Trade with Belgium exceeds EUR 2 billion

Newsroom 22/04/2014 | 08:09

Romania and Belgium’s commercial relations were worth more than EUR 2 billion last year, according to Belgian ambassador HE Philippe Beke. Speaking in advance of Belgian Week, he revealed that the volume of trade had risen 13 percent in 2013. The figures made Belgium the 12th biggest foreign investor, up from 25th in 2009, ranked by Foreign Direct Investment. The diplomat added that the 250 Belgian companies with more than five workers active in Romania have created over 17,000 jobs nationwide. The local market is popular with Belgian firms for outsourcing and nearsourcing, especially Bucharest, Bihor, Banat and Iasi.

“None of the 250 companies owned by Belgian investors have left the Romanian market, which means this country is a business destination for investors,” said the ambassador.

He added that this year, a major greenfield investment is expected to be completed in Ploiesti, an investment in nearsourcing near Slatina should be confirmed, while there are indications of other investments in outsourcing.

Turning to Romanian exports to Belgium, Philippe Beke said they had increased last year due to auto sales, with Dacia enjoying great success in his home market.

Belgian Week will take place between April 22 and May 1 at CrownePlaza. The event, which celebrates the commercial relations between the two countries, will have a focus on cuisine and social networking, as well as a Belgian Business Day Gala Dinner.