PRESENTATION OF THE SECTOR
SECTION 2
STAKEHOLDERS
2.1 OFFICIAL PARTNERS FPS Foreign Affairs The promotion and defense of Belgian economic interests abroad is a top priority of the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs. This is done in a number of ways. FPS Foreign Affairs coordinates Belgium’s ambitious trade and investment protection policy, it monitors market access problems and it provides diplomatic support to Belgian companies abroad. Moreover, FPS Foreign Affairs supports Belgian businesses in their international activities by coordinating the economic missions of HRH Princess Astrid, as Representative of His Majesty the King, and through the State visits led by His Majesty the King. FPS Foreign Affairs also actively promotes Belgium’s international image as a good place to do business, by participating in international forums, such as the International Expositions and the World Economic Forum, by organizing bilateral visits and by ensuring Belgium’s multilateral action in the relevant international organizations. Follow us on: www.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
Flanders Investment & Trade Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) promotes international entrepreneurship in Flanders in a sustainable way as a key factor in the social and economic development of the region. FIT does so by supporting the international activities of Flemish companies and by attracting foreign investors to Flanders. FIT assists, supports and stimulates companies in international business. FIT offers tailored advice and guidance. Companies can call on its network of contacts both at home and abroad. And FIT provides financial support and information on a wide range of financial incentives. Flanders has many assets for ambitious Flemish enterprises and SMEs as well as for interested international companies. For Flemish companies, its region acts as a perfect gateway to global markets. For them, FIT tries to lower the threshold to doing business abroad. FIT promotes its services, provides information and knowledge about export and offers networking opportunities between entrepreneurs and brings them into contact with potential partners abroad. Flanders is a pole of attraction for foreign companies: thanks to its central location in Europe, its strongly developed infrastructure, its innovative clusters and numerous other strengths. FIT tries to offer them worldwide publicity. FIT adopts a tailored approach to potential investors and convinces them of the opportunities for their company in Flanders. Furthermore, FIT focuses on existing investors in Flanders planning to expand their businesses locally. Innovative clusters are of key importance to Flanders as a knowledge region. FIT assists these clusters in their internationalization process and tries to attract foreign investors capable of strengthening clusters to grow into major international players. Follow us on: www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com
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