry turnover to its gross domestic product, divided by the same ratio for the whole of the considered countries. 2006 figures for China, USA and Japan.

158 Best of Belgium The Chemical Industry and Life Sciences in a Nutshell

Exports and imports of chemical and life sciences products: geographical breakdown

2007

• The industry’s turnover exceeded 54 billion EUR in 2007, accounting for one-ﬁfth of Exports total turnover in Belgium’s manufacturing 25.5% Germany sector as a whole. • Direct employment in the chemical and 11.9% France life sciences industry totals about 94,000 jobs, or 16% of all employment in the entire manufacturing sector. In addition, 7.2% The Netherlands the chemical and life sciences industry generates about 150,000 indirect jobs in 6.1% United Kingdom other sectors of the Belgian economy. • The chemical and life sciences industry 7.1% Italy is highly export-oriented. Exports amounted to 99.2 billion EUR in 2007 3.6% Spain (including transit). Exports of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics and rubber 11.1% Other EU generated a positive trade balance of more than 18 billion EUR in 2007, contributing to 27.5% Outside EU the growth of the Belgian economy. • Since 2005, the trade balance of the chemical and life sciences industry exceeds the total trade balance of Belgium as a Imports whole. 25.6% Germany • Invesment amounted to 1.96 billion EUR in 2007, representing more than one quarter 9.1% France of total investment in the manufacturing sector. The basic chemical industry 11.6% The Netherlands accounted for nearly half of all investment, two-thirds of which was in the Antwerp 6.0% United Kingdom region. • Research and development expenditure in the chemical and life sciences industry 5.4% Italy totalled an estimated 2.32 billion EUR in 2007. This represented nearly half 16.7% Ireland of all private-sector R&D spending in Belgium. Life sciences, which includes 5.9% Other EU pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, accounted for about three quarters of the 19.8% Outside EU sector’s R&D. • The Belgian chemical industry accounts 3.9 for more than 6% of the total European turnover in this sector, even though Belgium’s share of the total EU population is only 2.1%.

Sources: National Accounts Institute / National Bank of Belgium. Harmonized System Sections VI+VII (Chapters 28-40): Chemical and life sciences products including plastics and rubber articles. Calculations: essenscia, the Belgian Federation for Chemistry and Life Sciences Industries. Note: Including all transit activities and international distribution centres.

Best of Belgium 159 The Belgian Automotive Industry in a Nutshell Located right in the middle of the European automotive industry, gifted with a wide knowledge and a lot of know how and a ﬂexible and productive workforce: welcome to the Belgian Automotive Industry! Economy and Industry

Home to four major passenger car assembly plants (Ford, General Motors, Volvo and Audi), one truck assembly plant (Volvo Truck), two large bus and coach manufacturers (Van Hool and VDL Jonckheere) and many manufacturers of trailers and bodyworks, Belgium is a key player in the European automotive industry landscape. Moreover, there is an abundance of suppliers focused on leading-edge technologies. The diversity of manufacturers and assembly plants has over the years produced a rich network of automotive parts suppliers and service providers in Belgium.

160 Best of Belgium Colleges and universities here have been Finally, Belgium is the ideal bridgehead graduating highly qualiﬁed and specialized for companies wanting to make inroads in young people for decades. Europe. First of all there is its location: right The Belgian automotive workforce is in the middle of the most prosperous and renowned for its hands-on attitude, its industrialized region in Europe, with direct customer and quality focus and overall access to all the surrounding markets. And automotive mind. then there is its infrastructure with one of the Several research institutions, each with most modern and densest networks of roads, their own focus, perform far-reaching research railroads and waterways in the world. Home for the automotive industry – from ride and to the largest transshipment port for new control systems, via new materials and cars on the continent, Belgium also has three alternative energy sources, to electronics and other seaports, a national airport and several ICT for vehicles. regional airports.

“Belgium has a lot to offer: we are located right in the centre of the European automotive industry, we have a wide knowledge and a lot of know how, and we can call on a ﬂexible and productive workforce.” Erik Vandervreken, Director, Agoria Automotive.

Support innovation through the creation of clusters Innovation is a hot topic for the many companies that supply the automotive industry. “Agoria Automotive works closely together with Flanders’DRIVE, the innovation platform and partner in innovation for the vehicle industry,” Vandervreken continues. “Flanders’ DRIVE focuses mainly on three priorities: light weight materials, alternative powertrains and active safety. We want to create clusters around these in order to share the R&D efforts and to develop new modules and components. This will allow us to further strengthen the rich network of suppliers. Agoria Automotive encourages suppliers to make optimal use of their know-how and experience and thus become true partners with the automotive industry.”

An industry with influence Agoria Automotive is a division of The automobile industry is very important the technology industry association for Belgium. Every year over 700,000 cars Agoria, set up to represent the Today approximately 300 companies create and over 40,000 commercial vehicles, Belgian automotive industry. Agoria added value for the automotive industry. They Automotive defends the interests of the buses and coaches roll off the assembly are engaged in a large range of activities: from manufacturers of cars, buses, trucks, research and design to production, testing lines. Belgium has one of the highest trailers and supply industry. and certification. motor vehicle production per capita in For more information and contact Many of the suppliers are small- and the world. The export ratio for assembled details: www.agoria.be/automotive. medium-sized enterprises that frequently work vehicles exceeds 80%. together. They form a strong network, whether Directly and indirectly nearly 10% of clustered or not around the assembly plants. the Belgian workforce is employed by On top of that, renowned research centers Diamant Building, the automotive industry. The influence and universities drive the knowledge-intensive A. Reyerslaan 80 of the organizations that represent the Belgian economy. Together with the industry, B-1030 Brussel they are on a continuous search for new latter’s interests should therefore not be Tel: +32 (0)2 706 78 00 technologies that can help shape the future. underestimated. Fax: +32 (0)2 706 78 01

Best of Belgium 161 Winning Cards for the Belgian Food Industry The food industry occupies an essential position in the “from land to worktop” chain. Economy and Industry

The activities range from industrial to traditional businesses, from drinks to sweets, bread to meats, dairy to stock cubes, etc. The same characteristics can be found in this enormous diversity: processing raw produce into safe, tasty and user-friendly food for everyone.

Over the years, the Belgian food industry has taken up a dynamic position in a competitive market, as indicated by the following ﬁgures:

Annual turnover: `33.2 billion (2006) With 13.6%, the food industry takes second place of total Belgian industry.

Added value: `6.0 billion (2006) , or 12.6 % of Belgian industry. Making it third place.

Employment: 89,994 employees (2006) This makes the food industry the second largest employer. The food industry is pre-eminently a SME branch of industry.

162 Best of Belgium As indicated in the table below, the food industry contains many branches, listed according to turnover and employment (expressed in %).

Turnover Employment Branches (2006) (2006) Food Safety Succes Story Abattoirs and meat 16.8 % 16.2 % The Federal Agency for the Safety of Dairy 11.1 % 8.1 % the Food Chain (FASFC) has brought a Cocoa, chocolate and confectionery 10.1 % 8.3 % completely new dynamic to the Belgian Bread, pastries and biscuits 8.8 % 29.2 % agro food chain, ranging from mixed Feeding of livestock 8.5 % 3.5 % feed manufacturers, to agriculture and Grain processing, pasta and starch 8.3 % 3.5 % food industry to distribution and the catering industry. This is the result of a Fruit and vegetable processing 7.1 % 8.7 % unique form of dialogue between the Water and soft drinks 5.8 % 4.5 % FASFC and the sectors. This dialogue has Breweries 5.5 % 6.5 % been transformed into complementary Vegetable and animal oils and fats 5.5 % 1.2 % government and business efforts to Sugar industry 3.5 % 1.8 % protect consumer health. Other 9.0 % 8.5 % Total 100 % 100 % • The FASFC completely reformed food chain monitoring on the basis of a new concept, focusing on the Food-wise Belgians live in the land of plenty. is a healthy consumer who enjoys his chain’s approach and integrating the Almost everything’s available at affordable food and drink but eats a balanced diet various inspection departments in one prices. This wasn’t the case fifty years ago, and therefore eats in moderation. umbrella monitoring organisation; it when 40% of the family income was spent thoroughly monitors contaminants, on food. Today the figure is just 15%. Food Consumers abroad have also learned works on the development of was much more expensive for our parents to appreciate Belgian food products, tracing and optimum quality control and grandparents, simply because there was as the fast growth of export indicates. throughout the agro food chain so little of it. Our farmers just didn’t produce In 25 years time, turnover figures state enough to feed their own population. The that the export share of the Belgian food European agricultural policy didn’t exist industry has risen from 20% to 50%. • The producers pursue a strong brand yet and Belgium had to import sugar, grain policy of total quality; they write and milk year after year to supplement its This requires new products, packaging, guides for guaranteeing quality and production shortages. Only the rich could sales channels and consumption moments. food safety per sector, enter into afford luxury products. Despite the price There is constant innovation to tap this agreements about quality control in increase of agricultural raw produce during the potential. The Belgian food sector has winning consultative bodies per market and last months, tasty and healthy food remains cards to face the future with confidence! organise hygiene and quality control fundamentally cheap and available to all. training for their staff.

Thanks to our diet, Belgians live longer and Packing Waste Success Story Thanks to this unique cooperation healthier than their parents and grandparents. Packaging is no longer an environmental between government and private The current life expectancy of the average problem in Belgium today. Reusable operators, the Belgian food Belgian is 13 years longer than in 1950. bottles are being introduced on a safety monitoring system has In 1950, eight year-old boys from poor large-scale, being ecologically and become a reference in Europe families were on average 4 cm smaller than economically sound and over 90% of in just a few years time. their wealthier playmates. Since then, the one-off packaging is now recycled, success of the European agricultural policy thanks to the initiative of FOST Plus and has led to a major revolution. The average the entire population’s cooperation. This agricultural yield has increased by on average result makes Belgium Europe’s number FEVIA 2% annually during the past few decades. one. But Belgium also scores pretty well Fédération de l’industrie Alimentaire asbl when it comes to prevention. In 2003 in 43 Avenue des Arts These days, growth in the food industry is Belgium, 157kg domestic and industrial 1040 Brussels no longer a matter of more, but of better. packaging waste was produced per Tel: 02/550.17.40 Better when it comes to ingredients, inhabitant, which is the third lowest ﬁgure Fax: 02/550.17.59 freshness, vitamins, antioxidants, etc. in Europe. Email: [email protected] Because what the food industry wants www.fevia.be

Best of Belgium 163 Textile, Wood and Furniture: Industry with a Future In 2007 the Belgian textile, wood and furniture industry realised a turnover of 14 billion euro, of which 70% has been realised abroad. Balta

The 2,680 companies of this industry jointly has undergone an extremely important employ 57,000 people and invested over 400 adaptation process. There is one major million euro last year. With added value worth constant: the companies increasingly aim to 3.2 billion euro and a positive trade balance distinguish themselves from the competition of 2.7 billion euro, the sector offers a major by developing and manufacturing other, contribution to Belgium’s prosperity. different products. Today we note that there is major diversity of products in the Innovation and diversiﬁcation textile, wood and furniture industry and The current position of the Belgian textile, this will undoubtedly increase further. wood and furniture industry is partly due to Each company sought a niche – although a strategy of innovation and diversiﬁcation. this is sometimes a volume product – that During the past 20 years our industry is defendable in a global context. Extremis

164 Best of Belgium Recticel Bedding Recticel

top when it comes to design garden furniture, and textile finishing. In the wood and furniture where our companies excel because of their industry, there is also major production of advanced design as well as their innovative board material – especially chipboard and choice of materials. fibreboard, both rough and processed - and Within the growing subsector of wooden packaging such as crates, pallets and technical textiles, a number of companies tailor-made packaging. are specialized in protective textiles. This mosaic of extremely diverse and They manufacture materials with specific specialized activities and products are what characteristics which protect people in their makes our Belgian textile, wood and furniture work: fire fighter clothes, bullet-proof vests, industry so high achieving. signalisation clothing for road workers, etc. Currently, artificial grass is one of the high- The textile, wood and furniture industry: 10 tech products of the Belgian carpet industry. main subsectors Three Belgian manufacturers are world players - interior textiles in this field. Many national and international - technical textiles football teams play their home matches on - clothing textiles Belgian artificial grass. - spinning mills - textile finishing

Sioen Interior - furniture industry The home interior is an important market - wood based panels Worldwide players for the textile, wood and furniture industry. - building components In some of these niches, Belgian Over half the products are intended for the - packaging textile, wood and furniture companies interior. Just think of the furniture industry - other wood products are among the world leaders. (furniture, seating, mattresses, etc.) and For instance, Belgian laminate ﬂooring the interior textiles industry (carpets, manufacturers aren’t only pioneers, but also upholstery fabrics, textile wallcoverings, More information: worldwide market players in their segment. etc.). But our industry also produces Fedustria Through a combination of technological many other interior products and building Hof-ter-Vleestdreef 5 bus 1 innovation and design, Belgian manufacturers components, such as laminate ﬂooring, B-1070 Brussels of mattresses and bed bases have managed parquet, doors, windows, frames, etc. Tel: +32 2 528 58 11 to achieve a leading reputation in Europe. Other important subsectors of the textile [email protected] Belgium is also among the absolute world industry are clothing fabrics, spinning mills www.fedustria.be

Best of Belgium 165 Stûv, The Essential Fire

Timeless, sober, and – beyond its visual aspect – it is deeply respectful of the users, their household environment, of the Environment itself, of those people who build them and install them.

