We firmly believe in the sharing of experiences between like-minded entrepreneurs and executives. Our goal is to help you grow, together with the entire Limburg entrepreneurial landscape.
Our goal is to help you grow, together with the entire Limburg entrepreneurial landscape.
A strong network. Professional insights. Advocacy. These are essential for any entrepreneur. Especially in an economy with ups and downs, an economy in constant flux. Our threshold is low and our service level is high. Our course is determined by three cornerstones: defend, connect, and strengthen.
Entrepreneurship is not something you do alone. Connecting is essential. Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry is your partner in finding, building and maintaining a strong network, here and across borders. Catch up with old acquaintances and make new contacts. Create opportunities for the future. We firmly believe in the sharing of experiences between like-minded entrepreneurs and executives. Our 54 networking and mentoring programmes unite, challenge, and inspire participants. Together with you and numerous entrepreneurs, we create access to a large network offering knowledge, experience, and perseverance in order to focus on sustainable, innovative, and international
As an entrepreneur, you need to be aware of the latest trends and evolutions in your sector and the region. Strong stakeholder management and good governance are crucial. Entrepreneurs and their employees want sustainable growth. But, in an age of disruption at all levels, this is quite a challenge. Additional expertise, strong forward-looking leadership focused on evolution in the organisation, jobs, and new business models, are more important than ever.
Our training and guidance programmes are provided for all profiles within a company. Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry stands up for the interests of entrepreneurs and gives them a strong and clear voice at local, provincial, Flemish, federal, and international level. We analyse and highlight the needs of our members, including on the international stage if necessary. We endeavour to influence political actors, but also try to make a difference in individual lobbying dossiers and offer tailor-made advice, in cooperation with our partners and an international network of chambers
Our goal is to make entrepreneurs and enterprises grow, together with the entire Limburg entrepreneurial landscape. Because your concerns and questions are our everyday issues. We go the extra mile. Much further than the others. Your concerns are our everyday business.
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry is part of the Flemish employers’ organisation Voka Limburg. This organisation emerged in January 2004 from the alliance between the Flemish Economic Federation (Vlaams Economisch Verbond, VEV) and the six Chambers of Commerce in Flanders, representing a combined total of 18,000 small, medium, and large enterprises. They account for 66% of added value in Flanders and 65% of private employment. Together, they encompass 910,000 employees. In addition, we work closely with numerous other international Chambers: International Chambers of Commerce, World Chambers Network, Eurochambers, Euregion Chambers of Commerce, and Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce.
12,000 INTERNATIONAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
ICC is the institutional representative and world organisation for more than 45 million companies in more than 100 countries. Its mission is to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere.
1,700
EUROCHAMBERS
Eurochambers represents over 20 million companies in Europe through 45 members (43 national associations of chambers of commerce and industry and two transnational chamber organisations) and a European network of 1,700 regional and local chambers. More than 93% of these companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Chambers’ member companies employ over 120 million people.
13 FEDERATION OF BELGIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
The Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce represents recognised Chambers of Commerce in Belgium and Belgian Chambers abroad. It ensures the quality and consistency of the chamber network, with a focus on international and sustainable business.
WORLD CHAMBERS NETWORK
WCN was established 20 years ago as the official chamber portal for e-commerce. WCN’s unique platform is an essential business tool providing business and market information through chambers (local to global), business promotion, verification, and trust services.
EUREGION CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE (AACHEN, LIÈGE/VERVIERS/NAMUR, EUPEN, HASSELT, MAASTRICHT)
With its three EU member states, three languages, and five regions, the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion is often referred to as the European Union in a microcosm. It has long been familiar with cross-border cooperation.
Aachen, Eupen, Hasselt, Liège, and Maastricht are part of the Euregion Meuse-Rhine with more than 3.8 million residents and over 280,000 companies.
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry aims to be the closest and most influential professional network for Limburg entrepreneurs and member companies. Supported by the entire Voka organisation, as a neutral, private, and representative player, it aims to encourage and support free enterprise at the national and international level.
