Economic Overview
- Mainly governed by heavy industries.
- Imports raw materials and exports the final manufactured
products.
- Public debt is almost 100% of the GDP.
- It relies on European trade partners' economical situation.
- The biotechnology sector is fast developing.
- Service industry accounts 71.8% of the GDP.
International Trade
Major Export Items
Machinery and Equipment, Chemicals, Diamonds, Metals and Metal
Products, Foodstuffs and Live Animals, Road Vehicles, Petroleum
Products, Iron and Steel, Coal.
Main Destinations of Exports
Germany, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States, Italy.
Major Import Items
Fuels, Chemical Products, Grains, Foodstuffs, Pharmaceuticals,
Machinery and Equipment, Transportation Equipment, Oil Products.
Main Origins of Imports
Germany, Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, United States.
| The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce & Industry |
The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce & Industry |
Belgian Trade Commission |
Antwerp Office:
Markgravestraat 12
B-2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Tel.: +(32)-(3)-2322219
Fax: +(32)-(3)-2336442
|
Waasland Office:
Kleine Laan 28
9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
Tel.: +(32)-(3)-7763464
Fax: +(32)-(3)-7777434
E-mail: info@kknaw.be
Website: www.kkna.be
|
Avenue Materne, 115
5100 Namur - BELGIUM
RC Namur: 76175
E-mail: sfo@belgiantrade.org
Website: www.belgiantrade.org
|
| Belgian
Office and Stationary Trade Association (BOSTA) |
World
Customs Organization |
Directorate
General Trade of the European Commission |
Bruyndonckxstraat 31
B-1780 Wemmel
Tel.: +(32)-(2)-4606212
Fax: +(32)-(2)-3959153
Website: www.bosta.org
|
World Customs Organization
30, Rue du Marché,
B-1210 Brussels (Belgium)
Tel.: +(32)-(2)-2099211
Fax: +(32)-(2)-2099292
E-mail: information@wcoomd.org
Website: www.wcoomd.org
|
Unit Trade A.2.
Information European Commission
200, Rue de la Loi (CHAR 7/116)
B-1049 Brussels, Belgium
Tel.: +(32)-(2)-2952888
Fax: +(32)-(2)-2969854
Website: www.europa.eu.int/
|
Business Visa Rules
Business Visitor Visas are called "Schengen Visas." The
following categories are issued Schengen Visas and it is usually valied
for 90 days within a given 180-day period:
- For the one who visits for attending business meetings or
discussions.
- For the one who visits to attend sales calls to potential client
over there provided that the employee represents a commercial entity
outside of Belgium.
- For the one who visits to attend seminars or "fact-finding"
meetings.
The basic requirements to obtain business visa are as given
below:
- The applicant must have a residence and employer outside of
Belgium and must be traveling to Belgium for a limited and pre-set
time period;
- An invitation letter that should be signed by the Belgian entity,
which the Visitor will be visiting. It should state the type of
business relations between the host company in Belgium and the
business overseas.
- The applicant must not receive compensation from any source
within Belgium. However, incidental costs like accommodation,
travel, and meals may be paid by the host.
- The applicant must provide proof of sufficient funds (such as
cash or credit cards) along with a confirmed, round-trip airline
ticket;
- The applicant must provide evidence that health/medical insurance
will be provided by the employee's home company;
- The applicant must have proof of adequate funds to defray
expenditure. The period of intended stay must be consistent with the
intended purpose of the trip.
Business Hours
8.30 am to 5.30 pm - Offices (Monday to Friday with 30-60 minutes for
lunch)
9.00 am to 3.30 pm - 5.00 pm - Banks (Monday to Friday)
9.00 am to 6.00 pm - Shops (Monday to Saturday and until 9.00 pm on
Fridays)
Public holidays