Stûv 60 – The very first Stûv ! It was designed to hang up to a wall. Closed, it was a match for the very best wood stoves. It worked in slow-burning mode : fed in the evening, it could be rekindled the next morning even after a long night. It would open in a snap and Photo Szczepaniak provide the joys of an open fire. And even be used for a barbecue ! A fireplace in its simplest expression, a self-effacing design meant to emphasize the architecture and the fire itself.

166 Best of Belgium Photo Vandentempel

Barbecues – With the Stûv grill, the food is not placed over the embers but in front of the ﬂames. The food is cooked by radiation and there is no danger of it being carbonised by drops of fat that blaze up as they fall into the ﬁre. Photo J-L laloux

Stûv 30 : 3 stove in 1! It can operate behind its glass door, as openﬁre and barbecue or as a slow-burning ﬁre. Other similar models are available : a stove to be integrated in the construction or a wall-suspended model.

History administrative, financial, human resource, In 1983, Concept & Forme is a two-man management, marketing... but there are band : Gérard Pitance and Benoît Lafontaine two areas that characterize this company : who decide to become partners on the the design of its products and a permanent development and production of a very special attention to human problems. wood stove (the current Stûv 60) designed The design of Stûv stoves has nothing by Gérard Pitance. They sub-contract the much in common with the current and production of components and do the somewhat flashy “trendy” designs one sees in assembly and installation themselves. Their magazines ; it is timeless, sober, and – beyond capital : creativity and motivation. Early days its visual aspect – it is deeply respectful of the are laborious but the firm slowly develops, users, their household environment, of the progressively tools-up, staff increases little by Environment itself, of those people who build little, offers new types of stoves ; products are them and install them. carefully finished and highly efficient. Distinctions Today • Entreprise de l’Année 2006 (Company of Concept & Forme offers 120 jobs, produces the year 2006 in Wallonia) 14,000 units annually, delivers a high- • Great Prize “Wallonia Export 2006”, “young performance infrastructure and exports to all exporters” category European countries (> 70% for export). • Design Prize, Batimat 2003 Stûv has always endeavoured to produce • Concours Lépine, the President’s Prize, high-performance stoves. Today all models Paris show 2001 officially conform to European standards. They have been tested in laboratories which use the European standards EN 13229 Concept & Forme sa (inserts) or EN 13240 (stoves). rue Jules Borbouse 4 5170 Bois-de-Villers Company philosophy Belgium One can only reach such levels by developing E-mail: info @ stuv.be competences in all areas : technical, www.stuv.be

Best of Belgium 167 Brussels: A Rich, Vibrant and International City Brussels is one of the world’s great cosmopolitan centres and is the ultimate European city. Economy and Industry © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

The home of the European Union, NATO Luxembourg, Madrid and Dublin), Brussels services groups Fortis and KBC. Brussels is and other international organisations, emerged with the highest level of productivity regarded as the fourth-most attractive city Europe’s de facto capital has a reputation and one of the highest GDPs. in Europe for starting a business. Brussels- for bureaucracy and political decision- The backbone of this successful economy based journalist Leo Cendrowicz explains that making but there is far more to Brussels is its services sector, which accounts for the city “has many hidden advantages, such than this. It is a city of banking and around 88% of jobs in the region. Services as a strategic geographical location in Europe, business, stylish architecture, vibrant culture include banking, research, information some of the most productive workers in the and exceptional beer and chocolate. technologies, tourism, transport and health. world, excellent transport connections with Brussels is also dynamic and successful. The star performer in this area is the financial other cities and a plentiful supply of relatively In a recent study by BAK Basel Economics sector, where Brussels has an established cheap office space”. comparing the Brussels Metropolitan banking tradition, a respected stock exchange A key growing sector in Brussels’ economy Region (BMR) to 14 other major European and a variety of insurance, leasing and is information and computer technology, metropolitan centres (such as Paris, London, investment fund firms including major financial with around 4,500 ICT companies employing

168 Best of Belgium © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

lobbyists, consultancies, advertising agencies catered for with houses like Godiva, Pierre and journalists. Many Belgian companies Marcolini, Wittamer, Leonidas and Neuhaus have their headquarters in Brussels even if represented. Brussels also has numerous business activities are centred elsewhere. taverns to sample the country’s 450 world- The capital is home to 54,000 businesses, of renowned beers, which include delicious which 2,000 are foreign, and the city attracts local specialities such as Trappist beer and over 1,000 business conferences annually. the yeast-free ‘lambic beer’. From a quality-of-life point of view, the city All of these attractions contribute towards boasts numerous attractions for young and Brussels’ success, as does its international old alike, a vibrant cultural life and a wealth of character as a cultural meeting-place. This quality restaurants. Tourist landmarks include: multi-culturalism is not without its challenges, the Grand Place, the majestic town square however. In some respects Brussels reflects which is home to terrace cafes and functions the broader historical, political and linguistic as the venue for numerous concerts; the divisions of Belgium itself, and greater Atomium, a giant model of nine linked spheres cooperation with the Flemish and Walloonian which represents an iron molecule’s atoms authorities would increase the city’s standing and which serves as a symbol of the city; as a world-class cosmopolitan city. the impressive EU headquarters; the Royal Economically, while the Brussels region Palace; the neoclassical Palace of Justice, is a rich and successful one, levels of 75,000 people. Health is another vehicle for and the town’s gothic town hall. Museums unemployment are high (above 20%), growth and employment, while excellent and galleries honour artistic talents Peter especially amongst the growing sector of university research has contributed to the Brueghel, Tintin creator Hergé, surrealist less-educated immigrants from Turkey, city’s leading role in developing life sciences, painter Magritte and Art Nouveau’s Victor Greece and North Africa. Companies and including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Horta. The city also has its own style district international experts recommend better With the decline of traditional industrial around the rue Dansaert with numerous education and retraining of the unemployed, activities in the region, it is the international boutiques, trendy restaurants and art galleries. both in technical and language skills, to character of Brussels which has assumed There are countless restaurants offering improve the situation. vital economic importance. The city is the fine food, from the national dish of “moules Given its long history dating back to the second-largest diplomatic city in the world et frites” (mussels and chips) to ethnic dishes 13th century of making the most of changing and is host to 159 embassies and some from Turkey, China, Morocco, Vietnam, circumstances, Brussels will continue to meet 2,500 diplomats as well a vast contingent Tunisia, Italy and elsewhere. Belgium’s these new opportunities and remain one of of EU officials, civil servants, interpreters, most famous food export, chocolate, is well Europe’s most dynamic and desirable cities.

Best of Belgium 169 Brussels Emmanuel Van Innis, Chairman Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry (BECI) Economy and Industry

170 Best of Belgium Brussels: a metropolis on a human scale. such dynamics in few other cities in Europe Brussels has become the beating heart of as in the Belgian capital. Brussels is a Europe, where expats, tourists, business cluster of people, talent and activity and people, civil servants, commuters and is a source of creativity and innovation. residents from all corners of the world The challenges which belong to such meet each other and live together. an internationally tinted economy are Brussels is since a number of years substantial. Brussels will, in order to be again fully in motion. The city attracts able continuing to practice and strengthen people and businesses; it is the largest its role as international centre and capital student city of the country, a dynamic of Europe, have to invest in infrastructure, and provocative global meeting place: mobility, urbanism and city marketing. it is the place where it happens. Another challenge which Brussels, just like Besides, Brussels has much to offer. many other cities will have to face, is the It lies at the crossroads of Belgium and green economy: the city wants to take Europe, with a multicultural composition the lead to tackle the mobility problems, which doesn’t bear comparison: improve the energy performance of its approximately half of the population businesses and housing stock and bring has no Belgian roots. No other city into practise the CO 2 guide lines of Kyoto in Europe houses so many different and Europe. Brussels could be a perfect European immigrants. That interaction test environment for a green economy and and cooperation between people with measurements, which regulate the quality a different background, who work for of life for the city and strengthen the natural the many multinationals, the European environment and can stabilize its attraction decision making, the local commerce or to businesses, knowledge and talent. an international organisation, provide an The different union organisations of added value and a wealth which has moved Belgium; the Flemish VOKA (Flemish Brussels into the top three of Europe’s Economic Association), the Walloon wealthiest regions. Brussels alone is UWE (Union of Wallonian Enterprises), responsible for 20% of the Belgian GNP, the Brussels BECI (Brussels Enterprises employs 700,000 people, of whom more Commerce and Industry) and the federal than half are from Flanders and Walloon. VBO (Federation of Enterprises in Belgium) It has furthermore succeeded to retain have joined hands to think together its human face and a quality of life that about the economic future of the region belongs to the top regions in Europe. of Brussels and its hinterland. They work The European parliament, the European on a route plan for the whole metropolis, Commission, the Council of Ministers of including the periphery that outlines the EU, NATO, the Benelux and some 1400 which sectors should be expanded international organisations make it the and/or supported. In that cooperation capital of Europe. 3,800 diplomats, 13,000 between the different communities lobbyists, 1,000 international journalists, hides not only the reason of existence, 4.5 million tourists per year make it the but also the strength of Brussels. gateway of Belgium to the world and bring the world to Belgium. There are only a few Emmanuel Van Innis other places in the world where so many Chairman Brussels Enterprises Commerce international meetings are held. When the and Industry (BECI) Magritte museum and the Congressenpaleis (Convention Centre) are opened next year, the international inﬂux will only increase. But this city is more than a centre for international headquarters or political power: with a highly educated work force, the highest productivity in Europe and excellent accessibility, it also succeeded in developing a new economy and in becoming an important business and ﬁnancial centre. The region of Brussels is the signboard and the economical motor of the country and its proximity to large economic centres (London, Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne are situated within 250km and the HST train brings all these very close together, within less than 2.5h of travelling time) makes it interesting for both multinationals and tourists. The ICT sector and business services have known

Best of Belgium 171 Antwerp - Expanding Logistics Hub Antwerp is strengthening its position as one of the world’s key logistics hubs through expanding its port, road and rail networks.

Major infrastructure projects already In 2007 Antwerp, which is Europe’s second TEU) will soon be able to navigate unhindered underway or in the pipeline include a bridge largest port, handled 183 million tonnes of right to the Deurganck dock. and tunnel road link which will complete the freight from almost 17,000 cargo-carrying Work on widening the navigation circle of the Antwerp ring, further deepening ships, increasing its annual handling volume channel by up to 370 metres between of the river Scheldt, an expansion of the by 9.3%. The main driver of this growth is the Europaterminal and up to 500 metres harbour, and a railway link between Antwerp general cargo with a sharp rise in container upstream of the Deurganck dock is set to and Brussels airport. cargo in 2007 to nearly 95 million tonnes. commence following the implementation Strategically located in the heart of Europe, This growth is set to continue with further of environmental protection measures from Antwerp has long had a strong tradition deepening of the Westerschelde scheduled October 2008. in logistics thanks to its inland location to be complete by 2009. Deepening work, There is strong political commitment to which gives it excellent rail, water and road which is necessary to guarantee navigability this project from the Flemish government, connections to Europe’s leading economies: and keep up with developments in ship with Flemish Minister-President Kris Peeters the Netherlands, France, Germany, construction, got underway in December stressing that “widening the navigation Luxembourg and also the United Kingdom. 2007. Big container ships (up until 12,000 channel in the Westerschelde is of great

172 Best of Belgium the structure, which will have a space- saving double-deck construction. The aim of the Oosterweel link is to take heavy goods vehicles through a tunnel under the Scheldt and across the city on a viaduct to join the Ring close to the Sportpaleis. The project has faced strong opposition, however, from Antwerp residents and political groups such as Groen! who are concerned about the environmental impact, the route of the Link and the choice of a tunnel-viaduct combination. The authority responsible for the development, the Mobile Antwerp Management Company (BAM) has also had to revise its cost projections, pushing up the price to `2.54 billion from the `1.85 billion ceiling set in 2007. The completion date for the project will also be shifted, with optimistic calculations suggesting that work can begin in autumn 2009.

