Economic section

• VODDERIE Bart, Minister-Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission (politics, economy)
• CASTIAUX Nelson, First Secretary (economy)

Economic diplomacy is one of the basic missions of the FPS Foreign Affairs, which – operating within the current constitutional framework and taking account of the other stakeholders in the field – strives to promote Belgian economic interests abroad.

It does this in a number of ways. Most commonly, the FPS Foreign Affairs supports Belgian businesses in their international activities. Princely economic missions and, to a large extent, State and ministerial visits are also important to safeguard our economic interests abroad. Belgium is also promoted internationally as an attractive country to do business and invest in.

By actively participating in international forums such as the World Economic Forum, arranging bilateral visits and taking multilateral action in international organizations such as the European Union (EU), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Economic Forum, the FPS Foreign Affairs aims to showcase the Belgian economy.

The Economic Department of the Embassy of Belgium in Beijing follows economic relations between Belgium and China closely. The department provides governmental bodies in Brussels with accurate, timely and first-handed information and expertise related to economic and financial developments in China.

In accordance with the Law on Institutional Reforms of 8 August 1988 and the Special Law of 13 July 2001, the three Regions are the competent authorities of import and export policy. The economic and commercial attachés of the three regional trade agencies (AWEX, HUB Brussels, and FIT) in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou advise and support Belgian companies wishing to export to China.

Chinese companies interested in the procurement of goods and services from companies based in the three regions of Belgium (Brussels Capital Region, Flemish Region and Walloon Region) can also contact them with their requests. They can give information about partnership and investment opportunities in Belgium.

Coordination of multilateral and European trade policy and the provision of licenses to safeguard against export, import and investment related risks are federal competences; as well as the allocation of subsidies for Belgian Chambers of Commerce abroad, and mixed Chambers of Commerce and business clubs in Belgium.