Flanders, one of the three Belgian regions, covers an area of 13,512 sq.kms. It lies in the heart of the large Western European industrial area and benefits from a highly educated workforce, a good transport network and a major seaport (Antwerp). Flanders accounts for roughly 60% of Belgian Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Agriculture plays only a minor role in the region with a 3.1% share in employment. Industry, employing 30.8%, primarily involves processing; the chemical and metallurgic sectors are dominant, followed by car manufacturing. Redundancies in manufacturing have recently been balanced by a significant increase in the service sector, which now makes up 66.1% of employment.

Flanders has an exceptionally high export ratio with 18,500 euros p.c. Exports account for 85% of Gross Regional Product (GRP).

More information on IRE website: Belgium

Regional profile