Rail link In terms of rail infrastructure, Belgium has one of the most comprehensive rail networks in the world and transported a total of 188 million passengers and 62 million tonnes of freight in 2006. Regional improvements are set to benefit Antwerp as well with the Diabolo project currently underway resulting in Brussels airport becoming a major junction in the Belgian and international railway network. By providing a new direct rail link importance for the economic development more and multinationals choose Belgium between Brussels airport and major railway in Flanders and the Netherlands”. as their European distribution centre on stations such as Mechelen and Antwerp, the Peeters added that the “expected profits the grounds of its exceptional location, project will significantly reduce travel times from transport as a result of this third road network and logistics know-how. To on existing services. deepening of the Westerschelde up to ease this congestion and allow for smooth Antwerp also provides excellent access 2030 are estimated at between `0.7 and expansion, Antwerp is planning a bridge to Belgium’s extensive network of inland `1.1 billion for Flanders alone”. The cost and tunnel link (known as the Oosterweel waterways (1,532 km) which provides fast, of the dredging work is `100 million. link) to complete the circle of the Antwerp environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient ring. Dubbed the Lange Wapper after a transport to the heart of Europe. Improving road mobility figure in Antwerp’s folklore, the 2.4 km Whatever the outcome of the wrangling The fast expansion of Antwerp’s port is also state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge will over Antwerp’s road infrastructure leading to faster than expected growth in be an impressive feat of engineering and development, the city’s expansion as a multi- road haulage. Antwerp’s already congested serve as an eye-catching icon to the modal logistics hub is strengthening its global road network is becoming even busier as city. Five 110-metre pillars will support competitiveness.

Best of Belgium 173 Having a Vision Offers a Great Head Start Robert Voorhamme, Councilor for Education, Work & Economy - City of Antwerp Economy and Industry © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

Situated between Amsterdam, Lille and the Ruhr, Antwerp is a modestly populated region with 466,000 inhabitants. It is the economical centre of the Flanders region. This is mainly due to Antwerp’s unique location and its harbour. The Antwerp harbour processes more than 180 million tons on a yearly basis, and is the fourth busiest harbour in the world. An important part of the harbour’s business comes from the chemical and petrochemical shipments it handles. Most large companies in this industry will not settle for anything less than the best facilities in the world, and Antwerp is proud to be able to offer this. While industry represents twenty percent of Antwerp’s enterprises, the service sector is by far the most important part of the © Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

174 Best of Belgium economy, representing seventy-five percent of The city has invested a lot of money and provide consistent policies, and the policies all activities. The government plays a key role effort into improving its infrastructure and as well as the people who implement in this matter, working proactively in order to accessibility to visitors. Antwerp has its them must have a vision for the future, boost the economy, making sure all policies own TGV station and a planned direct and uphold the highest standards. are environmentally friendly, and ensuring that connection with the airport of Zaventem Antwerp is a world leader in the protection the companies involved are included in any will soon make the city even more of the environment. The city’s environmental relevant debates. reachable to international travellers. regulations are among the most stringent Antwerp is the world’s diamond and fashion Antwerp has effective policies in place in the world, but these regulations are centre, and the city has become famous for to attract future orientated investors. The respected and upheld. We believe that these two creative and high profile industries. city council has founded an agency whose companies who have to comply with stricter Antwerp also offers a wide variety of goal is to attract new industry, retailers regulations in this regard will end up being theatres, museums, cafes and restaurants and and companies to set up their regional twice as competitive in the international has become renowned as the shopping city headquarters in this city. On a yearly basis market. of Belgium, with the Antwerp Meir being the more than 350 international companies look most popular shopping centre in the country. for a new office location in Europe, so there is Robert Voorhamme Antwerp is also a university city. It is home a lot of potential for growth in this sector. Councilor of Education, Work, Economy and to a management school as well as a number When it comes to attracting new Middle Class Stad Antwerpen of international schools. investments, the government has to City of Antwerp

Best of Belgium 175 Sustainable Logistics Alex Van Breedam, Director - Flanders Institute for Logistics

Logistics has secured a place as a strategic sustainably if the connection with industrial character, such as assembly, adding options sector for Benelux. The added value of activities is strong enough. This means or kitting. These types of activities are labour logistics is over 8% of the gross domestic that the boundary between logistics and intensive, providing work for more than product, and it employs over 8% of the production is becoming less defined. This 30,000 people in more than 790 European working population. can be seen in the changing design of larger distribution centres (EDCs) supplying at least These figures alone show that logistics is warehouses. For example the pure storage five European countries. more than just transport and warehouses. space is increasingly making way for added Aside from the obvious benefits of logistics Furthermore, logistics today can only flourish value activities with an increasingly industrial for the economy, the social and ecological

176 Best of Belgium Until now, companies had the goal of expanded in terms of job opportunities and optimising their supply chains to be more consolidated delivery of goods flows, while efficient and more effective, without very the gateway increases its attractiveness for much consideration of sustainability. these flows of goods by establishing them Maximum efficiency in this is usually more deeply. Moreover, the gateway is able to expressed in a minimal total logistical cost, reserve maximum space for those industrial or total supply chain cost. Effectiveness and logistic activities that are more port generally refers to the service level that related, such as basic chemical activities or is offered to the client, often expressed processing large volumes. in terms of delivery frequency, delivery The ultimate goal of the Extended quantities, delivery times, etc. Performant Gateway ® Flanders is to lead the right supply chain management makes it possible investment in the right location through to improve efficiency and effectiveness a structured, integrated approach. The together, to a certain level. Beyond that level concept that was originally concerned the company has to choose for efficiency with business economics and logistics is or effectiveness, depending on its strategy. gradually becoming a broad social project More and more companies are starting that concerns regional planning, mobility, a to demand sustainable logistics. This healthy labour market, environmental aspects means that the existing trade-off between and the optimal expansion and use of the effectiveness and efficiency must now be infrastructure. expanded to include sustainability as well. Not all activities need to be concentrated in The result is that the space to optimize the gateways. According to the total logistical the three criteria at once becomes very tight. cost ratio, this is actually not recommended. It is hard to imagine that a company can If the hinterland is selected, then clustering minimise its supply chain costs by making is recommended: logistical and industrial all its transport comodal, and simultaneously activities are bundled to be able to achieve making more frequent deliveries in smaller optimal economies of scale. The focus is quantities. Yet the opportunities are there: primarily on (a limited number of) favourable collaboration, consolidation, in other words hotspots, regions that are particularly well bundling streams is the key word. Companies suited to logistics. The cluster effects can then that are prepared to bundle their streams be further developed concretely to the level horizontally will succeed in improving all three of business operations. In short, companies of their supply chain demands at once. must be encouraged to bundle streams. At To be able to offer the logistics sector as present the Extended Gateway ® Flanders many opportunities as possible to develop is being given a concrete form and is being towards sustainability without significantly increasingly used as a leading instrument increasing social impacts, the Flemish for the further development of sustainable Logistics Institute has developed the logistics in Flanders. “Extended Gateway ® Flanders” concept. In this way Flanders will be able to further First of all, the Extended Gateway ® Flanders develop itself into a logistical port for Europe concept responds to a trend that has already with maximum benefits and minimal costs. been apparent for some time. Sea and air In this process, sustainability is not a cost, ports are taking initiatives in the area they but an opportunity to get all parties onto the serve to increase their competitiveness. same wavelength and focus on one concept. Hence the term Extended Gateway ® Flanders. The government creates the framework - the The goal is also to place the (industrial) Extended Gateway ® Flanders - in which the logistical activities in the correct location, logistical players have every opportunity which is the place where the minimal total to reach high goals in the areas of cost logistical cost generates the least social efficiency, customer service and sustainability. impact. Originally conceived as being more In this way Flanders can maintain and expand a question of business economics, themes its position as a top logistical region. such as the environment, quality of life, mobility, regional planning and work activity are increasingly being linked to logistical development. By clustering logistical activity in carefully chosen regions, the flow of goods costs cannot be denied. Scarcity of land, can be bundled and multimodality can be Vlaams Instituut voor de Logistiek (VIL) increasing traffic congestion in the region and expanded sustainably. With the Extended Flanders Institute for Logistics increased emissions of harmful gasses are a Gateway ® Flanders Flanders concept, Jordaenskaai 25 few examples of this. This means that a new gateways and hinterland find each other. The B-2000 Antwerpen (Belgium) challenge presents itself: sustainable logistics. concept also offers enormous development Tel: +32 (0) 3 229 05 00 Sustainability is generally defined as meeting opportunities both for the gateways as well as Fax: +32 (0) 3 229 05 10 present needs without mortgaging the needs for the Flemish and, with expansion, European E-mail: [email protected] of future generations. hinterland. In this way, hinterland locations are www.vil.be

Best of Belgium 177 Gosselin takes International Moving and Logistics to another Level Whether you’re relocating from rural China to the outback of Chile or just across the city, the Gosselin Group ensures a completely thorough and professional moving experience. Economy and Industry

Gosselin, an Antwerp-based moving and The company’s core activities cover every international success have been former logistics group of companies with more aspect of the removal business: moving, line- company chairman Dolf Gosselin and the than 75 years of professional expertise, has haul, warehousing, packing and unpacking current CEO, Marc Smet. Dolf Gosselin taken the business of moving and logistics of containers, customs clearance, and road, was a “real Antwerpenaar”, a “mover and to another level. Started in 1930 as a local sea and air transportation. These activities shaker” who expanded Vivet-Gosselin Belgian moving company, the ﬁrm has are divided according to the three divisions: from a local moving company into Gosselin evolved over the years into an impressive Gosselin Moving, Gosselin Logistics, and World Wide Moving, a major player in the international moving empire with 48 branches Gosselin Support Services. international moving scene. They oversaw in 32 countries. The two driving forces behind Gosselin’s its steady expansion within Western, Central

178 Best of Belgium and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus as well as mainland Asia, and actively sought the acquisition of smaller regional firms. Gosselin is also perfectly placed to serve the diplomats who are posted to Belgium, the EU and NATO as well as the executives water front their inland container terminal at expertise, commitment to excellent service of national and international companies. the Albert Canal in Antwerp handles 70,000 and team spirit. These VIP contracts have resulted in the TEU’s (twenty foot equivalent units) a year. This As big as Gosselin has become, the company acquiring a wealth of international shift from road to water transportation won Gosselin Group management team is experience which is constantly being added Gosselin an industry award for contributing committed to retaining the personal touch. to and refined. The international character to the growth of inland water freight, as well Moving is not a mass expedition, it is an of the organisation means that the different as the praise of the EU Commission, for its emotional experience and respect for the country offices learn from each other through contribution to the environment. The company treasured possessions of families who are exchanging professional expertise and local has its own in-house customs clearance relocating is the key to Gosselin’s business. knowledge. office which speeds up the administrative The logistics of people’s emotions here Over the years Gosselin has evolved side of the process. Another critical factor in are as important as the moving of their beyond recognition, adding invaluable moving and logistics is warehousing. Gosselin family furniture. One of the most important sidelines to its overall package of services. operates an impressive 60.000 square metres ingredients of Gosselin’s ongoing success More than just a moving and logistics of warehouse space (and takes ownership of is the trust they have built up with their company, Gosselin positions itself as a another 13,000m 2 in September 2008). customers. Given the sensitive nature of partner in moving and logistics. Gosselin is From a quality control point of view, the the goods, it is this trust within the world of able to take care of all elements of moving to company proudly boasts the distinction of multinationals and diplomats which gives the most challenging destinations from outer being the first Belgian moving business to them their competitive edge. Mongolia to central Africa and rural Chile. achieve the international moving industry’s They are extremely thorough and careful in most prestigious accreditation, FAIM / ISO. their approach and each move requires a As part of this quality assurance, Gosselin Gosselin Group meticulous master moving plan. operates an internet tracking system that YOUR PREFERRED PARTNER provides 24 hour visibility within a secure IN MOVING & LOGISTCIS Multi-modal logistics environment. Belcrownlaan 23 Gosselin’s multi-modal logistics encompasses 2100 Antwerp - Belgium road, air and water transportation. In addition Personal touch Tel: +32 / 3 360 55 00 to its hundreds of road vehicles, the Group Offering a comprehensive service to Fax : +32 / 3 360 55 79 has its own air cargo company at BruCargo customers is integral to staff training. The [email protected] (Brussels airport cargo park) while on the corporate philosophy at Gosselin is based on www.gosselingroup.eu

Best of Belgium 179 The Westerlund Group Westerlund’s worldwide paper chain offers a complete solution

