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Doing business & staying in touch

A certain degree of business formality is expected in Belgium. It is wise for business visitors to confirm meetings in writing and arrive punctually, armed with business cards and wearing a suit - with a tie for men. Companies are hierarchical, and as many managing directors do not delegate, it is advisable to go straight to the top. Standard office hours are Monday to Friday 0830-1730.

On introduction, you should address colleagues with their surname, respecting any professional or academic qualifications. English and French are the standard languages of business in Belgium. Personal relationships are important, so relaxed lunch meetings help develop trust - a stage that must be reached before decisions are made. It is common for business colleagues to be invited for an apéritif, followed by dinner at a nice restaurant, although usually not at the first meeting.

Office hours: 

Mon-Fri 0830-1730.

Economy: 

The economies of Belgium and Luxembourg have been unified since 1921, when the two governments signed a Convention of Economic Union; this is distinct from the Benelux Union (which includes The Netherlands) and the EU (Belgium being a founder member of both).

For its size, Belgium is one of the most heavily industrialised countries in Europe, but here like elsewhere, the scale of the worldwide banking crisis had a profound effect. GDP growth was negative in 2009.

Belgium still imports huge quantities of raw materials, largely to be reworked for export, and manufactured goods and machinery remain a vital part of the economy. Exports are equivalent to roughly two-thirds of gross national product.

Coal mining, previously a major industry, ceased when the last mine was closed in 1992. Nuclear power accounts for almost two-thirds of Belgium's energy consumption; the remainder is generated from imported fuel products.
There is an extensive range of meeting venues throughout the country. In 2007, Belgium occupied 17th place in the International Congress and Convention Association rankings for numbers of association meetings staged worldwide, while Brussels was joint 19th most popular city for such gatherings, along with Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul.

GDP: 

US$381.4 billion (2009).

Main exports: 

Manufactured goods, chemicals, finished diamonds, metal, and food.

Main imports: 

Machinery and equipment, chemicals, vehicles, metals, raw diamonds.

Main trading partners: 

Main trade partners: Germany, The Netherlands, France, the UK and the USA.

Staying in touch in Belgium

Telephone: 

For operator services, dial 1324. There are call boxes in all major towns and country districts, and telecards are available from newsagents, railway stations and post offices.

Mobile phone: 

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.

Internet: 

Internet cafés are widely available throughout the country.

Post: 

Airmail takes two to three days to other west European destinations.

Post office hours: 

Mon-Fri 0900-1700 (hours can vary).

Media: 

As a result of its political and linguistic divide, Belgium has two separate public broadcasting organisations - Dutch-speaking VRT and French-speaking RTBF - each with its own regulations and running its own radio, TV and external broadcasting. Cable services offer dozens of domestic and foreign channels. The Bulletin is an English magazine published weekly in Brussels.

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