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Export and investment

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The Wallonia Export-Investment Agency (AWEX) is the Walloon Region's department responsible for promoting foreign trade and welcoming overseas investors. Its three main aims are to:

 

1. Support Walloon exports around the world

The Agency offers Walloon businesses a range of services and activities covering the entire export process.

  • general and commercial information on foreign markets

  • production of individual market studies on request

  • organisation of commercial prospecting operations (participation in international trade fairs, organisation of economic missions, sector-based contact days, etc.)

  • contacts with international organisations

  • promotion of Wallonia and its export potential

  • financial support and funding for exports

  • training and raising awareness of international professions

 

For overseas investors, the Agency can on request:

  • pass on economic data on Wallonia and its export potential

  • provide information on the products and services of Walloon businesses

  • seek Walloon businesses for the conclusion of international partnerships

  • distribute lists of Walloon exporters

 

2. Look for overseas exporters

For foreign companies, the Agency can:

  • show why Wallonia is the perfect base for growth

  • explain the very attractive tax situation in Wallonia

  • provide appropriate assistance and solutions (e.g. set-up support, administrative procedures, visits, study meetings, customised simulations, networking, coordination for obtaining financial assistance and premiums).

  • create good relations between the business and the administrations responsible for studying projects

  • explain the regional set-up policy and the legal environment relating to set-ups

  • help to develop business in Wallonia

 

3. Promote Wallonia internationally

  • coordinate and lead the territorial brand policy

  • campaign in the international media

  • produce economic materials for foreign businessmen

  • organise promotional actions bringing together cultural and economic aspects

 

AWEX in brief:

  • approximately 400 people (200 of them abroad)

  • a head office in Brussels and an office in Namur for overseas investments

  • 7 regional centres in Belgium (local and consultancy offices)

  • 93 economic and cultural attachés on 5 continents

  • 1 subsidiary: SOFINEX (management of funds for international financing)

  • around 2,900 Walloon businesses supported every year

  • ISO 9001 certified (2015).