The Westerlund Group is a world leader in supplying ship’s provisions. Over 100 years Kingdom and China, and the group also owns the handling and logistics of paper, pulp later, the Westerlund Group has a strong and operates the world’s largest terminal and other forest products and provides a tradition in forwarding and warehousing paper, specialising in forest products. complete distribution service for producers pulp and forest products and is continuing Westerlund’s steady expansion and then and consumers through its port terminals in its global expansion through strategic specialisation in forest products received a Antwerp, Rouen and Changshu. acquisitions and buyouts. massive boost in 1968 when the founder’s When Captain John Westerlund, a ship In 2008 the Westerlund Group handled sons built one of the ﬁrst large modern owner from Gothenburg in Sweden, settled over nine million tons through its regional terminals in Antwerp to specialise in pulp, in Antwerp in 1903, he set up a business operations in Belgium, France, the United paper and forest products. 1987 marked the

180 Best of Belgium Port Autonome de Rouen © P. Boulen Port Autonome de Rouen © P.

dust-free) bulk kaolin receiving terminal on 14001 certification, becoming the first Belgian Antwerp’s right bank. terminal operator to obtain this distinction. A key aspect of Westerlund’s success has Ongoing investment in systems, procedures been the growth of its regional operations. In and training at its various terminals ensures Europe, Westerlund France started operating that Westerlund provides the highest quality a marine terminal at Rouen in 1993 and also service while having the least impact on the runs a container freight station at Marseilles/ environment and the community. Fos. Westerlund UK started running its BBI buyout consolidates Westerlund’s business from Tilbury in 1995. In France, global position Westerlund recently strengthened its position 2008 has seen a major development for the as a market leader through the acquisition of group with the decision by Babcock & Brown Cimep-Mondia Forest Products. This buyout Infrastructure (BBI), Europe’s largest bulk increased its French activities by 50% and and break bulk operations group specialist, enlarged its storage capacity in Rouen to to acquire the Westerlund Group. Through 85,000m 2. its majority-owned subsidiary Benelux In Asia, Westerlund commenced business Port Holdings, BBI acquired a majority in 1996 with the building of terminals in the shareholding in the Westerlund Group as part new Chinese port of Changshu, west of of its long-term business strategy of acquiring Shanghai on the Yangtze River. Westerlund and developing high quality port companies. Changshu nearly doubled its handling BBI employs 2,900 people worldwide in its volumes from one million tonnes in 2004 to port holdings and operations and handles almost two million tonnes in 2007. A newly approximately 150 million tons of various opened office in Shanghai coordinates the commodities annually. In 2007 BBI achieved group’s Asian logistics. group revenue of `0.8 billion. Jean-Jacques Westerlund, who remains Full logistical services CEO of the Westerlund Group, assured all Westerlund’s activities have developed rapidly stakeholders that the quality and commitment over the past few years beyond traditional of Westerlund would remain unchanged. stevedoring to include full logistical services, “Babcock & Brown has a record of including complete distribution to final clients operating to the same high quality standards as well as the exporting of paper from Europe. as Westerlund is known for, and you may The group combines its expertise in pulp be assured that Westerlund will continue and paper handling with strategic partners in providing the dedicated service and attention order to offer a seamless logistics network. to your interests in all the ports we operate,” Forwarding by road, rail, barge or sea, or any he said. combination thereof, is carried out by a single “We firmly believe that the new service provider for reliable and competitive shareholding structure will allow our company export solutions. A worldwide network of to successfully pursue growth in our major company-owned and managed terminals markets and to serve our clients even better start of a period of significant growth as the ensures high quality warehousing for safe in future.” company opened the very first terminal on storage and efficient handling. As part of its the left bank of the river Scheldt. Doubling comprehensive service to both producers its capacity four years later, Westerlund’s and consumers, the group also provides a full Antwerp terminal became the largest in the online tracking system to monitor shipments Philip De Mulder world specialising in the handling of paper at all stages of the paper chain. Group Commercial Manager and pulp. It covers an area of 880,000m 2 with A major accomplishment with regards to Westerlund Group 260,000m 2 of covered storage. In addition quality control was Westerlund’s achievement Email: [email protected] the group operates Europe’s largest (and in 2002 of simultaneous ISO 9001 and ISO www.westerlundgroup.com

Best of Belgium 181 SHIPPING & FORWARDING Boeckmans Shipping BOECKMANS and Forwarding BELGIE Boeckmans powering ahead at a rate of knots

182 Best of Belgium In the world of maritime trade, the port of A three-pronged attack Antwerp has been recognised for centuries Boeckmans is recognised for its focus on for its commercial strength. Barring the odd conventional cargo (non-containerised cargo catastrophe (for example when the Dutch such as steel, pipes, paper and forestry blockaded the river Scheldt in the 17th products, palletized and other unitary cargo). century), shipping lines are all but guaranteed This specialisation developed as a result of the to enter and leave the port fully laden. consolidation of container lines in the 1980s Antwerp-based shipping agent Boeckmans and 1990s, a period which saw the creation maintains this tradition of commercial success. of huge multinational companies (such as Even in today’s massively consolidated Maersk) that then expanded their activities into shipping industry, Boeckmans remains the shipping agent role. Independent shipping independent and continues to thrive. The agents were faced with a stark choice — be company won the prestigious Trends Gazelle swallowed up by the big container lines Award for rapid growth during the period or find their niche. Boeckmans followed 2004-2005, an expansion driven largely by its a two-pronged strategy, specialising in service, Scaldic Med Line, owns three vessels increasingly strong reputation in the transport conventional cargo and in specific regions (the and has two more on long leases. These of conventional cargo, and bolstered by Mediterranean, Middle East, South America currently operate the Mediterranean and North investment in its own shipping line. and South-East Asia). African routes. In line with Boeckmans’ chosen A third, equally important priority has been specialisation, Scaldic Med Line concentrates At the heart of Antwerp. the provision of a fully integrated service to its on conventional cargo. Since 2001, the At the heart of Europe clients — both shipping lines and forwarders company has seen strong growth on the back Boeckmans was founded in the 1930s. (and their customers). While Boeckmans’ of these shipping line investments, culminating Originally an expedition agent , the company prime service to shipping lines is commercial in that coveted Trends Gazelle Award. emerged after the Second World War as in nature (centred on finding cargo), it also As an organisation with several decades a shipping agent. Majority shareholding is offers an integrated suite of administrative and of experience in shipping and logistics, owned by the Durot family, who have steered operational services. These include customs Boeckmans has successfully managed to the firm through the troughs and swells of clearance, cargo handling, warehousing, exploit the challenges and opportunities of a the shipping industry since the 1970s. They distribution and control, trans-shipment, ship changing industry. Its expertise in maritime are keen to maintain the firm’s status as an re-supply and more. Integrated computer transport continues to develop and deliver independent agent and to further develop systems enable efficient distribution and results, both for its customers and for the their expertise and know-how in shipping tracking of cargo through communication with company itself. One of the many ways it does and logistics. The company’s headquarters local port custom authorities, ship owners so is in the employment market. Boeckmans is overlook the river Scheldt in Antwerp, perfectly and clients. Furthermore, market research a sought-after employer because of the ideal placed for their shipping and forwarding role. technology and computer-aided traffic analysis learning environment it provides for all those Europe’s second largest port after Rotterdam, systems allow for geographical area analyses, committed to the maritime transport business. Antwerp has a strong tradition in logistics plus account profiles and statistics on thanks to its inland location which gives it imported and exported cargoes, by principal excellent multi-modal connections to the heart and by customer. As part of its integrated Boeckmans Belgie n.v. of Europe’s economies. The city also has a service, Boeckmans prides itself on offering Van Meterenkaai 1, well-established commercial reputation, one an all-round, one-stop service that covers all B-2000 Antwerpen that is strong in all areas — be it vehicles, ports in the Benelux. Belgium break-bulk, containers, dry bulk, cooled Tel: 32 (0)3 202 02 02 transport, chemicals or fresh fruit. In 2007, the Investing in shipping and its people Fax: 32 (0)3 202 03 93 port handled 182 million tonnes of freight with In addition to its agency role, Boeckmans is E-mail: [email protected] container cargo making up the lion’s share. also thriving as a shipping line. Its short sea www.boeckmans.be

Best of Belgium 183 Belgium’s Export Performance stays Strong Thanks to its strong industrial base and excellent transport infrastructure networks, Belgium is able to export three-ﬁfths of its annual industrial output. Exports in most sectors have shown good growth in the past two years. Roughly 80% of Belgian trade is with neighbouring EU member states and the main export markets are France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Italy.

184 Best of Belgium The most important sectors for Belgian Main export sectors exports are iron and steel, chemicals, textiles, One of the best-performing export machinery, motor vehicles, diamonds and sectors in 2007 was iron and steel, which precious metals, and prepared foodstuffs, grew its exports by a massive 65% to notably chocolate and beer. `6.61 billion in the 4th Quarter of 2007 Belgium’s total exports amounted to `236 in comparison with the equivalent time billion in 2007, which represents an increase period the year before. Belgium’s top of 2.8% from 2006. Approximately `188 export performer over the past two years billion of this was intra-EU trade. In the 1st has been the chemical sector with foreign Quarter of 2008, exports amounted to `64.2 sales of over `8.73 billion in the 4th billion, an increase in volume of 3.3% from Quarter of 2007, marginally down on the the equivalent three-month period in 2007. 2006 4th Quarter figure of `8.79 billion. Belgium’s leading export market, France, Machinery and vehicle sales were the made up 23% ( `11.85 billion) of this total second and third largest export sectors while Germany’s share was 21% ( `11.21 for the period, with figures of `7.96 billion). Belgium’s top five trading partners billion and `7.56 billion respectively. in the EU together account for 78% of With mineral exports (notably iron and Belgium’s intra-EU exports. steel) taking the fourth place, exports of Within the EU, Poland and Finland are non-ferrous metals amounted to `6.59 emerging as growing markets for Belgian billion for the same three-month period, goods with exports to these two countries making this the fifth largest export sector. increasing by 33% and 29% in value Plastics exports grew by 6.8% to `5.58 respectively in April 2008 compared to the billion in the 4th Quarter of 2007 while equivalent time period in 2007. Poland exports of diamonds and precious metals bought `419 million worth of Belgian exports increased marginally to `3.58 billion. in March 2008. Largely as a result of the steep fuel Extra-EU exports grew marginally faster price hikes in 2008, imports increased than intra-EU exports from 2004 to 2007, by 32% in April 2008 compared to the posting a cumulative growth rate of 27.2% in same month in the previous year. This comparison with 24.7% for intra-EU exports. pushed Belgium’s trade deficit to `5 Outside of the EU, the largest market for billion for the first four months of 2008. Belgian exports is the United States with The National Bank of Belgium predicts exports to this market totalling `10.18 billion a slowing of Belgian exports of goods in 2007. Exports to India amounted to `5.19 and services in 2008 in line with flagging billion in 2007 while those to China increased global demand but forecasts that exports to `2.8 billion for the same period. will start to recover again from 2009.

Best of Belgium 185 BRIC’s Breaking the Mold Bernard Pierre, Ambassador of Belgium to China

The global economy is going through rough caught up with the American economy by expand our exports and attract investment. times. As the dust of the subprime crisis 2035, as a recent Carnegie Endowment True, Belgium could do better in this settles, and western economies brace for peace report predicts. It will be respect. While we are still the fourth most themselves for more, not less uncertainty, twice as large by 2050. The BRICS by popular investment destination world wide one undeniable truth looms large. The that time will have dwarfed the size of (UNCTAD stats 2006), we seem to ﬁnd it epicenter of the global economy is shifting the G7 by over a hundred per cent. more difﬁcult to attract BRIC investments. to the east. Or rather more precisely: it is Does this mean the demise of the old Also, we should urgently increase our heading into BRIC territory. continent is near? I would argue quite export market share in BRIC territory (27th This is an unavoidable trend. And the contrary: BRIC markets offer us an out of 30th place in terms of growth of one that will speed up in the decades to unprecedented opportunity to add wealth to BRIC exports between 2002 and 2006). come. The Chinese economy will have our own societies as long as we are able to The Belgian government however is fully

186 Best of Belgium of the CIC, China’s Sovereign Wealth Fund? Can we convert technological cooperation into more trade and investment? To what extent does Belgium and its private sector need to brand themselves abroad in a really country-speciﬁc manner? These are issues that trade and Investment Agencies all over in Europe are trying to come to grips with. As BRIC economies and multinationals committed to take up the challenge. It will are maturing, they call for a qualitative be all important as Minister of Foreign Affairs leap in our investment policy frameworks. Mr Karel de Gucht has repeatedly pointed In Belgium’s case, my view is that such out, to speedily optimize our economic and a comprehensive approach will depend public diplomacy tools. Belgium’s trade and hugely on intense coordination between investment relations in China are a case in all levels over government and, crucially, point. Essentially, we will have to shape our with the private sector. The ‘how’, so to answers around a number of key questions: speak, will be as important as the ‘what’. how do we generate a multiplication effect of the investors which are already present Bernard Pierre in Belgium? How to tap into the resources Ambassador of Belgium in China Bernard Pierre - Ambassador of Belgium in China

