Export-Investment Services

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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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)
  • 109 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 (2000) since April 2002