Belgium

Print article

AmCham Belgium is dedicated to improving business and investment opportunities for US companies in Belgium, says Leonard H Schrank, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium.

Belgium - At the heart of Europe

As the main seat of the European Union, Brussesls scores for its geographical location, ease of access to the market, good international transport network and telecommunications infrastructure. According to Cushman & Wakefield’s annual European Cities Monitor 2005, Brussels has maintained its 4th overall position in the league table of best business cities for three years in a row.

With exports accounting for more than 74% of its Gross Domestic Product, Belgium is one of the highest per capita exporters in the world. US direct investment in Belgium (30%) is more strongly represented in finance, insurance and real estate than in the former EU 15, where it reached 21% in 2003. In May 2005, AmCham Belgium released its latest Survey on US Direct Investment (USDI) in Belgium (2003–2004).

The aims of this survey are to compile a scientific database of all US investment in Belgium, to track its evolution, and to compare the data by year, by industry and by sector. The USDI reports provide AmCham with a key tool to substantiate its lobbying work in its talks with the Belgian Federal government. AmCham Belgium’s Business Confidence Survey, sent to 1,200 American companies in Belgium and other AmCham members, was conducted in parallel with the latest USDI report and revealed that Belgium had improved its standing in terms of infrastructure.

Promoting US investmentes

AmCham Belgium facilitates business for American and other member companies through its lobbying, networking and knowledge-sharing activities. AmCham Belgium actively promotes increased US investment in Belgium and is concerned with matters affecting the Belgian investment climate. To achieve this goal, AmCham produces annual updates of its Foreign Investors’ Agenda. The latest update was released in November 2005 with the Chamber’s top recommendations for making the business environment increasingly attractive to investors. The Foreign Investors Agenda 2005–2006 was presented to all Federal and Regional Ministers and will be the basis for upcoming Ministerial-level meetings.

AmCham Belgium’s services are geared towards helping members doing business in Belgium. The services fall into three main activity areas:

• Lobbying: Representing members’ business interests to help shape policies;
• offering authoritative viewpoints to build understanding among authorities. Networking: Organising broad selection of compelling events that add value both on a personal and a professional level; strengthening AmCham’s networking opportunities.
• Knowledge Sharing: Presenting high-quality information to the business and government community.
• Raising the profile of AmCham and increasing its visibility.

Business services

Regular events include the Business After Hours, VIP dinners and issue-oriented conferences. The AmCham Monthly eNews, Lobby Flash and the AmCham Business Journal keep members up-to-date on AmCham activities and Belgian events. The Annual Directory lists not only members but also US firms in Belgium and is available online for members. The M2M Discounts service gives members the opportunity to promote their products and services, and to provide attractive offers to other members.

Brussels Stock Exchange

AmCham Belgium’s extensive committee system empowers members to directly shape AmCham’s goals and initiatives. The Communications Committee aims to position AmCham Belgium as the authoritative body dedicated to improving business and investment opportunities for US companies in Belgium. The Human Resources Committee promotes a business environment which attracts and retains American business and employees in Belgium. The Legal and Taxation Committee monitors developments in the legal and taxation fields. The Membership Committee works to understand the needs of AmCham’s membership, to identify new membership services and benefits, to retain existing members, and to recruit new ones.

AmCham Belgium was founded in 1948 by a handful of leading multinationals to strengthen commercial links between Belgium and the US. Today, the Chamber represents more than 600 companies from all sectors. Membership is open to all companies and individuals that subscribe to the charter. AmCham Belgium is an autonomous organisation that receives no subsidies from any government body. It relies exclusively on income from membership dues to provide its services.

Facts in brief

Belgium’s location is Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands. Crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO

Its climate is temperate: mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Natural resources include construction materials, silica sand, carbonates Agriculture products are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk

Industries include engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum

Belgium has a civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Diplomatic representation in the US — Chief of mission: Ambassador Franciskus Van Daele

Diplomatic representation from the US — Chief of mission: Ambassador Tom C Korologos

Contact Information

American Chamber of
Commerce in Belgium
Rue du Commerce 39-41
Box 50
1000 Brussels
Tel: +32 25 13 67 70
E-mail: gchamber@amcham.be
Website: www.amcham.be

Useful websites

All pages are copyright of © Roxby Media Ltd - European American Business is a Roxby Media publication.