Best of Belgium 187 Free-of-Charge Expert Advice

Flanders is a small region, but big in doing business with the rest of the world. To support its fast-growing economy, both local and foreign companies can count on the support from Flanders Investment & Trade. As a government agency, we provide free-of-charge expert advice to foreign companies who have their eye on Flanders. Economy and Industry

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Looking to locate or expand your business Once established in Flanders, we assist you, • cutting-edge building materials, interior in Flanders? among other things, with your expansion design and environmental technology firms; Flanders Investment & Trade can assist plans and help you identify new export • top fashion designers and diamond cutting with your plans to locate your operational markets. industry; base in Flanders, at the heart of Europe. We • breweries and producers of delicious provide you with useful insights and up-to- Looking for high-quality suppliers? chocolates. date information on a wide range of aspects If you are a company selling foreign products, relating to business relocation, such as: Flanders is a place worth running your ruler We can help you get in touch with the many over. Its industries offer many high-quality, suppliers of profitable products developed • site selection and local labor supply; innovative and semi-manufactured products and produced here in Flanders. • legal aspects, tax benefits and government that will astound you. This region is noted, the incentives; world over, for its Looking for support in your quest for • business, government and academic innovation? contacts; • renowned chemical, logistics, automotive Flanders Investment & Trade supports both • integration into local community life. and life sciences industries; local and foreign companies in their ongoing

188 Best of Belgium © Imec © Imec © Televic quest for innovation. We provide, among other government bodies, Flanders Investment & network of representatives in over 90 cities things, expert advice and guidance for: Trade had posted several technology attachés around the globe. To find out more on what around the globe: Flanders has to offer foreign companies • Obtaining government subsidies for looking to do business in and with the innovation projects; • Information and Communication European region of the future, visit: • Tax incentives for R&D staff and for patent- Technology (Mumbai, India); www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com derived income; • Biotechnology and Nanotechnology (Tokyo, • Partnerships with our research centers and Japan); knowledge cluster; • Biotechnology (New York, USA); Flanders Investment & Trade • Joint ventures and transfer of technology • Environment & Energy (Beijing, China); Gaucheretstraat 90 with Flemish hi-tech companies. • Information and Communication 1030 Brussels, Belgium Technology (Los Angeles, USA). Tel: +32 2 504 87 11 To encourage the flow of innovative and Fax: +32 2 504 88 99 technological know-how between Flemish and Our global network at your service E-mail:info@fitagency.com foreign companies, centers of knowledge and Flanders Investment & Trade has an extensive www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com

Best of Belgium 189 In One City… All of Europe BRUSSELS: the decision-making heart of Europe Economy and Industry

Headquarters of the majority of the European - Management of a Brussels’ exporters institutions and of many international database, available on www.brussels- organizations, the Brussels-Capital Region is exporters.be; not only the political decision-making center - Answering of any questions related to of the EU, it is also a major financial centre. EU matters by way of the “Enterprise Furthermore, thanks to its position in the Europe Brussels”. economic heart of Europe and its excellent accessibility, the Region is an ideal gateway to • Invest in Brussels, a second support the wider European market. service, operates within the Brussels The importance of Brussels as an Enterprise Agency, an organization economic centre cannot be overemphasized. supported by the Brussels Regional In numerical terms, Brussels accounts for Government. It promotes inward 20 percent of Belgium’s overall GDP and 17 investment by providing assistance to percent of the nation’s jobs. It is also home overseas companies planning to set up and to some 54.000 companies and exports more develop a business in Brussels. Besides than half of its production. supplying free office space as part of a Brussels’ economic fabric is mainly made Welcome Package, Invest in Brussels up of SMEs. They are export-oriented, diverse supplies free and confidential advice in and successful, often building their business matters of taxation, legal issues, public around “quality” and “know-how”. Indeed, grants and business development. the Region has acquired a reputation for the diversity and creativity of many of its companies.

In order to boost the economic success of companies either already in Brussels or setting up in Brussels, the Region offers two comprehensive support services: www.brussels.irisnet.be

• Brussels Exports, one of these services, works to promote trade between companies in Brussels and companies abroad. Created through a partnership between the Foreign Trade Department of the Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region and Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry (BECI), the agency assists Brussels exporters by offering a wide range E-mail: [email protected] of services, including: www.brusselstrade.be www.brussels-exporters.be - Information regarding Brussels products and services for foreign companies; - Customized assistance for exporters from Brussels and abroad, thanks to a network of over eighty economic and commercial attachés worldwide; - Organization of economic missions, contact days, stands on international trade fairs and meetings with foreign E-mail: [email protected] buyers; www.investinbrussels.com

190 Best of Belgium Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency

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Although Wallonia generates only 0.60% of highly qualified labour force, has enabled infrastructure fully interconnected with European Union GDP, its share of exports Wallonia to position itself in a number of the European networks, the availability of is almost twice as high. Walloon sales as niche sectors. space in industrial and science parks, its part of total European Union external trade Although the spirit of enterprise level of education and training, its culture of have grown by 15% over the past 10 years. appears to be vital to any economic partnership with scientific and technological This means that the trend amongst Walloon redeployment, the mobilisation of all centres of excellence (300 research centres; enterprises has been to increase their market its energies – academic, scientific and 60% of Belgian spin-offs), the networking share against their European counterparts political – is also a key factor of its success. of its high added value industrial fabric, the throughout the world for the past decade. These are the principles that underpin the availability of its managers… and so on. Exports are on an identical trend, rising Walloon government’s Marshall Plan for Not forgetting its human qualities! by an annual average of 8.5%. This result Wallonia, designed to stimulate the creation Wallonia is a welcoming and friendly region, places Wallonia’s performance at a higher of businesses and jobs. With a major rich in tradition and proud of its multicultural level than that of its immediate neighbours transversal international dimension, the Plan components, which have forged a spirit of and of the EU15 as a whole. aims to focus on a few major economic tolerance. It is quite simply a beautiful place Foreign investment is also a driving fields in which Wallonia is highly competitive to live and to discover! force of regional development as foreign (aeronautics-space, food processing, life companies setting up in Wallonia represent sciences, mechanical engineering and 75% of turnover, more than 70% of logistics-transport). In this framework the employees and 55% of its exports. During actors involved have pooled their strengths the past 7 years (2000-2007), foreign to accomplish shared objectives. The companies have invested close to 5 billion Plan also provides tax breaks to boost the euros in Wallonia, leading to the creation of competitiveness of enterprises with the more than 13,290 jobs. creation of free zones and a strong focus on This trend indicates real business training, job support and the social sector. dynamism. It is the fruit of the changing These are just some of the measures that economic and industrial environment in will increase the attractiveness of Wallonia, Wallonia which started to develop ten years which naturally already benefits from ago. This success results largely from the many international assets, for both buyers ability of its enterprises to innovate. and investors: its central geographical The high percentage of SMEs (95%), position just a short distance from the EU offering flexibility and a multilingual and Capital, its multimodal communication www.wallonia-international.be

Best of Belgium 191 Belgians Building the Middle East Belgium’s top construction and dredging companies are closely involved in the multi-billion dollar building boom in the Middle East with major construction and land reclamation projects in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Economy and Industry

Burj Dubai - Tallest Building in the World

One of the most striking projects in with Samsung Engineering & Construction DEME was closely involved in the Pearl the Middle East building boom is the and Arabtec. Besix is also involved in the Qatar project which features a 400- construction of the world’s tallest tower, construction of a $40 billion development hectare residential island. DEME’s `152 the Burj Dubai, scheduled for completion on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi which includes million share of the project consisted of and occupation in the UAE’s financial a retail centre, hotels, a leisure complex dredging, reclamation, soil improvement, and trading hub in September 2009. The and a Formula One motor racing circuit. dry earth and rock excavation, onsite projected final height of the Burj Dubai Qatar’s building boom has also provided quarrying, and shore protection. In 2007 remains a secret but industry observers exciting opportunities to Belgium’s leading the group also completed a 1,700- estimate it will be approximately 818 metres dredging groups, Dredging, Environmental hectare land reclamation to create a high with 162 habitable floors, making it the and Marine Engineering (DEME) and platform for the new Doha international world’s tallest free-standing structure. Top Jan De Nul, who between them had an airport in Qatar’s capital city. Belgian construction firm Besix is one of annual turnover of `2.5 billion in 2007 Fellow Belgian dredging giant Jan De the primary builders on the project together and employed 7,800 people worldwide. Nul recently signed a contract with Qatar

192 Best of Belgium Emirates Tower Dubai

The Palm Jumeirah

Petroleum to extend the port of Mesaieed. contract with the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway and CCC. The dredging work will be The `330 million contract, awarded to Foundation for the construction of a 40 undertaken by the Middle East Dredging a consortium of Jan De Nul and STFA, km causeway between the two countries. Company (MEDCO), a subsidiary of DEME. will see Jan De Nul constructing an extra The “Friendship Bridge” as it is called will The causeway will cut the current 350 metre quay wall and dredging five be the longest bridge in the world and five-hour road journey between the million m³ of relatively hard rock to a consist of a 2x2-lane, fixed motorway two countries to 30 minutes and be depth of -15.5m and over a distance of link between the two Gulf states. It will a major boost for trade and tourism. 4.5km. The total duration of the contract feature 18 km of embankments and 22 Following rigorous environmental and including the civil works is two years. km of viaducts and bridges, including two ecological assessments, the four-year 400-metre cable-stayed bridges allowing project is scheduled to get underway World’s longest bridge shipping to pass through deeper waters. in early 2009. The bridge will come DEME is also part of a consortium that The other partners in the consortium are into service in 2013 with an estimated recently signed a $3 billion design-build Vinci Construction Grands Projets, Hochtief daily traffic of 12,000 vehicles.

Best of Belgium 193 Creating New Land Worldwide through Comprehensive Engineering Dredging, land reclamation, silt and soil cleaning, creating, transforming, restoring, rehabilitating and marine engineering. The successful Belgian-based Dredging, Environmental and Marine Engineering (DEME) group does all of these (and more) as part of its comprehensive engineering efforts across the globe. Economy and Industry © Legendes

Port development, Sepetiba, Brazil

With 150 years of experience, an annual farm, involves a range of specialist activities. 2007 the group also completed a 1,700 - group turnover of `1.3 billion in 2007 and This contract requires thirty 45 metre-high hectare reclamation to create a platform a combined workforce of 3,500 people, gravity-based foundations to be installed on for the new Doha international airport. the DEME group is a world leader in its pre-dredged foundation pits 30 km. off the In the UAE, DEME is constructing the Al sector, providing a diverse range of high Belgian coast for its 5MW wind turbines. Raha Beach waterfront in Abu Dhabi and tech operations across the globe — from “In this project we have dredging, heavy the Al Marjan artificial islands in Ras Al Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, lifting at sea, stone dumping activities, Khaimah; A new 350 million Euro contract China, and Australia to South America. trench dredging, cable laying and directional has been awarded there for the construction DEME was established as a holding drilling – and the whole project delivers of the huge artificial island Al Dana. company in 1991 and includes names such renewable energy,” says Hubert Fiers, Important international projects in Asia and as Dredging International and Baggerwerken communications manager for DEME. “So Oceania include the construction of two new Decloedt in the dredging sector, Tideway, it is a really good example of how the ports in India at Damhra and Gangavaram, GEOSEA and Scaldis Salvage & Marine synergies within the one group can work.” the creation of Jurong island in Singapore and Contractors in marine engineering and oil- While DEME’s European base provides a the operation of one of DEME’s jumbo trailers and-gas related activities; DEC, de Vries & backyard to try out new things and train its in several port access channels in China for van de Wiel and Ecoterres in environmental staff for their overseas contracts, 80% of the the past two years. The project in Singapore techniques; and DEME Building Materials group’s turnover is generated in other regions. entails the joining of seven islands into one (DBM) in fluvial and marine aggregates. In the Middle East DEME has recently built, to create a petrochemical hub for the East The group’s success can be attributed in partnership, a 400-hectare residential island Asian region. Some 5000 hectares of land to the unique and valuable contributions in Qatar. Here petro-dollars can purchase are being created in the process and 70% of each member, which complement the the creation of entire islands. DEME’s `152 of the project has so far been completed. activities of the other companies. In its million contract in this so-called Pearl Qatar I n Australia, DEME has just finished home market of Europe for example, the project involves dredging, reclamation, soil a deepening project on the west coast group’s headline project in Belgium, the improvement, dry earth and rock excavation, at Cape Lambert while it recently won construction of the C-Power far-shore wind onsite quarrying, and shore protection. In contracts for maintenance dredging at

