Export and investment

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).