Exhibitor Profile

Flanders Invest in Trade

Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), the organisation of the government of Flanders, Belgium, is dedicated to supporting foreign companies with setting up a presence in Flanders. Flanders – the northern Dutch-speaking region of Belgium – offers a unique blend of advantages and opportunities to businesses looking for a strategic location for their latest protein-related project. The purchasing power of the residents and those living within 500 km of Flanders makes it a prime business location, thanks to its neighbours, Germany, France, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Situated at the crossroads of three major cultures — Germanic, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon — the people of Flanders are multi-lingual and open-minded. This, and the high purchasing power, makes Flanders the ideal test market for innovations and new food products or technologies. To the World Economic Forum and many other international spectators, Flanders ranks among the world’s elite when it comes to R&D and innovation. Its strategic research centres – imec, VIB, Flanders Make and VITO – are known the world over. In close partnership with Flanders’ universities and the global business world, they contribute to the realization of a sustainable future. For the R&D of innovative products and processes, the government of Flanders awards generous non-refundable grants and subsidies (up to a rate of 60%). For all these innovations to become commercial, the attention of the regulatory body of Europe is needed. Brussels, the capital of Flanders (Belgium), is home to numerous international corporations and intergovernmental decision-making organizations, such as the EU and NATO. It can easily be considered Europe’s lobbying capital as well: more than 3,800 diplomats are active in the city – a number that is only surpassed by New York City. Over 5,700 companies in Flanders will tell you that manufacturing in the heart of Western Europe can still be profitable. It’s all thanks to the region’s advantageous combination of a central location, productive workforce, logistics expertise and a tight ecosystem of suppliers and competence centres. According to fDi Intelligence, prime rent in Belgium – and Flanders – is one of the lowest in Western Europe. Also, the lower inbound transport costs, supply chain costs and the effective labour costs are highly competitive compared to other locations throughout Europe. When it comes to logistics, Flanders’ excellent infrastructure offers a one-of-a-kind array of advantages when it comes to setting up European logistics or distribution activities. The seaports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Ghent and Ostend are the perfect ocean-going gateways for the fast handling of goods to and from anywhere in the world. North Sea Port Ghent is evolving into a biobased economy hub. Need even more reasons? Or do you have questions regarding government support for your innovative venture, R&D project, upscaling plans or pilot facility? Flanders Investment & Trade and its partner network can assist you with powerful connections and strategic advice. Our experts can tell you all about the incentives for companies, as well as advise on legal setup, location search and infrastructure. Our services are confidential and come at no cost.