Thorntonbank wind farm off the Belgian coast Stone revetment works for the protection of the new industrial areas reclaimed at Jurong Island, Singapore © Legendes © Legendes

Al Marjan Island Development – Ras Al Khaimah – U.A.E. Rainbowing activities for the Coega harbour development in South Africa

Bunbury, Port Hedland and for deepening but one aspect of DEME’s contribution to while a wide spread of activities gives the approach channel to the port of sustainable development. DEME focuses on DEME the opportunity to offer total turnkey Gladstone. In a new `100 million contract, environmentally-friendly dredging techniques solutions and packages to clients. DEME undertakes a major extension of while also carrying out remediation and “What we do allows future generations to Newcastle, Australia’s major coal port. decontamination of silt and soils. DEME’s prosper,” says Fiers. “We are creating new In South America, DEME has completed work treating dredged materials includes infrastructure, new ports, new residential a major port development at Sepetiba in working on landside projects, cleaning up areas and new sites for sports and recreation Brazil and has started a new port access the soils of petrochemical sites, brownfield facilities. We are making positive tracks to dredging work in Itaguai, also in Sepetiba rehabilitation, remediation of so called “black create a better living world for tomorrow.” Bay. Maintenance dredging works have been spots”, remediation of waste deposit areas, executed in the Orinoco River and Maracaibo and landscaping. Its UK subsidiary, DEC UK, Lake in Venezuela for a number of years now. participates in the cleaning of 500 hectares of In West Africa, DEME coordinates its contaminated soil on the area earmarked at activities in the region from its base in Stratford for the London Olympics 2012 site. Nigeria whilst the group’s projects in South Africa include the creation of an entirely Positioning for the future new access channel to the port of Durban While DEME will always be, first and foremost, DEME and extensive maintenance dredging in a dredging company, they have established Dredging, Marine, Environmental Engineering Richard’s Bay. In Angola, Luanda Bay is satellites around this core business in support. Haven 1025, Scheldedijk 30 being given a new waterfront, while a new Two important strategies for the B-2070 Zwijndrecht site platform is being reclaimed in Soyo. future are the maintenance of a “good Belgium geographical spread” and a multi-disciplinary Tel: +32 (0)3-250.52.11 Environmental projects approach. Fiers points out that having Fax: +32 (0)3-250.56.50 Approximately 10% of DEME’s business a worldwide presence makes the group E-mail: [email protected] entails environmental projects. This is less dependent on cyclical fluctuations www.deme.be

Best of Belgium 195 The Belgian Innovation ‘Formula’

Innovation is a hot topic in Belgium, margins, and thus economic growth. The perhaps too hot, with the result that the alternative is declining wages and protracted term is often abused in hollow marketing social conflict. Looking at Belgian innovation slogans. But we need to be clear: from achievements—in sectors such as biotech, an economic perspective innovation is of engineering, microelectronics, materials, fundamental importance to this country. aerospace, industrial design—there are The European Commission’s review of some clear patterns to be observed. To start innovation policy (INNO Policy Trendchart with the cliché, most Belgian innovative 2007) sums it up nicely. Firstly, economic companies are ‘niche’ players, i.e., they are forecasts predict that Belgian growth rates active adjacent to the main categories in in the coming years will not be sufficiently their market. They make the often invisible high to prevent the reappearance of public components in the products we as consumers deficits, or in another scenario, sufficiently experience. They often occupy a spot high to maintain social protection for an earlier on in the value chain, producing a ageing population. Secondly, there is a long- component or supportive system that is term trend of declining rates of productivity required by another product, or a next phase growth. Thirdly, exporters are losing market of the value chain. This is no accident. shares due to the decline in (external) Most Belgian innovative companies have a competitiveness of our main export industries. clearly outlined strategy in that regard. They There is only one way out of this economic have identified their category, their market doom scenario and that is via innovation. segment, and their strategy is to dominate It is via innovation that Belgian companies or lead that category worldwide, both from a will be able deliver superior value on world technology and market (share) perspective. markets, thereby increasing revenues and For example, it is estimated that ICOS Vision

196 Best of Belgium Systems has 70% market share globally though their revenues come from product in the market for inspection systems for sales. Also, many of these companies are semiconductor manufacturing. EVS, supplier vertically integrated, retaining significant of production systems for TV broadcasters, manufacturing operations, even in the face is the undisputable leader in this category. of high operating costs. All of this makes Melexis—your car is likely to have multiple sense, though not in terms of the classic components made by this company from economic models, like economies of scale Tessenderlo. nWave—world leader in 3D films and competition on the basis of efficiency. screened on IMAX and theme-park screens These tactics make sense if one competes worldwide. Also, nearly all these companies on the basis of knowledge and know-how, are truly global—but not necessarily very or on the basis of one’s ability to change, to large (typically between 50 and 300 million always be at the forefront from a technological Euro in turnover). The innovation strategy perspective, to always be developing new of these companies follows their corporate and better products, to respond faster and strategy. The goal, that is, worldwide technical more effectively to changing market needs. leadership of their category, determines where Thirdly, there is the challenge of translating and how they will invest in innovation. It is not good ideas into feasible products or necessary to invent it all oneself—acquisitions services—the second phase in the innovation and partnerships will do the job too. value chain described above. Since much of the innovation in Belgium is technical model innovators? It seems clear that the A second common characteristic that in nature, companies (and policy makers) Belgian innovation story, if we must simplify can be observed is the structure of their have learned that technical innovators, and summarise, is one that in the main innovation process. If we conceptualise the scientists and engineers, are rarely is concerned with technical innovation. the innovation process as moving through equipped to bring their technologies to Numerous commentators make the point. three phases (Hansen & Birkinshaw, 2007): the next level, ready for the market. This is We seem to lack the high-growth companies, - idea generation (finding relevant ideas, where the most interesting lessons come the companies that are able to “upscale” both within and outside the organisation) to from companies like Alcatel-Lucent, with its their assets rapidly and globally. Also, - idea development (screening and “boot-camp” for new venture teams. Or the the business model innovators are a rare funding of new ideas, developing them Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), species in Belgium. There are such major into viable products or businesses) to with its professional tech transfer unit that structural shifts happening globally in the - idea diffusion (‘selling’ the ideas to focuses on creating spin-off companies that music industry, in media, in travel. Even the other business units, to distribution develop into world-class companies. Or soil financial sector seems to be at the brink of channels, to customers) fertility specialist DCM, who has set up a major change. Markets worth billions are research institute that is dedicated to applied evaporating to be claimed by new emerging What is remarkable at companies like ICOS research—bringing the world of science and business models. Jobs are being lost, but Vision Systems, LMS, Bekaert, Umicore, academia closer to economic enterprise. thousands more are being created. There but also smaller companies like Xenics So is there such a thing as a Belgian way, do appear to be some interesting Belgian and FOS&S, is that their innovation value a Belgian approach to innovation? Rationally, companies who are recognising those shifts chain is anchored at both ends to an it sounds ridiculous. Business is business, and figuring out ways to ride those waves. innovation ‘ecosystem’, a web-like network wherever one is, the same principles apply. Companies like Netlog, a social networking of customers, universities, research institutes On the other hand, looking at it historically, site, with a membership base of 30 million and suppliers, that feeds the chain with ideas one could argue that the small size of the users. nWave is another company to watch, on one end and ensures successful diffusion Belgian market and its lack of a strong if the shift toward 3D media does occur then on the other end. There is no debate about national identity (and lack of a strong federal this is a company that will truly explode in ‘open innovation’—most Belgian innovators government), have led to the emergence of the value it is able to create. These are not are avid proponents of an open approach niche players. The argument is well known: a specifically technical innovators; instead, to innovation. This is entirely in line with the large home market enables the development they tweak business models or combine data reported by the European Innovation of large companies, hence the prominence existing technologies in new ways to create Scoreboard, that Belgian companies are of so many large US companies on the new user experiences. Muriel Scherre (La strong collaborators in their innovation world stage. Also, a strong (or chauvinistic) Fille d’O) is another entrepreneur to learn activities. And it is an approach that is only national government will do its best to help from, in the way she is creating an entirely likely to be pushed deeper in the economy, set up and protect large national enterprises. unique user experience. We have a sense that as Wallonia’s Marshall Plan competitiveness Hence the approach of successful Belgian many more such companies are emerging poles and the Flemish clusters begin to companies: keep a lower profile, do not create in the country, we just cannot recognise the do their job. Working with universities and too much noise, focus on a niche where the winners yet. Entrepreneurship is increasingly research centres is one thing, but it is also crowd isn’t looking, work hard to offer quality, ‘cool’, there is a tremendous well of creative apparent how close these companies are and work smoothly with others, be it your and technical talent to draw on, and there working with their customers, such as customers, your suppliers, whoever you need is capital available. Admittedly, this is not setting up joint R&D projects. Though not to work with. Chauvinism is not the Belgian a tidal wave of inspiration—the potential is at the scale of a typical multinational, many way, unless you get us started on food. much greater. But the energy, the creativity of these companies are still making the So much for the niche players, the is recognisable, for the casual observer effort to set up offices all over the world. technical innovators—but what about perhaps most obvious in music and the They maintain ‘service’ divisions, even the strategic innovators, the business arts. Let the entrepreneurs now follow.

This article is based on the recently published book ‘Innovators: Innovation & Design in Belgium’, published by The Fifth Conference in 2008.

Best of Belgium 197 Belchim Crop Protection A strong challenger in the European crop protection market Economy and Industry

From its origin in a potato shed twenty-one a strategic partnership with two established years ago to its position as a leader in the international research and development crop protection industry today, Belchim Crop companies which allowed not only a more Protection (Belchim) has shown remarkable specialised product portfolio, but also further growth and has adapted well to the changes expansion into Europe. The company was in the industry. In 2007 it earned consolidated renamed Belchim Crop Protection (Belchim) annual revenues of `170 million and currently and is now a large player operating in the operates in 19 European countries. European crop protection market competing Managing director and the driving with Syngenta, Bayer Crop Sciences and force behind Belchim, Dirk Putteman was BASF. Belchim operates in 19 European introduced to the crop protection industry at countries and has plans to extend operations the young age of 21 at Schering. At the age to the newer European member states. of 30, he founded his own crop protection The company operates from its business, Belchim, in 1987. By the late HQ in Londerzeel, Belgium, but a 1990s, after expansion in The Netherlands, ﬂexible reporting structure enables the Belchim Benelux was ready for further various European entities to retain a enlargement and Putteman sought and found strongly market-oriented approach.

198 Best of Belgium “Filling the gaps” the image of the company and the sector as a A major challenge to the European crop whole. An exciting development in this regard protection industry has been the increasing has been the cooperation with the German demands from the agrifood sector and Prophyta Biologischer Pflanzenschutz GmbH consumers alike for more targeted use company. Belchim markets Prophyta’s of plant protection products, as well as biological fungicide, CONTANS®, which is more environmentally friendly pesticides. a natural fungus that successfully counters This has led to an active phase of Sclerotinia, a plant disease which affects over mergers and acquisitions and increasing 300 different field, vegetable and herb crops. internationalisation as smaller companies In the face of stricter industry norms have seen their profit margins shrink. Belchim and consumer pressure, Belchim has has been able to take advantage of the seen impressive growth, which resulted changing market dynamics and has strived in acquiring the Belgian crop protection to fill the gaps that have opened up. For company Protex. This recent takeover is instance the product SPOTLIGHT®, from estimated to increase Belchim’s Belgian its origin an herbicide to be used for weed market share by 5% and will add another control in cereals has been introduced in `10 million to its annual turnover. Putteman State-of-the-art products the cultivation of potatoes as a harvest aid says that as the registration holder and Belchim carries a broad range of state-of-the- and has recently been developed in the exclusive supplier of more than 100 art crop protection products which include vine growing too. Belchim has launched different products, Protex brings a wealth specialty products for important European the insecticide TEPPEKI® against aphids of experience to Belchim. Such knowledge crops such as potatoes, grapes, vegetables in various crops. This innovative product is invaluable in helping Belchim to continue and maize. The product range is adapted to has a very good toxicological profile to provide state-of-the-art crop protection the needs of each country. For example in and can be used in IPM, Integrated Pest products, service and advice to its customers, the Benelux countries products are geared Management. TEPPEKI® kills the aphids and in keeping Belchim’s stakeholders, towards potatoes and vegetables while in that are harmful to the crop, but leaves the staff and strategic partners happy. France, Germany and the United Kingdom beneficial insects, the natural predators the product range covers vines, potatoes, oil of the aphids such as the ladybird, seed rape and vegetables. Putteman says that unharmed. This way, nature and chemicals Belchim Crop Protection nv/sa Belchim has been well received in the market work side by side to protect the plant. Neringstraat 15 since it provides a welcome alternative to the Putteman says that they are working B-1840 Londerzeel big multinationals. Some of the products, such towards further expansion of Belchim Crop Belgium as RANMAN® against late blight in potatoes, Protection’s Bioline (such as biopesticides) Email: [email protected] have become the standard in crop protection. which is good not only for clients but also for www.belchim.com

Best of Belgium 199 The Vitalo Group Founded in 1936, the Vitalo Group became one of Europe’s leading producers of plastics solutions for various economic sectors.