Entrepreneurs are resourceful. They try to find a solution for every problem. But some obstacles are too big to overcome alone. In those moments, as an entrepreneur, you need a partner to support you. Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry gives Limburg’s entrepreneurs a strong and clear voice at local, provincial, Flemish, federal, and international level. We analyse what our members need and highlight those needs. We endeavour to influence political actors, but also try to make a difference in individual lobbying dossiers and offer tailor-made advice. Together, we create an optimal framework in which to grow your business.
It’s all about having the right idea and the right people to make that idea a reality. But it’s not unusual for you to have a busy schedule as an entrepreneur. Where, when, and how will you find those perfect collaborators? Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry is your partner in finding, building, and maintaining a strong network. Catch up with old acquaintances and make new contacts. Create opportunities for the future. Not only during our events, networking sessions, and missions, but also through models of cooperation between sectors and national and international actors. Become part of a community that extends so much further than the walls of your company.
As an entrepreneur, you need to be aware of the latest trends and evolutions in your sector. Lagging behind is not an option. But how do you stay up-to-date in a world in which the changes are coming ever faster? Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry keeps its finger on the pulse of an ever-changing market. We translate those insights into a relevant and high-quality training offer for entrepreneurs and their employees. Find out more during a day course or go into greater depth in one of the longer training programmes. We even offer tailor-made training courses.
18,000membercompanies in Flanders
3,200membercompanies in Limburg
+75%
2,120
Voka’s members account for 65% of private employment.
Voka’s members account for 66% of realised added value.
PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT AND ADDED VALUE
Our members account for more than 75% of private employment and added value in our province.
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites more than 2,000 professionals in 54 networks.
Thanks to its central location in Europe, bordering on the Netherlands, Germany, and France, and close to the important ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, we offer a large sales market and excellent connections to international supply chains
An excellent infrastructure network and a stable, business-friendly government make it a pleasure to do business here
Thanks to our internationally renowned level of education and training, the residents of Flanders are among the most productive workforces in the world 4
Companies investing in Limburg and creating employment here can count on fiscal support 5
Flanders has one of the world’s most open economies, and owes its prosperity to international entrepreneurship
As the most influential employers’ organisation in the country, we defend your interests with the authorities and institutions
As the largest network organisation in the country, we bring entrepreneurs together at exclusive events, for example
Sharpen your talents or those of your employees with professional training courses
We organise programmes to support your business at every stage of its development
We are part of the network of Chambers of Commerce, and as such, have extensive knowledge at an international level
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry follows up on all your individual and collective dossiers with the authorities and interest groups. We represent your interests, and use convincing arguments to discuss the problem areas and requirements with policymakers. Does that sound too abstract? Our policy vision is concisely outlined below:
Through a strong local and international network, we make your voice heard within local councils, interest groups, advisory councils, regional consultations, committees, and in local consultation sessions on specific themes, as well as at the Flemish, federal, and international level.
Do you have a question or problem related to permits or subsidies? Looking for a suitable location to expand your business activities? The employees of Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be happy to help you with a tailor-made solution.
Limburg is strategically located within the Euroregion. But we are not reaping sufficient benefits from this due to poor infrastructure. Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry is therefore putting the improvement of our transport options by road, rail, and water high on the political agenda – through the press as well as through direct contact with policymakers.
There will be no economic growth without the right people. We must therefore guide our unemployed people towards the right jobs. But that alone will not suffice. The huge group of inactive people, who are not looking for work at
Since 2021, companies have been able to refocus on regular business. Voka – Limburg Chamber of Commerce provided a total of 2,890 advisory opinions to entrepreneurs. The number of Covid queries fell by a whopping 46%.
But, moving on from Covid, we find ourselves stranded in Brexit issues, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the energy crisis. Once again, we are your loyal partner to help you with all your questions, from A to Z.
the moment, must also be activated. We have suggested a range of reforms to make this happen. It is also crucial to prepare our young people for the labour market in the best possible way. We do this by promoting technical courses, making ‘dual learning’ the best form of learning, and removing barriers to further education.
Our vision of creating space to do business is clear. Limburg is a green province, but this should not stand in the way of our development opportunities. The optimal and strategic use of the available space will allow industry and nature to comfortably coexist.
Members of Voka – Limburg Chamber of Commerce are keen to hear each other’s stories and experiences. This is why Voka – Limburg Chamber of Commerce offers various opportunities for our members to connect through events and networking.