The Vitalo Group has a strategic global presence, headquartered in Belgium, ensuring its right place to react rapidly and professionally to the demands of its global client base. Besides its presence in Belgium, the group has production facilities in China, the Philippines, Thailand, India, Mexico and Slovakia. The group also has sales ofﬁces in Japan, Korea and the US and competence centers in Belgium and the Philippines. Mid 1998 the Vitalo Group became a part of Koramic Investment Group from the Belgian entrepreneur Mr. Christian Dumolin. Today, the Vitalo Group employs over 1000 people and realizes a consolidated revenue of more than 85 million EURO. The Vitalo Group is specialized in thermoforming and over the years, the company has developed expertise in a wide

200 Best of Belgium range of plastics processing technologies, from initial conceptualization right through including single and twin sheet vacuum to manufacturing and supply. The end forming, acoustic materials and thermo- product is a seamless integration of concept, compression of natural and synthetic fibres. design, and meticulous product development The Vitalo Group has two divisions, Vitalo processes. Rigorous testing takes place Packaging and Vitalo Industries. before it is released into the market. Vitalo Industries excels in the design In addition to its technical know-how and production of thermoformed and and core design skills, Vitalo’s other major insulation components for earth moving advantage is its global reach. Vitalo has a equipment, agricultural vehicles, bus presence in all the major time zones of the and railway, healthcare, electronics world. These factories’ operations are all and industrial equipment. standardized. Each one uses exactly the Vitalo Packaging specializes in developing same processes and equipment to provide and producing high–end thermoformed clients around the world with consistent precision packaging and technical products, punctual deliveries, and the components. Vitalo Packaging integrates minimum time from design to market. in-house design, tooling and production Thanks to the consolidated global supply know-how with a flexible, customer driven management in Vitalo’s worldwide locations, approach for the medical, HDD, electronic it can also guarantee the best raw material and telecom markets. sourcing possible. Tight specifications and sharp detail are The Vitalo group has recently undergone the buzzwords for the Vitalo Group. The an organizational increase of efficiency by properties - antistatic or conductive - can be integrating Vitalo Packaging with Vitalo as important as the shape of the packaging Techcenter, the company’s engineering and the theses of university students who are itself. For medical equipment, the packaging competence centre. This has streamlined exploring environmental shifts. This way it must offer total physical protection for the the operation, allowing it to be even more keeps up to date with the latest advances in product it contains. Complete sterilisation is responsive to its clients’ needs. environmentally friendly developments, and mandatory, and Vitalo meets and surpasses In the fast-changing world of has a head start in bringing these innovations the internationally agreed standards for the thermoforming, ongoing research and to market. packaging of these materials, which is done development is an integral part of With its wealth of experience and in specially designed cleanrooms. Vitalo’s strategy. Every year, a larger its ongoing investment in research and The Vitalo Group has experienced healthy budget is allocated to research and strategic thinking, Vitalo’s future looks and continued growth since its early days, development, to advance the strong bright. The company has exciting plans and spurred on by the unique and specific global and technical platform, which ahead, with product differentiation challenges in each different market, it has keeps it at the forefront of its business. providing a new key to success. expanded into a total solutions company The most important consideration at for plastic solutions. It works closely with present is the environment. With clients who clients, developing the right concept for each are increasingly environmentally focused and individual requirement and bringing these aware, the Vitalo Group is constantly working Vitalo Group concepts to fruition in the most efficient to source more environmentally friendly Bruggesteenweg 7 and cost-effective manner. Clients are solutions that are still competitive on price. B-8760 Meulebeke encouraged to get involved at the earliest The company invests in its own research Belgium possible stage. This enables them to benefit and development, collaborates with research E-mail: [email protected] from Vitalo’s expertise every step of the way institutes and universities, and sponsors www.vitalo.net

Best of Belgium 201 Hansen Transmissions Hansen Transmissions is an established global wind turbine gearbox and industrial gearbox designer, manufacturer and supplier, with a leading position (by MW supplied) in the wind turbine gearbox market.

Hansen supplies gearboxes to four of the under construction in Coimbatore, India ﬁve largest manufacturers of gear-driven and in China. Hansen has strong research wind turbines globally and provides durable and development operations to maintain its gear drives for a wide range of industrial technological leadership and employs more applications throughout the world. Hansen than 1800 people worldwide. plans to increase its wind turbine gearbox In addition to wind turbine gearboxes, manufacturing capabilities nearly four-fold, Hansen Transmissions supplies drive solutions from 3,800MW per annum as at 31 March for a wide range of industrial applications 2007, to 14,300MW, by 2012. In addition in industries such as the chemicals, energy, to its principal manufacturing facilities in material handling, environmental, extraction, Belgium - comprising a wind turbine and pulp and paper, steel and metal, food and industrial gearbox plant at Edegem and a beverage, and construction, including such fully integrated state-of-the-art dedicated areas as bucket elevators, car crushers, wind turbine gearbox manufacturing facility cement kilns, conveyor systems, industrial at Lommel - Hansen has a large new plant mixers, paper mills, pulpers, and water

202 Best of Belgium treatment systems like aerator drives, screw Increased trends towards larger and more pump drives and brush aerator drives for powerful turbines in recent years have led waste water treatment plants. to the development of larger wind turbine To respond to increased demand from our gearboxes with increased capacity and we wind turbine customers as well as the forecast are in the process of developing larger and increase in global demand for wind energy more powerful gearboxes and integrated generally, we are taking steps to increase our gearboxes with additional accessories. manufacturing capabilities from 3,800MW per Hansen’s current wind turbine gearbox annum (as at 31 March 2007) to 14,300MW product is the Hansen W4 which is a tailor- per annum by 2012. This resulted in an made gearbox for wind turbines in a power expansion project at our Lommel facility to range that varies between 1.5MW and treble the current manufacturing capabilities, 4.5MW, and we are also currently developing as well as in the construction of new plants in gearboxes with a capacity of up to 6MW. Coimbatore, India and in China. Our extensive expertise in the design Our expertise in the design and and manufacture of gearboxes has resulted of new business opportunities. We provide manufacture of gearboxes has resulted in high in high quality products and efficient a strong technological track record and the quality products and efficient manufacturing manufacturing processes. Our tailor- ability to offer additional services such as processes. Our tailor-made wind turbine made wind turbine gearboxes have low commissioning of equipment, as well as gearboxes have low noise and vibration noise and vibration levels and high torque strong product development skills and an levels and high torque density and power density and power to weight ratios. understanding of the importance of research to weight ratios. We have strong in-house and development expenditure to develop testing and quality control capabilities and Industrial Gearboxes cost competitive manufacturing processes devote significant resources to our research Our industrial gearbox product range consists for the production of high quality industrial and development operations to maintain and of a core standardised selection covering gearboxes. Finally, industrial gearbox enhance our technological leadership. over a hundred different applications in a customers are increasingly looking for torque range from 6kNm to 800kNm which are gearbox manufacturers with a global service Wind Turbine Gearboxes suitable for both right angle and parallel shaft and sales network and proven distribution and The gearbox is a critical component of configurations in either horizontal or vertical support capabilities. gear-driven wind turbines. It converts arrangements. We have strong in-house testing and the motion of the rotating blades to a Throughout our history, four generations quality control capabilities, and devote higher speed which is required to drive of standardised industrial gearboxes have significant resources to our research and an electric generator. The load and torque been developed, the latest generation being development operations to maintain and characteristics of wind applications are the Hansen P4 which is a modular design that enhance our technological leadership. such that the design and manufacture of can be adapted to suit customer requirements Our extensive expertise in the design and wind turbine gearboxes is very demanding through extensive applications engineering manufacture of gearboxes has resulted in high and requires specialist expertise and highly during the sales process. quality products and efficient manufacturing specialised manufacturing capabilities. We have also expanded our traditional processes. This, coupled with our growing Hansen’s wind turbine gearboxes are product portfolio for the industrial market Services offering, supports our leading role in designed by us in close collaboration with through the development of a new series of the gearbox industry. our customers for use around the world. Our industrial gearboxes, the Hansen M-Series, wind turbine gearboxes have developed over which is also based on a modular design, time to meet customer demands for larger enables a configured-to-order approach, and Hansen Transmissions International NV and more powerful wind turbines. Our first delivers a competitively priced product at the Leonardo da Vincilaan 1 range of wind turbine gearboxes were of a lower end of the Hansen P4 torque range. B-2650 Edegem (Antwerp) Belgium standard type with an initial capacity of 30kW, Tel: +32 (0) 3 450 12 11 increasing to 1.5MW by 1995, which today Technology is key Fax: +32 (0) 3 450 12 20 is at the smaller end of the scale in our wind Our strong track record and existing customer E-mail: [email protected] turbine gearbox product range. relationships are beneficial for the generation www.hansentransmissions.com

Best of Belgium 203 Randstad: Making Business about People Belgium is full of talent, and Randstad’s role is to bring that talent together with world class organisations. Economy and Industry

Its innovative view of work is summed up in For over 40 years, Randstad has been Randstad, with its global headquarters the motto, “to know, serve and trust”: and providing companies and employees in in the Netherlands, is the third largest that motto holds true not just for Randstad Belgium with staffing services. That mission staffing company in the world based on but for the entire employment chain. This has evolved through the years along with revenue. In 2007, it generated revenue of dedication to its position as a “people the needs of the job market. From its `9.2 billion, with a net income of `384.9 services” company, and its commitment beginnings as a temporary employment million, from its 2,886 branches located to community, has led it to be the first agency, Randstad has developed into in 19 countries around the world. company in Belgium to achieve the SA 8000 a leader in matching demand for and In Belgium, Randstad employs weekly accreditation for decent working conditions. supply of labour and HR services. 35,400 people working for 17,000 different

204 Best of Belgium clients, making it the most important private employer in the country. Its multiple subsidiaries guarantee its position as an all- round service-provider in the area of human resources: Randstad Belgium, Randstad Construct, Randstad Household Services, Randstad Professionals, Randstad HR Solutions and Randstad Training. The services it offers are divided into five categories. Mass-customised is what Randstad considers to be its ‘regular’ business. This includes staffing, permanent placement and (high-volume) specialties. The in-house category involves on-site presence at the employers’ premises, to handle total HR management, including recruitment and selection, training, planning, retention and management reporting. Interim professionals, the third category, matches specialists and consultants with professional qualifications in ICT, technology, finance domain and life sciences to interim middle and senior management positions. Finally, HR solutions includes HR project management, HR management and HR consultancy services. What makes the company special, though, isn’t just the many services it offers. Randstad instead differentiates itself on the basis of its values, philosophy and certification.

Values: Randstad actively promotes the interests of everyone in the employment chain. This goes far beyond employees and employers, and includes its own staff, shareholders and other stakeholders such as ministries, trade unions and suppliers. Since the beginning, the company has recognized that by helping everyone – for example, by helping companies and institutions develop networks, Randstad benefits as well. © Reporters Philippe Buissin – Randstad, official partner of Justine Henin Philosophy: Randstad’s philosophy is based on the understanding that doing business is company whose essential activity is to create play and integrity, she is an ideal platform a continuous process of interchange between connections between people and employment for Randstad’s international branding. commerce and society, to the benefit of cannot do otherwise than be involved in Randstad’s growth continues apace, both. For that reason, the company makes society,” explains Herman Nijns, Managing thanks to its buy-out of Dutch staffing sure to represent equally the positions of Director, Randstad Group Belgium. Randstad company Vedior. While this merger will the two sides of the job equation: both the also holds ISO 9001:2000 certification. result in the company becoming the 2nd employer and the employee. Its CSR activities This focus on “fair play” and ethics, largest staffing company in the world, for – including work on diversity and involvement along with Belgian pride, has led Randstad Randstad its true importance lies in the with international development organisation to sponsor another top performer: Justine expanded market presence it brings. The Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), reflect this Henin, the Belgian World Champion tennis merger will significantly increase Randstad’s inclusive philosophy. player. The company sees Justine as an position in specialist areas for skilled excellent representative of its own values: workers like nurses and accountants, the Certification: Being a responsible member she strives for perfection, she is innovative, fastest-growing segment of the staffing of the Belgian community is a priority for she is a source of inspiration and she market. It will also strengthen Randstad’s Randstad, which was the first business in works hard to win. She is also involved overall situation, as demand for workers Belgium to gain SA 8000 accreditation. This in the fight against doping in sports, and slows in some European countries. international ethics standard covers topics was awarded the UNESCO ‘Champion such as child labour, forced labour, health, of Sport’ prize in June 2006. With her safety, trade union rights, discrimination, international image highlighting strength of working hours, pay and communication. “A character, commitment to excellence, fair www.randstad.be

Best of Belgium 205 People Management

Introduction observation is made that most companies, the back flap of all the new books which “Because people are important”. This classic however, talk a lot about “people are appear about human resources, personnel & among the elections slogans has developed our most important capital” but in reality organization or whatever you’d like to call it. over the course of the years into the icon perform more maintenance on their copying Let alone each time embark on the complete of one-liners. Enter “because people are machines than on their people’s capacities. book. And nevertheless, to read something important” just on Google today and you Beautiful quote but grossly exaggerated? from time to time… rewards the (big) effort. get 3,710,000 hits. Not bad, definitely not Yes, of course. Only it can’t do any harm But then what to choose from that supply if you compare it with “washes whiter than not just to listen to what is being said but of thousands of “classics”? Take, e.g., “The white” that only gets 12,800 hits. Politics also to have a look at what is being done. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” revolves around people. OK, but management What does personnel policy mean in reality? by Stephen R. Covey. And, no doubt, for just the same. Because what makes the What could it be? What does it produce? those for whom the whole tome is too difference between successful and less- Are companies with a sophisticated and, weighty, a summary exists somewhere. successful businesses? Not the quality of admittedly, a personnel policy that costs their fleet or the power of their computers, quite a bit, also more effective? Differently Why would we make the effort? also not the raw materials or thousand- said: is it worth it to invest in people? For quite a few people personnel policy and-one things that we use daily. Is it consists of recruiting people, spotlessly possible that the simple slogan of days past A little bit of literature as administering their file, ensuring that they contains a wealth of truth? Undoubtedly! a warm-up exercise are correctly paid at the end of the month, People are our most important capital. Before entering into the pragmatics of day- each day arranging more than a hundred- With this bromide we already get closer to-day personnel policy, it’s worth the effort and-one things (holidays, time credit, to the traditional management-speak. The to quickly get into the helicopter and admire part-time working…) and - for a lot of HR pronouncement is not in the least popular. the landscape. First just look at the forest hands-on people a serious chunk out of Only 84 hits. One of it leads to an amusing and then at the trees later. It’s impossible their time budget – hopefully maintaining website (http://taan.eu) where the intriguing to keep pace. It’s a full-time job just to read good relations with the trade unions.

206 Best of Belgium Must all that take place? Of course! But character. It is, therefore, not surprising Let’s just put things into perspective. There don’t think that “human resources” are that this type of activity was rapidly seen can’t be any objection against concisely adequately covered by this. That you to be entrusted to specialized offices. describing someone’s contribution (in terms are “a people manager”. Therefore, it is Rightly so, because no company can afford of function or role). However, the condition a good thing to take just a step aside to have a badly functioning remuneration is that the description satisfies a number of from time to time and perhaps float a administration and the wrong recruitment requirements: little. Because, who sits too deep in the costs a lot of money. The need for carried mud for too long, no longer moves. through professionalization, however, resulted • it must comment concisely on the added And then a Stephen R. Covey in human resources (or whatever it is called) value of the role or function and cannot or a Jim Collins (“From Good to into a more and more technical function, a degenerate in an interminable enumeration of Great”) can do wonders. specialty, something complicated. Employees what someone does in one day; didn’t see eye to eye with “the personnel • it must be sufficiently recognizable for the Phases services” and whoever had to be there… individual employee and nevertheless be If we quickly look at the agenda of the didn’t usually come on their own initiative. sufficiently general, i.e., there must be a personnel manager and how that has evolved A second important episode started balance between the more general (abstract) over the past years, then we can distinguish when job descriptions and, in its and the concrete; 3 periods. That is important because we see slipstream, competence management • it must be formulated result-oriented, and not in this way also how for HR the bar is being made their entrance. The central phrasing input-oriented; raised higher all the time. And rightly so. of the question was very clear: what is the • it contains the competences which are At a first stage the emphasis lay without fundamental contribution of each function needed to be able to reach the desired result; further to do on remuneration administration and what do you need for that? Up until • the number of job descriptions may, finally, and recruitment & selection. In both cases the present this input still lives strongly in also not be too large, so that it continues to it is about activities with a high degree of a lot of organizations, although here and be manageable to adapt them to changing technicality but with a strong repetitive there dissonances resound nevertheless. circumstances.

Best of Belgium 207 Without wanting to fall into dogma, I would However, the obverse is, and here the critics longer concerning the technicality or the state that it must be possible to write out really have a point, that people management mechanic but concerning… people. such a job description on at the most 1 becomes very mechanical this way. Developing The question which raises itself now, and page front/back. All else is ballast. vision could, however, be a competition that now we come very close to the subject of Such a job description gives the employee is described, to which points are attached, many management books, is how and why a footing: What is my contribution? which make your function weigh more heavily some organizations manage to be successful On what am I being assessed? Which and as a result of which, therefore, a higher and others not? Pay attention, a soul-saving competences do I have to develop? level of remuneration is reached… but where criterion doesn’t exist. But the cocktail of Also the company can give its personnel is the vision, the charisma, where is the soul, elements which must be available shows policy an amount of structure in this way: the commitment, why does the one leader nevertheless large points of similarity. functions which are described can also succeed in leading people and the other And let us start at the top. Each successful be weighed by means of one or another not or less? In short, the critics denounce organization, more speciﬁcally long-term methodology, call it classify, and based on that who continues to remain behind in successful, distinguishes itself in having this the link to remuneration can be made functions and ditto descriptions misses the strong leaders. And of course this observation easily. A number of functions are also essence of people management: how to doesn’t only apply to, however important this extensions of each other, as a result of which allow people to grow so that they ensure person may be, the CEO. Detecting potential career paths arise. In short, a coherent whole the success of the company in this way? and developing leadership throughout the develops on which may be relied. It is backed And thus we end up at the third organization are today a key concern of the by methodology. It is well thought-out. phase of human resources. Now it is no HR manager. Hence, digression, that it is so

208 Best of Belgium important to invest as a company in good employer branding. Attractive companies succeed after all better in attracting attractive candidates. And the chance that you ﬁnd future leaders in that target group is after all greater than in an average population. Companies which succeed in “cultivating” leaders and in being attractive, belong to the absolute world top. Not only today, but also tomorrow. This input causes a radical shift in the agenda setting of the personnel policy. It no longer concerns tools, techniques or processes. No, it now concerns company culture, about seeing talent develop, about giving people the space and freedom to do their own thing. In short, HR has undergone a fundamental metamorphosis and is - for those who ﬁnd themselves in this third phase – the beating heart of the organization.

HR: an overall picture of the action territory There exist innumerable models for looking at HR, one already more complicated than the other. Within our own organization we also have developed one for ﬁtting in all our activities and understanding all elements which together form an integrated personnel policy. And actually we, therefore, state the following: people management includes all these elements. Important to the model is that the several components cannot be seen separately from each other. They form a whole and are in continuous interaction with each other!

HR Strategy HR also needs a long-term vision. Moreover, this should be aligned with the strategy of defined by individual or at team level, most which philosophy lies behind the company the complete organization. HR may not be an of them must satisfy a number of criteria: processes. For HR that organization culture island that stands separate from the business. they must be specifically measurable or at is a key factor. It determines the learning least verifiable, feasible and at the same capacity of the organization, its willingness Competence Management time ambitious. Moreover, and perhaps most to change, how people are treated. To realize that strategy, the organization important, they must be an extension of the needs the correct competences. Randstad company objectives. By means of correctly Social Commitment distinguishes 3 types of competences: formulating objectives the organization can More and more organizations are themselves generic competences (frequently also called ensure that everybody is on the same page. aware of their specific role in society. core competences), which are expected of Important social trends translate themselves all employees, behavioural competences, Reward also to internal company processes: how which are inherent to the function and Research has shown that remuneration is to treat older employees, how seriously job related technical competences which a very important factor to determine the is the slogan “work is fun” taken, how is are directly related to the function. attractiveness of a company. It is also an the lamentation by many employees to be Having a proprietary company set essential element for motivation of the able to realize a proper balance between of competences is important for all employees... An important component of the “work life” and “private life” handled, HR processes. Competences come HR happening has been aimed at dealing what can diversity mean to you,… ? looking around the corner both during with this creatively and purposefully. In recruitment, evaluation and development. addition to a fixed remuneration, a company Conclusion could also build in a variable element and “Because people are important” the Staffing beside the hard euro there still are numerous people-oriented aspect in organizations In-, through- and outflow of employees is possibilities for expressing your appreciation. will come more and more to the forefront. a daily worry of each HR worker. Having HR will be shaking off its “soft” image correct people at the correct moment in the Talent Management and be wholeheartedly committing to the correct numbers is, of course, a permanent The “war on talent” rages in abundance. The business. The language of the future HR objective. Important issues in this respect competitiveness and the innovative capacity manager is business oriented, his eyes are: how does your organization recruit, of your organization depend on the degree are focused on the future and his nose is how flexible are you with regard to contract in which you succeed in attracting talent, constantly searching for talent. “You have types, how do you treat employees who developing it further and preserving it. a nose for talent”… a bigger compliment want or must leave the organization, ... you cannot get as HR manager. Organization Culture Performance Management Each company is different, exudes a different Hugo De Vreese Formulating objectives for employees or atmosphere. It is that company culture that Managing Consultant teams is no sinecure. Irrespective whether determines which profile is attracted and Randstad HR Consulting

Best of Belgium 209 Compagnie Gagarine Creative photography agency Economy and Industry

210 Best of Belgium The Compagnie Gagarine photo agency, based in Antwerp, today provides its high quality photographs to the leading national and international media such as Knack, Le Vif L’Express, La Libre Belgique, Trends, Che, De Standaard, Geo Magazine, Belga press agency, as well as working for internationally renowned brands, institutions and publishers such as Burberry, eBay, Punch Graphix, VLM Airlines, Adisseo, Europe Real Estate Publishers, Design Flanders, K.U.Leuven University, the Province of Antwerp and DK Travel Guides amongst other

Portrait and concert Compagnie Gagarine is acclaimed for its portrait and concert photography. Celebrities covered by the agency in the past include Depeche Mode, Air, Tracy Chapman, Bruce Springsteen, Placebo, Radiohead, Roisin Murphy, Christophe, Indochine, Jane Birkin, Jean Michel Jarre, Jeanne Moreau as well as Belgian bands and personalities like Vive La Fête, Gabriel Rios, Fien Troch, Ozark Henry,

Best of Belgium 211 Bent Van Looy, Jonas Geirnaert, Sven Van Hees, Sarah Bettens, Daan, Arno, Neon Judgement, Wim Mertens, Axelle Red and Hooverphonic.

Architecture and travel Equally important, however, is the agency’s architecture and travel photography, realising editorial and creative images in Belgium for travel guides, architects, designers and publishers, as well as travelling throughout Europe (France, Holland, Italy, Greece, Spain, England, Switzerland and Germany) to return with artistic impressions of those regions, its people, nature and architecture.

Christophe Ketels Compagnie Gagarine’s founder, Christophe Ketels, is the main photographer at the agency. What drives him is originality, the consistent attempt to photograph subjects from an original point of view, whether it is a building, monument, a person or concert. Photography for Ketels is a constant search for that particular angle and light which no one has found before, or which no one has wanted to try before. It means leaving the normal conventional path and trying something unusual in order to allow emotion and amazement to take over. Perspectives that go far beyond the traditional images, as well as bringing details and objects to our attention which most of us would never have noticed. Just like the astronaut Youri Gagarin was the ﬁrst man in space, where no man had gone before and what many

212 Best of Belgium people at the time found a utopia. Ketels’ the photographic industry’s top brands. work is a search for perfection and its 2008 sees the agency making its largest new originality has become his landmark and investments thus far, bringing the company to style as a photographer, a visual identity. a next level with the most superior digital and His photographic adventure is lasting over a analogue photographic material, yet again to decade, and results in a diversity of personal bring the agency a step closer to perfection Compagnie Gagarine impressions, unique on the European and being able to offer the highest quality Apollostraat 161/1 – 2600 Berchem continent. photography. Enjoy several images of main Tel: 03 297 36 18 photographer Christophe Ketels throughout 0472 / 47 95 28 Ever since its creation, Compagnie Gagarine this book, and have a look at the website E-mail: [email protected] has constantly updated its equipment with www.compagniegagarine.com. www.compagniegagarine.com

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