Entrepreneurs often chart the same course and avoid the same hazards more than once. VokaLimburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites them in 54 networks that focus on sharing experience and expertise. These are tailored to your expertise or enterprise. Voka’s networks can be divided into three categories:
• Business leader networks
• Themed networks
• Experience networks
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet in specific settings. It does so with a range of exceptional events that are unique in Limburg and to which a ‘Vokaward’ is linked.
• 5 major events
› New Year Invitito
› Annual meeting
› Summer castle festival
› Chambers Trophy
› Voka Open Company Day
• 7 themed events
› World for Smarties, with the presentation of the ‘Limburg export prize’ Vokaward
› HR Day, with the presentation of the ‘HR’ Vokaward
› Real Estate Day, with the presentation of the ‘Real estate’ Vokaward
2,120
› MarCom Day, with the presentation of the ‘Limburg press award’ Vokaward
› Dig-In, with the presentation of the ‘Innovation’ Vokaward
› Management Assistant Day, with the presentation of the ‘Management assistant’ Vokaward
› Family Business Happening, with the presentation of ‘The torch’ Vokaward
Not only do we talk about opportunities abroad, we also effectively scout abroad to learn from global frontrunners. The focus lies on interesting regions with potential, or those that could be inspiring for our economy.
Conversely, we are happy to welcome foreign delegations to our Huis van de Limburgse Ondernemer (House of Limburg Entrepreneurs) to introduce them to our province, knowledge, unique incubator network, and the largest professional network in Limburg.
• We regularly invite diplomats to our governor’s office to discuss bilateral
• collaboration at various levels over VIP lunches or during meetings.
• We also have an International Corner every year when we bring international Ambassadors together at our New Year Invitito.
• Lastly, we have various international cooperation agreements with chambers of commerce in the EU, as well as with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
Mercurio Global Ambassadors is an exclusive network of entrepreneurs or management team members who have a good foreign network and/or experience, and thus form a sounding board for other entrepreneurs. The Global Ambassadors can offer a route to promoting the internationalisation of our Flemish companies by forming a bridge between the local and international network. They are committed to helping other Limburgers expand internationally.
36 Global ambassadors
For more than 50 years, the Bree-based Veldeman Group has been the go-to company for the development, production, rental, and sale of temporary (tarpaulin) structures. With international offices in North and South America, the company is also a leading international player. Veldeman is particularly active in Chile. For Ludo Ost, Commercial Director within the group, doing business with this South American country holds few secrets. As the Global Ambassador to Chile, what tips does he have for colleagues from other sectors?
• Chile is the most democratic country in South America, with a stable political and economic environment and little corruption.
• It is crucial to make substantial investments in personal interactions with partners and customers. In Chile, building a relationship of trust is an essential part of a business relationship.
EU countries 16 Non-EU countries
20
Eric Gijsen – ViskoTeepak, Global Ambassador to UkraineViskoTeepak, with a site in Lommel, is a manufacturer of artificial casings for the meat industry and is at home in many markets, from Mexico to Russia. As a global player, the company also exports to Ukraine. Eric Gijsen, EMEA/APAC Senior Sales Director, is well versed in doing business in this country as the Global Ambassador to Ukraine.
• You can gain access to a significant potential market for your products, provided you have clear agreements and instructions. The younger generations are open to modern entrepreneurship.
• Getting out and about regularly, visiting companies and trade shows, and expanding your local network is the key to success.
Chile is a fascinating country with numerous business opportunities
Successful international business starts with finding reliable partners
Ludo Ost – Veldeman, Global Ambassador to Chile
Just starting out as self-employed or a seasoned business owner? You are never alone during your entrepreneurial journey. Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry gives advice, organises training courses, and puts you in touch with experienced experts.
We have an academy that can rely upon years of experience. Experienced trainers, interactive learning moments, and a wellequipped training venue are the basis for a quality training offer. Moreover, we work together with different faculties, such as Solvay Business School QUINX.
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry keeps its finger on the pulse of an ever-changing market. That is why our Chamber Academy is here for you with a quality training offer! Still haven’t found what you were looking for in our open offer? Or do several people within your company need the same training? Then we offer In-company training, tailored to your business.
Business clubs are for professionals who look to the future. Our interactive and inspiring pathways, providing between 6 and 10 sessions at progressive host companies, offer masses of inspiration in terms of innovation and international business. By the
end, you will have a vision that will allow you to take that next step. We have a total of five business clubs: innovation, strategic sourcing, artificial intelligence, smart warehousing, and scouting industry 4.0.
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry organises sponsorship projects where an experienced entrepreneur guides a fixed group of 15 SME company managers and decision-makers for a full year, during monthly sessions. Above all, they provide the group with encouragement and support to exchange as many experiences as possible.
You are not alone in your growth and your change.
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites like-minded people, and from this synergy, it builds a pathway where the exchange of experience is central. And you can always fall back on an experienced contact person or like-minded group members. You can
always keep expanding your knowledge in the form of high-level management courses.
Bryo
Would you like to start your own business? Or have you already started, and are ready to scale-up to the next level? Then Bryo is for you. This path guides you through every stage: from idea to start-up to scale-up.
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides first-line advice to entrepreneurs who want to export, and it also organises training courses that help you prepare for the international market. Our export desk is your point of contact for all questions related to certificates of origin, consular services, or ATA carnets.
Do you have an idea for a startup? Or are you just getting your business off the ground? Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers various guidance programmes for start-ups.
Strengthening the fabric of Limburg’s family businesses is one of the spearheads of Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and
Industry. It helps owner-entrepreneurs with their problems and assists them with transfer dossiers.
Entrepreneurs need to anticipate and constantly innovate their products and services. VokaLimburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry works with them to identify innovative improvements and optimisations.
Embedding sustainability in your operations is a smart move because companies that commit to sustainable business are more resilient, more efficient, and manage to retain more talent! Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry helps you on your way.
Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports you by focusing on HR and education to stimulate economic growth within the company. Whether this involves firming up an inclusive HR policy, or implementing dual learning, or the promotion of technology, we are here to help.
Voka - Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limburg follows up on all your individual and collective dossiers with the authorities and interest groups. We represent your interests, and use convincing arguments to discuss the problem areas and requirements with policymakers. Does that sound too abstract? Our policy vision is concisely outlined below:
The export desk pools expertise and services in international business and is your point of contact for all questions related to certificates of origin, consular services, or ATA carnets. The total value of goods fluctuated, and there were various peaks and troughs between 2021 and 2022. After an eventful period, we ended up at 21,251 certificates of origin issued in 2022 with a commodity value of €1,228,385,540.06.
The ATA carnet is a uniform customs document that allows you to temporarily import goods into non-EU countries or equivalent territories that are members of the ATA network, for a specific type of use, without paying customs duties and/or taxes. The network of Voka Chambers of Commerce is authorised by the government to issue these ATA Carnets, and is also internationally designated as the guarantor organisation.
Trade samples
Trade fairs & Exhibitions
Professional equipment
The consular service is a structured courier service provided by Voka – Limburg Chamber of Commerce for companies exporting from Limburg. This courier service provides both export documents and the necessary additional visas. This ‘signature’ can be delivered either by an embassy or consulate of the destination country, as well as by other bodies based in Brussels.
196 documents delivered (2022)
Digital signatures are created and verified with Digital Certificates. Today, both the international and Belgian legal communities have drafted legislation ensuring that digital signatures are as binding and universally accepted as their handwritten variants. If you want to sign a message or carry out a secure transaction, you need your own unique Digital Certificate.
52 verified digital certificates (2022)
The entrepreneurial world is constantly changing. For accurate and upto-date information, please visit Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which bundles all the relevant information through different communication channels.
On voka.be, you can create a user profile and customise it according to your preferences, so that you can receive tailor-made communication. The choice is entirely up to you!
Bedrijvig Limburg is the most widely read monthly magazine among Limburg entrepreneurs and executives. You stay up to date on the economic ins and outs of Limburg, as well as gain insights into Limburg’s views, services, and the activities of Voka - Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Would you like to consult a comprehensive opinion or in-depth analysis? Voka delves deeper into a current and relevant topic in the Voka Tribune, Voka Topics, and Voka Paper.
Newsletter on Sunday
Our digital newsletter keeps our members informed about the latest news on entrepreneurial Limburg.
Social media channels are increasingly important because they offer a sense of closeness. Want to experience that for yourself? You can follow VokaLimburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry at:
