You are on page 1of 215

B E S T O F

BELGIUM Volume 2

GVPedia.com
Showcasing Belgian Achievement…
Welcome to the second volume of ‘Best of Belgium,’ in which we showcase this nation’s
contemporary achievement, from the arts and fashion to business and innovation. This
publication is built on a number of key elements. Firstly, there are the stories about Belgium’s
best—the companies and organization profiled in this book are true leaders in their field. Also,
these are the organizations that made this book possible and are helping to spread it around the
world. Secondly, as editor, we wrote a number of articles—placed throughout the publication—
that discuss some of the key Belgian achievements from the past year or two. Third, we invited
a number of influential Belgians to contribute a personal vision statement—for example, see the
contributions by Thomas Leysen from the Federation of Belgian Enterprises and Guy Quaden,
chairman of the National Bank of Belgium.
As publishers we express our gratitude to a number of organizations for their support
in distributing this publication around the world. In particular these include this country’s
Chambers of Commerce, the federal chamber, the regional chambers and the many international
chambers that promote business links with our main trade partners. Also we thank Brussels
Export, Flanders Investment & Trade, AWEX (Walloon Export Agency), the Federal Agency for
Foreign Trade (organizer of the royal trade missions) and the Federal Public Service of Foreign
Affairs for distributing the book to all corners of the world. ‘Best of Belgium’ will also go out to
our colleagues in the Global Village Partnerships network, from Dubai and India to Australia and
South Africa. Have a look at gvpedia.com to see how our network is growing.
In the years ahead, ‘Best of Belgium’ will continue to document Belgian achievement, relying
on the fact that Belgium is representative of a dynamic, creative Europe, a beacon of liberal
democracy and social justice, where individuals have the space and inspiration to create that
which makes our world a better place, be it in the realm of business, art or ideas.
For Volume III expect deeper and sharper analysis, more vision articles by leading Belgians,
and great photography.

International Group Publisher Sven Boermeester

Publisher and Editor Frank Boermeester

Commercial Director Koen Christiaens

Media Consultants Maarten Roofthooft, Joris De Wilder

Editorial Contributors Peter Farlam

Printing Antilope Printing

Creative Direction Peter Batistich, Graham Cooper

Photography Douglas Moors, Compagnie Gagarine

Tervuursesteenweg 133/2
3001 Leuven
Belgium
Tel: +32 16 223669
Fax: +3216 292095
Email
fboermeester@thefifthconference.com
kchristiaens@thefifthconference.com

Website
www.thefifthconference.com
www.gvpedia.com

Published by
The Fifth Conference bvba

ISBN # 9789079056002

Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the Best of Belgium vol.2 publication.
Neither Best of Belgium nor The Fifth Conference bvba take any responsibility for errors or omissions.

All rights reserved:


No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means.
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.

Regional Head Offices


Bangalore • Bangkok • Brussels • Cairo • Copenhagen • Dubai Johannesburg • London • Singapore • Sydney • Washington DC

Best of Belgium 
Turnover 2008 Employees & Partners Circulation International Head offices Management
US$ 8 000 000 100 500 000 London, Brussels Sven Boermeester
Economy and Industry Dubai, Cairo Lisa Durante
Bangalore, Singapore Charles Neil
Washington DC, Santiago Leon Swartz
Sydney, Johannesburg Warren Haley

CELEBRATE SUCCESS
With its mission to serve as the premier platform for showcasing and networking the world's top brands and companies
in business, tourism and lifestyle, Global Village Partnerships (GVP) is building an atlas of success, sustainability and
culture. This is carried out through the 'Best of' book series, the Global Village online information portal and the
development of an ever expanding business network of international partners and clients.

Brand Image Product - The Folders


Branding a Nation, a City and its People Fast track to the world
GVP brands and builds the image of the world’s most exciting economic Market Essentials works closely with Foreign Embassies, High
regions to affect a change in the perception of a nation, a city and its Commissions, International Chambers of Commerce and Trade
people by the rest of the world. This then promotes the region in terms Associations worldwide to produce high quality trade folders. Each
of its investment opportunities, key industries, innovations, people, folder is designed to offer support and advice to companies interested
culture, tourism potential and international objectives. in trading with or investing in overseas markets.

Product - The Books Product - www.gvpedia.com


Celebrate your success Connecting the world's most interesting people and organisations
The 'Best of…' publishing series produces annual maxi format book The portal provides GVP customers an interactive Public
publications in over 30 territories, from Bangalore to Belgium. These Relations Box managed by a user friendly 'Enterprise Content
detail success stories of people and companies making positive inroads Management System' that allows clients to upload their press
into the commercial fibre of both mature and emerging markets. releases, photos, videos and management profiles. The latest
The books showcase entrepreneurial spirit; establishing powerful networking add-ons and social media applications are
global networks and the creation of individual brand awareness by integrated within the site providing maximum reach and feedback.
bridging cultures. The result is the ultimate interactive corporate gift and The value proposition for subscribers to gvpedia.com
P.R. marketing tool for governments, companies, hotels and business essentially covers four elements: exposure, expertise, exclusivity
people providing leading products and services for their region. and networking.

REGIONAL HEAD OFFICES


Bangalore Brussels Cairo Casablanca Copenhagen Dubai
www.gvpedia.com

Sven Boermeester, Chairman with Lisa Durante, Managing Partner, GVP

Market and individuals from across the globe. The invitation only based on these criteria,
Promote and network the 'red apples" within organisation celebrates success and provides with the added focus of dedicated
each economy recognition amongst its ever expanding chapters covering CSR, sustainability,
GVP’s market sectors embrace publishing, international network of influential clients. Its green innovation and giving back to
public relations, corporate gifting, online online portal, www.gvpedia.com, provides a the community.
community building and networking. Its platform for clients and readers to network,
target market covers large, medium and share best practice and grow new markets, Growth and Opportunity
small entrepreneurial organisations creating exciting new business connections Exchanging knowledge, skills and economies
enjoying growth, success and sustainability. and opportunities. of scale in media
GVP explores every geographic region to With regional head offices in 5 continents,
pick the 'red apples' in business, exports, Corporate Social Responsibility the organisation is currently involved in
innovation, design, fashion, retail, There is no success without ethics and more than 30 territories where the
hospitality, specialty foods, the arts sustainability 'Best of' series is published. GVP has a
and more. The best of world business, travel and 5-year growth plan to develop a further
lifestyle within the Global Village is dependent 150 economic territories organically,
Unique Selling Point (USP) on more than monetary profit. There is no through each continent’s regional head
New markets create new business success without core values such as office, and through partnerships with
opportunities sustainability, integrity and Corporate companies and individuals that have
GVP publications promote, showcase and Social Responsibility (CSR). GVP’s the expertise to showcase their city, state
network successful economies, organisations exclusive client base is selected by or country.

Johannesburg London Santiago Singapore Sydney Washington DC


Best of Belgium Distribution Partners
Best of Belgium

Federal Government and Regional Export Organisations

Belgian Chambers of Commerce

Vlaams
netwerk van
ondernemingen

Belgian Chambers of Commerce abroad

Belgian Luxembourg
Chamber of Commerce in Ireland
www.blcc.ie

Hotels

 Best of Belgium
Brussels
You thought you knew it...
Foreword from the Brussels-Capital Region

Brussels will never cease to surprise you. the most pleasant cities to live and work in. Quarter, the Heysel Plateau and the area
A national and European capital, it is Brussels is changing to meet the challenges around Gare du Midi, the gateway to the
now giving itself the means to achieve its of a globalised city. city, will be renovated in order to make them
ambitions and entering fully into the modern Brussels has just set itself an highly attractive poles of development.
world with an ambitious International International Development Plan, which The International Development Plan
Development Plan. timetables the numerous actions to allow involves a major drive based around City
Brussels is a major city on a human Brussels to better satisfy the desires of its Marketing, in order to strengthen the
scale, officially bilingual but in reality inhabitants and visitors. promotion of Brussels abroad so that the
polyglot. The Capital of Europe is a Alongside the creation of new housing, world is aware of all the resources that
crossroads of nationalities, a model of businesses and offices, the International Brussels has to offer.
welcome and diversity, and a byword for Development Plan provides for the creation So, come and feel the pulse of tomorrow’s
dynamism and quality. of major infrastructures to help increase Europe for yourself.
Its open socio-economic environment, the appeal of Brussels still further: a huge You will discover a warm city offering open
the high skill levels of its population, the conference centre, an expansive shopping arms to the world, a city of creativity where
quality of its infrastructures, the wide range of centre, a large concert hall (15,000 seats), culture is found as much on the streets as in
properties available, its quality of life and its a multi-function stadium with 60,000 seats, prestigious museums.
cultural richness have made Brussels one of etc. Strategic locations such as the European A global city where everyone is at home.

Best of Belgium 
Foreword by Minister-President
Foreword

Kris Peeters, Flemish Government

Dear reader, our central, geographical position in Europe


and, more specifically, for our transport
Flanders is the number two region in Europe connections with the European hinterland.
for foreign direct investment. This ranking was
reported in early 2008 by the Financial Times’ Flanders Port Area - streamlining
magazine-report on foreign direct investment. our gateways
No doubt this ranking is the result of a clear Flanders is world-famous for its role as
vision on Flanders’ socio-economic future a major gateway to Europe. Our region
and its commitment to take firm action. And holds no less than four seaports: Antwerp,
Flanders continues to create an increasing Zeebrugge, Ghent and Ostend. Each
number of opportunities for foreign investors. of them plays a world-leading role in its
Flanders is a prosperous region. Compared own specialist niche, from the chemical
to other nations worldwide, our education industry to the transshipment of new cars,
system, health and welfare facilities, cultural the import of citrus fruit juices and much,
agenda and mobility and communication much more. Under the umbrella ‘Flanders
infrastructure are of the highest quality. We Port Area’, these ports have formed a
work hard to keep Flanders’ prosperity at unique strategic alliance to cooperate. By
this high level in our rapidly changing world. streamlining their operations, they increase
the efficiency of the services that are relied
Flanders in Action - safeguarding the future upon by the many multinationals based in or
To cope adequately with future challenges, we around these prime gateways to Europe.
have launched ‘Flanders in Action’, a number
of coordinated socio-economic initiatives Creating a business-friendly environment
that optimize Flanders’ key strengths. Within Flanders aspires to create a business-
this framework, we strive to maximize the friendly environment for companies from
full potential of our already highly reputed all industries and from all over the world.
workforce. Its creative, innovative and Have a look at what Flanders’ knowledge-
entrepreneurial mindset is essential to based, innovation-driven economy has to
Flanders’ future. We also look inward and offer today. I’m confident you’ll be amazed
continue to upgrade the services that our at how many different market segments
government administration has to offer. And can be found in such a small territory.
as an open-minded region, we stay on top
of new trends and new ideas from every Yours truly,
corner of our globalized world. Sustainability
is a focal point in all of our initiatives. This is Kris Peeters
especially so for the further development of Minister-president of Flanders

 Best of Belgium
Foreword by Rudy Demotte, Minister-President
of the Walloon Government
Wallonia, a region to invest in!

Did you know that the number 1 in digital


cinema equipment is a Walloon company?
That the most amazing James Bond or
Harry Potter scenes were filmed using
flying cameras made in Liège? That the
voice technology used in the BMW Series
5 or the Mercedes Class S is produced
by a company in Mons? Perhaps you’re
unaware that 90% of the world market in
radioisotopes, used in medical diagnostics,
derives from a spin-off in Louvain-la-Neuve,
or that every second 35 doses of vaccines
are produced in Genval and distributed all
over the world. But perhaps you may have
heard that 95% of the slow-motion replays
at the Beijing Olympics will be provided by
a Walloon technology. We mention all of
these examples simply to let you know that
Wallonia is a region of success stories.
Wallonia is also a region that is very
open to the rest of the world, and one
whose appeal is internationally recognised.
Thus, an analysis conducted in March
2008 by the Economist Intelligence Unit
ranked Belgium in 5th place worldwide
for flows of direct foreign investment,
and in 2nd place in Europe. It concluded
that within Belgium, it is Wallonia that
offers foreign investors “the greatest
growth potential of the three regions”.
The foreign investment statistics speak
for themselves in this regard. And behind
the numbers, recent months have been
marked by some famous names: Baxter,
Johnson & Johnson, Google and Microsoft.
This popularity has not come about by
chance. Wallonia enjoys an exceptional
location, at the very heart of Europe
and on the intersection between its
three capitals: Brussels, Strasbourg and
Luxembourg. 65% of the European market
is within immediate reach, with 400 million
consumers capable of being reached in a
day. Against this background, Wallonia has
plenty of space to offer – 13,500 hectares
of new land currently being readied for
business and research – at prices that defy
competition (between 10 and 50 €/m²).
All this territory is served by the densest
road networks in the world, along with
an expanding waterways system and
two thriving regional airports in Liège and also lies in its citizens, who are well-trained In institutional terms, Wallonia is a federated
Charleroi (500,000 tonnes of freight and and deliver productivity above the European entity with very extensive powers and
more than 2.5 million passengers) with average. There is a strong emphasis on autonomy, offering investors a remarkable
exceptionally good accessibility. innovation, with 9 universities, 300 research degree of proximity to its political
Wallonia is also a very favourable centres and some 11,000 researchers. leaders, who are very acutely aware of
environment for business. In addition to the This research activity is closely linked with the importance of creating sustainable
fiscal measures taken at Belgian level, the business, as witnessed in particular by our businesses and business partners.
Walloon government has implemented an 5 competitiveness clusters which provide On top of all this, the people of Wallonia
intelligent tax system by doing away with all active networking in the domains where are open and welcoming, living in a region
regional, provincial and local taxes hindering we can stand out as a European or even a full of history, tradition and fine cuisine
economic growth. There have also been world leader: life sciences, agro-industry, where the preserved spaces are testament
important measures to reduce inheritance mechanical engineering, transport/logistics, to a living spirit of real warmth. Come and
and gift taxes. The strength of our region and aeronautics and space technology. (re)discover it for yourself!

Best of Belgium 
Taking a closer look at the best
Best of Belgium

of Belgian achievements
Belgian achievements in 2007 and 2008 in a range of different areas —
the economy, the arts, industry, fashion, hospitality, specialty foods, science and
technology and more — provide examples of best practice from the heart of Europe.

Belgium has a vibrant, stable and the city’s landmark 1958 World Fair at the international theatre festival in
diversified economy with growth rates which launched Belgium’s capital onto Avignon, Belgian performers were the
consistently above the European the world stage as a modern, highly talk of the town.
average, strong corporate investment successful city and the capital of Europe. In Sport, Belgian tennis champion
and vigorous export performance The city celebrated in 2008 with year- Justine Henin became the first reigning
despite the recent global economic long events, exhibitions and festivities World No 1 to retire from professional
slowdown. In 2007 the country posted which recalled an era of optimism, tennis while holding the world’s top
GDP growth of 2.8% in comparison scientific progress and peace. ranking. In football, Belgium has
to the Euro zone average of 2.6%. Antwerp, Europe’s second-largest expressed interest in a joint bid to
Corporate investment increased by port and a vital cog in Belgium’s highly host the 2018 Fifa World Cup with the
5% and exports rose 3.8% annually integrated transportation infrastructure, Netherlands.
to €236 billion. The leading export grew by an impressive 10% in 2007, Welcome to Belgium!
sector was chemicals while iron and processing 182 million tonnes of freight
steel exports, machinery, automobiles, from almost 17,000 cargo ships. The
diamonds and specialty foods, notably city is also the world’s diamond capital,
chocolate and beer, performed strongly. handling more than 50% of the world’s
Unemployment dropped by 9.5% in rough and cut diamonds. The Antwerp
2007 as the economy created 74,000 diamond sector had an annual turnover
new jobs, thanks largely to the country’s of $39 billion in 2007 and diamond sales
burgeoning small and medium-sized accounted for 8% of Belgian exports.
enterprises (SMEs). In Liège, the economic and cultural
Belgium’s top companies continued centre of Wallonia, the new railway
to set the standard in 2008. Europe’s station designed by architect Santiago
premier brewer InBev announced that Calatrava, is nearing completion.
it and U.S. brewery giant Anheuser- This monumental piece of modern
Busch have agreed to merge, which architecture is made of steel, glass and
will form the world’s largest brewer white concrete and is characterised by a
by volume with the world’s leading huge flowing vault 200 meters long and
beer brands such as Budweiser, Stella 35 meters high.
Artois and Beck’s. Chemicals, plastics Politically the period 2007 to 2008 has
and pharmaceuticals leader Solvay been one of uncertainty at the federal
posted record company results for the level following the June 2007 elections
fourth year running while Bekaert, a while Belgium’s three regions — the
global leader in steel cord manufacture, Brussels Capital Region, Flanders and
expanded its steel investments in Wallonia — continue to prosper in an
China. Belgium’s top construction environment of regional stability and
company has nearly finished building autonomy. Current prime-minister Yves
the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Dubai, Leterme’s government has the difficult
while Belgian dredging companies are task of negotiating constitutional reforms
involved in building whole islands in to devolve more powers to Belgium’s
the Middle East. Belgium’s numerous regions.
niche companies are applying advanced In the Arts, acclaimed Belgian visual
technology in cooperation with local artist Jan De Cock showcased his work
universities and research institutes. at New York’s Museum of Modern Art
Companies like LMS International, (MoMA) in 2008 while Luc Tuymans
ICOS Vision Systems and EVS have continues his influence as one of the
become absolute leaders in their fields. most significant painters working today.
In biotech, the Flanders Institute of A number of Arts festivals in Flanders,
Biotechnology is powering ahead— Wallonie and Brussels showcased
especially in agro biotech, Belgian world-class performers in classical and
scientists and companies are world contemporary music, dance and theatre.
leaders. Belgium’s internationally sought-after
Brussels, Europe’s capital and dance companies such as Rosas, the
the headquarters of all the main EU Royal Ballet of Flanders and Charleroi /
institutions as well the European base Danses impressed audiences with their
of hundreds of multinational companies, quality, originality and creative genius.
was rated the most productive The International Film Festival Ghent, the
metropolitan region in Europe with the Brussels-based Kunstenfestivaldesarts
2nd highest GDP per capita (behind and off course the Queen Elizabeth
Luxembourg). This year Brussels also Competition for Music were notable
celebrated the 50th anniversary of highlights of the Arts calendar. And

10 Best of Belgium
Una mirada cercana a lo mejor
de los éxitos belgas
Los éxitos belgas durante 2007 y 2008 en distintos ámbitos – la economía, las
artes, la industria, la moda, la hospitalidad, la gastronomía, la ciencia y la tecnología
y otras – constituyen ejemplos de buenas prácticas desde el corazón de Europa.

Bélgica se caracteriza por una economía las principales instituciones de la UE exhibido artistas de nivel mundial en
vibrante, estable y diversificada con así como base europea de centenas música clásica y contemporánea,
una tasa de crecimiento por encima de de compañías multinacionales, danza y teatro. Compañías belgas
la media europea, fuertes inversiones encabeza el ranking como la región internacionalmente reconocidas
empresariales y unos magníficos metropolitana más productiva de Europa como “Rosas”, el “Koninklijk Ballet
resultados de exportación a pesar de y ocupa el segundo puesto por PIB van Vlaanderen” y “Charleroi Danses”
la reciente desaceleración económica per capita (detrás de Luxemburgo). han impresionado la audiencia por su
global. En 2007 el PIB del país En 2008, Bruselas también celebra calidad, originalidad y espíritu creativo.
experimentó un crecimiento del 2,8% en el 50 aniversario de la Exposición En el calendario de Artes, han destacado
comparación con la media de 2,6 % de la Mundial de 1958 que lanzó la capital el festival internacional “Filmfestival
zona Euro. Las inversiones empresariales de Bélgica al escenario mundial Gent”, el “Kunstenfestivaldesarts”
crecieron un 5% y las exportaciones como una ciudad moderna, exitosa y de Bruselas y naturalmente el
aumentaron un 3,8% anual para llegar capital de Europa. La ciudad celebra concurso de música “Queen
a 236 mil millones de euros. El sector esta conmemoración durante todo Elizabeth Competition”. Asimismo,
químico lideró la exportación seguido el año con eventos, exhibiciones y en el festival de teatro internacional
por los sectores del acero, maquinaria, festividades para revivir una era de “Festival d’Avignon”, artistas belgas
automóviles, diamantes, alimentación optimismo, progreso científico y paz. han sido la comidilla de la ciudad.
especializada, especialmente el Amberes, el segundo puerto europeo En Deportes, la campeona belga
chocolate y la cerveza. El desempleo y eje vital en la altamente integrada de tenis profesional Justin Henin ha
bajó en 9,5% en 2007 y la economía infraestructura de transportes belga, sido la primera tenista retirándose del
creó 74.000 nuevos empleos, en buena experimentó en 2007 un crecimiento tenis profesional mientras ostentaba el
parte gracias a las florecientes pequeñas impresionante del 10%, procesando 182 número 1 del ranking mundial. En fútbol,
y medianas empresas (“PYMES”). millones de toneladas de flete de unos Bélgica ha expresado su interés en una
Las compañías líderes belgas 17.000 buques de carga. La ciudad es oferta conjunta con los Países Bajos
continúan marcando los estándares en también la capital mundial de diamantes, para alojar la 2018 Fifa World Cup.
2008. InBev, el primer fabricante europeo donde se negocian más del 50% de
de cervezas ha anunciado su fusión con los diamantes rudos y tallados a nivel ¡Bienvenidos a Bélgica!
el gigante americano Anheuser-Busch mundial. El sector de diamantes en
para formar conjuntamente el mayor Amberes obtuvo en 2007 unos resultados
fabricante de cervezas a nivel mundial anuales de 139 mil millones de USD y
por volumen, con marcas mundialmente la venta de diamantes representaron
conocidos como Budweiser, Stella un 8% de las exportaciones belgas.
Artois y Beck’s. Solvay, la empresa En Lieja, centro económico y cultural
líder en los sectores de la química, de Valonia, se está finalizando la nueva
plásticos y farmacéutica ha conseguido estación de ferrocarriles diseñado por
unos resultados empresariales el arquitecto Santiago Calatrava. Esta
record por cuarto año consecutivo, pieza monumental de la arquitectura
mientras Bekaert, líder global en la moderna está hecha de acero, vidrio y
manufacturación de cable de acero, hormigón blanco y se caracteriza por
expandió sus inversiones en acero en una enorme bóveda flotante de 200
China. En el sector de la construcción, metros de largo y 35 metros de alto.
la empresa líder en la construcción En el terreno político, el periodo
en Bélgica está a punto de finalizar 2007-2008 ha sido de incertidumbre
la torre más alta del mundo, el Buró a nivel federal a consecuencia de las
Dubai, mientras compañías belgas de elecciones de Junio 2007 mientras
drenaje contribuyen al desarrollo de islas que las tres regiones, la región de
enteras en el Oriente Medio. Numerosas Bruselas Capital, Flandes y Valonia,
empresas belgas especializadas en continúan prosperando en un entorno de
nichos de mercado están aplicando estabilidad regional y de autonomía. El
tecnología avanzada en cooperación gobierno del primer ministro actual Yves
con universidades locales e instituciones Leterme tiene la ardua labor de negociar
de investigación. Empresas como LMS la reforma constitucional para dotar de
Internacional, ICOS Vision Systems más poderes a las regiones belgas.
y EVS se han convertido en líderes En las Artes, el aclamado artista visual
absolutos en sus campos. En el sector belga Jan De Cock ha expuesto en
de la biotecnología, el “Flanders Institute 2008 su obra en el “Museum of Modern
of Biotechnology (VIB)” está liderando, Art (MoMA)” en Nueva York, mientras
especialmente en agro-biotecnología, Luc Tuymans continúa su influencia
y científicos y compañías belgas están como uno de los más significativos
considerados líderes mundiales. pintores actuales. Festivales de Arte
Bruselas, capital de Europa y sede de en Flandes, Valonia y Bruselas han

Best of Belgium 11
‫‪Best of Belgium‬‬ ‫ةيكيجلبلا تازجنملا لضفأ ىلإ برق نع ةرظن‬

‫‪:‬تالاجملا فلتخم يفو ‪ 2008‬و ‪ 2007‬يماع لالخ ةيكيجلبلا تازجنملا تلكش‬


‫ةيقدنفلا تامدخلاو ‪،‬ةضوملاو ‪،‬ةعانصلاو ‪،‬ةليمجلا نونفلاو ‪،‬داصتقالا‬
‫تالاجملاو ايجولونكتلاو مولعلاو ‪،‬ةصصختملا تالوكأملا فانصأو ‪،‬ةفايضلاو‬
‫‪.‬ابوروأ بلق يف ةغبانلا ةعدبملا ةسرامملا ىلع ةديدع ةلثمأ ‪،‬ىرخألا‬

‫ضبان داصتقاب اكيجلب عتمتتو‬ ‫نيجف سوكيإو ‪،‬لانويشانرتنا سأ مأ لأ‬ ‫يذلا تقولا يف ‪ 2007،‬هينوي ‪ /‬ناريزح‬
‫ومن تالدعمب زيمتي عونتمو رقتسم‬ ‫تحبصأ يتلا ‪،‬سا يف ياو ‪،‬متسيس‬ ‫‪:‬ثالثلا ةيكيجلبلا قطانملا هيف تناك‬
‫ةئيببو ‪،‬ةيبوروألا تالدعملا امئاد قوفت‬ ‫دهعملا لمعي امك ‪.‬لاجملا اذه يف ةدئار تاكرش‬ ‫نيتقطنملاو ‪،‬ةمصاعلا لسكورب ةقطنم‬
‫طشن يريدصت ءادأو ةبلص ةيرامثتسا‬ ‫رارمتساب ةيويحلا تاينقتلل يكنملفلا‬ ‫اهراهدزا لصاوت ةينولاولاو ةيكنملفلا‬
‫يملاعلا داصتقالا عجارت نم مغرلاب‬ ‫تالامعتسالل ةيويح تاينقت ريوطت ىلع‬ ‫يتاذلا مكحلاو رارقتسالا نم ةئيب يف‬
‫غلب ‪ 2007‬ماع يفف ‪.‬ةريخألا ةنوآلا يف‬ ‫ءاملعلا حبصأ ثيح صاخ لكشب ةيعارزلا‬ ‫ةسائرب ةيلاحلا ةموكحلا ىدلو ‪.‬يميلقإلا‬
‫‪ 2.8%‬يلامجإلا يلحملا جتانلا ومن لدعم‬ ‫اذه يف ةلماعلا تاكرشلاو نويكيجلبلا‬ ‫يف نمكت ةبعص ةمهم مريتول فيإ ديسلا‬
‫”ورويلا“ ةقطنمل ماعلا لدعملا عم ةنراقملاب‬ ‫‪.‬ملاعلا يف ةدئار ةناكمب نوعتمتي لاجملا‬ ‫ةيروتسدلا تاحالصإلا ىلع ضوافتلا‬
‫ةبسن تدازو ‪ 2.6%.‬ىلإ طقف لصي يذلا‬ ‫نم اديزم ةيكيجلبلا قطانملا حنمتس يتلا‬
‫يف ‪ 5%‬لدعمب ةكرتشملا تارامثتسالا‬ ‫ةيبوروألا ةمصاعلا ‪،‬لسكورب ربتعتو‬ ‫‪.‬تايحالصلا‬
‫‪ 3.8%‬ةبسنب تارداصلا تعفترا نيح‬ ‫ةيسيئرلا ةيبوروألا تاسسؤملا رقمو‬
‫‪.‬وروي رايلم ‪ 236‬ىلإ اهتميق لصتل‬ ‫‪،‬تايسنجلا ةددعتملا تاكرشلا نم تائمو‬ ‫ضرع مت دقف ‪،‬نونفلاب قلعتي اميف امأ‬
‫ةمصاعلاو ةيجاتنإ ةيبوروألا مصاوعلا رثكأ‬ ‫ةيويحلاب معفملا يكيجلبلا نانفلا لامعأ‬
‫ةمدقم يف ةيئايميكلا داوملا يتأتو‬ ‫جتانلا نم درفلا بيصن ثيح نم ةيناثلا‬ ‫نونفلل كرويوين ضرعم يف كوك يد ناي‬
‫تاجتنم اهيلت ةيكيجلبلا تارداصلا‬ ‫‪).‬جروبمسكوللا دعب( يلامجإلا يلحملا‬ ‫لصاوي نيح يف ‪ 2008،‬ماع )اموم( ةثيدحلا‬
‫لقنلا لئاسوو تانكاملاو بلصلاو ديدحلا‬ ‫ىركذب ماعلا اذه لسكورب ةنيدم تلفتحاو‬ ‫هرابتعاب ةينفلا هلامعأ سناميوت كول‬
‫يفو ةصصختملا ةيئاذغلا داوملاو ساملاو‬ ‫ملاعم رهشأ دحأ ءاشنإ ىلع اماع ‪ 50‬رورم‬ ‫ةيحان نمو ‪.‬نيرصاعملا نيماسرلا رهشأ دحأ‬
‫تداز يتلاو ةريبلاو هتالوكوشلا اهتمدقم‬ ‫ميقأ يذلا يلودلا ضرعملا رقم وهو ةنيدملا‬ ‫ةديدعلا ةينفلا تاناجرهملا تزربأ ‪،‬ىرخأ‬
‫‪.‬ةظوحلم بسنب اهتارداص‬ ‫ةيكيجلبلا ةمصاعلل حاتأو ‪ 1958،‬ةنس‬ ‫ةيكنملفلا نيتقطنملا يف تميقأ يتلا‬
‫ةرهدزم ةثيدح ةنيدمك ةيلود ةناكم باستكا‬ ‫ةمصاعلا لسكورب ةقطنمو ةينولاولاو‬
‫‪ 9.5%‬ىلإ اهتبسن تطبه دقف ‪،‬ةلاطبلا امأ‬ ‫لاوط ةنيدملا تلفتحا امك ‪.‬ابوروأل ةمصاعو‬ ‫ىوتسملا عيفرلا يكيجلبلا ءادألا‬
‫يكيجلبلا داصتقالا حاتأ نأ دعب ‪ 2007‬ماع‬ ‫ةديدع ضراعمو تالافتحاو ثادحأب ‪ 2008‬ماع‬ ‫ةيكيسالكلا ىقيسوملا تالاجم يف‬
‫لضفب كلذو ةديدج ةفيظو فلأ ‪ 74‬داجيإ‬ ‫نم اديدج ارصع شيعت ةنيدم اهنم تلعج‬ ‫‪.‬ةيحرسملا لامعألاو صقرلاو ةرصاعملاو‬
‫ةطسوتملاو ةريغصلا دلبلا تاسسؤم راهدزا‬ ‫‪.‬مالسلاو يملعلا مدقتلاو لؤافتلا‬ ‫ةيكيجلبلا صقرلا تاعومجم تزاح دقو‬
‫‪.‬مجحلا‬ ‫هيلابلا قرفو سازور لثم ايملاع ةروهشملا‬
‫ربتعي يذلا بريوتنأ ءانيم لجسو‬ ‫ةنيدمو ةيكنملفلا ةقطنملا يف ةيكلملا‬
‫ةيكيجلبلا تاكرشلا ىربك تلصاوو‬ ‫ثدحأب دوزمو ابوروأ يف ءانيم ربكأ يناث‬ ‫ةيعونل روهمجلا باجعإ ىلع اورلراش‬
‫ثيح ةيسايق اماقرأ قيقحت ‪ 2008‬ماع‬ ‫غيرفتو ليمحتل ةيساسألا تاينبلا‬ ‫ةقالخلا ةيرقبعلاو هتلاصأو صقرلا‬
‫ربتعت يتلا فيبنأ ةكرش تنلعأ‬ ‫ثيح ‪ 2007‬ماع ةظوحلم ومن ةبسن عئاضبلا‬ ‫كلذ ىلإ فاضيو ‪.‬اهب نوعتمتي يتلا‬
‫اهنأ ابوروأ يف ةريبلل لوألا عناصلا‬ ‫عئاضبلا نم نط نويلم ‪ 182‬هردق ام جلاع‬ ‫‪،‬ةيئامنيسلا مالفألل يلودلا تنج ناجرهم‬
‫ةيكيرمألا ةكرشلاب جامدنالا ىلع تقفاو‬ ‫ةنيفس فلأ ‪ 17‬نمو ىلإ ةغرفملاو ةنوحشملا‬ ‫ماقت يتلا ىرخألا ةينفلا تاناجرهملاو‬
‫‪-‬رسواهنأ ةريبلا ةعانص يف ةقالمعلا‬ ‫ايملاع بريوتنأ ةنيدم فرعتو ‪.‬نحش‬ ‫ةقباسم كلذكو ‪،‬لسكورب ةنيدم يف‬
‫ةكرش ربكأ اعم نالكشتس ثيحب شوب‬ ‫هتبسن ام جلاعت يتلا ساملألا ةمصاعب‬ ‫اهلمش يتلا ةيقيسوملا تيبازيلإ ةكلملا‬
‫لثم ملاعلا يف ةيراجتلا تامالعلل ةلماح‬ ‫ثيح ‪،‬لوقصملاو ماخلا ملاعلا سام نم ‪50%‬‬ ‫يفو ‪.‬نونفلل يكيجلبلا جمانربلا‬
‫تققحو ‪.‬سكبو ‪،‬اوترأ اليتسو ‪،‬رزيودوب‬ ‫ماع عاطقلا اذهل يونسلا لامعألا مقر غلب‬ ‫نوينيفأ ةنيدم يف يلودلا حرسملا ناجرهم‬
‫داوملا عاطق يف ةلماعلا يافلوس ةكرش‬ ‫تلكشو ‪.‬رالود رايلم ‪ 39‬هردق ام ‪2007‬‬ ‫نينانفلا نع ثيدحلا ناك )اسنرف(‬
‫ةينالديصلاو ةيكيتسالبلاو ةيئايميكلا‬ ‫هتبسن ام ساملألا نم ةيكيجلبلا تارداصلا‬ ‫‪.‬اعيمج سانلا ةنسلأ ىلع نييكيجلبلا‬
‫ةنسلل ةيلاملا اهجئاتن يف ايسايق امقر‬ ‫‪.‬ةيلامجإلا تارداصلا نم ‪8%‬‬
‫تررق نيح يف ‪،‬يلاوتلا ىلع ةعبارلا‬ ‫سنتلا ةبعال تحبصأ ‪،‬ةضايرلا لاجم يفو‬
‫يف ملاعلا يف ةدئارلا تراكيب ةكرش‬ ‫يداصتقالا زكرملا جييل ةنيدم ربتعتو‬ ‫ىلوألا ةبعاللا نانيه نيتسوج ةيكيجلبلا‬
‫اهتارامثتسا ةدايز ةيندعملا كالسألا ةعانص‬ ‫دقف ‪.‬ةينولاولا ةقطنملل يفاقثلاو‬ ‫بعللا ةريخألا هذه تلزتعا دقو ‪،‬ملاعلا يف‬
‫ىربك تكشوأ امك ‪.‬نيصلا يف ةيندعملا‬ ‫ةنيدملا هذهل ةديدجلا راطقلا ةطحم تحبصأ‬ ‫‪.‬نييملاعلا نيبعاللا ةمئاق ردصتت يهو‬
‫عاطق يف ةلماعلا ةيكيجلبلا تاكرشلا‬ ‫وغايتناس يرامعملا سدنهملا اهممص يتلاو‬ ‫تربع دقف ‪،‬مدقلا ةركب قلعتي اميف امأ‬
‫جرب لوطأ "يبد جرب" زاجنإ ىلع ءانبلا‬ ‫‪.‬اهئانب نم ءاهتنالا كشو ىلع افارتالاك‬ ‫ادنلوه عم كارتشالاب اهتبغر نع اكيجلب‬
‫مهاست يذلا تقولا يف كلذو ‪،‬ملاعلا يف‬ ‫يرامعملا هنف ةثادحب زيمتملا بصنلا اذهف‬ ‫‪ 2018‬ماعل ملاعلا سأك ةلوطب ةفاضتساب‬
‫ةصصختملا ةيكيجلبلا تاكرشلا هيف‬ ‫ضيبألا تنمسالاو جاجزلاو نداعملا نم نوكم‬ ‫مدقلا ةركل يملاعلا داحتالا اهمظني يتلا‬
‫ةلماك رزج ءانبب ةيرحبلا لامعألا يف‬ ‫م ‪ 200‬اهلوط ادج ةريبك ةرطنقم ةبقب دوزمو‬ ‫‪".‬افيف"‬
‫ةراشإلا ردجتو ‪.‬طسوألا قرشلا ةقطنم يف‬ ‫‪.‬م ‪ 35‬اهعافتراو‬
‫ةيكيجلبلا تاكرشلا نم ةعومجم ىلإ اضيأ‬ ‫‪...‬اكيجلب يف مكب الهسو الهأو‬
‫قيبطتو ريوطت ىلع لمعت يتلا‬ ‫و ‪ 2007‬يماع دهش ‪،‬ةيسايسلا ةيحانلا نمو‬
‫تاعماجلا عم نواعتلاب ةمدقتم تاينقت‬ ‫ىلع نيقيلا مدعو ةريحلا نم ةرتف ‪2008‬‬
‫تاكرش اهنم ركذنو ‪،‬ةيلحملا ثوحبلا دهاعمو‬ ‫تاباختنا دعب ةصاخو يلارديفلا ديعصلا‬

‫‪12‬‬ ‫‪Best of Belgium‬‬


近观硕果累累的比利时
有着"欧洲心脏"之称的比利时在2007和2008两年间,在经济,
艺术,工业,服饰,医疗,特色美食,科技等不同领域中都取
得了卓越的成就,起到了名副其实的榜样作用。

稳定,多样及充满活力的比利时经济 Institute of Biotechnology) 独树一帜, 月联邦选举以来,比利时三大区,即


虽然也同样面临着近期全球经济放缓 特别是农业生物科技,比利时的科学 布鲁塞尔首都地区,法兰德斯地区
的困扰,但强劲的企业投资和良好的 家和相关公司都处于世界领先行列。 与瓦隆地区均要求更宽松的地区性
出口额使其经济增长率仍始终处在欧 自治与稳定的环境。现任首相Yves
洲平均水平之上。2007年比利时国 作为欧洲之都的布鲁塞尔,所有欧盟主 LETERME当前面临的首要而艰巨
内生产总值增长2.8%, 超越了整个欧 要机构的总部及众多跨国企业都扎根于 的任务则是通过商议来寻求国家改
元区2.6%的平均值。企业投资增长 此。因此,这座城市也可谓是欧洲最富 革,以便提升比利时各地区力量。
5%,出口额年增长3.8%,达到了两 饶的国际大都市之一,人均国内生产 艺术方面,2008年,深受欢迎的比利
千三百六十亿欧元。其中化工业是所 总值在整个欧洲地区排名第二位,仅 时视觉艺术大师Jan DE COCK在纽约现
有出口行业部门中的佼佼者,除此之 次于卢森堡。今年,布鲁塞尔庆祝了 代艺术博物馆 (New York's Museum of
外,钢铁,机械,汽车,钻石以及比 有着城市地标象征的1958年世界博览 Modern Art) 展示了他的作品。杰出画
利时特色食品,尤其是巧克力和啤酒 会,这一历史事件,将一个现代,高 家Luc TUYMANS也继续着他对当今画
在整个出口业中也发挥了举足轻重的 度成功且拥有欧洲首都的比利时推向 坛的影响力。无数场艺术盛会在法兰
作用。不仅如此,大量新兴中小型企 了世界的舞台。与此同时,这座富有 德斯区,瓦隆区和布鲁塞尔举行,世
业的纷纷涌现,也为社会创造出了七 生机的城市在2008年里也将用一系列 界顶尖艺术家们齐聚比利时,为当地
万四千个工作岗位,从而使2007年 的庆典及展会活动来回顾一个乐观向 民众献上了古典及当代歌舞与戏剧。
的失业率下降了9.5个百分点。  上,科技迅猛发展与和平的时代。  具有国际影响力的比利时舞蹈团,如
安特卫普,欧洲第二大港口,在比 Rosas,the Royal Ballet of Flanders and
比利时那些享有声望的公司在2008年 利时高度密集的基础交通设施中扮 Charleroi,用他们那高超精湛且极富创
中也都争相为各自制定着新的标准。 演着不可或缺的重要角色,2007年 造力的演出征服着无数观众。除此以
欧洲首屈一指的啤酒公司InBev宣布 年吞吐量惊人地增长10%,从至少 外,The International Film Festival, the
与美国制酒大亨Anheuser-Busch已达 一万七千艘货轮上共卸下约一亿八 Brussels-based Kunstenfestivaldesarts以
成合并的共识,这将形成世界上最大 千二百万屯货物。不仅如此,这座 及the Queen Elizabeth Competition
的啤酒量与世界领先的啤酒品牌,如 城市还被誉为世界钻石之都,全球 for Music也都为比利时文化艺术
Budweiser, Stella Artois以及Beck's。又 50%的钻石都在这里被打磨切割。 在添墨增彩。而在Avignon举办的
如在化学,塑料,制药领域中的领头 安特卫普的钻石业在2007年中, 国际戏剧节中,比利时演员们则
羊Solvay公司,在第四年的运作中便创 年营业额达三百九十亿美元,钻石 成了该镇居民谈论的焦点。 
下了该领域的纪录。与此同时,全球 销售额占比利时出口额的8%。
知名的钢丝制造公司Bekaert将自己的 体育方面,具有世界最高排名的比
业务拓展到了中国。比利时顶尖的建 烈日,瓦隆区经济及文化的中心。 利时网坛名将Justine HENIN成为了
造公司也即将完成目前世界最高摩天 由建筑师Santiago CALATRAVA设 首个以世界第一身份而宣布退役的
大楼Burj Dubai的建造工作。比利时疏 计的新火车站即将竣工验收。这座 职业运动员。在足球运动方面,比
浚公司参与了中东群岛建设任务。比 雄伟的现代建筑主要由钢材,玻 利时和荷兰则有意共同举办2018年
利时的许多利基公司运用先进的科技 璃以及白色混凝土组成,其吸引 世界杯足球赛 (FIFA World Cup)。
与当地的大学和研究机构合作研发。 眼球之处则在于那座长200米,高
此外,LMS International, ICOS Vision 35米的巨大可移动式拱顶。   比利时欢迎您 !
Systems 和EVS公司也都在其各自领域
成为了绝对的领先者。在生物科技界, 政治方面,2007至2008是比利时政
佛兰德斯生物科技研究院 (Flanders 治局势不稳定的两年。自2007年七

Best of Belgium 13
Best of Belgium
Лучшие достижения Бельгии – знакомьтесь!
Расположенная в сердце Европы Бельгия подает прекрасный пример
успехов, достигнутых в 2007-2008 годах в таких областях, как
экономика, искусство, промышленность, мода, туризм, особая пищевая
продукция, наука и технология и в других.

Несмотря на недавнее глобальное компании, как LMS International, В плане политики на федеральном
экономическое замедление, экономика ICOS Vision Systems и EVS являются уровне период 2007-2008 годов
в Бельгии оставалась оживленной, абсолютными лидерами в своих был неопределенным, вследствие
устойчивой и разнообразной областях. В биотехнологии Flanders июньских выборов 2007 года, в то
c показателем роста выше Institut of Biotechnology является время как три бельгийских региона
среднеевропейского. Осуществлялись двигателем в своей области, особенно, – Брюссельский столичный регион,
солидные корпоративные инвестиции, в агробиотехнологии. Бельгийские Фландрия и Валония, имея каждый
были достигнуты высокие показатели ученые и научные институты свой автономный статус, продолжали
в экспорте. В 2007 году в стране вписываются в ранг мировых лидеров. стабильно развиваться. Перед
зарегистрирован показатель роста действующим правительством во
национального валового продукта Брюссель, европейская столица и главе с премьер-министром Ивом
в 2,8%, в то время, как средний центр всех главных учреждений ЕС, Летермом стоит трудная задача
показатель в зоне Евро достиг 2,6%. а также европейская база для сотен по проведению переговоров по
Корпоративные инвестиции выросли мультинациональных компаний, конституционной реформе, в целях
на 5% и ежегодный показатель роста вошёл в категорию наиболее передачи более расширенных
экспорта – 3,8%, что достигло 236 продуктивных столичных регионов полномочий бельгийским регионам.
миллиардов Евро. Лидирующим в Европе. Он занимает второе место
сектором в экспорте была химическая по производству НВП на душу В области искусства известный
промышленность, в то время как населения (после Люксембурга). В бельгийский визуальный артист Жан
экспорт в области черной металлургии этом году Брюссель отмечает 50- Де Кок в 2008 году представил свое
и стали, механического оборудования, летие Всемирной выставки 1958 произведение в ньюйоркском Музее
автомобилестроения, алмазов и года, которая выдвинула бельгийскую современного искусства (МоМА).
особой пищевой продукции, а столицу на мировую арену, как Имя Люка Тюиманса продолжает
именно, шоколада и пива, оставался современный, преуспевающий оставаться в ряду самых значительных
на высоком уровне. В стране в 2007 город и как столицу Европы. В художников сегодняшнего дня.
году снизился уровень безработицы течение всего 2008-го года это Многочисленные фестивали искусств,
на 9,5%, благодаря созданию 74000 событие отмечается мероприятиями, проходящие во Фландрии, Валонии
новых рабочих мест в набирающих выставками, фестивалями, которые и Брюсселе, представляют мирового
силу малых и средних предприятиях проходят под лозунгом оптимизма, класса исполнителей классической и
(МСП), расположенных по всей стране. научного прогресса и мира. современной музыки, балета и театра.
Всемирно известные бельгийские
Бельгийские ведущие компании Антверпен - второй по величине балетные труппы, как Rosas, Royal
продолжали нести передовое знамя порт Европы, и жизненноважный Ballet of Flanders и Charleroi/Danses
в 2008 году. Первый в Европе стержень в высокоинтегрированной покаряют зрителей своим высоким
пивоваренный завод InBev объявил бельгийской транспортной мастерством, оригинальностью и
о слиянии с американским гигантом инфраструктуре - продемонстрировал гениальной творческой композицией.
пововарения Anheuser-Busch, что впечатляющий рост в 10% в 2007 На первых страницах артистических
приведет к созданию крупейшего в году. Через порт было отгружено календарей стоят Международный
мире пивоваренного завода по объему 182 миллиона тонн груза c 17000 кинофестиваль в Генте, Фестиваль
производства всемирно лидирующих грузовых суден. Этот город является искусств в Брюсселе и, конечно,
сортов пива, как Budweiser, Stella Artois также мировой столицей алмазов, Международный музыкальный
и Beck’s. Solvay, передовая компания через который проходит более 50% конкурс королевы Елизаветы.
в области химических, пластических мирового оборота необработанных и Бельгийские актеры заставили
материалов и фармакологии, в отшлифованных алмазов. Алмазная говорить о себе на международном
течение последних четырех лет промышленность в Антверпене театральном фестивале в Авиньоне.
достигала наилучших результатов. достигла в 2007 году товарооборота
Bekaert, лидер в производстве в 39 миллиардов долларов и В спорте бельгийская чемпионка
металлокордов, расширил свои торговля алмазами составляет по теннису Жюстин Энен, которая
металлоинвестиции в Китае. 8% от бельгийского экспорта. покинула профессиональный
Крупнейшая бельгийская строительная теннис, царила в мире под № 1. В
компания заканчивает строительство В Льеже – экономическом и футболе Бельгия проявила интерес
самой высокой в мире башни Burj культурном центре Валонии – присоединиться к предложению
Dubai. Бельгийские компании по практически закончено строительство принять вместе с Нидерландами
драгированию сотрудничали в нового железнодорожного в 2018 году Всемирный
строительстве целых островов на вокзала, созданного по проекту чемпионат на кубок Фифа.
Ближнем Востоке. Многочисленные архитектора Сантьяго Калатрава.
бельгийские специализированные Это монументальное сооружение Добро пожаловать в Бельгию!
предприятия применяют новейшую современной архитектуры, созданное
технологию, работая совместно из металла, стекла и белого бетона,
с местными университетами и имеет округленный свод длиной в
исследовательскими центрами. Такие 200 метров и восотой в 35 метров.

14 Best of Belgium
ベルギーの代表的な功績についての詳細
ベルギーの2007年と2008年の各方面における成果 — 経済、芸術、
産業、ファッション、ホスピタリティ、高級食品、科学とテクノロジーなど
— ヨーロッパの中心から成功事例をご紹介いたします。

ベルギーは、近年の世界的な景気後 る絶対的なリーダーとなりました。 た。ベルギーの3つの地域―ブリュ


退にもかかわらず、経済成長率は常 バイオテクノロジーでは、フランダ ッセル首都圏地域、フランダース、
にヨーロッパの平均以上、強力な企 ースバイオテクノロジー機関が特に ワロン―は、それぞれが地域的安定
業投資と輸出実績による活気ある、 農業生物学で一歩先を進んでいます と自治的環境のもと繁栄していま
安定した経済を誇ります。 し、ベルギーの科学者および企業は す。現首相イヴ・ルテルム政権はベ
世界の先端をいっています。 ルギーの各地域へより強力な権限を
2007年度のGDP成長率はユー 与える制度の改革という難題に直面
ロ圏の平均が2.6%であったのに 主なEU機関や多国籍企業がヨーロ しています。
対して2.8%でした。企業投資は ッパ拠点を置くブリュッセルは、ヨ
5%の成長で輸出金額も年3.8% ーロッパの首都であり、ルクセンブ 芸術では、高く評価されているベル
成長し、2360億ユーロに達して ルグに次ぐ欧州第2位の一人当たり ギーの視覚芸術家、ヤン・デ・コッ
います。主な輸出産業は化学薬品で GDPを誇る生産性の高い都市で クが2008年ニューヨーク近代美
すが、鉄鋼、機械、自動車、ダイヤ す。今年は、ブリュッセルがモダン 術館(MoMA)で作品を披露しま
モンド、食品、特にチョコレートや で成功しているヨーロッパの首都で した。リュック・タイマンスは現代
ビールが際立っています。国内の中 あることを世界に知らしめた195 絵画の最も優れた画家の1人として
小企業の急成長のおかげで、新規雇 8年ブリュッセル万博の50周年を 影響を与え続けています。フラン
用が7万4千件あり、2007年度 祝いました。2008年は、楽観主 ダース、ワロン、ブリュッセルの芸
の失業率は9.5%に減少しまし 義、科学の成長、平和を回想する展 術祭では、クラシックと現代音楽、
た。 示会や祭りが年間を通して開催され ダンスや演劇で世界的なパフォーマ
ました。 ーが活躍しました。ローザス、フラ
ベルギーのトップ企業は2008年 ンダース王立バレエ団等、ベルギー
も高水準を記録しています。ヨーロ アントワープはヨーロッパ第2位の の世界的に人気のあるダンス・カン
ッパの大手ビール会社インベブは、 港とベルギーの高度に統合されたイ パニー、シャルルロワ・ダンスなど
同社がアメリカの大手アンハイザー ンフラの重要な歯車の歯で、200 は、ダンスの質と独自性、創造的な
・ブッシュ買収に合意したと発表 7年には10%の目覚しい成長を達 才能で観客を魅了しました。ゲント
し、バドワイザー、ステラ・アルト 成し、1万7千隻の貨物船から18 国際映画祭、ブリュッセルのクンス
ワ、ベックスなど世界的なブランド 2百万トンの貨物を取り扱っていま テン・フェスティバル・デサール、
を有する世界最大手のビール会社に す。また、同市は世界におけるダイ エリザベート王妃国際音楽祭は、芸
なります。 ヤモンド産業都市でもあり、世界の 術祭のハイライトです。アヴィニヨ
ラフおよびカットダイヤの50%以 ンの国際芸術映画祭ではベルギーの
化学薬品、プラスティック、製薬の 上を扱っています。アントワープの 役者が注目を集めました。
大手ソルベイは4年連続で黒字を記 ダイヤモンド産業は2007年39
録し、世界最大のスチールワイヤー 0億ドルの年間取引高があり、ダイ スポーツでは、ベルギーのテニスチ
メーカーであるベカルトは、中国で ヤモンドの売上高はベルギーの輸出 ャンピオン、世界ランク第1位のジ
鋼鉄の投資事業を拡大しました。 総額の8%にもなります。 ャスティン・エナンがプロ引退を表
明しました。また、サッカーにおい
ベルギーの大手建設会社は、世界一 リエージュはワロンの経済と文化の て、ベルギーは2018年FIFAワー
の超高層ブルジュ・ドバイの建設を 中心で、建築家サンチャゴ・カラト ルドカップのオランダとの共催に立
ほぼ完了し、ベルギーの浚渫企業は ラバがデザインした新しい鉄道の駅 候補しました。
中東の島々の建設に関わっていま が間もなく完成します。この鉄とガ
す。 ラスと白いコンクリートでできたモ ようこそベルギーへ!
ダンな大建築は、長さ200メート
数多くあるニッチ企業は、地元の大 ル、高さ35メートルの巨大な浮か
学や研究所と協力して先端技術を応 ぶアーチ型天井が特徴です。
用しています。LMSインターナシ 政治では2007年6月の選挙後、
ョナル、ICOSビジョンシステム 2007年から2008年は政治的
ズ、EVSはそれぞれの分野におけ に連邦レベルで不安定な時期でし

Best of Belgium 15
Fast Facts Belgium
Best of Belgium
© Kies van de brussel fotos

Capital city
Brussels

Area
30,528 sq km

Government
Federal constitutional monarchy and
bicameral parliamentary democracy

Population
10,5 million
© Kies van de brussel fotos

Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)

Current GDP growth


1,9% (est. 01/2008)

16 Best of Belgium
© Kies van de brussel fotos

Exchange Rate Diners Club enjoying less universal


One US$ = € 1.58 (July 17th 2008) acceptance than MasterCard and
Visa. Smaller retailers, restaurants and
Country Dialing Code bars typically accept cash only.
+32
Internet domain Telecommunications
.be Belgium has a highly developed,
technologically advanced communications
Geography infrastructure. The main fixed-line operators
Belgium has three main geographical regions: have made rapid progress building their ‘Next
Inflation the coastal plain in the north-west (polders at Generation’ networks (i.e. high-bandwidth
3,64% (est. 02/2008) or below sea level), the central plateau (fertile IP network for voice, data, video, TV). There
smooth valleys), and the Ardennes uplands are three mobile phone service providers
Official languages (forested plateau) in the south-east. Belgium with national coverage. Broadband internet
Dutch (approx. 60% of the population) shares borders with France, Germany, penetration is close to 20% of households.
French (approx. 40% of the population) Luxembourg, and Netherlands.
German (<1% of the population) International Institutions and Embassies
Climate Brussels is home to the European
Religion The climate is maritime temperate, with Commission, NATO and a range of other
Traditionally the vast majority of the Belgian significant precipitation in all seasons international organizations. As such, Brussels
population is Roman Catholic but less than Banks and foreign exchange is a major diplomatic center, with most major
8% practice. Close to 30% of the population Belgium’s financial institutions are world- countries not only being represented by
consider themselves agnostic. Islam is an class, with no shortage of banks, bureaux de embassies but also by diplomatic missions to
important religion (approx. 4%). Also there change and automatic tellers. the EU.
are small minorities of Protestants and Jews.
Credit cards and cash Medical facilities
Currency All major credit cards can be used in Belgium is recognized for its world-class
EURO € Belgium, with American Express and medical expertise and facilities.

Best of Belgium 17
ChapterS
Best of Belgium

B E S T O F

BELGIUM
Arts
20-35
Chapter 1

Diamonds
36-57
Chapter 2

Speciality Foods
58-79
Chapter 3

Dining and Hospitality


80-109
Chapter 4

18 Best of Belgium
Chapter 9 Chapter 8 Chapter 7 Chapter 6 Chapter 5
146-213 138-145 132-137 120-131 110-119
Sport

Fashion

Education

Healthcare

Economy and Industry

Best of Belgium
19
A painting in a museum hears more
ridiculous opinions than anything else in
the world.
Edmond de Goncourt (1822 - 1896)
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine
Chapter 1
Arts
Art News
Arts

Denkmal 11, Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53 Street, New York, 2008. Module CDLV

In his first solo exhibition in the United States, contemporary


Belgian visual artist Jan De Cock (b. 1976) showcased his
work at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) from
January to April 2008. The exhibition, Denkmal 11, Museum
of Modern Art, 11 West 53 Street, New York, 2008, consisted
of a floor-to-ceiling photographic and plywood sculptural
installation in response to the MoMA’s collection itself as well
as images taken from the history of art, architecture and film.
Denkmal translates as both “monument” in German and
as a “mold of thinking” in Flemish. Through the mediums of
photography and sculptural installation and in his signature
encyclopaedic style, De Cock provides provocative ideas
about the history and nature of modern art, architecture and
what constitutes landmark monuments. This exhibition echoed
De Cock’s work at London’s Tate Modern, where he created
a series of installations and sculptures out of plywood which
mimicked functional gallery furniture and prompted viewers
to look at the building and its history in a new way. De Cock’s
myriad photographs in this exhibition of famous modern
images by artists such as Brancusi, Newman, Hopper and
Judd are juxtaposed with film and architecture shots as well
as his plywood installations. The use of repetitive framing
devices, extreme close-ups and miniatures all work to stretch
the viewer’s imagination and perspective on how they view art.
Denkmal 11, Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53 Street, New York, 2008.
Photos © Atelier Jan De Cock Courtesy Galerie Fons Welters and Galerie Luis Campaña Module CCCXX, Module CCCXXI [Diptych 23]

22 Best of Belgium
l'envol, 2005 © Thierry Renauld

A large retrospective exhibition of the


work of world-renowned Belgian artist,
sculptor and illustrator Jean-Michel Folon
takes place from April to September 2008
in a variety of locations across Belgium.
Organised by the Folon Foundation in
conjunction with the Office de promotion
du Tourisme Wallonie-Bruxelles, the
exhibition invites Belgian and foreign
tourists to (re)discover the extraordinary
work of Folon in different locations
from Knokke to Marche-en-Famenne.
je me souviens (vue loin) © Thierry Renauld

Exhibition highlights include the collection


of more than 500 artworks over 40 years
at the farm of the Castle of La Hulpe,
the home of the Folon Foundation
situated in scenic Solvay Park. Some of
Folon’s best known works include his
forlorn but endearing urban Everymen
Artist: Tuymans Luc. “Der Diagnostische Blick IV”, 1992 photographer: © Felix Tirry

figures as well as his soaring birdmen.

Belgian conceptual artist Luc Tuymans phenomenon of Disney. Subjects of previous


(b.1958) is one of the most significant and exhibitions have ranged from major historical
influential painters working today. At a events such as the Holocaust or the politics
time when many artists believe painting of the Belgian Congo to the inconsequential
has lost its relevance in the context and the banal, such as wallpaper patterns,
of the information age, Tuymans has Christmas decorations and everyday objects.
brought new life to the medium. He also In “Forever”, Tuymans suggests, by means
makes extensive use of techniques from of eight new paintings and eight drawings,
photography and film such as cropping, a grim reality behind the Disney fantasies
close-ups, framing and sequencing. of “social utopia”. With characteristic
In his latest exhibition, “Forever, The intensity, he explores the transformation of
Management of Magic” (2008) at the David entertainment into ideology, and hints at the
Swirner gallery in New York, Tuymans turns implicit dangers in a reality based on the
his gaze on the global but distinctly American production of magic.

Best of Belgium 23
Economy and Industry

The 2008 Festival de Wallonie


focuses on nature through the
theme “Songs of the Earth”.
Drawing on the inspiration of the
seasons, water and fauna and
flora, this theme explore the music
of nature in its many forms: a
waterfall, a thunderstorm, a river or
a whistling bird. Composer Benoît
Mernier and world-traveller Alain
Hubert are guests of honour at this

VOX LUMINIS
year’s festival. In a programme of
stories and music, they show the
harmony between nature and music.

One of Europe’s major classical music


festivals, the Flanders Festival brings 350
concerts to the area over the course of
several months. Key towns participating
in the Festival include Brussels, Bruges,
Antwerp, Ghent and Flemish Louvain, each
with their separate line-ups. Antwerp’s
festival focuses on Historically Informed
Performance, recreating medieval or
renaissance music as it might have sounded
hundreds of years ago. Each year Laus
Polyphoniae, an early music event that takes
place annually during the last weeks of
August, focuses on a certain repertoire or a
certain composer. In 2008 Laus Polyphoniae

‘Le Parlement de Musique’; photographer Alexander Ponet


will focus on the musical repertoire of the
Hanseatic League.
The Basilica Festival guarantees its
audience concerts and music theatre of
high quality. Highlights in 2008 include
performances by the prize-winners of
the Queen Elisabeth Competition, the
International Frans Liszt Piano Competition
in Utrecht and the International Quatuor
Competition of Bordeaux.

Flanders Opera’s 2008-2009 season is


both a farewell and a new beginning. Marc
Clémeur steps down as general director
at the end of 2008 after 18 years and will
be succeeded by the young Swiss Aviel
Cahn. Last year Flanders Opera finished
a remarkable cycle of Wagners Der Ring
des Nibelungen. Clémeur will be saying
farewell with a performance of Verdi’s
final masterpiece Falstaff. The two other
productions under his directorship scheduled
for the autumn are Puccini’s Turandot and
Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia.
Aviel Cahn takes charge from the
beginning of 2009 with four operas around
the theme of “Utopia” — Tchaikovsky’s
Mazeppa, Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte, Camille
Saint-Saëns’ Samson et Dalila and the
contemporary opera Aquarius by the Flemish
composer Karel Goeyvaerts. Samson et
Dalila will be a highpoint of the season,
bringing together the young Palestinian
Amir Nizar Zuabi and the experienced
Israeli Omri Nitzan in a “topical insight into
the mechanics of religiously and politically
motivated fanaticism”.
Flanders Opera performs in two historical
buildings in Ghent and Antwerp.

24 Best of Belgium
© Bruno Vessié
Hungarian tenor Szabolcs Brickner won
the Grand Prize in the 2008 International

© Jacques Croisier
Queen Elisabeth singing competition, which
took place in Brussels at the end of May.
Brickner, who studies with the legendary
operatic tenor Nicolai Gedda, has appeared
Highlights of the 2007-2008 season of the Liege-based Opera Royal de Wallonie at the Budapest Opera House in Die
include Verdi favourites Nabucco and Don Carlo, Puccini’s Tosca, La Vie Parisienne Zauberflöte and L’Elisir d’Amore. Mezzo-
by Offenbach and Savary, and Edouard Lalo’s Le Roi d’Ys. Visiting artists include sopranos Isabelle Druet from France and
conductors Paolo Arrivabeni and Giovanni Antonini, directors Yoisha Oida and Giardino Bernadetta Grabias from Poland were the
Armonico, and singers Yonghoon Lee, Mark Rucker and Susan Neves. runners-up.
Aki Saito, Wim Vanlessen & ensemble ©Angela Sterling

© SABAM-ADAGP, Bruxelles-Paris 2008

The Royal Ballet of Flanders stands dance performances particularly refined.


alone today as the sole classical ballet The season 2007-2008 has brought a
company in Belgium. Founded thirty- completely new repertoire including such
nine years ago by the visionary Jeanne renowned choreographers as William
Brabants, the company started as an Forsythe, Jiri Kylian, George Balanchine,
off-shoot of the Opera, but rapidly Marcia Haydee and Christian Spuck. With
achieved international recognition. this season alone including four world
Now the Royal Ballet of Flanders is premieres by Jorma Elo, Matteo Moles, A new museum dedicated to Belgian
ready to start a fourth season under the Cayetano Soto and Michael Corder, surrealist master René Magritte is to open in
inspiring artistic direction of Kathryn creativity remains at the forefront. Brussels in June 2009. The museum on the
Bennetts. She has broken new ground, Although the season began on a Place Royale will feature some 170 works
seeking to bridge the gap between very exciting note with performances of by Magritte, making it the world’s biggest
tradition and experiment. The innovative „Impressing the Czar“ at the Edinburgh and most diverse collection of its kind.
developments have to do with people, with Festival, the undoubted highlight Among his most famous pictures are
an exchange between choreographers of the touring schedule this season The Son of Man, depicting a bowler-
and an artistic director with a vision. was the performances at the Lincoln hatted figure with an apple floating
In the short period Bennetts has been Center Festival in New York in July. before his face, and Ceci n’est pas
director, the repertoire, has proved rich In today’s varied dancescape une pipe (This is not a pipe), which
and varied and bears witness to a distinct the Royal Ballet of Flanders more depicts a pipe. French group Suez is
signature: sparkling and bright, the strongly than ever claims its place. contributing €4 million to the project.

Best of Belgium 25
Rosas, the dance ensemble and production
Arts company founded by choreographer Anne
Teresa De Keersmaeker, premiered its
new creation Zeitung at the Théâtre de la
Ville in Paris in January 2008 to glowing
reviews. Exploring the intersection of
music and dance, the Rosas dancers
combine the simple building blocks of
choreography with a considerable amount
of improvisation. Pianist Alain Franco
takes as his medium the harmonious
confrontation between Bach, Schoenberg
and Webern. De Keersmaeker says that in
Zeitung the “harmony between music and
dance does not develop from similarity or
parallelism but momentarily, where the two
intersect. ... Dance and music depart from The International Film Festival Ghent

© Danny Willems
different stations and it is the run-up to the celebrates its 35th anniversary in October
intersection that stimulates the conditions of 2008 with screenings of more than 200 films
harmony”. and shorts and free live performances of top
film scores by the Brussels Philharmonic
orchestra. The concerts will feature crowd-
pleasing tunes by top film score composers

IMPORT EXPORT – Koen Augustijnen © Chris Van der Burght


such as John Williams (Harry Potter,
Indiana Jones), Craig Armstrong (World
Trade Centre, Love Actually), John Powell
(Ice Age, Mr and Mrs Smith) and Nicola
Piovani (La Vita e bella). The festival also
marks the occasion of the 8th annual World
Soundtrack Awards. Guests of honour at this
year’s ceremony are Angelo Badalamenti,
best known for his soundtrack work with
American film director David Lynch, and
Dario Marianelli, who won an Oscar for
his soundtrack to Atonement in 2007.
Popular, anarchic, eclectic, committed. These are some of the adjectives to describe Les
Ballets C de la B, an internationally successful Belgian dance company with a reputation for
bold and vigorous physical theatre delivered through an eclectic mix of styles and media. Using

Opening Kunstenfestivaldesarts08
a variety of choreographers, Les Ballets also develops promising young performing artists
from different backgrounds. Their latest production is Patchagonia, Argentinian choreographer
Lisi Estaràs’s debut work for the company, which explores themes of loneliness, violence and
emotion in the desolate landscape of Patagonia. The bold and haunting performances of the
four dancers and three on-stage musicians suggest that Estaràs is a choreographer to watch
for the future.

Grand-Hornu is an old industrial mining


complex - a remarkable reminder of the
Industrial Revolution. Built between 1810
and 1830 by Henri De Gorge, a captain
of industry of French origin, it is a real
urban project, an example of functional
town-planning unique on the European One of Europe’s great festivals, the annual
continent at the start of the great era of Brussels-based Kunstenfestivaldesarts
industrialisation. offers contemporary works of art by a range
Built in the Neo-classical style, Grand- of artists in 20 diverse venues around the
Hornu consists of workshops, offices, a city. Kunstenfestivaldesarts 08 provides a
workers’ estate and the administrators’ platform for international performing artists
residence, known as “De Gorge Castle”. from Europe, India, Japan, Singapore,
With their arcades, pediments and half- Australia and New Zealand while also
moon windows, the colliery workshops and supporting and presenting new works
offices form a majestic whole. by a young generation of Belgians to an
The estate was later provided with a international audience. One innovative show,
school, a library, public baths, a dance hall Call Cutta in a box, by the German collective
and a hospital.  Grand-Hornu is a complex Rimini Protokoll, provides spectators
which is both exceptional and representative with the opportunity to experience a live
of an era - a grandiose project, yet not telephone conversation with a call-centre
excessive in any way, where we find balance employee in Kolkata, who is paid to provide
and harmony between the stylistic and theatre for a European audience.
functional aspects of the architecture.   Through bringing diverse viewpoints in
© Grand Hornu Images

Grand-Hornu, which is now the property original languages onto a cosmopolitan


of the Province of Hainaut, is developing stage, the festival values differences,
a contemporary project allying culture, both global and local, and seeks to unite
tourism, technology and futurology. communities through the arts.

26 Best of Belgium
© Dragone 2007

Franco Dragone, the Belgian creative


mastermind behind Cirque du Soleil, has
directed a number of spectacular shows since
he left Cirque du Soleil in 2000 to start his
own production company (Dragone). Two of
the biggest productions in the history of Las
Vegas, Celine Dion’s concert extravaganza “A
New Life” at Caesar’s Palace and the dazzling
aquatic production Le Rêve at Wynn Las
Vegas continue to be very successful. Since
2007 Dragone has also directed musical-
theatre with “Carmen: A New Musical” at the
La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. This show
breathes new life into Prosper Mérimée’s
brutal tale of sensuality, passion and
obsession, infusing it with dazzling imagery,
original music and dance.

Capilla Flamenca are a group of Belgian


singers with a gift for discovering and bringing
to life rarely-heard choral repertoire and
placing it within an interesting context. Their
recent CD Desir d’aymer is a harmonious
celebration of the amorous senses. Included
in the collection are several songs from
© Capilla Flamenca

Ottaviano Petrucci’s Harmonice Musices


Odhecaton (1501), which brings together in
printed form polyphonic music mainly from
the Low Countries.

Charleroi / Danses, a leading Belgian


association of artists focusing on
contemporary dance, is an off-shoot of the
former Ballet Royal de Wallonie. Their 2008-
2009 season begins with Metamorphoses,
directed by Belgian choreographer Frédéric
Flamand with costumes by the Brazilian
brothers Humberto & Fernando Campana.
Inspired by Ovid’s classical mythological
poem, Flamand’s work progresses through
From Inside © Thierry De Mey

nine scenes, each one showing nature,


man and the gods in a state of flux. The
production depicts the excitement and
terror of transformations with the help of the
Campanas’ imaginatively recycled materials.

Best of Belgium 27
The Ghent International Film Festival –
Arts

Where Music Sets the Tone


The Ghent Film Festival (Flanders International Film Festival-Ghent)
was established in 1974 as a students’ film festival, and has since
developed into one of Europe’s most prominent film events.
Danny Glover (2007)

Every year in October, the festival presents in international festivals. Every year, the has also organised the World Soundtrack
some 120 features and 50 shorts from all festival organises film music concerts, Awards, the most prestigious soundtrack
across the world. A range of different film giving composers of film scores the platform awards in the world. Each year, the best
programs are showcased, attracting over they deserve. Composers such as Ennio soundtrack composers are honoured and
100,000 viewers each year. The International Morricone, Gabriel Yared, Elmer Bernstein, receive international recognition for their
Federation of Film Producers Associations Michael Kamen, Patrick Doyle, Howard work. This pioneering role has certainly had
(IFFPA) recognises this festival as a Shore, Georges Delerue, Hans Zimmer, an impact. Ghent has grown into a meeting
competitive festival primarily geared towards Maurice Jarre, Craig Armstrong, Harry- point for established and up-and-coming
the ‘impact of music on film’. There are 4 Gregson Williams, Mychael Danna, Gustavo musical talent and ever greater numbers
awards up for grabs and around 15 entrants. Santaolalla are some of the many film music of festivals play soundtracks from the
With its focus on film music, the Ghent legends who have already taken the stage at wings. Since 2004, even the European Film
Film Festival has its own unique place Ghent. Since 2001, the Ghent Film Festival Academy – encouraged by the Ghent Film

28 Best of Belgium
Lord Richard Attenborough (2007)

Director David Cronenberg and actor Viggo Mortensen (2005)


Actress Kathleen Turner, director Walter Hill and festival director Jacques Dubrulle (2007)

year, numerous international guests from the animation film maker Raoul Servais, and the
world of film flock to Ghent to present their large exhibition Cités-Cinés with over 450,000
films to the general public. Over the past visitors. The Ghent Film Festival will continue
years, the festival has welcomed filmmakers to keep a close watch on international film
such as Kathleen Turner, Viggo Mortensen, developments in order to organise a festival
David Cronenberg, Mike Leigh, François that is as captivating as possible. To this end,
Ozon, Jeanne Moreau, Gina Lollobrigida, Tom a fresh, young team works hard day after day.
Tykwer, Lord Richard Attenborough, Todd The 35th edition of the Ghent Film Festival
Haynes, Sir Peter Ustinov, Walter Hill, Danny is scheduled for October 7th-18th, 2008.
Glover, Sidney Pollack, Jane Birkin, Luc Once again “The impact of music on film” is
Besson, Mike Figgis, Morgan Freeman, Fatih the overall theme. More than 150 films will
Festival - has honoured the best European Akin, Andy Garcia, Melanie Griffith, Robert be shown at Kinepolis Ghent, Sphinx, Studio
soundtrack composers. Trade paper Variety Altman, Juliette Binoche, Sandra Bullock, Skoop and Arts Centre Vooruit.
placed the festival in its top 50 must attend Brad Pitt, Ken Loach and Michael Haneke.
festivals of the world because of this focus In addition to the screenings, the Ghent
on (film)music. American financial newspaper Film Festival also organises film-related Ghent Film Festival (Flanders
The Wall Street Journal called the festival exhibitions. Thus the prestigious Stanley International Film Festival-Ghent),
one of the five European Film Festivals with Kubrick exhibition, which was previously Leeuwstraat 40b, B-9000 Ghent
character and Hollywood Reporter described shown in Berlin, Melbourne and Frankfurt- Tel: +32 (0)9 242 80 60
the festival as one of the most intriguing am-Main, was brought to Ghent before other Fax: + 32(0)9 221 90 74
stops on the international fest circuit. world cities such as Rome, Paris and London. info@filmfestival.be
Yet there is more to the Ghent Film Film fanatics have also been able to see www.filmfestival.be 
Festival than just soundtracks alone. Every exhibitions of film maker Peter Greenaway, www.worldsoundtrackacademy.com

Best of Belgium 29
The Queen Elisabeth International
Arts

Music Competition of Belgium


In memory of the renowned Belgian violinist Eugène Ysaÿe,
Queen Elisabeth worked on fulfilling the wish they had shared:
to bring together in Brussels the finest young musicians, at an
event celebrating their art in a spirit of friendship.
© Bruno Vessié

30 Best of Belgium
Winner Queen Elisabeth wedstrijd Szabolcs BRICKNER © Laurent Friob

Up to the end of the 60s, candidates came competitions attract the premier soloists,
mainly from Europe and the United States. chamber musicians and teachers of tomorrow,
Since then, young musicians from Asia and all contributing to the lasting heritage of
Australia - increasingly open to Western Europe’s musical history since the 17th
European culture and mastering to the highest century.
degree its repertoire and styles of music The Competition owes its reputation
- have also travelled to the heart of Europe, primarily to the quality of its jury-members and
recognising the substantial assistance and prizewinners. The presence of so many men
prestige which the Competition can provide. and women musicians from all over the world
The piano, singing, violin and composition in Brussels each spring contributes to the
international flavour of Brussels life.
Queen Elisabeth was convinced of the
benefits to society which the Arts and the
bringing together of different peoples can
provide. 50 years later, her message to
respect and listen to each other seems as
relevant as ever.

Secretariat of the Queen


Elisabeth Competition
20, rue aux Laines
B-1000 Brussels
© Bruno Vessié

Tel : +32 2 213 40 50


Fax : +32 2 514 32 97
info@qeimc.be

Best of Belgium 31
Rosas
Arts

Rosas is the contemporary dance company founded


and lead by the Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa
De Keersmaeker.

32 Best of Belgium
© Herman Sorgeloos

© Tina Ruisinger

A fine selection of international reputable Keersmaeker applies rigorous patterns and


dancers contributes to the steady growth structures in her choreographies, creating
of the company’s multifaceted oeuvre. The fascinating rhythms.
company is based in Brussels and tours its Fairly soon De Keersmaeker left the
productions worldwide. confines of pure dance and ventured into the
After studying dance in Brussels and realms of text theatre and live music, creating
New York, choreographer Anne Teresa at times complex but highly enjoyable
De Keersmaeker founded her company performances that blend the different
Rosas in Brussels in 1983. Anne Teresa De disciplines. A sense of nonchalance and
Keersmaeker’s first choreography for the playfulness has given more buoyancy to her
brand-new company was Rosas danst Rosas precise style.
- a piece that the company borrowed its name De Keersmaeker is fond of selecting such
from, and that brought it an instantaneous great composers as Bartók, Bach, Mozart
international breakthrough. De Keersmaeker and Ligeti for her work, but she has also
soon established herself as one of Europe’s cooperated with experimental composers like
most exciting and innovating choreographers. Thierry De Mey (B), Peter Vermeersch (B), or
With Rosas she would give Belgium a with the ethno-jazz quartet of Aka Moon (B).
prominent place in the dance landscape. She has a special preference for American
In 1992 Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker was composer Steve Reich, whose music she has
invited as resident choreographer at De Munt, used in several pieces.
the Brussels opera house: a cooperation that The most recent Rosas creations include
was carried on until 2007. Rosas and De Munt D’un soir un jour (2006), Steve Reich Evening
jointly set up the international educational (2007), Keeping Still (2007) and Zeitung
project PARTS, the Performing Arts Research (2008). Source: www.vti.be
and Training Studios, directed by Anne Teresa
De Keersmaeker. Today the dance school,
which offers a four-year curriculum, houses Van Volxemlaan 164,
talented students from all over the world. 1190 Brussels
From the very start De Keersmaeker set the Phone: +32 2 344 55 98
tone of Rosas’ work with her characteristic Fax: +32 2 343 53 52
dance vocabulary and tightly structured mail@rosas.be
© Herman Sorgeloos

choreographies. Her movements often www.rosas.be


highlight singular parts of a dancer’s body www.parts.be
- head, hip, foot, hand - and show the beauty Rosas is supported by the
and significance of small human gestures. De Flemish authorities.

Best of Belgium 33
Muziektheater Transparant
Arts

Opera for a new generation

Villa Vivaldi © Herman Sorgeloos

Muziektheater Transparant is a production “Transparant guarantees the future of the has produced operas by Wim Henderickx,
company which takes a wide-open look at opera.” (Gerard Mortier) and worked with composers like Jan Van
opera and musical theatre. With a mix of old With a most open approach towards the Outryve and Eric Sleichim. A more theatrical
and new, of conventional and extra-ordinary, possiblities of musical theatre, Transparant approach is added with directors Caroline
it shifts the boundaries of the genres and aspires to create opera for a new generation. Petrick, Wouter Van Looy and Josse De Pauw.
places the voice firmly at the centre of the The main aim is to bring together distinct Annelies Van Parys and Joachim Brackx,
projects. Because of the flexible production genres, disciplines and ideas. Classical two most promising Flemish composers, are
methods, the variety of shows and the artistic operas must be staged in a way relevant in invited for a three-year residence to put their
diversity of the artists in residence, general today’s world, new operas should take the first steps in music theatre.
director Guy Coolen has made of Transparant genre forward. Transparant pays particular
a unique organisation with a solid national and attention to offering contemporary musicians The importance of being international
international character. the chance to develop and try new work. It The productions of Transparant are touring

34 Best of Belgium
RUHE © Herman Sorgeloos

A girl a boy a river © Koen Broos (after) The Fairy Queen © Freija Van Esbroeck

invitation for Linz 2009 signed up already. composers, Eric Sleichim, Annelies van
In February 2008 Muziektheater Parys and Jan Van Outryve, have composed
Transparant spent a whole month in contemporary music for these films.
Norway, in Stavanger European Cultural Other than this the focus will be on
Capital of 2008. Intendant Mary Miller early 20th-century music: Claire Chevallier,
about the Transparant: ‘A lot of artists Benoît van Innis and Josse De Pauw will
and ensembles are coming to Stavanger appear on stage with Poulenc’s Babar and
to perform and show what they can do. Satie’s Le Fils des Etoiles. Caroline Petrick
Die Entführung aus dem Paradies © Herman Sorgeloos Then they leave us. However, this is not the will work on the Harawi songs by Olivier
case with the Flemish group from Antwerp. Messiaen and there will be a revival of Wolpe!
They run Muziektheater Transparant and - a musical-theatre production she made
have plotted Stavanger on their cultural together with Viviane De Muynck, Johan
map.’ (in Stavanger Aftenblad, 03.10.07) Bossers and Gunnar Brandt-Sigurdsson.
Unique in this international regard, is the Early musical work will be performed
Institute for Living Voice project, a peripatetic in Wouter Van Looy’s new production
workshop at which singers and musicians (after) The Fairy Queen (Purcell), in which
from all musical traditions come together the top conductor Emmanuelle Haïm
to hold workshops and give recitals. and her baroque ensemble, Le Concert
Students meet master singers, d’Astrée, will participate. More baroque
traditional ethnic songs meet vocal musique can be heard in the revivals
experiments. Between it’s founding in of Waar is mijn ziel? (Monteverdi) with
2000 by Transparant and David Moss, the B’rock baroque ensemble and in
the Institute welcomed between others RUHE (Schubert) with Collegium Vocale
Barbara Bonney, Christina Branco, Omar Gent directed by Josse De Pauw.
Ebrahim, Nona Henderickx, Phil Minton, About 45 young singers and musicians
Meredith Monk, and Sainko Namtchylak. from Flanders and Friesland will be working
on Rameau’s Platée for the annual youth
On the play list in 08-09 opera workshop. All this young talent will be
Wolpe! © Herman Sorgeloos Muziektheater Transparant gave a coached by the director Ruud Gielens and the
composition assignment to the young musical supervisors Jan Van Outryve, Thomas
all over the world, from the Flemish cultural composer Joachim Brackx. Die Entführung Baeté, Ayala Sircon and Marcin Lasia.
centres to big international festivals including aus dem Paradies will be his first big musical- For the full programme and venues nearby,
Salzburger Festspiele, Avignon Festival, theatre production with the première in read more at www.transparant.be.
Holland Festival, Kunstenfestivaldesarts, and the Flemish Opera in Antwerp (June 09).
Edinburgh International Festival. In it he works together with the writer Muziektheater Transparant vzw
Transparant has also played an integral and librettist Oscar van den Boogaard. Leopoldplaats 10 bus 1
part in the music programming at European Joachim Brackx is also involved in Pour vos B-2000 Antwerpen
Cities of Culture in Bruges, Salamanca and Beaux Yeux, a project based on a series Tel: + 32 (0)3 225 17 02
Lille. In Stavanger 2008, Transparant was of restored silent movies from the 1920s (ma-vr.: tussen 10-18u)
the music theatre company in residence and 30s by the Belgian film directors Henri Fax: + 32 (0)3 22616 52
during February, and engaged in a profound Storck and Charles Dekeukeleire. Apart Email: info@transparant.be
collaboration with the local artists. An from Joachim Brackx, the other house www.transparant.be

Best of Belgium 35
I have never hated a man enough to give
his diamonds back.
Zsa Zsa Gabor (1919 - )
© Diamond Museum Antwerp - Ceara Mc Guire
Chapter 2
Diamonds
Antwerp and Diamonds, a Love Story
Diamonds

Antwerp has long been associated with diamonds. By 2007, more than half of
the world’s consumption of rough, as well as polished and industrial diamonds, is
traded in Antwerp, realising an annual turnover of 42 billion US$.

© Karl Bruninx
The diamond sector represents 12% of centre because of its link and flourishing trade
the Flemish export and is one of the most relations with the East. The city even became
important ambassadors and economic the most important mercantile republic in the
mainstays of the country. western world. It enjoyed a monopoly of the
1800 diamond companies have their diamond trade for diamonds on its way to the
headquarters in this heavily guarded zone, main cities of southern Germany up to its final
with its four diamond bourses. Specialised destination in Bruges. Lying as it did at the
diamond banks, security and transport firms, far end of the trade route, Bruges gradually
brokers, consultants, schools, travel agents developed into a flourishing diamond-cutting
and of course hotels and restaurants are all centre and the city’s reputation in this field
part of this lively society. steadily increased within time. Although
We shall probably never know when the first Bruges maintained its pre-eminent position
diamonds were discovered, but we do know up to the end of the fourteenth century, within
that, from ancient times until the eighteenth fifty years it began to decline because of the
century, diamonds came from India. silting of the Zwin. The diamond trade, along
© Karl Bruninx

In the 14th and 15th century Venice with Bruges’s many other economic activities,
became the most important world trade gradually shifted to the city of Antwerp

38 Best of Belgium
© Karl Bruninx

since the second half of the 15th century. of the reasons for the decline of Antwerp as
Antwerp offered newer and better facilities for diamond trade centre at that time.
communications and exchange. From the 19th century onwards, Antwerp
In the sixteenth century Antwerp was an could again profile itself as Diamond City
expanding and flourishing city. By this time and World Diamond Centre. In 1866 the first
Antwerp (and Lisbon) became the most diamonds were discovered in South Africa.
important world centre(s) for diamonds This discovery, followed a few years later by

© Karl Bruninx
and Antwerp specifically already played the discovery of the Kimberley deposits and
a determining role in the development of the fabulous Kimberley era as well as the rise
diamond-working techniques. It is significant, of the now-famous De Beers Consolidated
for example, that François I did not call on the Mines Ltd. resulted in large-scale prospecting
diamond cutters of Paris but placed his orders and mining activities, which brought Europe
with the craftsmen of Antwerp. massive supplies of rough diamonds. This
Antwerp was at that time the commercial massive influx of rough stones following the
heart of Europe: approximately 40% of the discoveries in South Africa was instrumental
world trade passed through its port. Naturally in contributing to the city’s status of Antwerp
the diamond business occupied a favoured as the world’s leading diamond centre. Within
place. In fact diamond ‘manufacturing’ a few months, this massive influx provided
(cutting/polishing) and diamond trade used to work for thousands of craftsmen, and the swift
be a flourishing business in Antwerp until the revival of diamond cutting in Antwerp was
17th century. This because fewer diamonds further stimulated by an ever-growing demand
from the Indian mines became available. for gemstones.
In 1727 diamonds were already imported The depression of the 1930s hit the
from Brazil, but more than 160 of the 180 diamond trade in Antwerp hard. The cutting
guild members (of the Guild for Diamond shops were sometimes shut down completely
© Mark Dankers

and Rubin Cutters) were unemployed. for several weeks at a time. The situation
The liberation of the trade in jewellery and remained difficult but things grew worse with
gems in 1754 made the situation even the outbreak of the Second World War. In 1939
worse for the diamond ‘manufacturers’ many Jewish businessmen fled the country
(cutters/polishers). The diamond merchants and went to the United States, Portugal or The city knew various Jewish families from
on the other hand were better off during England, where more than 500 diamond the 16th century on, mostly with roots in
the 17th and 18th century in Antwerp. dealers from Antwerp continued to meet and Portugal. The Jewish community played an
So, although the northern Netherlands to do business. important role in the foundation of ‘Beurs
(Amsterdam) acquired more grip on the In an attempt to save as much of the voor Diamanthandel’ (1904), one of the four
diamond business, Antwerp’s decline did not existing diamond stocks as possible from diamond bourses, and the launch of the
occur overnight and despite internal struggles the Germans, the 500 dealers in England ‘Kempische’ diamond craftsmanship. Today
such as the conflict between the New Guild of transferred the diamonds there. In agreement the diamond business is run by people from
Diamond Cutters and the rich merchants, the with the British government, an organisation very different nationalities, of which the Indian
city’s prestige remained apparently intact up known as the Correspondence Office for the community is nowadays the strongest.
to the middle of the seventeenth century. The Diamond Industry was set up to register the The coordinating body and official
diamond trade itself continued to flourish. For diamonds and keep them for the duration of representative of the diamond sector, is the
example, the French king Louis XVI ordered the war. Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC): an
the re-polishing of his crown jewellery in Thanks to this organisation large quantities official organisation, recognised internationally
Antwerp in 1787. of diamonds were returned to their owners and acting as host, spokesperson and
During the first half of the 18th century, after the city was liberated and the Antwerp intermediary for the Belgian diamond
the Englishman James Dormer (1708-1758) diamond industry got off to a promising community. AWDC is the Belgian diamond
tried to establish a monopoly for the import of start when the war was ended. The Antwerp sector’s official liaison with governments, and
Brazilian diamonds but the Portuguese king diamond business thanks its rise after World actively promotes support for the diamond
gave Amsterdam the monopoly. This was one War II to the Jewish community in Antwerp. sector, home and abroad (www.awdc.be)

Best of Belgium 39
The Antwerp
Diamonds

Diamond Heritage
Antwerp is situated in Belgium, the heart of Europe.
The city on the banks of the river Scheldt has always
been a centre of commerce and culture.

HRD Awards 2007, A Night at the Opera; © D.B. Woodrow

Today, Antwerp is the major city of Flanders. Lodewijck Van Bercken was said to have organisation of the Belgian diamond trade
It is situated at the crossroads of international invented the process of polishing diamonds and –industry, acting as a spokesman and
traffic, at a half hour’s drive from Brussels, the with diamonds. In his honour, a statue was co-ordinator of all activities in the diamond
Belgian capital and the headquarters of the erected at the Meir. Today, Antwerp still has sector. It is the marketing organization of the
European Community. the best diamond workers in the world. Antwerp diamantaires.
Since 1447, Antwerp has been Antwerp Cut is the trade mark for perfectly Antwerp World Diamond Centre is more
synonymous with quality diamonds and processed diamonds. than ever committed to maintaining a healthy
superior craftsmanship. Thanks to its and prosperous diamond industry. Antwerp
harbour, Antwerp was a place of unlimited Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) exports to over 90 countries, spreading the
opportunities. The Diamond industry Founded in 1973 as the “Hoge Raad quality image and the philosophy of the
expanded considerably due to strong voor Diamant” (HRD) or the “Diamond Antwerp diamond sector.
commercial relations with neighbours. High Council”, and reformed into a
private foundation called Antwerp World AWDC Marketing Department
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre Diamond Centre (AWDC) in 2007, AWDC Visitors can appeal to the AWDC Marketing
was born. is the officially recognised representative Department for any kind of information:

40 Best of Belgium
Courtesy of AWDC © mdbc

Trade proposals, promotional material,


documentation service, backstage tour…

• HRD Awards, an international Diamond


Jewellery Contest
Every two years the AWDC organizes the
HRD Awards, an international diamond
jewellery design competition with the
chance for a jewellery designer to win not
only a prestigious international award,
but to stake his or her place on the
global jewellery map. The HRD Awards
is widely recognized as the world’s
leading design contest in creative and
Courtesy of AWDC © mdbc

innovative diamond jewellery. The contest


is open to all designers and to date it has
promoted twenty years of creativity and
experimentation in contemporary diamond
jewellery design. More information on
www.hrdawards.be.
diamond manufacturing and trading centre.  consumer markets through the organisation
• Antwerp Facets A minimum of two years is required to of Antwerp Diamond pavilions at all
The Antwerp Facets is the Antwerp Trade prepare for such an event. Selection criteria major diamond and jewellery trade fairs
magazine that keeps you posted on the are very strict, so as to ensure spectacular worldwide. Antwerp Diamond Pavilions
current Antwerp Diamond market situation and exclusive diamond jewellery are organized in Vicenza, Hong Kong,
and much more. Issued 4 times a year. collections. Shanghai, Mumbai, Dubai, Las Vegas,
Antwerp Facets Online is the weekly The first exhibition in the series took Macau…
internet version. place in 1993, and it was one of the
highlights during a festive year in which Diamond Office
• Antwerp Diamond Conference, the Antwerp was declared the “Cultural Capital Diamond Office is unique in the world and
World Diamond Industry Forum of Europe.” Called “From the Treasury,” acts as a customs broker for the import
The AWDC organizes the Antwerp Diamond it featured a unique collection of historic and export of diamonds and handles all the
Conference, at which world and industry and contemporary gems, as well as paperwork for this process, a considerable
leaders gather to address the issues of jewels belonging to royal houses. The service to the diamond companies. Operated
the day. In recent years the conference jewellery was loaned by an impressive list by AWDC and in collaboration with the
has become a hallmark event for the trade of museums, exclusive jewellery houses, financial and economic services of the Federal
worldwide. auction houses and private collectors. The Government, Diamond Office ensures rapid
At the same time, it provides a platform royal houses themselves cooperated in the and efficient controls. Your guarantee for
for intensive networking among the world’s organisation of the event. conflict free diamonds.
leading professionals in the diamond and “From the Treasury” opened at the
jewellery business, right in the heart of Province House of Antwerp in the presence International Affairs
Antwerp, the leading diamond centre of the of their royal highnesses, Prince Albert and Antwerp (AWDC) has played a leading role in
world. Princess Paola, today King and Queen of the implementation of the Kimberley Process
In the past the conference has hosted the Belgians. Certification System. This system was
such speakers as Al Gore, William J. Following the spectacular success of formally adopted in 2003 and guards against
Clinton – 42nd President of the United the first exhibition, the AWDC decided to conflict diamonds entering the legitimate
States, De Beers Chairman Nicky repeat this initiative on a regular basis. diamond supply chain. Today 71 governments
Oppenheimer, Thabo Mbeki, President Successful exhibitions were held again have enshrined into their national law the
of South Africa and H.E. Ellen Johnson- in 1997, 2002 and 2008 called “Diamond Kimberley Process Certification System.
Sirleaf, President of Liberia. Divas”. Preparations are already underway Visit us at www.awdc.be, your virtual guide
More information on for the fifth edition, planned for 2012. to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre.
www.antwerpdiamondconference.be.
• Antwerp Diamond Pavilions and
• Exclusive Diamond Jewellery Exhibitions Trade Missions
As part of its mission to promote AWDC is more than ever committed in Practical information
Antwerp as the pre-eminent international maintaining a healthy and prosperous AWDC
diamond centre, the AWDC has over the diamond industry, spreading the quality Marketing Department
years organised a series of world-class image of the Antwerp diamond sector. This Hoveniersstraat 22 – B-2018 Antwerp
exhibitions of diamond jewellery. The philosophy is perfectly embodied in the Tel: +32 3 222 05 11
purpose of these exhibitions is to elevate Antwerp Diamond Pavilions. Fax: +32 3 222 05 46
Antwerp’s role in the jewellery business, AWDC communicates the superiority E-mail: info@awdc.be
in addition to the position its holds as a of Antwerp diamonds to the major www.awdc.be

Best of Belgium 41
HRD Antwerp:
Diamonds

The Blueprint for Quality


There are only a limited number of immediately recognised brand names in the
international diamond business. One is “Antwerp” and another, inexorably linked
to the former, is “HRD.” They are linked in a company called HRD Antwerp, which
serves the diamond industry for more than 30 years.

HRD Antwerp NV operates six divisions:


Diamond Lab (which issues one of the
world’s most respected diamond certificates),
Education, Graduates Club, Precious Stones
Lab, Equipment and Research.
HRD Antwerp achieves international
prominence in the diamond industry by
proving time and time again its ability to
anticipate needs and offer solutions. “The
goal of HRD Antwerp is to provide high
quality services to the industry worldwide,
with a strong emphasis on the substantial
body of scientific research it carries out
independently.” explained Dirk Dullaert, HRD
Antwerp’s commercial director.

Diamond Lab
Demand for diamond grading reports has
grown dramatically in recent years, as
consumers increasingly demand independent
and concrete documentation of their
purchases. Based on this growing demand
worldwide, HRD Antwerp has opened
representative offices in Mumbai, Shanghai
and Hong Kong.
It also launched HRD Antwerp Lab Link,
a diamond grading and certification pick-up
and drop off service in Tel Aviv, Hong Kong,
Mumbai and Dubai. HRD Antwerp Lab Link
offers a full service for customers who like
to receive a HRD Antwerp certificate for
their diamonds. The service guarantees that
diamonds are picked up by a professional
logistic company and sent to Antwerp. Within
15 days, the customer receives back his
diamond with an HRD Antwerp diamond
certificate. This service is offered at very
competitive prices.
HRD Antwerp diamond certificate
guarantees that the stone examined is
indeed a real diamond, and contains a
full and detailed quality description,
focussing on the famous 4C’s
– Carat (weight), Colour, Clarity
and Cut. The report includes a
complete quality description
of the diamond including
shape, weight, clarity grade,
fluorescence, colour grade,
possibly supplemented with
comments.
The HRD Antwerp Diamond
Lab is the largest diamond
grading organisation worldwide to
confirm to the standards of the International
Diamond Council, by the World Federation
of Diamond Bourses and the International
Diamond Manufacturers Association, the
industry’s two leading representative bodies.
The Diamond Lab was also the first diamond

42 Best of Belgium
two programs, basic and advanced, of three
weeks’ duration.
HRD Antwerp started recently with classes
on the use of diamonds in jewellery design. It
teaches the students how to transfer creative
ideas to practical concepts.
Leveraging its scientific knowledge, the
Educational Department works with the
company’s research division to keep up date
with the latest developments in the diamond
industry and adapt courses and classes to
meet demand. All the latest technical and
technological developments on the diamond
market are included in its programs. In
addition to its in-demand courses in Antwerp,
HRD Antwerp provides courses around
the world, thus saving time and expenses
for companies who can ill-afford to have
employees away from their offices. These
courses have taken place in cities as far apart
as Cairo, Madrid, Dubai, Beirut, Bari, Hong
lab ever to receive accreditation by the Kong and Shanghai.
International Standards Organisation, and The purpose of a diamond certificate is
currently operates according to the demanding to offer the customer the highest security
standards of NBN EN ISO/IEC 17025. possible. HRD Antwerp applies the newest
Underpinning the work at the lab is the technology that allows somebody to check
Research Department. Located at a dedicated that his diamond corresponds to its certificate.
facility in the nearby town of Lier, the institute Today you can ask for a laser inscription that
has a team of scientists, engineers and is put on the girdle of the precious stone. This
laboratory staff carrying out research into inscription carries the stone number that is
diamond properties, as well as applied Education mentioned on the certificate.
research to assist the diamond industry and to For more than two decades, the Educational
provide specialized services to the sector. Department of HRD Antwerp created a strong
One of these new services is called ‘Hearts reputation for developing and conducting
and Arrows by HRD Antwerp’. diamond grading programmes for students
Hearts and Arrows diamonds (H&A) are and professionals from Antwerp and
round brilliants with special patterns visible overseas. The Educational Department also
under specific lighting conditions. They consist runs programs for the study of gemstones.
of eight hearts when viewed from the pavilion In operation since 1982, HRD Antwerp has
side and eight arrows when viewed from the created courses for people from across the
crown side. The appearance of the pattern is diamond chain, including diamond traders
a strong indicator of a top quality cut. HRD and graders, diamond specialists in other And if this is not sufficient, you can always
Antwerp ordered a research project to solve sectors, managers and professional staff in the check that the certificate is original. For that
several problems linked with grading this diamond and jewellery industries, appraisers, purpose HRD Antwerp has started an internet
pattern. Today companies can ask for such an gemmologists and jewellery designers. service. If you visit the HRD Antwerp website
HRD certificate for a diamond. With objective The institute has created new programs (www.hrdantwerp.be) and enter the certificate
criteria and digital imaging is determined for short training courses, which enable it number of your diamond, you will find your
whether a diamond meets the Hearts & to provide a broad range of courses lasting electronic certificate as it is stored in the data
Arrows standard. At the same time, diamond from three days to five weeks. The three-day base from HRD Antwerp. The data of any
professionals receive accurate and repeatable course introduces participants to the 4Cs; diamond graded in the HRD Antwerp Diamond
feedback to assist them in the manufacturing while the five-week course is on diamond Lab will be kept in the computer memory as
and sales process. grading. The gemmology course was split into long as 10 years.’

HRD Antwerp NV
Hoveniersstraat 22
2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)3 222.06.11
Fax: + 32 (0)3 222.06.99
E-mail: info@hrdantwerp.be
www.hrdantwerp.be

Best of Belgium 43
The Diamond Museum in Antwerp
Diamonds

The Diamond Museum: a BrilliAntwerp Story!

© Diamantmuseum/White Light
Dog Collar ‘Hidra’, 2003, bruikleen AWDC

Diamonds and Antwerp have been so closely and most fascinating stone in the world, which
linked for centuries that the ‘Sinjoren’ (those can be transformed into a dazzling diamond
born and bred in Antwerp) dubbed it ‘t jewel, brilliantly cut by Antwerp craftsmen: a
Steentje’ or the Little Stone! Antwerp first BrilliAntwerp Story!
acquired name and fame for the Little Stone Antwerp’s diamond cutters are indeed
around 1580, partly thanks to the religious world famous. Like Marcel Tolkowsky (1899-
tolerance that prevailed here. However, 1991), celebrated for his invention of the ideal
Antwerp’s definitive development as the brilliant diamond cut in an optimal number
diamond region only began at the end of the of facets, in order to achieve maximum
19th century, with the mining of new diamond brilliance: a technique which is still used
fields in South Africa. In the Diamond today. And master cutter Gaby Tolkowsky
Museum, a Province of Antwerp initiative, one who was invited by the diamond concern De
discovers how the global character of the ‘t Beers to work on the prestigious Centenary
Steentje’ and the profound human emotions and Golden Jubilee diamonds at the end of
Gaby Tolkowsky, © Diamantmuseum

attached to it, are the leitmotif of Antwerp’s the 1980s, a process which took him three
Brilliant Diamond Story. years. Antwerp quality and Antwerp cut,
It is a story of ordinary people and synonymous with world-class workmanship
extraordinary events which are condensed and an enviable end product are reflected
in the diamond history of the Province of in the museum by “De Eendracht”, a real
Antwerp: processing and craftsmanship in the diamond cutter’s workshop. This workshop
Campine/“Kempen”, trade and commerce in is one of the most important items in the
“Cutting a large diamond is hypnotic. You live, sleep and the metropolis. The Diamond Museum provides museum’s collection and part of our industrial
breathe the diamond. It takes over your life.” insight into this wondrous world of the hardest archaeological heritage. On weekdays,

44 Best of Belgium
the present diamond worker talks about
cleaving, cutting and polishing and interactive
visual display units demonstrate the latest
techniques: scanning diamonds, determining
by means of the computer how to polish the
diamond to produce the best shape, etc.
Besides the diamond story, the visitor is
drawn to the treasure chambers spread over
three floors where he can find the museum’s
unique collection of diamond creations:
historic diamond jewels and contemporary
diamond jewellery as well as exhibition space!
For more than four centuries the diamond
has been the jewel par excellence. From the
17th century onwards it was the jewel worn by
kings, queens, and the aristocracy and well-off
ladies and gentlemen during nightly activities,
balls, operas and theatre performances. Until
today film stars, sports heroes, exclusive
fashion models on the catwalk and pop artists
flaunt exclusive but above all eye-catching
diamond jewels. Therefore, the evolution of
the diamond (as a) jewel is a fascinating
story, which is highlighted in the Provincial
Diamond Museum in Antwerp. The museum’s
jewellery acquisition strategy is based on
building up an historic collection of diamond
jewels from the 16th century until present
times, selected because of their beauty and
their art-historical importance. These jewels
are not only to be admired for their charisma,
they also give evidence of historic bonds
between nations and cultures, discoveries of
new countries and continents, the influence of
religion and royal courts, the historic evolutions
and changing traditions and the technological
developments in the diamond jeweller’s and
silversmith’s craft. Although there are many
museums exposing jewels, the Antwerp
Diamond Museum is unique in its approach
to the historic and contemporary jewel,
because it specialises in turning diamonds into
diamond jewel designs. An excellent example
illustrating the display of unique diamond
jewel designs is the result of the biennial
HRD Jewellery Award Competition, an
organisation by the museum’s partner Diamond
High Council www.hrd.be)/ Antwerp World
Diamond Centre www.awdc.be). This biennial
exhibition is the outcome of an international
competition and has been expanded since
2003 to include young as well as experienced
© Diamantmuseum

jewellery designers. It is widely considered


to be the most important competition
worldwide for contemporary diamond jewellery.
Traditionally the HRD / AWDC offers the
winning jewel to the Diamond Museum for Napoleontische parure, bruikleen Kerkfabriek Bazel
inclusion in its collection, thus ensuring that the
best creations remain in Antwerp. testimony, the Wins Family Legacy, five Diamantmuseum Provincie Antwerpen
In 2012, the Antwerp Diamond Museum is generations of mostly Antwerp diamond Koningin Astridplein 19-23
celebrating its 40th anniversary (since 1972) business activity, illustrating the city’s 2018 Antwerpen
as well as 10 years of accommodation at inextricable link between, on one hand, the Tel: 32 (0)3 202 48 90
the Queen Astrid Square. These anniversary mainly political and economical history of the Fax: 32 (0)3 202 48 98
highlights give rise to an appropriate tribute Antwerp diamond sector and, on the other E-mail: info@diamant.provant.be
to ’t Steentje’. The first step is a diamond hand, its social and cultural context. www.diamantmuseum.be

Best of Belgium 45
MeeVIDA Joaillerie, the New
Diamonds

International Diamond Jewellery


Brand Name
Sold in high-end jewellery shops across Europe and the U.S.A.

The name MeeVIDA, which phonetically means


“my life” in Spanish, represents a diamond’s
“eternal essence”, says Piyush Gandhi, CEO
of Dianish NV the subsidiary of Navin Gems.
“MeeVIDA Joaillerie’s diamond jewellery is
designed to accompany its wearer throughout
her life.” This idea of enduring for eternity is The result, MeeVIDA Joaillerie, captures the
reflected in the quality of MeeVIDA Joaillerie’s passion and the essence of eternity of high
creations. “Dianish NV puts the emphasis as quality diamond jewellery. MeeVIDA Joaillerie’s
much on the quality of its polished diamonds creations are designed and styled in Paris
as in the creation and finishing of its jewellery,” by top French jewellery designers and then
says Piyush Gandhi. meticulously produced in India using the latest
One of only 72 Diamond Trading Company precision technology and hand-craftsmanship.
SightholderTM worldwide, Navin Gems has From Antwerp they are exported to luxury
been involved in diamond trading for three jewellery boutiques worldwide. With prices
generations and supplies its largely European ranging from €500 upwards, the main markets
customer-base of retailers and smaller jewellers today are France, the UK, Italy, the Benelux
from its headquarters in Bombay, India. countries and Turkey.
Precise finishing, excellent quality as well
as the innovative design concept of “timeless Collections
avant-garde” allowed Dianish Jewels to rapidly MeeVIDA Joaillerie’s latest collections
establish its name in prestigious jewellery include Amandine, designed by French
circles. In 2005 and 2006, the collections designer Antonio Gomez, Galaxy, Sortilège,
did particularly well at Baselworld, the Daisy, Devotion, Empreinte, Mosaique, The
leading annual trade show for the watch and Limited Editions of Meevida and Meevida
jewellery industry held in Basel, Switzerland. Engagement. Here the designers have
Industry experts then prompted the company modernised MeeVIDA Joaillerie’s classic
to redefine the brand’s strategy in terms collection of engagement rings, wedding rings,
Trilogy Sortilège set (earrings, pendant and ring)

of product development, distribution and earrings and pendants in line with the design
communication. concept of “timeless avant-garde”. The 2008

46 Best of Belgium
collection of engagement and wedding rings,
which still make up the core of MeeVIDA
Joaillerie’s worldwide sales, draws inspiration
from the world of love poetry and combines
classical elegance with creative innovation.
The Galaxy collection, which uses
micropave diamonds set with the aid of a
microscope, provides an incredibly luxurious,
smooth texture which glitters with a wealth
of eye-catching tiny diamonds as the smooth The big micro pave heart is from the Galaxy collection, the
double row ring in yellow gold is from the new Mosaique
lines of the jewellery designs are accentuated.
collection, on top of it the ring with the micropave ball is
Returning to the eternal theme of love, from the Galaxy collection and the double hearts is from the
the Devotion collection comprises heart- Devotion collection.
shaped jewellery and includes some striking
pieces, notably the chain of hearts. MeeVIDA brand is its link with beauty. MeeVIDA
Joaillerie’s Limited Editions collection consists Joaillerie is proud to be associated with
of unique jewellery masterpieces. beauty pageants such as Miss Belgian Beauty
All of the jewellery pieces in the collections and Miss Benelux and these pageants have
Large Heart necklace from “The Limitied Editions of Meevida”

are made from 18 carat white or yellow gold been an important and eye-catching way
set with brilliant cut diamonds. In accordance of marketing the brand. As Marilyn Monroe
with the Kimberley Process, all diamonds are famously said, “Diamonds are a girl’s best
certified as being from legitimate sources in no friend”. Admiring the glittering diamond
way connected to the funding of conflicts. jewellery that accentuates the beauty of Miss
Belgium 2008 Nele Somers for example,
Brand store it is easy to see why women have chosen
As a result of the overwhelming success of diamonds as a celebration of their glamour
the brand, MeeVIDA Joaillerie opened its and as a form of self-expression throughout
first brand store in Budapest, Hungary in the ages.
December 2006. The launch of MeeVIDA Looking to the future, MeeVIDA Joaillerie’s
Joaillerie’s Budapest store brought together goal is to be recognised as one of the
more than 300 Hungarian VIPs including Miss leading Belgian and European jewellery
Hungary 2006, Szabo Kitti, and the famous brand. Combining a wealth of expertise in Hoveniersstraat 30
Hungarian singer Adrienn Zsedenyi, who is professional production with a sophisticated Room 625, Box 179
the face of MeeVIDA Joaillerie in Hungary. marketing approach, which includes providing 2018 Antwerpen
MeeVIDA Joaillerie has a similar brand store retailers with complete packages of branded Tel: + (32) 3 226 41 11
in India and the company has plans to open accessories as well as marketing support, Fax: + (32) 3 226 38 54
stores in Antwerp, Prague and Warsaw. MeeVIDA Joaillerie is perfectly positioned to Email: info@meevida.com
A significant aspect of the MeeVIDA Joaillerie build its brand locally and internationally. www.meevida.com

Best of Belgium 47
The Nordic Fire Diamond
Diamonds

Pure beauty – every scintillating Nordic Fire diamond is a small


part of the prestigious Nordic Fire brand, recognized and sold
around the world

Discerning buyers understand the value


of a reputable brand. A brand can speak
volumes, guaranteeing quality, craftsmanship,
style and professionalism. So it works for
jewelry, and so it works for diamonds. When
considering a diamond, ask yourself: where
does the stone come from? How was the
stone selected? Where and by whom was
it cut? How do I know the stone is what it
is claimed to be? Is it really unique? Enter
Nordic Fire…

From rough stone…


A Nordic Fire diamond begins its journey deep
inside the Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest
Territories. The Diavik mine is known for the
impeccable quality of its large, colourless
stones. The mark of quality begins right at the
source, and so it continues. Thus, the mine is
operated by the Rio Tinto Diamond Company,
one of the world’s most well-regarded

48 Best of Belgium
diamond mining companies. And importantly, Nordic Fire stone is handled by only the very This is the Nordic Fire diamond.
as a Canadian mine, it is in an issue-free zone. best professionals in Antwerp. These expert From when the rough stone is plucked from
craftsmen continue a centuries-old tradition, the earth until Nordic Fire’s half Maple leaf
…to selection and polishing… working painstakingly to reveal the true is inscribed on a polished gem, the Nordic
For over 500 years, Antwerp has been the beauty of the stone. Fire diamond only ever know the highest
centre of the world’s diamond trade and this standards of diamond excellence. It is these
is the next step in a Nordic Fire diamond’s …to the half Maple leaf: the mark of quality standards that instill pure beauty into every
journey. Rough stones are sent direct to The finishing touch for any Nordic Fire Nordic Fire diamond.
Crisdiam, one of Antwerp’s most reputable diamond is to laser-inscribe a half Maple
diamond companies. This Antwerp diamond leaf and individual identification number
company has a proud diamond tradition, on its girdle. Invisible to the naked eye,
with a reputation for knowledge, passion and this identification number means you can
integrity. Founded in 1970, with the original verify its authenticity as a genuine Nordic
families still at the helm today, this company Fire diamond. For example, you can enter
can trace its polishing activities in Antwerp this number into the Nordic Fire website to Crisdiam B.V.B.A.
back to 1898. verify it is a genuine Nordic Fire diamond Hoveniersstraat 2
Here in Antwerp, the Nordic Fire diamond and access other information about it. Also, Box 240, Suite 1201
is selected and subsequently cut and every diamond is dual certified: first by our 2018 Antwerp, Belgium
polished by Crisdiam’s master craftsmen. own rigorous quality appraisal and then Tel: +32 3 233 6559
In an age where much of the diamond craft independently by the Geomological Institute E-mail: info@nordicfire.be
has become semi-industrialised in Asia, the of America. www.nordicfire.be

Best of Belgium 49
Pinchasi & Sons
Diamonds
J . P I N C H A S I & S O N S
Pinchasi is a second-generation family company that has
been operating in the diamond industry in Belgium for 40
years. It is one of the largest diamond cutters in the world,
and one of the only ones who still has a working factory in
the cosmopolitan, multicultural city of Antwerp.

The diamond cutting process is a fascinating serves as a clearing-house for all the rough
and exacting one. Rough diamonds all diamonds that they buy and trade. The
have to be cut and polished before being company always carries a large, centralised
certified by a recognised laboratory. stock of cut, polished and certified diamonds
The certification process includes the which are immediately available in Antwerp,
assessment of the four famous C’s - and can be shipped within 24 hours to
clarity, colour, cut and carat weight. any destination in the world. This swift
The HRD, or Antwerp diamond council, is response time is vitally important in the
the largest diamond certification laboratory fast-moving diamond market. It’s all done
in Europe, and Pinchasi is a large client of with a small and flexible team of just 12
this laboratory. Pinchasi’s Belgium office people in the Antwerp office, who deal with

50 Best of Belgium
are cut and polished in India, while the with the highest standards of integrity, quality,
bigger, more complex stones are handled service, advice and deal making, will survive.
in Antwerp. Since the opening of the Indian Pinchasi is an outstanding example of such
factory, turnover has doubled. Pinchasi also a company. Although the salespeople do
does business online - orders can be taken, regular business with their long-established
certification can be consulted, and stones clientele, they will usually meet them only
can be assessed online via their certification. once a year, either in Antwerp or at the trade
The company’s market is mainly in Europe fair which takes place annually in Basel,
and Asia, although sales are also made in Switzerland - the largest expo in the world
Australia and the Americas. 70% of clients are for the diamond and jewellery industry.
jewellery manufacturers, and the others are Pinchasi believes that Antwerp will remain
wholesalers. The company has enjoyed a 30- the diamond centre of the world, despite
year relationship with many of its customers. competition from low-cost operations in other
Quality is the benchmark when dealing with a countries. Antwerp is a city well adapted to
high value commodity like diamonds. Diamond the multicultural world of diamond dealing
cutting is a specialised profession that requires where many different nationalities rub
years of experience, and mistakes simply shoulders with each other. The diamond area
cannot be made. If quality is not upheld in is centralised and accessible, and security
all processes, then a poor cut can ruin a is excellent. Most significantly, Antwerp has
promising stone, or certification can become a history of diamond cutting and dealing
difficult to obtain. At Pinchasi, standards are that stretches back hundreds of years.
adhered to rigidly, both in Antwerp and in the When all is said and done, diamonds are a
operation in India. The company’s service people business, and this diamond culture
sales and operations, including the sorting, excellence also gives it a valuable edge in the cannot be easily replicated elsewhere.
preparation and certification of the stones. industry. Finally, maximum efficiency is the key
The company was named after its founder, to Pinchasi’s success, giving it a 2-3% price
Mr Pinchasi, and his two sons took over differential in this fiercely competitive market.
the leadership after his death. The Pinchasi It is surprising that, in an industry where Schupstraat 1/7
sons have introduced new innovations and valuable stones worth millions of dollars 2018 Antwerpen
developments, including a massive new are traded every day, most business is Belgium
diamond cutting operation in India, which done on a simple handshake, without any Tel: +32 3 231 21 47
was opened seven years ago and is ten contracts or insurance. For this reason, trust Fax: +32 3 232 63 97
times as big as the Antwerp factory. The is key, and only companies who nurture E-mail: Info@pinchasi.com
large quantities of medium sized stones relationships with their clients and operate www.pinchasidiamonds.com

Best of Belgium 51
L&A Jewellery Dazzles the World
Diamonds

Creating the intricate and striking designs which make up


the L&A collections requires a blend of superior technology
and delicate handiwork.

52 Best of Belgium
Fair in Switzerland. They are also one of only
a handful of jewellery design companies that
have a Swiss carat certification stamp of
approval upfront, a certification required for
jewellery exports to Switzerland.
L&A designed one of the Queen of
Morocco’s jewel necklaces for the royal
When the twins Louis and August (L&A) polishers and that accounts for over 50% wedding in 2002. Another honour was
Van Camp founded their internationally of the world diamond trade. It is here that being selected in 1986 for the design
renowned jewellery business L&A Jewellers jewellery retailers come to source their and manufacture of the music industry’s
in Antwerp’s diamond district in 1967, they diamonds. In such a highly competitive prestigious “Diamond Award,” this was the
set a standard for dazzling, innovative environment, jewellery firms continually first time in history that something of value
and premium quality jewellery which challenge each other to remain at the was given using real diamonds.
has endured for more than 40 years. cutting edge of the latest and most effective Diamonds are forever, as the saying goes.
L&A Jewellers, the last remaining family- design and manufacturing technology. Elegant, regal and yet humble, these symbols
run jewellery business in Antwerp that still The latest jewellery design software with of beauty, purity and strength are timeless,
does all stages of the production process 3-D modelling enables L&A’s designers to produced in the earth’s core billions of years
in-house, has a well-deserved reputation create intricate and complex pieces with ago and prized for their almost magical
for striking luxury jewellery. The Van Camp astonishing accuracy and in a remarkably qualities. As timeless as diamonds are, the
family has a lasting passion for jewellery short space of time. In the current collections, designs that accentuate their beauty are more
design manufacture. And the business Scented Garden and The Full Circle, the work influenced by the ebbs and flows of the world
continues to be run by the founders’ is extremely fine and complex, necessitating fashion scene.
eleven children. Myriam Van Camp is state-of-the-art machine-work combined with Thus while L&A’s core product has
L&A’s general manager while her sister personal craftsmanship. While the emphasis traditionally been the diamond engagement
Hilde is the company’s chief designer. is on the production of the latest collections, ring, the Van Camps are keen to further
L&A’s position within the heart of Antwerp’s L&A’s designers are able to create one-off enhance their brand by collaborating
diamond district, the centre of the global pieces at individual request. Customers are with international design collections and
diamond industry, provides the means and encouraged to provide their own sketches or showcasing their products to discerning
the daily inspiration for their successful pictures which Hilde and her design team can jewellery customers worldwide.
business. Antwerp’s diamond district is then translate into inspirational designs. L&A already has a strong international
home to almost 400 jewellery workshops, L&A’s latest collections are particularly presence, exporting 50% of their
boasts 12,000 expert diamond cutters and striking. The Scented Garden, a range of creations around the world, particularly
exquisite flower designs, takes its inspiration to luxury jewellery stores in the
from the extraordinary and delicate beauty United Kingdom and Ireland.
of the floral kingdom while The Full Circle In order to further enhance this reputation
consists of a series of strikingly original and and to remain constantly innovative, the
attractive circular designs. All designs are Van Camps are looking to take advantage
made with 18 carat gold or 95% platinum, of exciting international design trends. The
which provides a luxurious, high-quality time is right to showcase the best of Belgian
product. Myriam Van Camp says that they jewellery to the world and to attract more
would rather use more gold than credited in publicity in the upper end of the international
order to ensure a premium product. jewellery market.
The company’s commitment to superior
quality has resulted in international recognition Rijfstraat 10
and accolades. L&A is the only Belgian Made 2018 Antwerp
jewellery company to have a regular stand at Tel: +32 (0)3 233 95 52
the most prestigious professional diamond Fax: +32 (0)3 226 16 38
Seven days ring fair on the global calendar, the Basel World www.l-a.be

Best of Belgium 53
Verbruggen
Diamonds

Diamonds & Pearls


Since 1792, the Verbruggen family has been based in
Antwerp, Belgium. They are respected wholesalers and
retailers of diamonds, who have since added a second
area of expertise to their specialist operation - pearls.

Diamonds and pearls. Two of the most


beautiful, sought-after and mysterious
substances known to mankind, they are
both produced by forces of nature, but
in vastly different ways. Diamonds have
survived an incredible journey to become
the glittering stones we recognise today,
a journey that started millions of years
ago, deep within the earth, when carbon-
bearing materials were subjected to
immense pressure and high temperature.
These forces formed their transparent,
crystalline structure which is renowned for
its extreme hardness - a diamond is the
hardest natural material known to mankind.
Cutting and polishing these stones are a
fine art that requires high levels of skill.
Today, 70% of diamonds around the
world come from Antwerp. In a city with a
long and noble tradition as the diamond
centre of the world, Verbruggen is one
of the longest-standing businesses. The
family has gained an impressive reputation
among their customers and their peers,
building and nurturing relationships that
in many cases have lasted for decades.
In the 1960s, Verbruggen added a
second area of expertise to its business -
pearls. This has proved to be so successful
that, today, the company is known as

54 Best of Belgium
“the pearls dealer” - an accolade which, intricate art, and it can take years to source
in diamond-focused Antwerp, is rare. the pearls for a perfectly matched necklace.
A pearl is a miracle of nature. Natural Verbruggen imports pearls directly from
pearls are formed when a piece of grit their source in countries like Australia, Tahiti,
or other irritating object gets inside the China and Japan. The Verbruggen family
shell of a pearl oyster. The oyster deals design their own jewellery creations, and
with this irritation by surrounding the manufacture almost all of these themselves in
object with layers of beautiful, iridescent their Antwerp workshop. While the collections
nacre. Natural pearls are exceedingly rare, are classics in their own right, they are
and in order to obtain them, pearl divers inspired by modern jewellery trends. New
must gather and open many hundreds of creations are constantly being produced, on
oysters in the hope of finding just one. average 50 to 100 pieces a week. Some of
Cultured pearls are made on pearl farms, these are crafted for retailers, who enjoy long-
with the help of human intervention. A small standing relationships with Verbruggen and
bead, usually made from a mussel shell, is return time and time again for the exceptional
placed inside the oyster during a delicate value, quality and first class service that
operation. The oyster is then returned to the this company is famous for. Verbruggen
water for six months or more, where it coats also sells directly to consumer clients, and
this nucleus with shimmering nacreous layers. produces pieces for its own collections.
The value of the resulting pearl is determined
by a combination of its lustre, colour, size,
flawlessness and symmetry. Generally, the
larger the pearl, the more valuable it is, and VERBRUGGEN
pearls that are large and perfectly round are Parels & Juwelen
rare and highly valued. Colour also plays Vestingstraat 49
an important part. White and black are the 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
most popular colours for pearls, but they can Tel: 32 (0)3 231 21 29
have a variety of shades, from pink to blue, Fax: 32 (0)3 231 14 51
from champagne to purple. Matching pearls E-mail: verbruggen-parels@telenet.be
according to their colour and shape is an www.parelsverbruggen.com

Best of Belgium 55
Les Bijoux de Marie-France
Diamonds

Wear jewellery with elegance

“I love mixing different materials”


says Marie-France.
Marie-France has been working in
the family jewellery business for the
past 20 years, contributing with her very
personal touch in updating, transforming
and innovating the jewellery line.
In 2002, she decided to create her
own line: “Marie-France’s jewellery”.
The artist transforms gold into pieces
of jewellery that a lady can wear during
the day with her casual clothes or
at night with an evening dress.
She offers every woman a pleasure to wear
whenever and wherever she wants.

The true love of precious materials


The workshop is hidden in an old house

56 Best of Belgium
in the centre of Brussels. Here, talented grey. The collection includes earrings, wants more than just a set of precious jewels
craftsmen shine the precious metal, bracelets, rings and pendants. and therefore makes her creations truly unique.
again and again, and shape it under the The pendants are hanging from Marie-France takes part in many artistic
direction of the designer Marie-France. leather chains that give them a modern activities but her concerns are not only
Marie-France’s collection of jewellery and contemporary look with lighter to introduce her creations. She also has
offers the woman of today full elegance and effect, therefore easier to wear. humanitarian goals, such as the ULB exhibition
originality. Gold is worked to become as This new collection is booming with its gathering several artists for the ASBL of Jean-
soft as silk, pearls of all colours wind around beauty and femininity. “Les Ecailles”, “Les Claude Heuson and for the Institut Bordet’s
the body with elegance, and the result is Constellations”, “Les Torsadés”, “Les Caviars” Breast Cancer Research Department.
a modern but not too eccentric design.
The design is not only a piece of A real success
accessory but a part of the woman’s look. Marie-France’s collection was presented
during the “Journées d’ Elégance et Les Bijoux de Marie-France
Marie-France’s collection Prestige” and at several exhibitions in 63 Rue de Houblon
Only 18 carats gold is used and is polished, Brussels, New York, London, Milan, Madrid 1000 Bruxelles – Belgium
beaten, shaped, heated to create different and Paris and received a real success. Tel: +32 (0)2/511 32 98
colours and unusual aspects. The colour In addition to her infallible made-to-measure Email: lesbijouxdemariefrance@skynet.be
of gold becomes yellow, pink, pearly or technique, Marie-France knows that a woman www.lesbijouxdemariefrance.com

Best of Belgium 57
Food is an important part of
a balanced diet.
Fran Lebowitz (1950 - )
Chapter 3
Speciality Foods
Belgian Beer Weekend
Speciality Foods

At the end of the summer The Belgian Brewers’ association and the
‘Chevalerie du Fourquet des Brasseurs’, in collaboration with the City of Brussels
organizes the BELGIAN BEER WEEKEND at the Brussels’ Grand’Place.

Many small, medium-sized and large Belgian Belgium boasts the largest range of distinctly
breweries will present to you their best different beers and labels in the world. Or
selections of beers. Entrance is free and beer then again you could wish to have a pleasant
prices are very democratic! ... Breweries will chat with the brewer of your favorite beer.
be present! And you like spending time in pavement
Perhaps you are a confirmed beer lover cafés, so the idea of sipping a delicious
or you are keen on tasting something new. glass of Belgian beer on the most beautiful
Or maybe you honestly never realized that Market Place in the world sounds very

60 Best of Belgium
tempting. Belgium offers a unique range of
beers having the most contrasting tastes and
flavors. Nowhere else in the world you can
find a larger choice of regional, authentic and
colorful beers.

www.weekenddelabiere.be

Best of Belgium 61
Royal-quality Belberry Preserves
Speciality Foods

makes money for jam


From west Flanders to the world’s elite, Belberry Preserves
is the story of a small-scale jam-maker turned top luxury
food exporter.

When Andre Vandererfven, a small-scale fruit syrups, sauces and vinegars – are honoured way without artificial flavourants or
delicatessen owner in the medieval west highly sought-after in exclusive department preservatives. This ensures the fresh aromas
Flemish town of Kortrijk since 1956, was stores in 20 countries and are personally and exquisite flavours of the ripe fruit are
asked by the local pharmacist’s wife to requested by royalty and nobility. retained in a naturally beautifully, luxurious
produce a batch of marmalade according finish. “The core of what we do is the
to her family’s ancient recipe, he started Artisanal production: small is beautiful preservation of fruit,” says Thierry. “Hereditas
a modest production of preserves using As Thierry well knows, the secret to excellent fructus in posterium.”
traditional methods to sell in his store. His preserves is top quality fruit. A wide variety
son Thierry took over the business in 1990 of only the freshest, unblemished fruit is Traditional and innovative
and saw an opportunity to expand production sourced year-round from across the globe, Belberry Preserves is both a traditional and
and sell further afield. This was the start of fully processed in-house and carefully innovative brand. Far from the stuffiness
a remarkable success story. Since attending crafted according to traditional methods. its name might imply, the brand name is
his first international trade exhibition in the Small batches of fruit, fine sugars, juice and actually a play on “Belgian berry”. The
UK in 2000, Thierry Vandererfven hasn’t natural apple pectin (to set the jams where refreshingly young but established “feel”
looked back. His premium quality products necessary) are boiled in copper urns over an of the brand is carried through in exotic
— from royal marmalades and jams to open gas flame and preserved in the time- flavours such as Morillo Cherry, Seville

62 Best of Belgium
Orange, Mango & Maracuja, Rhubarb and include the finest department stores all Belberry Preserves bvba
Strawberry, Figs & Port and the delicious but over the world. Thierry’s products also Doenaertstraat 11
still-experimental figs and chocolate. aptly fly First Class, as luxury food items B-8500 Kortrijk – Belgium
on the in-flight menu of several airlines. Tel: +32 56 220 560
Royal quality With the company expanding at an Fax: +32 56 221 560
Belberry Royal Marmalade, an imaginative astonishing 70% a year, Belberry Preserves www.belberry.com
assortment of eight citrus-based is clearly making strong inroads into the
marmalades, derives its name both from luxury food market. Following the 2005 trade
the supreme quality of the fruit and the mission to Japan led by Prince Philippe of
royal stamp of approval. It has become a Belgium, Thierry and a Japanese partner
tradition that every time Thierry develops launched Belberry’s own pilot concept store in
a new marmalade, a sample is sent to midtown Tokyo, which is strategically placed
Queen Paola of Belgium (who is known to showcase the brand for the growing Asian
to love marmalade) for approval. One market. This store is also an opportunity to
day Thierry received a call from the promote Belberry’s newer product lines such
Queen’s personal assistant to say that as sugar-free jams, as well as fruit vinegars,
the monarch was delighted with the taste dessert sauces (including three old fashioned
of his products. Since then Belberry syrups: Sweet Elderberry, Canadian Cranberry
Preserves regularly supplies the Belgian and Wild Blueberry) which are proving
monarchy. As befits a royal product, increasingly popular.
Belberry is also a multiple winner of Attention to quality at all levels of
Tavola and other Fine Food Awards. production — from sourcing the freshest
and finest fruits and sugars to innovative
Select distribution channel flavours and products through to a highly
While production is small and still done efficient marketing and distribution channel
by hand — only 3,000 jars are produced — ensures customer satisfaction and brand
per day — an efficient marketing and loyalty. With premium quality as Belberry’s
distribution channel ensures that these recipe for success, it’s hardly surprising
premium products are flown to exclusive that customers such as the Emir of Qatar,
department stores across the European who regularly visits his hunting lodge in
Union as well as further afield to America, the Belgian Ardennes forests, annually
Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. Elite clients request their own personal supply.

Best of Belgium 63
Jules Destrooper
Speciality Foods

Quality, authenticity, pure natural ingredients


and a never ending passion for biscuits.

After being founded more than 120 years the almond thin, a delicate biscuit that was
ago, NV Biscuiterie Jules Destrooper to please generations of people all over the
is still growing fast. What began as a world. In that way, in 1886, the biscuiterie
local business driven by one man, now Jules Destrooper was founded.
is a world-wide company with highly Driven by the success of his product and
appreciated standards. The professional by his natural talent, Jules Destrooper
approach may have changed, the original worked out his own recipe of a traditional
recipes remain untouched from day one. Belgian butter wafer, which he successfully
launched on the Belgian market in 1890. In
Belgium, second half of the 1911 the almond thin was rewarded with the
nineteenth century... prestigious golden award at the famous food
show in Paris.
Driven by passion, Jules Destrooper, Jules Destrooper, motivated by
a colonial trader, combined the best of the this international recognition, continued
spices he imported from Africa and the East his efforts to improve the quality of his
with the best of nature’s ingredients. That’s products. Several other national and
how he obtained a very unique flavour for international awards stimulated a first

PURVEYOR TO THE
BELGIAN ROYAL HOUSEHOLD
selective export of the products. The art naturally involve a lot of changes, the
of preserving the quality and the freshness modern computer-aided production methods
of their products was one of the major guarantee optimal quality and hygiene, but
concerns of the second and third generation the founder’s original recipes will never be
of the Destrooper family. By means of changed. Just as they were in 1886, Jules
an airtight aluminium packing method, Destrooper biscuits are completely free
the family succeeded in increasing the of any kind of artificial colouring, flavouring
shelf life of their natural and therefore or preservatives. Each biscuit is the honest
delicate products to up to nine months. product of our sustained desire to offer the
This of course enabled the first step best biscuits from creamery butter, fresh
to world-wide export. From then on, eggs, flour and selected sugars.
gastronomes from the four corners of the This youngest generation can also be
world could enjoy the unique freshness, very proud of a brand new line of chocolate
the delicate flavour and the crispiness of covered biscuits. Several new biscuits
the original Jules Destrooper biscuits. have come to please all gastronomes: the Biscuiterie
Moreover, in this period, a third delicious Florentines with Almonds and Nuts, the Jules Destrooper
biscuit was baked: a sister of the butter Hazelnut Florentines with Crispy Rice (since Gravestraat 5
wafer, the Paris wafer or butter crumble. 1991), and the Cinnamon Biscuits enrobed 8647 LO
Today, the Jules Destrooper biscuits with chocolate (since 1993). Each of these Belgium
are the pride of the 4th generation. The fine biscuits contain nothing but original Tel: +32 58 28 80 41
biscuits are still based on the secret family natural ingredients of highest quality such as Fax: +32 58 28 93 82
recipe, as Jules Destrooper developed Valencia Almonds, Cinnamon from Indonesia E-mail: info@destrooper.be
it. More than 120 years of experience (class 1) and the purest Belgian chocolate. www.destrooper.be

Best of Belgium 65
BBCW - The Art of Blending
Speciality Foods

Tradition and Excellence


BBCW (Best Belgian Chocolate of the World) is a young,
non-profit-making association that aims to promote the
know-how of Belgian Master Confectioners who perpetuate
the purest handicraft tradition of chocolate making.

66 Best of Belgium
To take Belgium’s image to the highest 3. A chocolate of quality
level, BBCW has selected the most
authentic ambassadors of handicraft Following the debate inspired
Belgian chocolate from among the by the European directive on the
many potential craftsmen in the country. quality of chocolate products,
chocolate lovers have come to
A Unique Approach understand that authentic chocolate
The approach of BBCW consists of and pralines must observe certain
four complementary challenges. golden rules in terms of quality.

1. Back to basics: paying homage 4. A typically Belgian chocolate:


to the demanding work of the guarantee of total quality
small producers and pickers.
Five objective reasons justify the
The origins of chocolate are to reputation of Belgian chocolate and
be found in the pre-Columbian pralines. The quality of the beans used
world, when Christopher Columbus in Belgium is excellent. Special care is
accomplished his fourth expedition lavished on the roasting and grinding
in 1502. However, the beans of in order to ensure an exceptional
cacao trees have historically been finish. The quality of the ingredients
cultivated in Africa. Today there is that make up the chocolate, such
broader diversification into Brazil and as the sugar, is extremely high. The
Malaysia, following the introduction of minimum cacao level is 43% or even
vegetable fat other than cocoa butter. higher, which confers an incomparable
BBCW intends to pay homage quality on Belgian chocolate products.
to the work of all those who have Finally, our great and small craftsmen
devoted their efforts to cultivating, have a love of their trade that results
according to the rulebook, these in truly particular originality and care.
trees that are so demanding and
so delicate to maintain. This is why 5. Creating unity within diversity:
the original rules are so important ensuring a plural trademark
to us today. Paying homage
to the demanding work of the Belgium is famous around the world
cacao bean growers and pickers for its chocolate. The country’s history
constitutes our first priority. includes many chocolate industrialists
who have developed dynamic
2. A chocolate that respects fair trade economic activities and product
lines. Thanks to the enterprising
In this current era of globalisation, spirit of those 20th-century pioneers,
the trend is to maximise the chocolate has become one of the
middlemen’s margins and the emblematic products of Belgian
distributors’ profit. At the beginning gastronomy, and one that is
of the chain, the picker and his developed in all of the country’s three
family often work under precarious regions. BBCW’s originality lies in its
conditions, with no safety net, and ability to bring craftsmen together
are subject to the vicissitudes of with the common aim of celebrating
stock market prices. At the end Belgian’s diversity of pralines,
of the chain, the praline creators combining differences of taste and a
have to compete with lower-cost mouth-watering marriage of flavours.
industrial products, which forces Chocolate is an extraordinary
them to become ever more ingenious image vector and a powerful
in a highly competitive climate. symbol of luxury and pleasure. Let
Our approach consists of us make sure that, through BBCW,
demanding that, throughout the our craftsmen are able to further
chain, from the producer to master their knowledge and hone their
craftsman, ethics are given their skills both in Belgium and abroad.
proper place. The small producers
and the pickers must benefit from fair
remuneration, which allows them and Discover our philosophy in
their families to enjoy a dignified life. images on: www.bbcw.be

Best of Belgium 67
Godiva Chocolatier –
Speciality Foods

Passion for Chocolate

Godiva’s History
This is the true story of a chocolatier whose
legendary name has become a symbol of
luxury the world over.
It all started in the 1920s in Brussels where
the Draps family founded a chocolate and
sweet-making workshop. Their “pralines”,
typical Belgian filled chocolates, were made
for large shops which in those days were
highly fashionable.
At the age of fourteen, Joseph Draps
joined the family business. It was there
that he developed both his ability and
creative talent as a Maître Chocolatier as
well as his business sense. He then decided
to create a luxury range of chocolates
and to give it an evocative name.

68 Best of Belgium
He chose Godiva, for its international Godiva’s Chocolate Ground between two enormous granite
recognition factor and the evocation of the Over 80 different chocolate varieties comprise millstones, they then pass between cylinders,
legend of Lady Godiva. Godiva’s gourmet range; all made using which grind them even more finely to just 20
If you remember the legend; when Lady fresh, natural ingredients carefully selected microns in size. The powder and the oil from
Godiva, wife of Lord Leofric, protested against by Godiva; the choice of cocoa beans, the the grinding are mixed to form the praline
the excessive taxation of his subjects a deal degree of roasting, the fineness of grinding, paste- smooth and sweet smelling.
was struck: Lady Godiva would ride through the purity and the homogeneity of the The nougatine is also made in a traditional
the streets of Coventry, “clad in naught chocolate paste, which is refined by conching. way at Godiva. Roasted, crushed nuts are
but her long tresses,” and if the population mixed with a sugar caramel without adding
remained in shuttered houses, their tax The Godiva ingredients water. This preparation is rolled out on a
burden would be lifted. The following morning The enrobing chocolate, dark, milk or white marble table and cooled. Broken into little
she made her famous ride, the citizens is specially prepared for Godiva following our squares using a caramel roller, it will be
graciously stayed inside and Leofric kept his own recipe. Despite the relaxation of rules in used to create, for example, a taste contrast
word and reduced the taxes. Lady Godiva the new European directive, Godiva uses only between the crispness and the creaminess of
won the hearts of many and her legend has chocolate made from 100% cocoa butter. certain fillings prepared in Godiva kitchen.
continued to deepen throughout the centuries. Without vegetable fats. Real chocolate! Today, the recipes of the founder and the
Nowhere is her passion, purity, sensuality, The fillings - fine creams, delicate freshness of totally natural ingredients remain
style and boldness more symbolised than in a marzipan, fruit and nuts - are prepared in the the secret of Godiva quality and have been
tantalising box of Godiva chocolates which in mixers in the Godiva kitchens. Only genuine, rewarded with an appointment as official
turn are sure to win the hearts of all those who fresh products are brought into this workshop, supplier to the Royal Court of Belgium.
taste them. which is the real heart of Godiva quality. Fresh Godiva’s passion for chocolate innovation
The crest of Lady Godiva has quite butter and real cream are delivered several and luxury combined with a truly memorable
naturally found its place amongst the times a week. And the hint of alcohol, notably experience contained in each mouthful has
gold and splendour of the Grand-Place in the fresh cream pralines, comes from top made legendary.
in Brussels, a huge backdrop against brand liqueurs and three stars Cognac.
which Godiva opened one of their most The praline is always made in-house. This
prestigious boutiques in 1956. is one of the Godiva strong points. Turkish
Success was not far off. Godiva expanded hazelnuts, selected and calibrated to give an 5 Rue de l’Armistice
throughout Belgium. And soon the first shops even roasting, are heated to develop their B-1081 Brussels – Belgium
were opening abroad. In the Rue Saint- aroma and peeled to avoid any bitterness. Tel: + 32 2 422 17 11
Honoré in Paris in 1958 and, in 1966, on Fifth Cooled, they are mixed with an equal quantity Fax: + 32 2 422 18 62
Avenue in New York. of sugar, then heated again and caramelised. www.godiva.be

Best of Belgium 69
Barry Callebaut: The Heart and
Speciality Foods

Soul of the Chocolate Industry


As the world’s leading innovator in cocoa and chocolate
products, Barry Callebaut’s research efforts are all
about ‘going back to the bean’: translating the natural
properties of this remarkable fruit into new and exciting
products for the new millennium.

The name ‘Callebaut’ has been synonymous chocolate for the global food industry,
with Belgium’s renowned tradition for mastering every step of the production
fine chocolate making for over 150 years, process from sourcing the finest beans
its celebrated chocolate has been the to tempering the finished chocolate.
ingredient of choice for the country’s top
praline houses. When Callebaut merged Global presence
with its French counterpart, Cacao Barry Barry Callebaut’s primary production and
in 1996, it succeeded in complementing research facility in Wieze, Belgium is the
its own extensive experience in production largest chocolate factory in the world. Barry
and marketing with Cacao Barry’s expertise Callebaut is present in 25 countries, and
in procurement and cocoa processing. operates about 40 production facilities
Since that time, Barry Callebaut has around the globe. This global network of
grown to become the world’s leading production sites spanning Europe, Africa,
manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and North and South America and Asia, coupled

70 Best of Belgium
with a strong commitment to research
and development, has enabled Barry
Callebaut to answer the diverse needs
and varying consumer preferences of a
wide spectrum of the global food industry.
Barry Callebaut’s sales of over €2.5
billion last financial year therefore include
industrial food manufacturers, professional
artisanal users (such as chocolatiers,
pastry chefs and bakers) and retailers. The
company also provides a comprehensive
range of services for its customers
in the fields of product development,
processing, training and marketing.

Customer focus
As the driving force of the world’s chocolate
and confectionary industry, Barry Callebaut
aims to be the number one producer in
every major customer segment, in every
major market throughout the world. Barry
Callebaut’s strength is derived from a passion
for chocolate spanning more than 150 years
and the constantly evolving heritage of
knowledge and expertise it implies. Barry
Callebaut’s diverse range of products and
applications along with its long tradition of
innovation and product development make
it the preferred partner of an equally diverse
range of customers from individual artisans to
industrial manufacturers and global retailers.
“Our focus at Barry Callebaut has always
been to generate growth for our customers;
helping them to develop, produce and
market new products for the enjoyment of
consumers the world over,” says Hans Vriens, response to brain function,” explains characteristics and flavours of specific cocoa
Chief Innovation Officer at Barry Callebaut. Hans Vriens. “Acticoa™ is the only varieties and growing regions, these single-
As a result, the company now boasts chocolate with a guaranteed minimum origin chocolates represent the very pinnacle
around 1700 different recipes along with polyphenol content and is also one of the of indulgence. Other innovations including
proven expertise in the field of customized richest known sources of antioxidants.” the world’s first soluble cocoa powder
product development. The fact that Barry Other innovations aimed at improving along with non-chocolate derivatives such
Callebaut continues to outgrow the global the permissibility of chocolate include a as brewing agents, fat-free frying products
chocolate market by 2 to 1 is further proof sugar reduced and fibre enriched chocolate and even cosmetics and skincare products
of the success of its overall strategy. which succeeds in improving the nutritional have firmly established Barry Callebaut
profile of chocolate without the use of not only as the global leader in research
A tradition of innovation artificial additives. Intensive research at Barry and development but as the very heart and
Barry Callebaut’s innovation strategy is Callebaut has also resulted in a probiotic soul of the cocoa and chocolate industry.
founded on three main pillars: health & chocolate as well as the world’s first sugar-
wellness, experience & indulgence and based tooth-friendly chocolate. Best of
convenience. Barry Callebaut’s Acticoa™ all, Barry Callebaut’s healthy chocolate
chocolate and cocoa powder is just one range has the same great taste, texture Barry Callebaut NV
example of ‘going back to the bean’. and mouth feel as conventional chocolate. Aalstersestraat 122
Acticoa™ is the outcome of years of In fact, Barry Callebaut is always looking 9280 Lebbeke-Wieze
research aimed at preserving and enhancing for ways to enhance that celebrated Belgium
the function of cocoa polyphenols, the chocolate experience even further. Tel:+32 53 73 02 11
most powerful antioxidants known to For instance, because of its presence in Fax:+32 53 78 04 63
man. “Antioxidants are thought to play a origin countries the company, can offer the E-mail: info@barry-callebaut.com
major role in several areas of human health widest selection of single-origin chocolates www.barry-callebaut.com
from cardiovascular health and immune in the world. Embodying the unique www.acticoa.com

Best of Belgium 71
Duc d’O Chocolaterie –
Speciality Foods

Belgium at its Best


In a country where a certain ‘joie de vivre’ is all-important,
chocolate logically became one of its most well-known
ambassadors. Indeed, it comes as no surprise that Belgian
chocolate conquered the world and stole the hearts of so
many. Over the last 25 years, one of Belgium’s main producers
and exporters has been Duc d’O Chocolaterie.

Irresistible jewels… Immediately from the start, his mission was present time, his son, Mr. Paul-Henri Verhelst
In 1983, Mr. Hendrik Verhelst, a keen to provide consumers with high quality has taken over the reigns, leading Duc d’O
chocolate lover, made his dream come products at an affordable price. A clear and Chocolaterie firmly into the 21st century.
true when he founded his own chocolate simple strategy that paid off, as he saw In the Belgian plant at Kruibeke (Antwerp
production company, Duc d’O Chocolaterie. double digit growth almost every year. At the region), a dedicated team of 120 employees

72 Best of Belgium
produce daily 30 tons of chocolate
products. Star players are the famous Duc
d’O truffles, pralines and mini pralines.
But also the liqueur pralines, sea-shells,
hearts, Easter chocolates, bars and
tablets are much loved by consumers.

Over the last decade, an expansive


export-network has been rolled out.
Today it covers the entire globe as 80%
of the Duc d’O production is exported to
over 80 countries, with Belgium however
remaining the most important market.

Quality as main priority


Ever since the founding days of the
company, the Verhelst family set very
high quality standards. When it comes to
finding the right cocoa-beans, selecting the
best batches of hazelnuts and almonds or
defining the bespoke couverture-chocolate,
‘maître-chocolatier’ Guido Vandeperre
has an unequalled reputation and a rare
amount of knowledge and inspiration.

As one of the last large family-owned


chocolate producers, Duc d’O Chocolaterie
takes pride in making all of its fillings in- as caramel, praliné, crisp, marzipan,
house. Truffle cream, praliné, caramel, hazelnut or mocha are combined with
pistachio, marzipan, mocha and others the finest milk, dark or white couverture-
are all based on recipes which have chocolate. Consumers can choose the
proven their success over the years. Of traditional ‘ballotin”-packaging or the more
course, Duc d’O chocolates are 100% modern flat-box, both designed in the
cocoa butter, 100% natural, 100% characteristic Duc d’O colours and layout.
authentic and thus 100% Belgian.
Eight years ago, Duc d’O Chocolaterie was
Duc d’O Truffles – a unique chocolate the first producer worldwide to introduce its
The most well-known star product of Duc range of Mini-Pralines. These products were
d’O is its flaked truffle. Thanks to a unique the perfect answer to growing consumer
procedure where the interior filling is demand for small, snack-size chocolates.
aired to create a light and mousse effect, Today, the Mini Pralines account for a daily
millions of this savoury and typically Belgian production of 3,5 tons. We can safely state
chocolate are sold all over the world. that, with the creation of this product, Duc
Continuing innovation resulted in new d’O has set a visionary benchmark.
varieties such as dark-orange and
cappuccino, which were added to the Duc d’O and Belgium
classic existing truffles made from “As one of our country’s most important
milk -, dark - and white chocolate. chocolate producers, Duc d’O takes pride
in being a truly Belgian product.”, says CEO
After 25 years, the company is proud Paul-Henri Verhelst. “Being able to participate
to say that of every two truffles sold in in this beautiful book is for us a perfect
Belgium, one comes from Duc d’O! opportunity to showcase our products to Duc d’O Chocolaterie
the world. In my opinion, ‘made in Belgium’ Bazelstraat 250
Duc d’O Assorted Pralines is synonymous for quality, innovation and B-9150 Kruibeke
Duc d’O Assorted Pralines is a true classic. indulgence. The Duc d’O team and myself are Belgium
Existing for over 20 years, this range of continuously working to make sure Belgium Tel: +32 3 774 51 91
chocolates remains unchanged due to remains the point of reference in the chocolate Email: info@ducdo.com
its overwhelming success. Fillings such industry. Quite simply because it is!”. www.ducdo.com

Best of Belgium 73
Pralibel
Pralibel steps up to the big league of Belgian chocolatiers

The “super league” of big-name Belgian chocolatiers is production has risen to keep pace with demand, annual
facing a new player in its ranks with the recent unveiling revenue has shot up to over 10 million euros from an
of specialist praline producer Pralibel’s restyling of initial one million euros in 1993. In 2005 Pralibel won the
its premium chocolate range. The quality praline and Gazelle prize for the fastest-growing SME in the food
chocolate producer from the Jagershoek town of Vichte sector in Flanders over the past five years.
in Flanders has shown exponential growth in the last 15
years and has now reached a level of maturity where it Quality and flexibility
is able to step up as a major player on the prestigious Sulmon attributes his company’s success to being able
Belgian chocolate stage. to strike a balance between artisanal and industrial
production. Pralibel manufactures over 150 different
In a fiercely competitive market in which Belgian top quality pralines in a semi-artisanal way. While
companies export over one billion euros worth of chocolate-filling and finishing are done by hand, state-
delicious chocolate to a world market hungry for more, of-the-art machinery allows for high volume production
Pralibel has been able to make this move on the back of and a swift response to customer orders.
continued expansion and phenomenal success.
The company’s machines are geared for smaller runs (e.g.
Fantastic growth 50kg) which facilitates flexible and diverse production.
Pralibel has shown rapid growth from its establishment in Forty different types of pralines can be produced in
1993. Since general manager Paul Sulmon and a dynamic any one day and different ranges of pralines, chocolate
team of entrepreneurs took over the established Deleu figures and packaging are produced to customer
chocolaterie fifteen years ago, they have transformed it specifications as part of Pralibel’s established private
into a leading producer. The company has grown at an label business. At peak times they employ more than a
astounding rate, enlarging the size of its factory from hundred people with staff working longer shifts around
750m in 1993 to 15,000m in 2008 and increasing the
2 2
the clock. Orders are dispatched from start to finish
number of people on its payroll five-fold in that time. As within seven working days.
With Pralibel’s fine chocolates made from 100% cocoa requirements. The resulting chocolate is then certified
butter and new types of pralines and packaging being by the Fairtrade Organisation. Pralibel’s fair trade label
developed all the time, quality remains excellent. Hygiene won the 2006 Co-op “Fairtrade Product of the Year”
and safety standards are particularly important and the award in the United Kingdom.
company complies with strict HACCP (Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Points) requirements. Certification is in Export drive
accordance with the BRC (British Retailers Consortium) France has traditionally been the most important export
and IFS. Also, ERP-steered production ensures full market for Pralibel but their premium chocolates are now
traceability and stringent control mechanisms. exported within the ‘better channels’ to 40 countries and
are present in the markets of Scandinavia, Great Britain,
Fairtrade Eastern Europe as well as China. Sulmon explains that
In a world market which is increasingly conscious of the the restyling and repackaging of Chateau Blanc, their
environmental and social aspects of the food industry, established premium brand for traditional gourmet
Pralibel has introduced its own fair trade chocolate chocolate boutiques, as ‘Pralibel: Belgian Chocolatier’
range certified under licence of the Max Havelaar has provided extra impetus to the export drive. Further
Foundation. Paul Sulmon explains that the pressures momentum has been created by the launch of Pralibel’s
of the chocolate industry often drive the market price own modern specialty store in Bouillon in the Belgian
of cocoa beans lower than the price of investments Ardennes.
by producers, who live in poor developing countries,
particularly in Africa.

To ensure more sustainable producer prices as well as Jagershoek 21, 8570 Vichte, Belgium
better environmental and social effects, Pralibel has Tel +32 56 78 80 80
joined forces with producer organisations to ensure Fax +32 56 78 80 88
better prices for producers who comply with Fair Trade www.pralibel.be
The True Taste of
Speciality Foods

Traditional Pleasure
The pleasures of the table hold a very special place in the hearts of
Belgians. That’s why the country is becoming renowned the world over
as the ultimate food destination. Cock’s Vleeswaren takes pride of
place in this reputation, thanks to its unswerving commitment to quality,
in both ingredients and production.

76 Best of Belgium
How long does it take to become a tradition? and in 2005 the site doubled in size with
For Cock’s Vleeswaren and the De Cock the building of a new distribution centre.
family, the journey started over 70 years But thanks to the family connection, it
ago, when Charles De Cock first opened his has remained true to the original vision of
butcher’s shop in the town of St. Niklaas in Charles and Jozef De Cock: to use the best
1935. After 11 years, Charles expanded his ingredients and traditional methods to create
business into a wholesale company with its the highest quality products.
own production line. His star specialty: a
traditionally-prepared cooked ham. A convincing philosophy
His son, Jozef De Cock, followed For the De Cock’s brothers, the food
in his father’s footsteps, opening his experience is critical. The product itself must
own wholesale company – Cock’s convince the customers, with its exceptional
Vleeswaren—in 1969. One year later, he flavour, enticing aroma and inviting appeal.
took over his father’s production line. And the only way to ensure this is to put
As the company’s reputation for traditional, quality first. ‘This is what gives our products
quality meats grew, so did its popularity. that extra, individual touch that distinguishes
To meet demand, the entire company, them from other prepared meats’, explains
along with the production, were moved Marc De Cock.
to the Industriepark-Noord, an industrial
complex in St. Niklaas, where it can still Technology supporting tradition
be found today. The company has stayed While tradition is key at Cock’s Vleeswaren, it
in the family, as well, with grandsons is clear that modern production methods have
Marc and Philippe now at the helm. an important place in ensuring the top quality.
The company has continued to grow, The production infrastructure is ultra modern,

Best of Belgium 77
and the production environment highly Better business, cleaner business
controlled. However, traditional methods are As a long-term partner in the community,
still used within this infrastructure. Cock’s Vleeswaren is also fully committed to
Both production and the distribution meeting its social obligations. It has long been
have been certified entirely with the IFS a forerunner in the industry for eco-friendly
quality standard. This standard is recognized practices, and has been reusing packaging
throughout Europe by all large distribution materials, recuperating waste products and
chains. The strict controls of the system building its own wastewater installations for
guarantee safe and quality products the whole decades. In January 2000, it became the first
year through. meat packing company in Flanders to put
The new distribution centre, christened the AEP (Waste and Emission Prevention)
Casaventa, became operational in 2005. It into practice. By doing so, waste and energy
uses an automation system unique in the usage, as well as waste disposal, are kept to
Belgian food industry to stock, control and a bare minimum.
manage the products to perfection. Even
transporting products from one building to People make the business
another across the street is handled using Despite the technological advances, Cock’s
state-of-the-art technology: using a conveyor Vleeswaren remains a people’s business.
belt that goes through a 140 metre long Every staff member is an essential part of
refrigerated bridge! the production process. ‘We’ve set up our

78 Best of Belgium
structure to encourage responsibility and idea
generation’, explains De Cock. ‘When people
are inspired, you can taste the difference’.
And at Cock’s Vleeswaren you can.
Over the years, the product range has
grown to meet the needs of the other
important people the company works with: its
customers. The company’s specialties include
its highest quality, traditional Golden Hams,
its range of extra sweet salted horse meat, its
‘boerenpatés’: farm-style pâtés that –unique
among boerenpatés - are spreadable, and
much more.

Always moving a step ahead


While the company’s name itself represents
its history in the meat industry, Cock’s channels and product groups. It now includes home-grown Belgian success story, annually
Vleeswaren knows that there are many other cold meats, prepared salads and spreads, earning €65 million in revenue and producing
food experiences that can benefit from its ready-made meals and sausages and snacks. 4 million kg of food. And as long as Belgians
‘quality first’ motto. The range has therefore Cock’s Vleeswaren also launched a range of retain their taste for quality, this company is
expanded far beyond just cold meats, into Italian-style salami, branded as ‘Casadoro’. poised to move from success to success!
specialties, cheeses and more. ‘We always try to stay in line with what
Among the biggest evolutions was the our customers want and need’, continues De
2003 launch of the company’s range of Cock. For example, we’ve even introduced
prepacked meats under the Cock’s Fresh a large range of gluten-free products. And Cock’s Vleeswaren
label. ‘This range reflects the strong demand while legally, products labelled ‘gluten-free’ Industriepark-Noord 14
we saw in the market to combine the highest can actually contain small amounts of gluten B-9100 Sint-Niklaas
quality products with modern methods of pre- (up to 20 mg of gluten per 100 g) our ‘gluten- BTW BE 0444.853.876
packaging’, says De Cock. ‘We only use our free’ items are 100% without gluten! It’s just RPR Dendermonde
own products, which are freshly sliced and another example of how we always put the Tel: +32 (0)3 760 12 50
immediately packaged. The range was very customer first’. Fax: +32 (0)3 778 06 27
quickly successful!’ Thanks to its clear vision and philosophy, E-mail: info@cocks.be
Under the Cock’s Fresh brand, the this company that started out as a local www.cocks.be
company has been able to expand both sales butcher’s shop, has evolved into a true, www.cocksfresh.be

Best of Belgium 79
To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the
last product of civilization, and at present
very few people have reached this level.
Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970)
© www.douglasmoors.be
Chapter 4
Dining and Hospitality
Expo 58 and Other Must-see 2008
Dining and Hospitality

Events in Belgium
One of the highlights of 2008 is Expo58, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the year that
Brussels hosted its landmark World Fair and emerged as the modern capital of Europe.
© Etienne De Graeve

Expo58 metre high “giant steel balls in the sky” which is condensed energy “which, if the people
In April 1958, the first World Fair of the post- has become synonymous with Brussels. themselves so wish, can be used for the
war period was enthusiastically inaugurated Representing an iron molecule magnified 165 greater well-being of our civilisation”.
in Brussels in an atmosphere of optimism, billion times, the structure is a striking piece Renovated between 2004 and 2006, the
scientific progress and peace. In 2008, the of architecture which manages to be both Atomiums’s 9 spheres have since attracted
city celebrates the 50th anniversary of the historic and avant-garde at the same time. It more than a million visitors and are one of the
Brussels 1958 World Fair with a whole range is a tribute to the Atomic Age and reminds us tourism highlights of Brussels.
of year-long events, exhibitions, guided tours that the splitting of the atom, which ushered Architecturally, the 1958 Expo was
and festivities which underline the importance in the era of nuclear weapons and nuclear characterised by many other ground-
of this event in Brussels’ history. This was power, was a defining image of the cold-war breaking designs which abandoned the
the year that Brussels shook off its image of generation. symmetries of the pre-war years and used
provincialism to become a modern capital of The Atomium’s designer, Andre Waterkeyn, oblique lines and curves, walls of glass,
Europe which was to provide a home to the commented a month before its completion smooth and coloured materials as well as
new European institutions. that it was “the symbol of our age, when tensile structures and hyperbolic shells. The
The most powerful symbol of the 1958 scientists have greatly expanded our ‘58 Expo was also a celebration of emerging
World Fair is of course the Atomium, the 102- knowledge of matter”. This matter, he said, consumer culture and opened people’s eyes

82 Best of Belgium
© Etienne De Graeve

to a consumer lifestyle, largely demonstrated


in the modern gadgets and conveniences
brought over by the Americans.
The 2008 Expo captures the feel
of the ’58 version through exhibitions
of fashion, furniture, posters, models,
antiques and other paraphernalia from
that time. One of the highlights of the
year-long commemoration is the ‘Pavilion
of Temporary Happiness’, a temporary
structure built from 33,000 yellow beer
crates, which considers central themes
in previous World Fairs, namely progress,
universalism and happiness. “Between
Utopia and Reality” is an exhibition in the
© Egicarte

Atomium which uses archival material


including plans, films and models to take
the visitor back to the idyllic, hopeful world
of 1958. This was a time when progress sculpture was partly sponsored by the
and happiness were inextricably entwined Brussels Louise Association and reflects the
and Belgium was the tenth most powerful regeneration of Uptown Brussels.
country in the world. Another notable
exhibition at the Royal Museum for Central Ghent Festivities
Africa recalls Belgium’s former colonies. Once a wealthy medieval city and the second-
largest city in Europe after Paris, Ghent has
Brussels Open Monuments Days been called one of the most beautiful historic
The annual Open Monuments Days is the cities in Europe. This historic heart of Flanders
perfect opportunity to experience different hosts its annual Ghent Festivities for ten days
aspects of Brussels’ architectural heritage. in September with an enormous festival which
The theme of the 2008 event is “Expo 58: includes a parade, international music, dance,
before and after. Brussels’ heritage since the theatre and puppetry festivals, fireworks
Second World War” and allows visitors to displays and other free events. More than one
© Egicarte

appreciate the importance of this historical and half million people attend every year to
event in the architectural history of Belgium. bask in the wealth of cultural activities.
Putting the city’s post-war architecture under The festival was started in the middle
the spotlight, the programme will provide of the 19th century to attract prosperous Face of Lace”, a four-month long celebration
access to both public and private buildings, people to the city. From horse races, jousts, of the delicate fabric in its hometown. Four
houses, businesses, sports and recreation tournaments, hot air balloons and parades museums highlight different aspects of
facilities, churches and other places of of giants, the festivities have gone through lacework, juxtaposing historic lace collections
architectural interest. Visitors can see the numerous changes before arriving at the with the works of today’s fashion and design
buildings on their own or join a guided tour format they have today. gurus. No longer associated with dusty
for a more in-depth experience. Four separate festivals make up the current and derelict tabletops, lace is back and it’s
programme — the Blue Note Records jazz hip. Artists and designers use cutting-edge
Cityscape festival, the international street theatre festival, techniques and materials to give new meaning
“Cityscape reflects a moment frozen in an international puppet-buskers festival and to this historic, intricate fabric. Visitors are
time, an instant,” says Belgian artist Arne the dance festival 10 Days Off. Scattered given a map to lead them through the lace
Quinze, the creator of an 18-metre high giant around the picturesque city, the festivities route, and the English design magazine Frame
sculpture of tangled wood that is on display attract a range of internationally-renowned will be publishing a special edition in time for
for a year in Uptown Brussels’ Quartier theatre companies, jazz and contemporary the event.
Louise. The sculpture, which is 40 metres musicians and puppeteers. Ghent’s city centre
long and 25 metres wide, rests upon 12- offers numerous places of interest. From St
metre high wooden stilts and will be drawing Michael’s bridge there is a wonderful view of
curious onlookers until September 2008. the Ghent skyline with the three impressive
Quinze says that his sculpture was towers of St Nicholas’ Church, the bell tower
designed to be a “place of introspection, and St Bavo’s cathedral with its famous
silence and interaction”. One of a series painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”
of giant wooden structures (the previous by Jan van Eyck.
one was built in the Nevada desert in
2006), Cityscape is deliberately open to Bruges
interpretation and is built in a way that From November 2008, one of the highlights
encourages observer interaction. The on the Bruges festival calendar will be “The www.expo58.eu

Best of Belgium 83
The Conrad Brussels,
Dining and Hospitality

Home Sweet Home


There is a place where elegance and luxury meet to create
unforgettable memories. Welcome to the Conrad Brussels Hotel,
where the individuality spirit is respected through the Luxury of
Being Yourself for every guest’s enjoyment.

84 Best of Belgium
The Conrad Brussels is undoubtedly the most classic furnishings and placid ambience will
beautiful and contemporary luxury hotel in the tempt guests to come back over and over
capital. Located on the famous Avenue Louise, again. The perfect spot for leisure reading or
it offers its guests a proximity to the most a fun gathering with friends over a drink; for
elegant shops in the city. coffee, light lunches, cocktails and even late-
Opened in 1993, the hotel has preserved night snacks, the table rises to your height. It
its magnificent 19th century façade, giving it a is astonishing how it welcomes guests almost
unique charm. The hotel has 269 magnificent around the clock. While business people come
rooms and suites, the Loui Lounge & Bar, the in the early afternoon, the fashionable crowd
restaurant Cafe Wiltcher’s, and a traditional appears in the late evenings. Guests are
Lobby Lounge. All are imbued with authenticity attended with an attractive smile, newspapers
and character. In addition, away from the are finely selected as is the music, spirits
hustle and bustle of Avenue Louise and and champagne. At the restaurant, Cafe
exclusively for the sunny days, there is the Wiltcher’s, there is a more relaxed atmosphere
Terrasse Rouge with access to the internal to be found. Subtle shades and dominant hues
courtyard. Ideal for all business meetings and such as orange, camellia, purple and lily blue
conferences, the hotel provides a 1,200m² have been harmoniously mixed to perfection.
area suited for this purpose. The hotel’s guests The Café Wiltcher’s innovating design
also have direct access to Aspria Avenue evokes a sense of serenity, which sustains
Louise, the health & beauty club. And when the brightness of the room. On fine days you
excellent service rhymes with satisfaction, can enjoy meals outside on the magnificent style event, the talented team of experts
the recognition is not too far to be found. Terrasse Rouge, whereas on weekends the will take care of everything from planning
Therefore the Conrad Brussels’ recognition exquisite and fashionable Sunday Brunch is to execution. Its lodging capacity is entirely
has been rewarded many times over the everyone’s favourite rendezvous. Last but not flexible. The hotel also has 9 meeting rooms
years. In 2007, three prestigious awards least, located near the reception, the Lobby accommodating from 10 to 60 people and all
were conferred to the Conrad Brussels, of Lounge is perfect for the traditional afternoon benefit from natural lighting. At the leading
which two in September and a third one tea, to gather with friends or just for a drink edge of technology, the Conrad Brussels has
in November. Firstly there was the “Conde during the day. a “video-conferencing” room. These rooms
Nast Traveller UK Award” which recognized The Conrad Brussels is the city’s ideal are particularly appreciated for management
the Conrad Brussels as the best overseas place for business, meetings and conferences. meetings for companies or press centres.
business hotel in the Benelux. Secondly, the As The Conrad Brussels is located in the The sophisticated traveller is exhausted
“Five Star Diamond Award” was conferred international business quarter, it has been of being on the road. Therefore, whether the
by the American Academy of Hospitality able to take advantage of this situation by travelling is leisure or business, the Conrad
Services which has been attributed to the offering facilities adapted to the needs of Brussels is the home away from home. The
Conrad Brussels for seven years in a row. And business people. The hotel offers postal, Conrad Brussels is simply the place where
finally, the Conrad Brussels was voted the faxing and translation services. The Business the Luxury of Being Yourself meets with the
69th world’s best hotel, with the “Institutional centre provides photocopy service, internet guest’s highest expectations and a departure
Investor 2007 World’s Best Hotels Award”. access as well as secretarial services. In will be followed by a future and certain return.
The contemporary attitude at the Conrad addition, the exceptional infrastructure of
Brussels involves variety, delicacy and talent the hotel makes it ideal for hosting events.
which are the key to its success. The Loui To custom-design each event is the Conrad Conrad Brussels
Lounge & Bar is equipped with sofas, deep Brussels’ priority. The Conrad Brussels has Avenue Louise 71
leather armchairs, American shutters and the largest ballroom area without columns in 1050 Brussels
a warm ochre and celadon touch which the city. Whether the client desires an intimate Belgium
dominate the area. This mixture of diverse diner, a walk-in banquet or a reception- Tel: 02/542.42.42

Best of Belgium 85
Hotel Metropole
Dining and Hospitality

Open since 1895, the Hotel Metropole (only remaining hotel of


the 19th century in Brussels) is noticeable by the quality of its
service and its internal decoration.

86 Best of Belgium
In fact, the main entrance has been decorated 298 appointed rooms incl. 15 spacious suites,
in French renaissance style, the reception hall containing original pieces of art and furnishing.
in Empire style, some rooms in Art Deco or in
Louis XVI styles and the restaurant in Italian Prestige & Smartness
baroque style. Famous and loved for its entrance hall that has
In April 2002, the Council of Monuments been walked upon by celebrities, and for its
and Sites of Region of Brussels-Capital huge reception desk covered many times by
formally protected the Métropole Hotel’s film makers, Hotel Metropole is undoubtedly
façade as well as the ground floor. the master of the tradition kept up.
The Metropole Hotel is marvelously well From its debut in 1895 to the present
located right in the historical center of the day, Hotel Metropole has been welcoming
European capital, just a few steps away from stars and personalities from the worlds of
the historical monuments such as the “Grand- film, music, business and politics, who are
Place”, the “Bourse” and the “Theatre de la attracted by the quality of its service, creative
Monnaie” and close to the city’s most exciting cuisine and grand surroundings.
shopping thoroughfare.
The hotel features an elegant bar “Le
19ième”, a gastronomical restaurant “L’Alban
Chambon”, a Room Service 24 hours a day, 31, place de Brouckère,
22 venue rooms for reception, banquets, B – 1000 Brussels (Belgium)
meetings and seminars accommodating Tel : +32-2-217 23 00
up to 500 guests (including the Metropole Fax : +32-2-218 02 20
Executive Center – M.E.C.), a breakfast room info@metropolehotel.be
« Le Jardin Indien » (for up to 180 people) and www.metropolehotel.com

Best of Belgium 87
Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp: the
Dining and Hospitality

Biggest in Antwerp!
The 4-star Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp hotel is a bright
shining star in the Antwerp hotel sky.

Its ideal location in the heart of the city, an additional attractive business hotel.
opposite the Central Station - where the Opening is due for the end of 2008. At that
high speed train Thalys stops - makes it point the Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp will
a perfect venue for people coming from represent the biggest offer in guestrooms
London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, etc. and conference space in Antwerp!
The remarkable hotel building emphasizes
this “deluxe” hotel’s extraordinary style Extra privacy
and atmosphere that has only intensified Recently, Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp
since the start of its refreshment beginning answered the market’s request for hotel
2007. Then, all of the 228 guestrooms rooms with more privacy and individuality
were renovated from top to toe, including and created 19 deluxe apartment suites
new furniture, lighting, carpet and new (www.anewdimension.be). The luxury
paintwork throughout. Recently, Park Plaza apartments, from 55 to 75 m², have a
Astrid Antwerp opened 19 additional luxury separate bedroom, luxury bathroom with
apartment suites on its 3rd floor, specially for bath and trendy shower, seating area, desk,
long stays. In addition, the hotel has bought dining space with kitchenette, micro wave,
the Atlanta Hotel, a few meters from its Nespresso machine, fridge, dishwasher, etc.
doorstep on the Astrid Square. Renovation Guests can enjoy the privacy of home
has started to transform this building into with all the comfort, service and benefits

88 Best of Belgium
of a 4-star hotel. This means that the
apartment is cleaned daily and that guests
can call room service, make use of the
fitness club, the swimming pool, etc.
A central lounge area on the apartment floor
offers the possibility to invite relations or
friends to have a cozy meeting or drink at
any moment of the day. It is also possible
to rent a fully equipped private office on the
same floor, to offer apartment guests the
joy of working while the homely spirit and
comfort of their apartment is being respected.

Full comfort zone


Speaking of comfort, the Park Plaza Astrid
Antwerp offers all its guests extensive
relaxation facilities. The 5-star Health &
Leisure Centre corresponds with a genuine
fitness center, offering the latest for an
intensive work out. The indoor swimming
pool with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and
solarium invite guests to relax thoroughly.
Facilities also include several types of
massages, including hot stone massages.
For a culinary treat, guests are welcomed
in The Square, the hotel restaurant/brasserie/
terrace where the chef and his team offer
an international, trendy menu, based on
the traditional French cuisine. This means
light dishes, delicately presented, with
an excellent taste and not flooded with
heavy sauces. All of this can be enjoyed
in the contemporary interior of The Square
– overlooking the Astrid Square through
huge windows - inviting for a nice cocktail,
a timed business lunch or a romantic diner.

Conference & Banqueting


Last but not least, the Park Plaza Astrid
Antwerp is known in Antwerp as the
largest meeting & conference hotel with
18 flexible and multi-functional conference
rooms (welcoming up to 1.000 delegates),
featuring air-conditioning, wireless LAN
and modern audio-visual equipment, e.g.
videoconferencing. Comfortable seating
areas on the conference floors are inviting
for informal contacts during events.
Additionally, the hotel offers Aquatopia,
a unique wonderwaterworld, showcasing
over 10.000 exotic fish and reptiles in their
natural environment. Here you can organize
an exceptional training break, an exotic start Park Plaza Hotels Europe is a full-service hotel
of a conference or an exclusive reception company providing management, franchise, Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp
within 2 meters distance of sharks! sales, marketing, reservations, training, Koningin Astridplein 7
And the future is promising with the procurement, technical, licensing and design 2018 Antwerpen
transformation of the former Atlanta Hotel services, operating from regional offices Tel: +32 (0)3 203 12 34
a few meters from Park Plaza Astrid in London, Amsterdam and Berlin. At the Fax: +32 (0)3 203 12 51
Antwerp’s doorstep. A personal approach beginning of 2007, the company had 30 hotels E-mail: ppaares@pphe.com
and homely atmosphere will be even and nearly 6,000 guestroom open and under www.parkplazaantwerp.com
more sensible in this new hotel. Opening development in 7 countries throughout EMEA, www.anewdimension.be
is due end of 2008. We’ll see you then! with the vision to double its portfolio by 2009. www.parkplaza.com

Best of Belgium 89
B-Aparthotels: “Wherever you are
Dining and Hospitality

in Brussels, we’re right there!”


Since the spring of 2008, the Brussels hotel market
has gained a new player.

B-Aparthotels is the former Europarthotels An additional plus and characteristic is near the elegant Avenue Louise and
united with the Hilton Résidence hotel, that the four B-Aparthotels are located just a few steps away from the most
which this new hotel chain recently bought. on the main axes of Brussels: important shopping streets, surrounded
Having more than 150 luxury apartments by cozy bars and restaurants.
in the city of Brussels, B-Aparthotels • B-Aparthotel Montgomery is easily • B-Aparthotel Ambiorix, the former
combines a full hotel service with the accessible by metro and located in Hilton Résidence, is situated in the
privacy and homely atmosphere of an a prestigious neighborhood within heart of the European district, in
apartment. Every fully furnished apartment walking distance from the European the residential area on the art deco
is designed in a distinctive style and offers Commission headquarters and “Square Ambiorix”. Both The European
all the comfort guests need to make their NATO. Close to the historical center institutions and the historic and vibrant
stay perfect, whether it is for one night, and its famous shopping areas. city centre are only a few steps away.
a few weeks or even for months! • B-Aparthotel Louise is ideally located • B-Aparthotel Grand’Place, currently being

90 Best of Belgium
aparthotels. The B can stand for Belgium or is to grow and to have an apartment hotel
Brussels, but much more important is the on every key location in Brussels in the
total resonance of the name in which lies end. That’s why from now on, there’s a new
the welcoming intention that this aparthotel saying in Brussels: “Wherever you are in
group carries out: B A PART of us! Every Brussels, B-Aparthotels is right there!”
guest of B-Aparthotels should feel welcome B-Aparthotels is there to welcome you
and almost at home, through a personal and to have you enjoy Brussels, the sparkling
built and due to open in the fall of 2008, is and flexible approach, of course, always capital of Europe, in your own personal way!
located in the historical center of Brussels, with high respects for his or her privacy.
next to the Grand Place and the famous To support this inviting name, a palette
wine and dine area “Rue des Bouchers”.  It of fresh colors has been chosen. The Thierry Vermeiren
is the ideal location to discover the colors are there to brighten up one’s day General Manager
treasures of the city such as the prestigious (and your stay). For every hotel there’s B-Aparthotels | Head office
Galerie de la Reine or the National a color, returning in logos but also as Square Ambiorix 28
Museum of Art. Here guests will feel the elegant, colorful touches throughout. B-1000 Brussels
lively vibrations of the Brussels city life! B-Aparthotels is the answer to the rising Tel: +32 (0)2 743 51 11
demand for long term residences and the Fax: +32 (0)2 743 51 12
Through the name B-Aparthotels, people can limited offer of it on the Brussels hotel market. info@b-aparthotels.com
immediately recognize what it’s all about: Therefore, the ambition of B-Aparthotels www.b-aparthotels.com

Best of Belgium 91
‘Kasteel Coninxdonck’
Dining and Hospitality

Incomparable festivities...

Five minutes from the centre of Ghent is History blue, lemon-yellow and lively-green curtains.
a luxurious building in Empire style in the The history of Coninxdonck goes back Candle light and fresh flowers from the
middle of an oasis of a beautiful park with to ancient times. In the Middle Ages, the garden ornate the romantically laid tables.
a lake and double walls. A festive welcome castle became property of the family Borluut
in the garden, a sparkling cocktail in the (1302) through marriage with Elisabeth Culinary edifying
attractive bar followed by a lavish meal or Muysconinckx, Dame van Coninxdonck, Organising parties is a real life ambition for the
a delightful buffet in the banquet hall for and in the 18th century it was a summer owner, Dirk van Brussel. He himself stands
230 to 250 people or in one of the other residence for nobility, generations of in the kitchen and he is only too happy to
lounges. There are innumerable possibilities. barons de Thysebaert, gentlemen van inform you of the possibilities of his refined
A couple of svelte and proud Coninckxdonck. Consequently it belonged art of cooking. His well balanced wine list,
mother swans float by on the ponds of to the rich flax merchant - family De Sloover the freshness of the products and the quality
Coninxdonck with a string of little ones and it became the favoured venue for an of his meals belong, among many other
behind them. Every year they come aristocratic petanque club from Ghent. qualities, to the attractions of this castle.
from the North to spend the winter
here and for centuries they have been An attractive interior Coninxdock beer
defying time, such as the daughters of This Middle Age castle has been attractively His passion for cooking led Dirk to brewing
China in the world-famous bestseller decorated. A floor in natural wood, white his own beer - a white beer “CONINXDONCK”
“Wild Swans” of Jung Chang. walls harmoniously combined with Prussian- - the Dobbel and Tripel flow abundantly in

92 Best of Belgium
this place. Remember, Belgian beer is world
famous, especially for its ‘special’ beers,
the top-fermented aromatic beers. The
Coninxdonck Dobbel and Tripel are perfect
examples of such wonderfully crafted ales.

Club house for various service clubs


In addition, Coninxdonck is
the club house of:
• Rotary International Wetteren
• Rotary International Ghent
Zeehaven-Maritime • 51 International Ghent Kasteel Coninxdonck
• Probus International Scaldis • Innerwheel International Koningsdonkstraat 118
• Probus International Ghent 9050 Gent
Zeehaven-Maritime Also the “Confrérie du Sabre d’Or” - Tel: 09 - 230 31 64
• Round Table International Wetteren Belgian Embassy de la Belgique, the word- Fax: 09 - 231 05 99
• Marnix Ghent International famous Champagne Guild, prefers the E-mail: dirk.vanbrussel@pandora.be
Corneel Heymans Coninxdonck castle as their meeting place. www.kasteelconinxdonck.com

Best of Belgium 93
Kasteel van Lebbeke
Dining and Hospitality

A unique, stylishly restored décor and well-cared-for service.

You already have a view of the open kitchen cuisine with home-made oils, sauces and
that was furnished in the original cellar, syrups, depending on the seasonal offer.
from the two entrance gates. Just like the The restaurant is known from afar for its
natural kitchen of yesteryear, Jan Cami’s superb four- or five-course dinners. You will
meals are based on herbs from the castle’s be surprised by a menu that changes every
herb garden and fresh products. Your taste month or during a meticulous business
buds will be spoilt and you will enjoy refined lunch in a unique, stylishly restored décor

94 Best of Belgium
and well-cared-for service. You can also go
to Lebbeke Castle for receptions, seminars Leo Duboisstraat 41
and parties for up to 150 people. Parties 9280 Lebbeke
for up to 400 people are held in what used Tel: 052/38 09 09
to be the coach house and accompanying Fax: 052/38 09 10
orangery. If you have specific wishes, you E-mail: info@KasteelVanLebbeke.be
can contact us without obligations. www.kasteelvanlebbeke.be

Best of Belgium 95
The Essence of our Philosophy?
Dining and Hospitality

Hospitality and Pampering.


Welcome to the unique ambience of La Butte aux Bois, a paradise
for guests who are looking for the ultimate in attention and service.

The fairytale estate was built in 1924 for world. The 5 C’s of Relais & Châteaux
Knight Lagasse de Locht. The Bullens (Courtoisie, Charme, Caractère, Calme
family acquired it in 1970 and lived in it and Cuisine) represent the gastronomic
for 15 years. In the 1980’s and 1990’s philosophy of personal hospitality
large-scale renovation and decorating you’ll find at La Butte aux Bois.
work transformed the residential Lunch or dinner can be served in the
section into a comfortable and versatile elegant Restaurant La Source or on the
hostellerie. Hostellerie La Butte aux sheltered terrace with glorious view over
Bois is situated in a restfully green and the park. The cuisine of ‘La Source’ is a
natural setting. The majestic garden gastronomic treat with its combinations of
features a lake, little avenues and idyllic refined dishes and excellent wines from
spots for you to forget the cares of the our unique wine cellar. After a liqueur or

96 Best of Belgium
a cup of coffee in the atmospheric bar and Aachen (40 km) offers a wide variety
or by the open fire, you can retire to one of cultural and recreational sights.
of the 40 comfortably furnished rooms ‘Aquamarijn’ is the health and
dotted throughout the manoir and villa. wellness centre in the vaults of the
The park of the Hostelry is adjacent castle. The swimming pool, sauna,
to the large Hoge Kempen National Park whirlpool and various treatment rooms Hostellerie La Butte aux Bois
nature reserve, with walks, mountain offer you the change to relax and Paalsteenlaan 90
bike and horse riding trails right at the recharge your batteries. Come and visit 3620 Lanaken
door, plus 5 golf courses within a 20 km the Hostellerie La Butte aux Bois. Tel: +32 (0)89 73 97 70
radius. The central location of La Butte The philosophy of providing the best in Fax: +32 (0)89 72 16 47
aux Bois between the Burgundian city personal attention and pampering is your E-mail: info@labutteauxbois.be
of Maastricht (6 km) and Liege (30 km) guarantee of a totally unforgettable stay. www.labutteauxbois.be

Best of Belgium 97
L’Albon Chambon
Dining and Hospitality

Open since 1895, the Hotel Metropole (only


remaining hotel of the 19th century in Brussels)
is noticeable by the quality of its service and its
internal decoration.

98 Best of Belgium
In the historical center of Brussels, not far away
from the “Grand Place”, the “Bourse” and the
“Théâtre de la Monnaie”, the Hotel Metropole
looms majestically.
In its interior it shelters a famous restaurant
“L’Alban Chambon” which is unavoidable
as far as Brussels cookery is concerned. It
distinguishes itself with its service and its
sumptuous interior decoration in a typical Italian
baroque style. Not less impressive, the cuisine,
classic and innovative, is a real jewel in the
gastronomic field.
For more than 18 years, Dominique Michou,
the Executive Chef, proposes seasonal menu
cards suggesting a very large selection of his
specialties elaborated with fish, meat, foie gras
and lobster.
Back to basics ... Noble products and
raw material make real valued and chosen
according to the seasons ... That’s the
philosophy of the menu card, in permanent
evolution.
The Sommelier is always at the client’s
disposal to make a selection between 250
different wines and more than 4000 bottles in
the cave.
“L’Alban Chambon” restaurant is open from
Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner time and
is closed on Saturday, Sunday and holiday.
To begin or follow this exceptional moment,
the bar “Le 19ième” offers an elegant, refined
and relaxing atmosphere in a timeless decor,
serving a large selection of cocktails and fine
aged whiskies. Witness the Hotel Metropole
history, a recent refurbishment let us discover a De Brouckèreplein, 31
number of paintings dating from the beginning B - 1000 Brussel
of the 20th Century on the ceiling. BELGIË
Open from Monday to Sunday. Musical Tel: +32-2-217 23 00
entertainment by our pianist every day. Fax: +32-2-218 02 20

Best of Belgium 99
Museum Brasserie
Dining and Hospitality

Flawless cooking and real Belgian food

Some comments from our guests…

“If you’re doing the royal museums at all (and


the art museum is fabulous, from Breughel to
Magritte) do make a reservation to lunch at
Museum Brasserie (www.museumfood.be). It
is a ‘newish’ venture of Peter Goossens, the
three-Michelin-starred chef of Hof van Cleve.
It is SUPERB - wonderfully refined takes on
the Belgian classics - not very expensive and
a gorgeous room to boot.
“I can say that the Moules Nature were by
far the best that I have ever eaten anywhere
- huge and just seasoned enough to let the
natural flavour standout. I am not sure that
I even made a dent in it. Frites were great.
Would definitely go back.
“The menu offers a wide range of Belgian
dishes which amazingly, is not that common
in Brussels. There are traditional dishes,
Belgian dishes with a twist and some
classics. There is of course the option of a
Menu Terroir Belge (Belgian Menu) including

100 Best of Belgium


Belgian classics such as Paté du chef, Fromages Belges, a very tempting offer of Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the minimalist
Flemish stew, or flan caramel. For anyone not four cheeses and their respective chutneys/ interior is dominated by immense black
familiar with Belgian food, a very good start. jams. Divine. chandeliers and attracts Flemish hipsters
“We also asked for the wine menu, which A perfect end to a true culinary and matrons alike. The kitchen specializes
again was a very pleasant surprise. Wines delightful dinner. in updated Belgian classics like eel in green
start at a very reasonable price and are sauce, veal kidneys with Ghent mustard and
conveniently divided into whites, fruity reds, “Flawless cooking and real Belgian food. spit-roasted cockerel? all accompanied by
medium reds and powerful reds. The choice You rarely come across this well cooked perfect frites. The wine cellar, encased in
of wines (and prices!) is though incredible and food (and not Michelin starred!), and such sleek glass, offers a nice mix of French and
there is something to suit every budget and an interesting choice. A must for Belgian New World varieties, including a delightful
taste. There is also a good choice of Belgian food lovers, a must for tourists wanting to Flemish chardonnay with hints of seaweed.
beers on offer. discover more about Belgian food. Definitely For dessert, order the waffles from Liège,
“Personally, I ordered the pig cheeks in a restaurant I will recommend further, and a town in Belgium, which manage to be
kriek sauce. The dishes arrived in small little probably go back to myself. baroque without being too sweet.”
pots, with Belgian frites on the side. We tried
Eel in green sauce. Absolutely amazingly “Some restaurants in Brussels leave you
soft, tender meat, a great sauce, the eel was feeling giddy, if not a bit ecstatic. Museum
delicious and the frites were pure Belgian Brasserie 3, place Royale; 32-2-508- MuseumBrasserie
perfection. 3580; www.museumfood.be. A new place Koningsplein 3 Place Royale
“Sounds like a lot? The portions are well from the Flemish chef Peter Goossens, is 1000 Brussels
designed, and there is very little to keep one among them. (His other restaurant, Hof Reservations: +32 (0) 2 508 35 80
away from the desserts. Have I not been van Cleve, has three Michelin stars.) Set Email: info@museumfood.be
living in Belgium, I know I would order the in a Victor Horta building that’s part of the www.museumfood.be

Best of Belgium 101


On the Way to 20 Years
Dining and Hospitality

of Top Quality
“Taste and enjoy the smells of my open kitchen!
I promise you a tasteful experience!”
Chef Huis De Colvenier - Patrick Van Herck

Huis De Colvenier in the very heart of cheeses and desserts. Tell the chef your
Antwerp is a real trendsetter. Its slogan is wants and desires and he will work his
‘class and quality’. magic to make your personal menu appear
The restaurant is located in an on your plate, adjusted for your taste, time
exultant patrician’s house in the Sint and budget.
Antoniusstraat. A summer terrace Discover and experience Huis De
– which also serves as a winter garden Colvenier. This will become a personal and
– and a stylish salon make this a very surprising experience. Open, French kitchen
special house. – “We serve class and quality at an honest
But the wine cellar is especially price.” Patrick Van Herck is a top chef. Just
unique. The cellar is impressive and with like his teachers (Bruneau, Scholteshof, ’t
much character, exceptionally suitable Laurierblad, Belle Epoque in Leuven and
for drinking an aperitif with owner/chef Robuchon in Paris) Patrick swears by a
Patrick Van Herck. In his open kitchen French kitchen, giving it an own identity
you will smell, see and taste the flavours using the creativity he was born with. His
of foie grass, shellfish, fresh vegetables, menu follows the seasons, but asparagus,

102 Best of Belgium


the stairs or the elevator and enjoy your Third course: warm appetizer
before-dinner drink underground, right next to Sea bass baked in the skin with celeriac,
hundreds of high-quality wines, representing together with Ostend grey shrimp
the whole world. The wine list was established Freshen up
by Danny Vanderschueren, sommelier and Granité of red wine and orange sherbet
wine ambassador 2007 and also the owner of Main course
the star-rated restaurant Folliez in the Belgian Crispy lamb pieces with Flemish grain
town of Mechelen. mustard with potatoes gratin
The stylish and charming wine cellars date Cheese
from 1897. In 2007 Patrick expanded his Assortment of ripened cheeses
cellars. No fewer than 150 people can enjoy with grapes and nuts
world-class wines, classified by themes for Dessert
each country. Soft Doyonné pears filled with anise
Wine radiates elegance, prestige and liqueur, Marie-Brizard, vanilla ice-
quality. That is why this unique wine cellar is cream and raspberry sauce
eminently suitable to add that extra touch to Coffee
your event. Coffee or tea with sweets
and Belgian chocolate
A meeting in the wine cellar or a wine
tasting as a quick break in your meeting? Art and gastronomy go hand in hand
A remarkable environment for celebrating Patrick Van Herck has a good, personal and
a birth, birthday or anniversary? Huis De permanent collection of wall paintings,
Colvenier’s wine cellar is eminently suitable! paintings and etchings. He chose southern
colours and playful murals for the summer
The wine cellar as a unique backdrop for your: terrace. A Mastenbroek mural shows a red
• birthday, anniversary parrot. Patrick himself dared to put in two of
• birth, first communion his own oil paintings. He painted a lobster’s
• funeral antennae and a lemon peel over the frame.
scampi and lamb remain at the core of • wedding The result is playful and surprising.
the house. The menu features daily-fresh • conference, meeting, etc. A gigantic cabbage by Antoon Verbeeck
products like foie grass, exclusive kinds of decorates the salon. Patrick also owns about
fish, game and homemade desserts. Sample Menu 10 hand-coloured etchings by Thomas Ross,
Discuss your menu with the chef while Aperitif but he also has a painting by 19th century
sipping your aperitif in the wine cellar. You Reception with a tour of the wine cellar animal painter Karel Verlat and a collection of
can shorten the proposed menu or make Champagne and horse d’oeuvres replicas of Joseph Linnig, the Antwerp 19th
it longer, choose the wine you prefer, your First course: cold appetizer century landscape painter.
preference for fish, etc. The chef and his Enjoy foie gras, Belgian veal and
employees fulfill your wishes. mixed small pieces of salad
Jonagold apples and salad with nuts, Restaurant Huis De Colvenier
The Grand Cru of wine cellars sprinkled with honey vinaigrette Sint Antoniusstraat 8
“Clear a path through the maze of snug little Second course: warm appetizer 2000 Antwerpen
underground cellars and niches.” Let yourself Spooning light-creamy asparagus Tel: +32 (0)3/226.65.73
be spoiled in restaurant Huis de Colvenier cream soup, pieces of lobster, scampi Email: info@colvenier.be
and don’t forget to visit the wine cellar. Take and scallops, perfumed with curry www.colvenier.be

Best of Belgium 103


Vincenzo Regine
Chef par Excellence
Our chef, Vincenzo Regine, born in Ischia has been brought up in the purest
tradition of the island. Off Naples, Ischia is rich in Mediterranean flavors:
Venetian style calf liver, fried polenta, sun dried vegetables in olive oil, calamari,
octopus and shellfish are specialties that echo Vincenzo’s childhood.

Vincenzo always intended to go into


cooking and his visionary uncle initiated him
in this discipline.
His collaboration with two masters of
Italian cuisine, Sergio Mei, Four Season’s Chef
of Milan and Alberico Penati, restaurant’s
Chef of the Aspinalls refined his talent and
led him to Brussels, where he participated at
the Bocconi launch. This year, as Executive
Chef, he celebrates the fifth anniversary
of the best Italian restaurant of the city.
He has received many prestigious awards
such as Maître Cuisinier / Master Cook
of Belgium 2008, as well as prize winner

104 Best of Belgium


Chef Vincenzo

for the Best Italian Cuisine in Brussels Bocconi’s guests to travel and discover my than most of the traditional restaurants in
by the Deltas of Gastronomy 2007. country from a different point of view through Belgium. Hence business people, diplomats
my cuisine. My aim is to achieve the highest and demanding gourmands dine at the Hotel
Italian experience possible quality and for that I select most of Amigo and feel at home.
Italian cuisine is cuisine par excellence; it the ingredients from their place of production
associates pleasant colours and various - troffie from Liguria, extra virgin olive oil from
savours. Its simplicity and conviviality Tuscany, Parma ham and parmesan cheese Restaurant Bocconi
explain its success around the world and from Emilia Romana.” Rue de l’Amgio, 1-3
why it is present in the finest gastronomic As seasons go by, products follow one 1000 Brussels
places. Its basics are classical, but another on the markets. In our Gourmet Menu, Tel: +32 2 547 4715
leave the door open for evolution, our Chef wishes to highlight those products. Fax: +32 2 547 47 67
depending on trends or on one’s will. As from June 2008, Chef Vincenzo will focus E-mail:bocconirestaurant@roccofortecollection.com
Chef Vincenzo Regine: “Personally, I enjoy on a specific Italian region season by season, Website: www.roccofortecollection.com
the fact that it is so diversified, with products starting with Napoli, his birthplace. Media Communication and PR
and preparations proper to each individual So visiting the Bocconi is a real rediscovery Tel: +32 2 547 47 03
region of Italy. I do like the idea of inviting of Italian Cuisine, more open to creativity E-mail: pr.amigo@roccofortecollection.com

Best of Belgium 105


Brasserie Pakhuis
Dining and Hospitality

Fresh, contemporary tinted French-Italian cuisine

106 Best of Belgium


Brasserie Pakhuis is located in a cosy alley
with the towers of Ghent in the background.
On entering, you are overwhelmed by
the enormous space that still reflects the
atmosphere of this former warehouse.
Portuguese architect Antoine Pinto gave
the building its distinctive warm character. The
unique combination of a 600 square meters
storage space with the specifically designed
interior is what distinguishes Brasserie
Pakhuis from any other restaurant, and even
more so, the restaurant’s fresh, contemporary
tinted French-Italian cuisine.
Brasserie Pakhuis is famous for it’s royal
oyster and seafood platters, which can be
accompanied by a French classic or a glass of
excellent wine from the new world. Enjoy “al
fresco dining” on our beautiful outside terrace.

Brasserie Pakhuis
Schuurkensstraat 5
9000 Gent
Tel: +32 (0)9 223 55 55
Fax : +32 (0)9 255 71 55
Email: info@pakhuis.be
www.pakhuis.be

Best of Belgium 107


The Stage Dinner Theatre
Dining and Hospitality

Unlimited – Never a Dull Moment


Five seasons in a row running now, The Stage Dinner
Theatre Unlimited offers her visitors a unique combination of
entertainment on stage and refined food on your plate.

This renowned Art Deco theatre can be New Classic Stories with the fairytale a contemporary feel, mainly
found in the very heart of Antwerp and Contemporary Music via the musical element. That’s why the
offers a complete package for a stylish The Stage is always looking for original story of Cinderella was interspersed with
night out—think theatre, cabaret, variety, approaches to classic stories. For example, international pop classics from artists such
revue, and off course great food. Every last spring The Stage presented a particularly as Madonna, Queen and Robbie Williams.
Friday and Saturday, The Stage Dinner successful musical version of Cinderella. You also get to see some of the
Theatre Unlimited is an original alternative Everyone knows the classic story of greatest musical scenes from movies
to your classic dinner out. It’s ideal for the girl that loses her glass slipper when such as Moulin Rouge and Chicago.
those who want to surprise their family or she goes to the dance at the palace. But All this is integrated in the classic fairytale
business relations with a special treat. the creators of this unusual version gave and combined with new characters and twists

108 Best of Belgium


Food Have a look at the Theatre’s website for
The kitchen always offers you the choice more detail on these opportunities.
between two distinctive, four course menus
and thus offers a dining experience that Luxury weekends
flows through most of the evening. The Why not make a weekend of it? The Stage
menu is often refreshed, because The Stage offers two luxury weekend packages,
wants to keep up with the latest trends, as combining the Prestige Formula at The
well as in stage entertainment, as in the Stage, an overnight stay with breakfast at
kitchen. Finally, the evening isn’t over after one of two exclusive Antwerp hotels and an
in the story. This kind of formula might be well the show – the night typically evolves into excursion of your choice the following day.
known in cities such as London and Paris, a party. Don’t forget your dancing shoes.
but for Belgium this is a novel and original
concept. Special arrangements
In the past five years The Stage has The Stage Dinner Theatre organizes THE STAGE DINNER THEATRE UNLIMITED
attracted an increasingly large fan base. The exclusive shows on every day of the week Anneessensstraat 10
audience is not only from Antwerp: since for companies and organizations. It’s 2018 Antwerpen
all the shows are in English more than fifty possible to adjust the program to your Tel: +32 (0)3 226.50.00
percent of the visitors are tourists visiting the own wishes. For example, the show can Fax: +32 (0)3 226.30.00
city, looking for an entertaining night out. be combined with a business meeting. E-mail: info@thestage.be

Best of Belgium 109


One man practicing sportsmanship is
better than a hundred teaching it.
Knute Rockne (1888 - 1931)
© www.douglasmoors.be
Chapter 5
Sport
Brilliant Justine bows out at the Top
Sport

Many top female tennis players retire early. Kim Clijsters quit at the age of 23, Martina Hingis at 27,
Steffi Graf at 30. But when Belgian tennis superstar Justine Henin retired from all professional tennis
at the age of 25 in May 2008, she was the first player to do so while a reigning World No. 1.
Justine Henin Hardenne ©Glenn Thomas

For Henin, the decision to give up all Sharapova, a fierce competitor for the World
competitive tennis capped a remarkable No 1 crown. “That day I said to myself, I have
year and a half which saw her achieve lived everything and given everything,” Henin
unprecedented success on the court while recalls. That “everything” includes 41 WTA
also finding growing contentment off it. singles titles, more than US$19 million in prize
Professionally, 2007 was a dream year. Her money, four French Open championships,
seventh and last Grand Slam triumph, the one Australian Open and two US Open titles.
2007 U.S. Open, is considered by many (The only Grand Slam title that eluded her
to be her finest. For the first time in her was Wimbledon.) She also won the WTA Tour
career she defeated both Venus and Serena Championships twice and a singles gold
Williams back to back in a “memorable medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. In 2007
display of flowing, aggressive all-court she became the first female athlete to pass
tennis”. Despite being smaller and less the $5-million mark in one season, winning 10
muscular, at 5 foot, 5 inches, than the titles and two majors.
more athletic Williams sisters, Henin out- How was it possible that a player initially
played, out-fought and out-ran them. considered too mentally and physically
Tennis experts point to Henin’s mental vulnerable to reach the very top could
Justine Henin Hardenne ©Glenn Thomas

toughness, the completeness and variety overcome these hurdles and hold the World
of her game, her “lyrically beautiful” No. 1 position for 117 weeks? Various factors
and clinical one-handed backhand, as played a role, including good coaching, an
well as her speed and agility as being incredible work-ethic and sheer determination.
the key ingredients of her success. Gruelling workouts on her fitness and her
At the end of the 2007 season, in the WTA forehand, with Pat Etcheberry in Florida
championship final in Madrid, Henin recorded for example, helped her to transform her
a three hour, 25 minute victory over Maria game. Henin also had exceptional timing and

112 Best of Belgium


combined athleticism with grace. “What she
lacked in height she made up in solidity and
timing,” writes Verlyn Klinkenborg in the New
York Times. “The ball simply vanished in the
force of her cyclonic swing, which, for all its
power, has never lacked grace.”
Former tennis great John McEnroe
described Henin’s one-handed backhand
as simply the best single-handed backhand
in the women’s or men’s game, Federer
included. Veteran sports writer Simon
Barnes said that in the face of more powerful
opponents, Henin could not afford to be
anything less than perfect. “It could only be in
the perfection of her timing, the coincidence
of sweet spot, bounce, footwork and angle.
She seemed to have no margin for error
whatsoever; perfection simply had to be her
first resort.”
In her personal life, Henin has found new
ways to express her emotions in the past
two years and has grown personally as a
result. Klinkenborg describes the “surfacing
of Justine Henin’s emotions” as one of the
“central stories in women’s tennis the past
two years”. Her divorce from her husband
of four years, Pierre-Yves Hardenne, her
reconnection with her estranged family and
the growing sense of a “happier woman
emerging on the court and off” marked a shift
in Justine. Ironically, it was this newfound
sense of contentment which seems to have
blunted her fiercely competitive drive. Well
before her mother died when Justine was 12
years old, she developed the kind of intense
concentration which is required to reach the
level did. Over the past while she appeared
to be growing out of that, and looking beyond
tennis to other challenges.
A few weeks before she was due to return
to Roland Garros as the three-time defending
champion, the “Queen of Clay” realised that
she had, in her own words, “lost the flame”.
Explaining her decision to a press conference
at her tennis club (Club Justine N1), Justine
said, “I invested enormously in my sport,
since the age of five. I always lived for
tennis, and it’s without regret because I lived
emotions which I will never forget ... I don’t
feel sadness, but rather a release, a relief, a
glance towards the future. I always seek to
build and change, and not only by tennis.”
As for that future, an important aspect of
her new life will be inspiring young people
through her Foundation and her Academy.
Justine’s coach of 12 years, Carlos Rodriguez,
will be working full-time at her 6th Sense
Academy while Justine is keen to impart to
Justine Henin Hardenne - Miami

youngsters some of the morals, values and


emotions she learned from a game which
has given her so much. She has, as she
says, turned a page and while she will always
remained involved in tennis, she is embarking
on new adventures.

Best of Belgium 113


Gazet Van Antwerpen
Sport

Cyclo-cross Trophy
Cyclo-cross nirvana and a major popular party. During the
eight events there are more than 100,000 fans in the field
and millions in front of their TV sets.

All enjoying this weekly winter battle between


the world’s best cyclo-cross stars, be it in
mud, snow, rain or freezing temperatures... A
wonderful and durable marriage of top sports
and fun.
A packet of French fries, a pint of beer,
and some small talk with the cyclists... no
other menu is more attractive than that
of the Gazet van Antwerpen Cyclo-cross
Trophy. From the start on the Koppenberg
on 1 November, over Niel, Hasselt, Essen,
Loenhout, Baal and Lille to the final chord in
Oostmalle: it’s a party everywhere.
Will Sven Nys succeed himself?
Will Bart Wellens become the top?
Or will World Champion Lars Boom
put a spoke in the wheels?
Whoever wins, we always have a party!

Keep track of it all on www.gvatrofee.be.

114 Best of Belgium


ING Antwerp 10 Miles
and Marathon
The ING Antwerp 10 Miles & Marathon is the largest running event in Flanders. More
than 23,000 runners take part in the Marathon, the Relay Marathon, the 10 Miles, the
Ladies Run 5 km, the Short Run 5 km or the Kids Run.

Each year, at the end of April, the city of


Antwerp ensures a warm welcome for
runners from all over the world. More than
20 different nationalities take part in the
runs. The streets are completely closed
off to the traffic and more than 50,000
supporters encourage the participants.
That way, the runners get to see a unique
picture of one of the most beautiful cities
in Belgium. The passage through the
famous Kennedy tunnel under the Scheldt
provides that little bit extra which makes
the ING Antwerp 10 Miles & Marathon an
unforgettable sporting event.
The ING Antwerp Marathon is the newest
distance at this top event. After two years,
already more than 2,000 marathon runners
have found their way to Antwerp. Especially
the finish on the Antwerp ‘Grote Markt’ is an
incredible experience for every participant.

www.ingantwerp10miles.be

Best of Belgium 115


Tour of Belgium
Sport

The Tour of Belgium is a five-day bicycle race which


was held for the first time in 1908 and then annually
– apart from a number of interruptions, notably for the
two world wars - until 1990.

After an absence of 12 years, in 2002 Golazo time trial, the Tour of Belgium offers excellent
sports decided to revive the Tour of Belgium. opportunities for every type of rider.
With the formation of the UCI ProTour in The Tour of Belgium boasts a dazzling
2005, the organisation briefly came under winners list, featuring such major names as
pressure, but in the meantime the Tour of Rik Van Looy, Freddy Maertens and Eddy
Belgium has again become an annual fixture Merckx. Each year the organisation can rely
on the calendar of the UCI Europe Tour. Each on a strong field of participants, with ProTour
year during the last week of May, Belgium is teams from Belgium and abroad. In addition,
enthralled by its own tour, which generates the Tour of Belgium also offers young Belgian
massive public interest along the Belgian talents a chance to measure themselves
roads. With both flat and hilly stretches and a against top names from the cycling world.

116 Best of Belgium


Belgacom Memorial Van Damme
What initially was meant as a onetime tribute to one
of Belgian’s most popular and gifted sportsmen has
become a real “classic” in this country.

competitions, each worth an Olympic final;


African drums accompany the long distance
runners and when the atmosphere in the
stadium has reached a peak a mini-concert
ends the party.
Nobody would have ever expected
such result, back in 1977 when seven
Belgian sportswriters decided to launch this
“Memorial” to commemorate their friend
Ivo Van Damme, who got tragically killed in
a car accident, less than five months after
his double triumph at the Olympic Games in
Montreal, where he won the silver medal in
both the 800 and the 1500m.
Indeed, the “Belgacom Memorial Van But after a remarkably emotional and
Damme” has become one of the biggest successful first edition, on 16 August 1977,
sports events in Belgium and at the the crowd asked for more and slowly but
same time one of the greatest athletics surely the “Van Damme” became a tradition
competitions in the world. Year after year, and a real “society event”, visited every
some 50.000 spectators fill the Brussels’ year  by thousands of loyal fans and often by
King Baudouin Stadium for what is so much a member of the Royal Family.
more than a traditional athletics meeting. The The next edition of the Belgacom
Belgacom Memorial Van Damme is a thrilling Memorial Van Damme takes place on Friday
cocktail of great sports, music, fireworks 5 September 2008.
and entertainment of all sorts. The world’s
best athletes serve the crowd some 18 www.belgacommemorialvandamme.be

Best of Belgium 117


HealthCity
Sport

Feeling good feeling healthy, the central theme


of our international fitness and relaxation group.
Experience HealthCity at more than 100 clubs in
three countries.

Mission other activities, such as tennis, squash or included: fitness, group courses, wellness,
An incomparable combination of luxurious badminton. Or maybe relaxing in a sauna or drinks, free dvd rent... If you choose a GOLD-
facilities, a pleasant environment and high- hammam is more to your taste. Or a refreshing membership you have access to every
class service - this is what makes HealthCity dive in the swimming pool. Or take it easy and HealthCity club. So you can work on your
so unique. As a full-service company, work on your tan in the solarium? All this is body and health wherever you are!
HealthCity is entirely focused on the possible in one of our 100 international clubs.
personal health of its members but does so And we will keep on growing, so we can give Facilities:
in a superbly pleasant way. Feeling good is everybody the possibility to work on his or her • Fitness: cardio and power training
important. health in an active and relaxing way. • Group courses (Les Mills)
Besides the classic fitness and group • Tennis, squash, badminton, bowling
courses, the company also offers the All Inclusive • Wellness: sauna, solarium, steam bath,
opportunity to practice a wide range of In this All Inclusive concept everything is swimming pool...

118 Best of Belgium


Company Fit
Healthy employees lie at the basis of a
good team spirit, that is why we introduced
Company Fit. It is comparable to the All
Inclusive concept but we offer your company
special conditions. For more information check
www.healthcity.be.

The story
René Moos, Eric Wilborts and Dennis Aarts are
the initiators of the HealthCity adventure. After
the professional tennis careers of René and
Eric, they began managing tennis courts. The
first results were visible as “het Arnolduspark”.
HealthCity is especially known for its fitness
facilities and that’s where Dennis came along,
his life was basically focused on fitness and
judo. Now we can offer our members a fully-
equipped fitness environment with extra
facilities!

HealthCity International
All over the Netherlands these clubs were
managed by these three gentlemen. In 2004
• Lounge the two regional organisations were merged
• Kids corner and baptised into HealthCity! Thanks to
• Free drinks & DVD’s Waterland, who bought half of the shares in
2005, some large investments were possible.
Basic An acquisition of different clubs and the
A well-equipped fitness for a basic price. construction of new clubs could be realised.
For only €6,95 a week you can improve your In 2006 HealthCity crossed borders and Totally in to HealthCity?
condition and strengthen your muscles. expanded to Belgium and Germany. With Visit our website or contact our headquarters:
29 clubs in Belgium, over 50 clubs in the HealthCity Belgium n.v.
Facilities: Netherlands and more than 23 in Germany, Slachthuislaan 74
• Fitness: cardio and power training HealthCity has evolved toward an inevitable 2060 Antwerp
• Group courses (Les Mills) player in the fitness world. www.healthcity.be

Best of Belgium 119


Fashion can be bought.
Style one must possess.
Edna Woolman Chase
© Tim Stoops
Chapter 6
Fashion
Modo Bruxellae
Fashion

All about Brussels Fashion


Capital city of a country recognized for its creativity and its know-how, Brussels
is home to a growing number of big names in national and international fashion.
Its fashion is rich in variety of styles and well-known labels. The proximity of Paris
and London offers great possibilities for designers working here.
Cathy Pill drew long © Gregory Derkenne

122 Best of Belgium


Life is good in Brussels, the most European
of all cities, and there are even whispers in
the “milieu” that “Brussels is where it’s all
happening”.
More and more international visitors find
shopping in Brussels more fun, enabling
them to catch the one item they couldn’t spot
anywhere else.
Modo Bruxellae (meaning “in Brussels
fashion” in Latin) is an association created
in 1994 by the Minister for the Economy of
the Region of Brussels-Capital to promote
all actors in the Brussels fashion sector, from
the most avant-garde designers to traditional
fashion houses. Its deep knowledge of
this evolving sector has created a unique
platform, an interesting meeting point and
useful interface to discover and assist fashion
designers in Brussels. The association
has developed www.modobruxellae.be,
updated daily, where many visitors find all
the latest information on Brussels fashion:
news, advertisements and reports of events,
addresses of designers, brands, shops,
schools, modeling agencies... and of course,
www.myspace.com/modobruxellae for funky
updates.
Modo Bruxellae also organizes events,
the most important being the Parcours de
Stylistes/Stylistenparcours (Designers’ Trail)
taking place every even year at the end of
October. Over three days, the city centre
moves to the rhythm of astonishing fashion
exhibitions in boutiques and unusual locations
(cafés, galleries, shops, private apartments...).
At least 100 exhibits entice fashion devotees,
inform fashion novices about the present
and future of Brussels fashion and offer new
views of the historical heart of the city. Modo
Sandrina Fasoli spring summer 08 © Emmanuel Llaurent 3

Bruxellae also organizes other exhibitions and


fashion shows, stock sales of clothing and

accessories by young designers and other other cities. The first edition with Annemie
projects. Every year, Modo Bruxellae awards Verbeke, Cathy Pill, Christophe Coppens, Eric
the Modo Prize worth 7500€ to the most Beauduin, Girls from Omsk, Isabelle Lenfant,
promising Young Fashion Designer in Brussels, Jean-Paul Knott, Les Précieuses, Sandrina
thus awarding in the past Carine Lauwers, Fasoli and Sofie D’Hoore proved them right
Tony and Sandrine (Tony Delcampe is now and so it happens the Brussels Government
head of La Cambre Mode(s), the leading is dedicating special efforts to the fields of
Brussels fashion school), Annemie Verbeke, fashion and design, hence playing the trump
Azniv Afsar, own, Olivier Theyskens, Xavier cards of the Brussels Region in Belgium and
Delcour, Marina Yee, Jean-Paul Knott, Cathy abroad, as well for its economic vitality as for
Pill and Sandrina Fasoli. Future winners could its market image in general. This investment
be Jose Enrique Ona Selfa, who worked for in Brussels Creativity is also the forerunner of
Loewe but now designs his own very beautiful the future creation of a Design-Mode center,
collection, or why not Jessie Lecomte, making expected very soon in Brussels. This centre
elegancy her aim. will offer the public, the designers and the
In collaboration with Brussels Export, professionals a reference.
2008 was the first year of a new joint
concept: 101% Brussels Fashion, promoting
a yearly selection of 10 fashion designers
in showrooms in Paris, London, Milano and www.modobruxellae.be

Best of Belgium 123


Perspective on Fashion - Edith Vervliet,
Fashion

Flanders Fashion Institute


Antwerp is sparkling with fashion. Internationally “our” designers are
extending far beyond our borders.

© Tim Stoops
The Fashion Department of the Koninklijke time this name has followed them, even if they
Academie voor Schone Kunsten (Royal are distinguished by their individual style and
Academy of Fine Arts) of the Hogeschool universe, and each having gone their own
Antwerpen, founded by Mary Prijot in 1963, way. There remarkable talent, perseverance,
deserves the highest merit here. The four attention to perfection and to the very details,
years of training in the Fashion Department is individually make them legendary. They are
an intense and intensive course. Graduated the ambassadors of the Fashion Department,
designers confirm that it is a training course which is the breeding ground for students
where you learn to discover yourself and of fashion from the whole world, and which
where you receive guidance in the search has put Antwerp on the world map.
for your own voice. The course of study Martin Margiela graduated together with
concentrates less on applied professional Walter Van Beirendonck in 1980, but does not
knowledge, but rather emphasises creativity, belong to the Antwerp Six. He established
originality and renewal, which at the same time himself almost immediately in Paris as
explains the unique features of the course. assistant to Jean-Paul Gaultier. In October
“The Antwerp Six” graduated at 2008, Maison Martin Margiela, which has
the beginning of the 80’s: Walter Van been part of the Diesel group since 2002,
Beirendonck - who has been the Head of will be celebrating its 20th anniversary.
the Fashion Department since 2007 - Ann With reference to this birthday, the Fashion
Demeulemeester, Marina Yee, Dirk Van Saene Museum in Antwerp has programmed
and Dries Van Noten and Dirk Bikkembergs. the unique exhibition ‘MAISON MARTIN
The term “Antwerp Six” originated in the MARGIELA. (20) The exhibition’, from 12
British press in 1986, which was unable September 2008 to 8 February 2009.
© Jacques Sonck

to pronounce the Flemish names of these The second generation of designers


designers when, together, they took part in the who graduated from the end of the 80’s to
designer week in London. Up to the present the end of the 90’s with, amongst others,

124 Best of Belgium


A.F.Vandevorst (An Vandevorst and Filip position themselves further on the world
Arickx), Stephan Schneider, Veronique map. Designer fashion means high-quality,
Branquinho, Kris Van Assche, Bernard inventive, creative designs that must be
Willhelm, Bruno Peters, etc., on the basis of converted into quality finished products with
their determination, strong and conceptual limited circulation. No massed numbers come
collections, ensured an immediate to look here. For our designers it is essential
breakthrough. They established the avant- to have production capacity - in time and in
garde character - ‘L’Anverse de la Mode’ quality - in the immediate vicinity. Naturally,
(The Wrong Side of Fashion), as the French certain facets come into consideration
fashion journalist, Elisabeth Paillé, so aptly for contracting out, but the production
described it - of the Antwerp fashion: the must take place in this country alone.
reverse side, the underdog, not as extravert It is particularly difficult for a designer
as English fashion, not as sexy as Italian to find competent technical support for his
fashion, not as brainy as Japanese fashion. creative team. And our clothing factories are
Now the third generation comes struggling with the same problem. In Flanders
marching along with the top designers we must promote craftsmanship to present
who have graduated at the turn of the the bottleneck careers in a more attractive way
century, such as Christian Wijnants, Tim and motivate young people to choose them.
Van Steenbergen, Pelican Avenue (Carolin We must see to it that in the perception
Lerch) Les Hommes (Tom Notte and Bart of the people, the fashion industry comes
Vandebosch), followed by recent names over more dynamically, fresher and sexier. which Flemish Minister President Kris Peeters
such as Peter Pilotto, Il Galantuomo We must show positive narratives with wants to give Flanders a durable place in the
(Gunhyo Kim) and EK Thongprasert. images. We must involve designers and European regions, with the focus on talent,
Fashion is business; that is the reality passionate patternmakers and manufacturers innovation, internationalisation, is the ideal
today. This does not prevent fashion who believe in this, etc. In this sense we hat stand on which to hang increased co-
students from having to study cultural-history are at present working out a pilot project. operation in the fashion industry. If ViA really
backgrounds in the course of their learning If you opt for training as a pattern wants to set work in motion aimed at a mental
and developing the highest conceptual visions. maker, sewer/seamstress, retoucher and shift which is essential for coming out on top
But those who want to start a collection production attendant, you will support lastingly in the future and to resolutely set the
themselves must realise that it goes together the creative process and you will be an course towards social-economic changes,
with an economic activity. This amounts essential link in the creative team. the fashion industry is the case to be.
to finding a good balance between the Moreover … you will be opting for one of The Flanders Fashion Institute (FFI),
super-creative and the economic aspect. the parade horses from the Flemish racing a non-profit association, was founded
Designer fashion is marked by stable: fashion. In this way you will contribute in 1998 with the support of the Flemish
an international character. to the success of our creative industry, which Government. The FFI, which is established
The student corps of the Fashion has an excellent quality image abroad. in the fashion metropolis Antwerp, is the
Department in Antwerp has become even “Knowledge” workers must also centre of knowledge for the fashion sector
more international over the past 25 years: mean for Flanders: people who have in Flanders. Their priority objectives are to
with more than 33 nationalities in 2008. That the technical knowledge and skills stimulate employment in the fashion sector
international character has undoubtedly had to support the creative careers. and promote fashion from Flanders on the
an influence on fashion here in Antwerp. Only then the young people will feel obliged national and international scene. The FFI is, in
Our designers must also, at the to study in the field of technical careers to the first instance, for the graduated young and
same time, offer their collection to support our creative industry. “There is a already established designers of the fashion
an international target group. college for every mind” is what I mean literally departments in Belgium. The FFI is also the
The Belgian market for designer fashion here. Not everybody need be academics. link to the creative network of photographers,
is too limited. It does not do to concentrate I also believe very strongly in cluster graphic designers, cosmeticians, etc. The
first on the national market and those of the forming. If we want to keep on producing FFI receives the needs of the designers
neighbouring countries. The cake is too small our region further, then we must search and provides them with suitable solutions.
and the competition too big. The world is - especially on the designing side. Together with a number of passionate fashion
the market place. Though it is true that we That requires other structures. business consultants, the core team of the FFI
do speak of certain ‘niche markets’ and the Co-operation of industries, inter alia in accompanies the designers in their careers
higher income segment that is approached the form of knowledge and industry clusters, and towards independent entrepreneurship.
via international buyers, importers, agents is a requirement for this. You must not do “Jobs.Jobs.Jobs” is the online platform on
and the fashion specialist publications. together what you can do alone, but … this site for job offers, assignments and stages
Also the production events in the fashion sometimes you must work together to achieve in the fashion sector for creative, supporting
industry show international characteristics. what you cannot succeed on your own. and other functions. Candidate job seekers
Delocalisation is a fact. Unemployment in Such co-operation must be steered by the can make themselves known to the FFI.
careers that become victims of delocalisation, different actors from the fashion industry, with The Flanders Fashion Institute is the
such as pattern makers, sewers/seamstresses, complementary competencies and the same contact point for enterprises that are seeking
retouchers and production attendants have level of ambition. One does not co-operate access to the world of designers and want to
reoriented themselves. Training in these with reference to one project alone. It requires link themselves to fashion. The FFI facilitates
careers has become less attractive. a long-term commitment and the same innovative, creative projects with national and
Designer fashion is a top creative product strategic vision on the part of the players. international radiation and builds a bridge
with which Belgium/Flanders/Antwerp must “Flanders in Action”, the strategic plan with between creative design talent and business.

Best of Belgium 125


A Selection of Belgian Designers
Fashion

Romy Smits, couture artist


Romy Smits is autodidact and she designs
for private clients in her salon in Antwerp.
Over the years, Romy has developed her
philosophy through stylistic, functional and
material-expressive means. Her bespoke
designs, innovative concepts, symbolic
images, personal styling, fabrics and couture
art are based on feelings and intuition.
Combining modernism and authenticity,
artistic inspiration and creativity in harmony
with the natural universe, she aims to
depict the very fine line between intuition
and shape, which connects emotions and
objects. She has developed innovative
concepts and designs for companies
including : Lexus, Peugeot, royal Windsor
hotel Brussels, L’Oreal, Libeco home, Dutch
textile museum, Natuzzi.

www.romysmits.com

Johanne Riss
Born in the north of France, passing by works with stretch fabrics to have always
Paris, she established in Brussels, capital more comfort and with silk and muslin
of Europe, her head office and started to for the elegance. Her outfits are always
design with passion. feminin, purified and can be accessorized
Modern and efficient, Johanne Riss tries in different way.
to transmit in her style a timeless feminity. Meticulous, all the clothes are created in
 She creates ready-to-wear but also her own workshop in Brussels. She can so
wedding dresses, evening dresses, easy adjust her creations for her customers
smoking, accessories and jewelry. and offer « made by order » too.
Her colours : Black and White with new Perfectionist, she creates, she tries, and
and different colors all seasons. Working is always present for her customers.
woman, her creations are perfect for the Her creations recall lightness,
actual woman who wants to be stylish. She transparence and purity.

126 Best of Belgium


Jean Paul Knott
Jean-Paul Knott has the wandering spirit, he 2008 he was invited to participate in the official
is Belgian, grew up in New York and worked Couture calendar. 
in Paris and Brussels.  He spent 11 years In his work, JEANPAULKNOTT explores the
assisting Yves Saint Laurent, worked as artistic silhouette. A combination of nonchalance and
director at Krizia and at Louis Féraud and elegance became his signature.
created costumes for Maurice Béjart’s ballets.  He doesn’t combine masculine and
He became artistic director for Cerruti in feminine, Couture and prêt-à-porter.  He
October 2007 and presented his collection inspires to travel, folding and transformation
JEANPAULKNOTT and his Japanese and gladly takes part in collaborations with his
collection KNOTT GALERIE…VIE. In January artist friends.

Sandrina Fasoli
The creative duet formed by Sandrina Fasoli
and Michael Marson is the spirit behind
this new fashion name. Both graduated
from the École nationale des Arts visuels
de la Cambre, Sandrina and Michael have
their own vision on fashion, a very special
approach based on unveiled femininity and
melancholic innocence.
Both creative and visual, this approach
enables Sandrina and Michael to explore
the world of women by experimenting with
different materials, by changing the function
of clothes and boldly using the concept of
pretence. This very vision of femininity will
bring national and international professional
recognition and press coverage to the fashion
duet (Grand Prix at the International Festival
of Fashion Arts at Hyères, in 2003; Weekend
Fashion Award, Modo Bruxellae Prize 2006;
Winner of Mango Fashion Awards 07).
Motivated by this professional recognition,
they will pursue their creative quest
over the seasons and present several
collections and projects building up a
signature style and a poetic and nostalgic
mood. Their first collection was a hit in
Japan and Korea and the new collection
2007 is now available in Brussels, Paris,
as well as in Japan and the USA.

Best of Belgium 127


Economy and Industry

Christa Reniers
Christa Reniers is one of Belgium’s leading
contemporary jewellery designers. Her
creations include an exclusive selection of
rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and
chokers, available both in sterling silver and
18K gold. The designs are inspired by natural,
organic shapes and give pure, and quite
unique sculptural forms.
You can see her work in one of her 3 own
shops: in Brussels, Antwerp or Ghent, and
while each outlet is beautifully distinctive, all
are a reflection of Christa’s personality: mid-
20th century inspired with a contemporary feel.
Each one has been designed by the renowned
Belgian architect Frank De Groeve, to give
an atmosphere that is exclusive, yet intimate
and inviting. Remarkably, you can browse
openly through most of the collection, even
trying many of the creations on, freely. A visit
is truly worthwhile and an experience in itself.
Production and final finish are done in
her own workshop, located in the heart of
Brussels. The collection grows regularly, and
so repeat visits are a must.

Françoise Pendville
Françoise Pendville has always been an world. These stories are creative works
inspiring person. She started out as a where discovery and talent are key words.
teacher in a Freinet school; the first clothes Since 2001, Françoise’s atelier is set in a
she made were raincoats for children that lovely Atelier/Bureau/Boutique. It is an old
adapted to their movements. Her strength is industrial magical place where Françoise
to alter, transform and make unique pieces. explores her creativity.
She also likes to experiment with materials Françoise Pendville is surrounded by a
and reuse them in a creative way. passionate team which supports and helps
Françoise’s famous raincoats launched her to move grow as an artist. The brand
her style in Belgium in the early 1990’s is today distributed and/or represented in
before she felt the need to further develop France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia,
her collection. The quality of the fabrics, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Greece, Italy,
the concern for details and the purity of the Switzerland, Australia, South Africa and the
shapes define Françoise Pendville’s style. United States.
For Françoise every collection tells a Françoise lives in Brussels, is married and
story, which carries everyone in an imaginary has 2 children. www.christareniers.com

128 Best of Belgium


Le Fabuleux Marcel
de Bruxelles
Kaat Blommaert did not study fashion.
Indeed, she ran her own beauty salon for
more than 15 years. But sometimes in life
you just want to start again. Some do it
by buying a new car, find a new partner or
change their hair color but Kaat kept her
black hair.
It all started with an idea on holiday close
to Saint-Tropez.
Today, you can find Le Fabuleux Marcel
de Bruxelles in the greatest shops from
Saint Tropez to Dubai and from Brussels to
New York.
Kaat and her husband were always
heavy users of singlets.
That fabulous day on holiday, with an
empty bottle of red wine in front of them,
they decided to make their own singlets.
They came back to Brussels, not
knowing anything about fashion,
but strongly believing in their idea: Making
the best and coolest singlets in the world.

Nina Meert
Nina MEERT has always seen clothing as a
sculptural movement of the body in space.
An approach that revolves around the
notion of aesthetics, comfort, natural
materials, subtlety of tone, the rejection of
the dictates of fashion.
The result is a collection of pure and
timeless beauty…
She rejects the concept of trends
that play on the ephemeral, negating
her deeply-held truth values. Nina Meert
creates unique pieces for women with their
own style.
“In sixty years, the world has changed
on every level: architecture, art, fashion,
nature, ecology. We have entered the era
of image without depth. I refuse to be a
part of it.”, the creator confides. With her
collections, Nina MEERT moves towards
a different perspective, of authenticity and
respect for women.
“Wearing clothes is part of one’s well-
being” Nina Meert claims with defiance.
“Every woman should dress according to
her identity, not the vague rules of fleeting
trends. Fashion is an evolution, not a
revolution, adapting, among other things,
to the advances of technology. It cannot be
ephemeral and should be perceived as an
everyday pleasure and seduction.”
Nina Meert’s creations take you on a
journey through natural fabrics such as
linnnen, architectural lines, and warm
tones. They are sold all over the world and
in her own boutiques in Brussels and Paris.
They are made for women of all ages
and cultures, offering them the freedom
and harmony of the body.

Best of Belgium 129


Belgian Fashion:
Fashion

Adored throughout the World


Since decades Belgium is known for its fashion industry. The Academies
of Antwerp and Brussels (La Cambre) bring forth well renowned designers
who are known and loved throughout the world. Behind these designers
is an industry of clothing and apparel which equals quality, craftsmanship
and originality. Belgian fashion has become an international trademark.

Linea Raffaelli

Oni Onik

The international recognition for Belgian


fashion came with the “Six of Antwerp”.
Afterwards, the Antwerp Academy generated
more new successful generations of Belgian
designers and it still does so today.
With the establishment of the Flanders
Fashion Institute (FFI), the promotion of
Belgian fashion was guaranteed. This was
also the beginning of a unique project called
ModeNatie. This building, a true “fashion
temple”, is a public-private cooperation
between the city of Antwerp, province of
Antwerp (Fashion Museum), Flemish Region
and 8 private partners including Creamoda.
Creamoda also joined hands with Modo
Bruxellae to promote fashion from Brussels.

Creamoda, the home of Belgian fashion


Van Hassels

Creamoda is the employers’ association


that represents manufacturers, designers,

130 Best of Belgium


Red&Blu
Caroline Biss

Just in Case
Pluto
Yulin

wholesalers and agencies active in the businesses, small to medium sized and Flanders (85%) of which 60% are based in
Belgian fashion and ready-to-wear industry. environmentally-friendly. On the one East and West Flanders. One of the main
The federation was established in 1946 hand, the industry experiences a tough problems for the Belgian clothing and
to unite the employers of this industry. international competition especially from apparel companies is the high labour cost.
To defend and advise its members in Asian countries. On the other hand, the This has forced numerous companies to
all areas of economic life is one of the clothing and apparel industry is very take their production abroad in order to
principal missions of Creamoda. This vast export-oriented. Nowadays, several Belgian stay competitive on international level.
task notably includes social mediation brands are sold throughout the world In 2006 clothing alone represented a
and information, technical support, and well-known by many people. Belgian turnover of 1.8 billion euro. If apparel is
advice in international trading matters fashion is exported to several countries; added, the turnover amounts to 2.4 billion
and commercial support as well as made- however, the top 5 is France, Germany, the euro of which 70% was generated by export.
to-measure service. Promoting Belgian Netherlands, United Kingdom and Spain.
fashion on national and international
level is another vital task of Creamoda. Key figures of the clothing Creamoda
and apparel industry Leliegaarde 22
Main characteristics of the clothing At present, 17.677 people are working in 1731 Zellik
and apparel industry the clothing and apparel industry of which Tel: 02/238 10 11
The sector of clothing and apparel 70% are blue collar and 30% white collar Fax: 02/238 10 10
is a very labour-intensive one. The workers. 75% of all employees are women. E-mail: info@creamoda.be
majority of companies are family-owned The majority of companies are located in www.creamoda.be

Best of Belgium 131


Education is the best provision for old age.
Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)
© www.douglasmoors.be
Chapter 7
Education
The Belgian Knowledge Economy
Education

Professor Marc Vervenne, Rector University of Leuven


© Juhanson

During the “March 2000 Summit” in Lisbon, and economically relevant activities have to the currently dominating growth poles of
the European Heads of State and the obviously been attested. Many regions in Leuven, Ghent, Louvain-La-Neuve and Liège.
Government leaders accepted the challenge Europe, the United States, and increasingly It is clear that the present economic
of transforming Europe into the world’s in Asia claim to have a regional competitive development takes place in close connection
leading knowledge economy by 2010. advantage to become successful poles of to the Belgian universities, research centres
Indeed, innovative knowledge will be the growth. Also in Belgium, various regions and technical institutions. They play a key
driving force for prosperity and wellbeing in are clearly demonstrating the ambition to role in the diffusion of the “state of the art”
this new millennium. The speed and intensity play a dynamic and leading role in building of the scientific and technical knowledge
at which new scientific and technological up the European knowledge economy of in, among others, information technology,
developments are transformed into socially the 21st century. Reference can be made bio-medical sciences, nanotechnology

134 Best of Belgium


Professor Marc Vervenne
Rector University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven)

- presence of an entrepreneurial climate,


with entrepreneur role models;
- presence of a legal framework for
exploitation of scientific research;
- clear policy and incentives to encourage
research groups to actively seek
knowledge transfer opportunities;
- presence of a professional interface
unit (transfer cell) providing an
integrated approach of research
valorisation, which can result in spin-
offs, contract research and creation
of patents (intellectual property);
- presence of sufficient seed
and venture capital;
- clear ownership of intellectual property;
- increased awareness among federal,
state and local stakeholders;
- presence of excellent networks;
and genomics. This knowledge is diffused capital, are be required. In the maturity - enthusiasm and a high quality of life.
throughout the existing Belgian industry, stage, some of the new innovative
and it also generates more and more companies go for an initial public offering. In conclusion, I would like to state that several
high-tech start-ups.For success in these From the “Leuven Knowledge Economy regions in Belgium fulfil the aforementioned
new endeavours, we not only need to Model” we have learned that the success criteria and can, therefore, position
train scientists and engineers, but also of the knowledge economy regions largely themselves as outstanding “Knowledge
experts in legal aspects, management, depends on the following parameters: Economy Regions” on the European map.
intellectual property, marketing and
sales. Moreover, expertise in novel ways - presence of a critical mass of high Professor Marc Vervenne
of financing, such as seed and venture quality research sources; Rector University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven)

Best of Belgium 135


AIS: Leading Education in an
Education

Expanding Expat Community


Antwerp offers expat families a wealth of advantages, from
convenient commutes, to affordable housing, to a welcoming
international community. Education is, of course, a top priority
for expats, so the Antwerp International School is a keystone in
Antwerp’s position as a growing expat destination.

Family concerns are one of the top Located a few kilometres north of Antwerp’s academic accreditation from the European
determiners of the success or failure of city centre, it provides a top-level, English- Council of International Schools, and later
an expat experience, and schooling for language learning environment to students became the first school in the world to be
children is at the centre of this issue. from pre-school through grade 12, offering accredited three times by the Council. This
That’s why a school like the Antwerp both a standard high school diploma and constant evaluation ensures that AIS remains
International School—which focuses the International Baccalaureate diploma. a high quality school, and that transcripts
on both the academic and personal Established in 1967, AIS is one of four and diplomas are recognised universally.
development of each child—is such international schools in Belgium, and the The 80 faculty members represent 10
a critical factor in how attractive a only one in the important expat community different nationalities, in a 1:9 teacher-
potential new city is for expatriates, of Antwerp. Over the years, it has grown to-student ratio. With the school’s six
and therefore for their companies. from 67 students to its current population of buildings housing 45 classrooms, four
In 2007-2008, the Antwerp International 600 students from 35 nationalities. In 1972, science laboratories, a library, three
School celebrated its 40th academic year. the school was the first institution to receive computer centres, English as a Second

136 Best of Belgium


Language and Learning support classrooms,
counsellors’ offices, nurses rooms, a new
gymnasium complex, a Fine Arts Centre
and an attached theatre with music classes,
a large multi-purpose area, a kitchen and
cafeteria and three playgrounds on its ten-
acre campus, expats children can also
maximise the opportunities of living abroad.
AIS’s dedicated staff members ensure
that each child receives the personal
attention he or she needs. Children are
valued as individuals and taught to work
together in a multi-cultural atmosphere
of mutual respect and tolerance. The
learning approach is student-centred, and
the curriculum focuses on teaching the
importance of understanding, academic
discipline, service, the arts and good health.
Students have opportunities to work level” subjects with 150 hours of teaching. benefits from an excellent transport
both individually and collaboratively, in All diploma students take Theory of infrastructure and ideal location. Brussels is
order to learn to solve problems, meet Knowledge as a seventh subject. only 45 kilometres away, while Amsterdam,
challenges and develop respect for the IB candidates also have 150 hours of Düsseldorf, Cologne, Luxembourg,
perspectives of others. Students’ social, Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) over London, Strasbourg, and Paris are all
physical, emotional and intellectual two years. This is an integral part of the IB less than 500 kilometres away. The city is
development are all addressed. program, providing a balance with academics within easy reach of numerous motorways
The school takes full advantage of the to enable students to express values such connecting it to the rest of Europe. Two
diversity of the student and faculty bodies. as caring, commitment, generosity and international airports (Zaventem/Brussels
Every other year, on International Day, solidarity. Students are encouraged to take and Antwerp) are within a 30 minute drive.
each nationality shares its culture, food, part in artistic and sporting activities and in One of the greatest strengths of the local
customs and costumes with each other. community service, at home and abroad. AIS workforce is its language skills. According
The school encourages an active offers the CAS program from the 10th grade. to Antwerp Chamber of Commerce, most
Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO). The IB candidates also complete a 4,000 of the city’s workers speak English, French,
PTO assists new families to integrate into word research essay on a subject of their German and Dutch, making it even easier
the community, thanks to conversation choice. Each student has a supervisor who for expats to fit in immediately. With over
groups, sports and other classes, and assists him or her in developing a hypothesis 3,000 restaurants and bars, and about 35
social and networking events. and who follows through in the research museums, 6 concert halls and 29 theatres,
To prepare students for continuing process. Diploma students find the essay and, of course, the Antwerp International
education anywhere in the world, AIS one of the most valuable parts of their School, Antwerp offers a very high quality
offers the International Baccalaureate (IB). preparation for their continuing education. of life for all members of the expat family.
These high quality international education AIS’s location in Antwerp is no accident.
programs connect AIS to a worldwide “In Antwerp, we are in a unique position
community of over 2,300 schools in 128 to take advantage of the cultural heritage
countries. IB retains an important function of Belgium and the adjacent countries, to VZW Antwerp International School
in providing access to an internationally promote an understanding and respect Veltwijcklaan 180
recognised curriculum around the world. for other cultures and customs,” notes 2180, Ekeren-Antwerp
Diploma students take six core subjects MS and HS Principal Steve Petra. BELGIUM
over two years. They choose three The city’s convenient position and Tel. +32 3 543 93 00
“higher level” subjects comprising 240 excellent standard of living make it a Fax +32 3 541 82 01
hours of teaching, and three “standard desirable destination for expats. Antwerp E-mail: marketinganddevelopment@ais-antwerp.be

Best of Belgium 137


The only way to keep your health is to eat
what you don’t want, drink what you don’t
like, and do what you’d rather not.
Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
© www.marionkahane.com
Chapter 8
Healthcare
Belgium: International Centre
Healthcare

of Medical Excellence
Healthcare Belgium is a non-profit organisation, established in 2007 by 11 of the most
prominent and important Belgian hospital groups. The organisation receives large support
from Agfa Healthcare, Dexia Bank, the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (VBO-FEB)
and Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre (VCTC).
© Marion Kahane

Belgium: International Centre a large number of specialised centres medical services to foreign patients
of Medical Excellence and internationally renowned doctors. and health care providers in an
Belgium’s health service is known Furthermore, various Belgian companies ethical and coordinated way.
for its easy accessibility and high have become international players in the • Ensure that patients from abroad can
quality treatments. With four doctors medical equipment and software sectors. rely on a high quality range of services
per 1 000 inhabitants, Belgium is at a fair price and that they are taken
well above the OECD 2.9 average. Healthcare Belgium’s objectives: care of in a professional manner
Belgian hospitals are equipped with • Make Belgium known as from initial contact to repatriation.
advanced technology and run by highly an International centre of
qualified staff. They provide optimal medical excellence. Telemedicine
care in the best conditions and have • Foster the international development New broadband technologies make it
considerable capacity. The Belgian health of Belgian telemedicine. now perfectly possible to offer long-
care system is well-connected, with • Provide information on Belgian distance specialised medical services to

140 Best of Belgium


facilities. Agfa HealthCare has over
a century of healthcare experience
related to diagnostic imaging and
has been a pioneer on the healthcare
IT market since the early 1990’s.
Over the years, Agfa HealthCare
has demonstrated its capacity to
successfully support its customers’
technological challenges, and to guide
them in their transition from analog
to digital to IT solutions. Today,
Agfa HealthCare is a global Imaging
Informatics leader with over 2 000
installations (PACS, RIS, CVIS) worldwide
and a European healthcare Enterprise
IT leader with systems installed in 1
200 European hospitals and 1 000
laboratories. The company is also
a pioneer in the e-health arena, with
solutions linking thousands of General
Practitioners to healthcare providers.

11 Hospitals/ Hospital Groups:


Healthcare Belgium represents the
following hospital groups, all of
which are non-profit associations:
• Antwerp Hospital Network (ZNA)
• Antwerp University Hospital (UZA)
• Brussels Europe Hospitals
• Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital
• Brussels University
Hospital (UZ Brussel)
• Edith Cavell Interregional
Hospital Group (CHIREC)
• Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent)
• Imelda Hospital
• Leuven University Hospitals
(UZ Leuven)
• Monica General Hospital Antwerp
• Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst

The variety of services provided by
its members’ centres of excellence
allows Healthcare Belgium to offer the
best quality medical care for a very
wide range of treatments including:
• Bariatric Surgery/Obesity Surgery
• Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery
patients and healthcare providers abroad. also be used in other areas such as • Gynaecology/Obstetrics
Belgium offers the services of top-level clinical pathology, orthodontics and • Neurosurgery
laboratories in broadband and medical dermatology, as well as providing a • Ophthalmology/Eye Surgery
imaging technology cooperating closely second opinion for complex cases. • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
with world-class medical centres that • Orthopaedic Surgery
focus on telemedicine. For example, Agfa HealthCare: • Otorhinolaryngology (ORL)
Virtual Colonoscopy Teaching Centre Agfa HealthCare, a member of the • Paediatrics/Paediatric Surgery
(VCTC) offers a unique combination Agfa-Gevaert Group, is a leading • Radiotherapy/Oncology
of education through e-learning and provider of IT-enabled clinical workflow • Reproductive Medicine
advice through teleradiology. This and diagnostic image management • Treatment of Diabetes
way, it provides radiologists with solutions, and state-of-the-art • Treatment of Liver and Biliary Diseases
education and hospitals with cutting systems for capturing and processing • Urology
edge techniques. Telediagnosis can images in hospitals and healthcare • Vascular Surgery

Best of Belgium 141


Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital

High resolution 3.0-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging apparel

Cardiology and
Cardiothoracic Surgery

Brussels Saint-Luc University Hospital


The surgery division addresses and treats
the full spectrum of pathologies. A broad
range of surgery is performed, including the
full arterial revascularisations for coronary
surgery, the systematic repair of aortic and
mitral valve with degenerative disease (>95%),
the full options of techniques for valve
replacement, heart transplant programmes
and artificial heart programmes, paediatric
and congenital surgery, endovascular unit
for stent graft, and more. Prof. Gebrine
El Khoury, MD, heads the Cardiac Surgery
Department, and is recognised as one of
the pioneering surgeons of the aortic valve
repair. The department is one of the most
active centres for valve disease and is
Agfa-Gevaert

considered as a school in cardiac surgery


as illustrated by the number of visitors

142 Best of Belgium


© Antwerp Hospital Network

El Khoury’s team receives on a daily basis, Patients are admitted in three different patients with complex disorders of the
their active participation in the most important units, shared by cardiologists and heart, blood vessels and circulation.
international meetings (live surgery, lectures, surgeons, according to their heart or Antwerp University Hospital hosts the
post graduate courses) and the yearly vascular problem. This enables an optimal largest centre for extracorporeal membrane
organisation of three international meetings. multidisciplinary approach for the whole oxygenation (ECMO) in Belgium, a
spectrum of pathologies. One of the units procedure that makes use of an artificial
Antwerp Hospital Network is dedicated to short admissions. heart-lung machine to temporarily take
The department of cardiology consists Imelda is a leading centre for the treatment over the cardio-respiratory function.
of 3 wards with 100 beds, a non- of atrial fibrillation by radiofrequency ablation. Since 1996, the Antwerp Heart Centre
invasive and an invasive section. It is Four years ago, a unique anatomo-functional has run a successful heart transplant
equipped with four cathlabs, a large approach was developed by the team. program with over 100 transplants
outpatient clinic, a Centre for Cardiac performed and excellent survival results.
Rehabilitation and a Heart Failure Clinic. Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital Aalst Prof. Christiaan Vrints, MD, has headed
The team comprises thirteen The Cardiology Centre has a high scientific the department of cardiology since 1998. As
cardiologists. Frank Van den Branden, MD, research activity and is recognised as the medical director of the largest centre for
FESC heads the Cardiology Department such by the Belgian government. A high interventional cardiology in Belgium, Prof.
and Philip Van Cauwelaert, MD, heads number of cardiologists from all over the Vrints focuses on non-surgical procedures
the Cardiac Surgery Department. world are trained in this centre. To support to treat cardiovascular diseases.
the research activity and education, the
Brussels University Hospital Cardiology Division has its own Cardiac Leuven University Hospitals
The Centre for Heart and Vascular Diseases Research Fund, an element of the “King The departments of Cardiology and
(CHVZ) has become an indispensable Baudouin foundation”. Several members of Cardiac Surgery of the University Hospitals
player on the health care scene in the staff are key opinion leaders and serve Leuven are well established since
Belgium. Both locally and abroad, it is as course directors, chairmen and speakers 1957. With more than 1 200 open-heart
considered to be a leading institution where in numerous international meetings. procedures annually they constitute the
extensive medical expertise is combined Erik Andries, MD, is the founder and largest cardiovascular centre in Belgium.
with patient-friendly service in order to Chairman of the Cardiology Division. He The centre has 33 intensive care beds
achieve genuine high-quality care. has guided the Cardiovascular Division to (post-operative and ICCU), 15 medium
The CHVZ has extensive experience of its position as a centre of excellence with care beds and 4 wards with 152 beds.
ablation treatment in Belgium. It is the only an international reputation in the domain The close collaboration between
centre in Belgium and the third in Europe to of clinical and interventional cardiology, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists,
perform electromagnetic navigation ablation. electrophysiology and cardiac rehabilitation. nursing staff, physical therapists, exercise
Prof. Guy Van Camp, MD, is the head The Cardiovascular and Thoracic physiologists and registered dieticians
of the Cardiology Department; Prof. Surgery unit was founded in 1980 by Hugo guarantees an optimal integrated care
Pedro Brugada, MD, PHD is the head of Vanermen, MD, head of the department of the cardiac patient from arrival at the
the Heart Rhythm Management Centre and introducer of new technologies in the hospital until discharge and, if needed, into
and Prof. Francis Wellens, MD, is the field of cardiac surgery and developer outpatient rehabilitation. The high influx of
head of the Surgery Department. of totally endoscopic cardiac surgery.   patients and the availability of the newest
devices and diagnostic techniques allow for
Imelda Hospital Antwerp University Hospital ample clinical and technical experience.
Imelda has one of the most active Antwerp University Hospital’s cardiologists, Internationally renowned Prof. Frans Van de
centres for heart and vascular diseases cardiac surgeons, interventional radiologists Werf, MD, FESC, FACC, FAHA, heads the
in Belgium. It has the first fully integrated and vascular surgeons work together to cardiology department and Prof. Bart Meyns,
heart and vascular centre in Belgium. deliver the most comprehensive care for MD, heads the cardiac surgery department.

Best of Belgium 143


Healthcare
© Marion Kahane

Reproductive Medicine The centre conducts groundbreaking


scientific research. It was instrumental in
Reproductive medicine is incontestably the development of ICSI, the revolutionary
one of the medical areas which defines fertilisation technique, which involves one
Belgian medical excellence. For over twenty sperm being injected into the egg cell.
years, Belgian specialists have made It is the largest and most pioneering
huge contributions to the development centre for reproductive medicine in
of new fertilisation techniques. Moreover, Belgium: 8 European and World premieres
Belgian legislation concerning reproductive in 20 years. The RHC is one of the few
medicine is one of the most flexible. centres to have obtained the ISO 15189
quality certificate. Prof. Paul Devroey,
Reproduction Health Centre of the MD, is the head of the department, which
Brussels University Hospital counts more than 120 collaborators.
The Reproduction Health Centre (RHC) has Among Devroey’s most outstanding
been operational within Brussels University research achievements is his participation
Hospital since 1983. It has achieved in the discovery of ICSI.
leadership status, both nationally and
© Brussels University Hospital

internationally. Leuven University Fertility Centre (LUFC)


In 2005, the RHC achieved the threshold The Leuven University Fertility Centre is
of 10 000 babies born from parents treated at a pioneer in several areas. The first IVF
the centre. With more than 4 000 IVF cycles baby in Belgium was born in 1984 in
per year, the RHC is by far the largest centre LUFC. Today, more than 1 000 new infertile
in Belgium, and the second largest in Europe. couples are seen every year.

144 Best of Belgium


The LUFC is the first Centre for
Reproductive Medicine in the Benelux
that received the ISO 9001-2000
Certificate for High Quality Care for
patients with fertility problems.
The Departments of Obstetrics,
Gynaecology and LUFC are world famous
for their clinical and research programs
in endometriosis, including laparoscopic
surgery of advanced endometriosis
involving the bowel and urethers.
The LUFC has an internationally  
renowned centre for research related to
stress and infertility.
Leuven University is part of the League
of European Research Universities
including Oxford, Cambridge, Leiden,
Karolinska and Geneva. Leuven University
Hospital is one of Europe’s largest and best
teaching hospitals.

Fertility Centre of the Antwerp


Hospital Network
The ZNA Fertility Centre has always had an
excellent reputation both in clinical research
and results. The centre is a pioneer in the
successful introduction of single embryo
transfer and has gained an international
reputation which is illustrated by numerous
publications in peer reviewed journals.
The centre recently acquired the ISO
9001:2000 certificate for “Complete
© Brussels University Hospital

patient care dedicated to their needs and


expectations in Reproductive Medicine
(health care program B)”.
Diane De Neubourg, MD, was
appointed medical director in 2006. She
has been working in the ZNA Fertility
Centre since 1998 and is active in the
Registry Committee of the Belgian In the IVF reference centre, professors Endometriosis Society) and the President
College of Specialists in Reproductive Marc Dhont, MD, Petra De Sutter, MD, and of the ISFP (International Society for
Medicine (quality control) and is an active Jan Gerris, MD, are the leading specialists. Preserving Fertility).
member of the Special Interest Group on Together with about 50 co-workers, they
Safety and Quality in ART of ESHRE. set an example of how a modern fertility CHIREC’s Assisted Reproduction Centre
Eric Van Royen, MD, is head of the centre with a human face should operate This Centre has over twenty years of
IVF/ICSI laboratory which he established in today’s world.  Innovative technology, experience in assisted reproduction
in 1993. He is actively involved in scientific empathic patient care and top results go technology. Some of its physicians were
research in the field of single embryo hand in hand, and the high number of involved in Belgium’s first successful use of
transfer. The laboratory was one of the first foreign patients treated here bear testimony this technology in 1983.
to start single embryo transfer based on to this. Prof. Bernard Lejeune, MD, is the
the characterisation of the embryo with the Director of the Unit and Chair of the
highest implantation potential. Gynaecology Centre, Brussels Saint-Luc Gynaecology Department. He is currently
University Hospital President of the College of Physicians
IVF Reference Centre in the Ghent The gynaecology department is a for Reproductive Medicine of the Belgian
University Hospital highly specialised centre for Endoscopy government.
Ghent University Hospital was one of the (minimally invasive diagnostic medical He has published several papers on
first IVF centres in Europe and over the procedure) and in particular the treatment reproductive technologies in international
last 20 years it has become a reference of endometriosis with the CO2 Laser. peer reviewed journals.
centre nationally and internationally: 40% Pioneers for over 25 years in in-vitro The CHIREC’s Assisted Reproduction
of the patients treated here have travelled fertilisation, the centre offers all medical Centre (ARC) is performing the most
from other countries in the world. The assisted reproduction treatments with a advanced assisted human reproduction
centre holds special expertise in artificial success rate of 40% on every attempt on methods such as: IVF, ICSI, IMSI,
activation of oocytes, a technique used to young women. Blastocyst culture, Assisted Hatching,
obtain pregnancy in situations where ICSI The centre obtained the first pregnancy Vitrification of embryos and oocytes.
has failed. in the world after a frozen ovarian tissue
The research program of the centre has graft. With the objective of preserving
been focusing on oocyte activation for the fertility, this gynaecology department has Healthcare Belgium VZW/ASBL
past ten years. Ghent University Hospital created the largest ovarian tissue and Stuiversstraat 8 Rue des Sols
was also among the first to implement ovaries bank worldwide. Prof. Jacques 1000 Brussels – Belgium
“single embryo transfer” and holds the ISO Donnez, MD, heads the Gynaecology and Tel: +32(0)2 515 09 38
9001:2000 certificate, proof of its concern Andrology department since 1985. Author Fax: +32(0)2 515 09 39
with safety and quality issues of assisted of several world premieres, he is currently E-mail:contact@healthcarebelgium.com
reproduction. the Scientific Director at WES (World www.healthcarebelgium.com

Best of Belgium 145


Success in business requires training and
discipline and hard work. But if you’re not
frightened by these things, the opportunities
are just as great today as they ever were.
David Rockefeller (1915 - )
© Charline Lancel
Chapter 9
Economy and Industry
Riding out the Global Slowdown
Economy and Industry

Soaring oil prices have fuelled a global economic slowdown and curbed GDP growth, but
Belgium’s stable, diversified economy is well-placed to ride out the current economic conditions.
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

The soaring cost of oil is causing growing business confidence index showing compiled “in a context of considerable
strain to economies around the world and a sharp drop in confidence in this turbulence in financial markets as a result of
Belgium is no exception. With oil prices industry, while business indicators edged the crisis in the US housing market, a sharp
more than doubling in the past year to upwards in construction and trade. rise in oil prices and other commodities”.
a record US$145 a barrel in early July The economy ministry’s Federal Planning The figures show that Belgium’s GDP
2008, the impact is being felt acutely Bureau recently published its annual medium growth is expected to slow to 1.7% in
by consumers and businesses alike. and long-term projections for Belgium, 2008 and 2009 down from 2.7% in 2007.
Businesses in the manufacturing revising its 2008 and 2009 GDP growth figures The figures are much closer to those of the
industry in particular are feeling the pinch down in line with the current slowdown. The euro area, which is expected to show 1.6%
with the National Bank of Belgium’s June ministry said that the latest figures were and 1.5% growth in the next two years.

148 Best of Belgium


drivers blocked roads into Brussels on
the eve of an EU summit to push leaders
for help coping with the skyrocketing
fuel prices. While the government is
unlikely to give in to demands for fuel
subsidies, the impact of these price
shocks on the economy is expected to
dissipate over the coming months.
Business and consumers alike can
take comfort in the stability and diversity
of the Belgian economy over the past
year, which serves as a cushion against
possible global knock-on effects. In
2007, despite fears that the global credit
crunch would have downward implications
for the Belgian economy, the country
out-paced most expectations, posting
2.7% GDP growth. The NBB argues
that the Belgian economy withstood the
turmoil on the world markets in 2007,
triggered by the crisis on the US sub-
prime mortgage market and fears about
over-exposure from financial institutions,
thanks to high private consumption,
corporate investments, exports and
improvement in the labour market.
Further signs of resilience in the
Belgian economy were shown by
increases in corporate investments,
up by 5 % as a result of the increased
use of production capacity and higher
profits; an improvement of 2.5% in private
consumption and purchasing power in
real terms, a stabilisation of the savings
ration at around 12.5% and the creation of
70,000 new jobs in the economy. Economic
reports also showed that the Brussels
region is the 3rd richest metropolitan
area in Europe, while the port of Antwerp
grew by an impressive 10% in 2007,
handling 182 million tonnes of freight.
Unemployment in Belgium decreased
by 7 % in 2007 with twice as many jobs
being created in 2007 as in 2006. Belgian
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
were responsible for the bulk of the new
jobs created and structural employment in
SMEs (excluding temporary jobs or student
jobs) grew by 3.5 % in 2007, compared
to 1.7 % in 2006. These new jobs in turn,
resulted in a rise in purchasing power.
Even with the current dip in GDP
growth, the economy is expected to create
42,000 jobs annually in the next two years.
The economy ministry also predicts that
The current slowdown in GDP growth can expected following successful inflation- despite posting a fiscal deficit of between
be largely attributed to the steep fuel and targeting in 2007 and reflects the “sensitivity 0.3% and 0.9% of GDP in 2008 and
food price increases, which saw Belgium’s of the energy component to oil prices in 2009, the country’s debt will continue to
year-on-year inflation rate hitting a 24-year Belgium, some administered tariff increases drop, reaching 70.8% of GDP by 2013.
high of 5.8% in June 2008. The National for electricity and gas and the somewhat As the economy ministry and the
Bank of Belgium (NBB) estimates that larger impact of the food price shocks”. NBB’s figures show, Belgium will enjoy
the average inflation rate for 2008 will be Two sectors feeling the impact of “less strong” growth in 2008 and 2009
just under 4% and that this will ease to the fuel increases are agriculture and but the economy will pick up again
an average of 1.9% in 2009. However, transport. In early July 2008, hundreds thereafter with forecasts of 2.2% GDP
the current figure is well above what was of Belgian farmers, truckers and taxi growth for the 2010-2013 period.

Best of Belgium 149


Enjoy doing Business in Belgium
Guy Quaden, Governor of the National Bank of Belgium

Belgium has a long-established position as represented about 12% of gross domestic


a highly competitive economy and a prime product, one of the highest levels recorded
destination for investors from all corners of among the advanced countries. The degree
the world. The importance of foreign direct of openness to foreign trade is exceptionally
investment in the country is clear proof of high, reaching some 48% in 2007. One of the
this reputation: between 2003 and 2006, it main attractions of the Belgian economy is its

150 Best of Belgium


London, Frankfurt and Paris. This advantage between finance raised through risk capital
can be fully exploited thanks to an excellent and finance raised through borrowed capital,
and extensive infrastructure of transport by allowing companies to deduct a notional
(airports, sea ports, high speed rail and road charge (not stated in the accounts) from
links), logistics and telecommunications on their tax base that corresponds to a specific
which the country has built its reputation. percentage of their equity capital. Another
The Belgian economy also benefits from measure that is much appreciated by firms
being part of the euro area and its financial in Belgium is the one facilitating the very
markets, where firms are not only able to trade rapid conclusion of agreements with the tax
in one single currency but also have access authorities on rulings valid for up to five years.
to extremely diversified and competitive Other significant measures contributed
sources of financing in a capital market which the last years to drastically lighten the
has now progressed to second place in the administrative burden on businesses, whether
world rankings. Belgium is also renowned by simplifying or reducing administrative
for its highly skilled and highly productive procedures - for instance, the time needed
labour force, with a natural ability to work in to complete the formalities to set up a
a multicultural and multilingual environment. business has been slashed from 56 days to
Moreover, the fact that several international just three days - or by systematically using
institutions, such as NATO, as well as the electronic means of communication for
main EU institutions, namely the European accounting, tax and social security matters.
Commission, the European Parliament The fact that Belgium is part of the
and the European Council, have their European Monetary Union means that
headquarters in Brussels, the country’s particular attention has to be paid to the
capital, encourages strategic decisions relative movement in wage costs. Legislation
to locate investment in Belgium. in force since 1996 requires the social partners
Its macroeconomic policies guarantee to take account of wage developments in
Belgium a stable environment that fosters Belgium’s three main trading partners, namely,
private initiative. Thanks to the monetary Germany, France and the Netherlands, in
policy conducted by the Eurosystem at their biennial round of wage-bargaining.
the euro area level, the Belgian economy Without undermining the flexibility necessary
enjoyed price stability during many years. for wage formation, this framework has
Belgium’s fiscal policy is also committed to made it possible to ensure that wage rises
stability, since public finances were almost remain moderate, whether in relation to these
continuously in balance over this period. neighbouring countries or compared with
Furthermore, with a view to guaranteeing the euro area as a whole. Government policy
the sustainability of public finances over has also made a contribution here through
the long term, taking into account the reductions in tax burden, targeted notably
impact of the ageing population on future on foreign managers or research workers.
pension and healthcare expenditure, the The Belgian economy has significant
stability programme endorsed by the potential for development. Its integration into
Belgian government provides for a budget the euro area and the structural reforms that
surplus to be built up in the medium term. have been undertaken have most certainly
Belgium is also implementing policies helped to strengthen it, as evidenced by
designed to modernise the economy and the acceleration of its potential growth rate
conform it fully to the strategic objective set over the last few years: according to the
for the European Union by the EU heads European Commission’s estimates, that rate
of State or government in Lisbon in 2000, rose gradually from 1.9% in 2003 to 2.5% in
namely to become the most competitive 2006 and 2007 - a sharper increase than in
and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the euro area as a whole, where it has risen
the world, capable of sustainable economic from 1.9 to 2.1% over the same period.
growth with more and better jobs and greater Last but not least, Belgium offers a quality
social cohesion. Constant efforts are therefore of life that is the envy of many. Its historical
being made to ensure that all markets in and cultural heritage has had a strong
the Belgian economy are working with influence across the entire continent and
optimum efficiency, as well as to encourage beyond. Brussels has established itself as a
innovation and business start-ups. capital city of international repute, enlivened
As regards enterprises more specifically, by cultural activities that appeal to very diverse
the most significant measures that have been and demanding audiences. Moreover, the cost
taken in Belgium in recent years have aimed of living in Brussels is still a lot lower than in
geographical location at the heart of one of to establish an attractive fiscal framework for nearby major capitals. The country has a good
the biggest and richest integrated economic companies investing in Belgium, especially many other assets, not least the beauty of its
areas in the world - the European Union with the deduction of notional interest countryside and its excellent gastronomy.
comprising almost 500 million consumers, charges, introduced in 2006. With this
with direct and rapid connections to the scheme, Belgium is the only European country Guy Quaden
biggest European business centres, such as to alleviate the differences in tax treatment Governor of the National Bank of Belgium

Best of Belgium 151


Reforming the State remains
Economy and Industry

a Belgian Imperative
Belgium’s delicately-balanced federal state structure is as Belgian as moules et frites
(mussels and fries), luxury chocolate, Tintin and Magritte. Reforming this state structure
has become the current political imperative as the long-standing conflict between the
country’s two main linguistic groups becomes more acrimonious than ever and threatens
to pull the country apart.
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

One of the big stories in Belgium over the prime minister Guy Verhofstadt’s Flemish Open VLD, and its Wallonian counterpart the
past year has been the political instability Liberal Party (Open VLD). With the NVA MR. The winning alliance campaigned on
at federal level following the June 2007 subsequently withdrawing from the coalition, extending regional autonomy and it has been
elections. In those elections, current Leterme was eventually able, after a record this regional agenda which has inflamed
prime minister Yves Leterme’s Flemish 196 days, to obtain a majority vote of political sentiments and prevented any
Christian Democrats (CD&V), in alliance confidence with a five-party coalition of his lasting stability at federal level. Extending
with the moderate Flemish nationalist New CD&V, its Walloon sister party the CDH, regional autonomy effectively means giving
Flemish Alliance (NVA), defeated former the Francophone Socialist Party (PS), the Belgium’s biggest and wealthiest region,

152 Best of Belgium


© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

Vilvoorde (BHV), a bilingual electoral district political journalist Peter de Backer sums
around Brussels within the Dutch-speaking up the importance of the situation: “The
province of Brabant. Unlike Flanders and Flemish want and need reforms because
Wallonie which are each administered that is what they promised their electorate.
by one language group, in BHV voters The French, on the other hand, promised
have the option of voting for candidates that there would be no reform, because they
from either language group. For the last fear that this will be the end of Belgium.”
18 months Flemish politicians have been The international media have been
calling for an end to this situation in line quick to pick up on the threat of Belgium’s
with a 2003 court ruling. That would stop demise, and have predicted that the end-
French-speaking politicians from seeking game has already started. “Time to call it
votes in Flemish areas and effectively end a day,” declared The Economist cheerily.
special bilingual rights for some 70,000 “Belgium has served its purpose. A praline
French speakers living in Flanders, but divorce is in order.” Belgians themselves
outside Brussels. Wallonian legislators on appear to be more pragmatic about the
the other hand are blocking these changes, future of their country with opinion polls
fearing an erosion of their power, and that showing most Belgians believe that the
a divided Belgium would end the subsidies political leadership, whether led by Leterme
that flow south from richer Flanders. or someone else, will “muddle through as
The BHV issue has been a particularly usual”. The country has negotiated several
emotive one for both sides. In one rounds of state or “institutional reform” since
incident, Liedekerke, a small town in BHV, 1970, which have seen the establishment of
controversially sought to bar French- the country’s three regions and three cultural
speaking children from school outings such communities and Belgium becoming a fully-
as swimming classes if they can’t speak fledged federal state with various powers
Dutch. Flemish interior minister Marino devolved to regional and community level.
Keulen quickly annulled the Leiderkerke Analysts point to the stability of the
decision on school outings, but he too economy and to the effective governance
has expressed annoyance at Flemish at regional level as allowing there to be a
subsidies to Wallonie. One of Keulen’s fair degree of instability at federal level. And
officers, Steven Vansteenkiste, was widely while the likelihood of Belgium bursting
quoted in the media complaining about in the near future, as predicted by the
Flanders, more power to run its own affairs a francophone veto, and the amount “België Barst!” graffiti in Liederkerke, is
while devolving similar economic, industrial of money going from north to south. small, the fact that the old antagonisms
and other powers to poorer Wallonie as For both sides there is a lot at stake when between the two main groups are out
well as the Brussels Capital Region. Leterme’s government reports back on the in the open represents a shift in the
progress of the state reform negotiations in political landscape. One thing’s for sure:
BHV issue mid-July 2008. Any retreat from a regionalist whatever the outcome of the current
The most difficult state reform dossier is agenda would see Leterme rapidly losing round of state reform negotiations, no-one
that of the potential split of Brussels-Halle- the support of Flemish parties. Belgian can accuse Belgium of being boring.

Best of Belgium 153


InBev buys Bud to form
Economy and Industry

World’s Largest Beer-maker


Europe’s biggest brewer InBev has announced it is to merge with U.S. brewing giant
Anheuser-Busch to form the world’s largest brewer by volume. The merger of the two
brewing giants gives the expanded company an unmatched brand portfolio including
the world’s two best-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light, and international market
leaders Stella Artois and Beck’s.
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

InBev CEO Carlos Brito will be chief company will generate approximately a hydrogen peroxide megaplant and in an
executive officer of the combined company, €22.9 billion in annual net sales and brew Epicerol industrial unit which will produce
which will be called Anheuser-Busch InBev. about a quarter of the world’s beer. epichlorohydrin with natural glycerin. In
The expanded company will have a leading plastics, the Group is building a world-class
position on the world’s top five markets — Solvay posts record returns vinyls production unit in Russia, which
China, the U.S., Russia, Brazil and Germany The Solvay Group, a world leader in will complement the leadership positions
— and balanced exposure to developed and chemicals, plastics and pharmaceuticals, it has built up in South East Asia, Latin
developing markets. In a statement in July is continuing its impressive growth and America and Europe. In India, Solvay is
2008 the companies said the transaction posting record sales and profitability figures. inaugurating a new manufacturing unit
“creates significant profitability potential both Operating from its international headquarters for one of its high value added plastics
in terms of revenue enhancement and cost in Brussels and employing more than 28,000 specialties, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
savings”. The combination is estimated to people worldwide, Solvay had consolidated Sales in pharmaceuticals remained steady
“yield cost synergies of $1.5 billion annually sales of €9.6 billion in 2007 from its three in 2007 but the sector suffered setbacks with
by 2011 phased in equally over three years”. core areas with operating results (REBIT) the loss of the prescription drug Pantoloc
InBev agreed to pay $70 per share up 9% from 2006 at €1.19 billion. in Canada, negative repercussions from the
for the maker of Budweiser, up from its Growth in chemicals and plastics euro-dollar exchange rate as well as pressure
original unsolicited bid of $65 per share. was impressive while the Group suffered on pricing in several countries and for
This sweetened offer, which effectively setbacks in its pharmaceutical division. prescription drugs in Europe. Pharmaceutical
means that InBev will be paying $50 Recently announced projects in Solvay’s sales elsewhere in the world continued
billion for the merger, marked a 27% chemical division include expansion in strongly with TriCor and Androgel performing
premium to Anheuser’s record-high stock Thailand where the Group is undertaking excellently in the United States. The sector
price in October 2002. The combined ground-breaking proprietary technologies in also suffered a setback in Neuroscience

154 Best of Belgium


© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

with Bifeprunox, their new schizophrenia


therapy co-developed in conjunction with
Wyeth, not yet receiving FDA approval.

Bekaert expanding in China


Belgian steel cord and wire manufacturer
Bekaert is investing €150 million together
with major Chinese steel producer Ansteel
in the construction of a new steel cord
plant in China. The 50/50 joint venture is
part of a strategic partnership between the
two companies. The plant will be located
in the Shuangqiao district within the
Chongqing municipality in central China.
Bekaert is a leader in advanced metal
transformation and in advanced materials
and coatings. In 2007 the company
had combined sales of €3.4 billion and
employed 20,400 people around the
world. Consolidated sales rose 15.3% in
the first quarter of 2008 with combined
sales also increasing significantly to €903
million, an increase of 11.4% compared
with the same period in 2007.
Bekaert advanced wire products in Latin-
America and Asia performed excellently,
thanks in part to the successful start-up of
galvanized wire production in Karawang,
Indonesia. Strong local demand for various
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

Bekaert products on the Chinese market


and the company’s increasing market
share combined to produce remarkable
growth in steel cord China. The completion
of major capital investment projects
boosted annual production capacity
of tire cord to 275, 000 metric tons.

Umicore increasing investments


in clean technology
Brussels-based material technology group production to 900,000 from its two sites in of 2007. Jean-Paul Voltron’s resignation in
Umicore is increasing its investments in Olen, Belgium and Oklahoma in the United July 2008 occured after he proposed cutting
high-efficiency solar cells as part of its States. First quarter revenues were up by shareholder dividends as part of the Bank’s
commitment to clean technology applications. 15% in 2008 with strong revenue growth attempts to raise €8.3 billion to boost its
Umicore, the world leader in the production from Advanced Materials as well as from capital reserves. Like many banks, Fortis
of germanium wafers for use in solar cells, is Precious Metal Products and Catalysts. needed extra capital to deal with the global
investing €45 million in increasing production credit crunch and also to fund its €24 billion
of germanium semi-conductor substrates at Fortis feeling the credit crunch acquisition of parts of Dutch bank Amro,
its Oklahoma plant as well as expanding its Belgium’s largest financial services company which analysts say was over-priced. Fortis’s
capacity for lithium-ion battery materials. Fortis became the first large European bank shares fell by 60% over the course of the
The new production capacity will to lose its chief executive as a result of the year and the shareholder dividend cut was
effectively double the group’s wafer credit crunch which started in the summer seen as the last straw by angry investors.

Best of Belgium 155


Belgium Leads the Way in Eco-Business
Thomas Leysen, President Federation of Enterprises in Belgium

Thomas Leysen - President of the FEB

Population growth, the depletion of natural management and waste processing. With the many innovative companies operating
resources and climate change are issues backing of internationally renowned university in the field of renewable energy and
affecting all countries in the world, both and private research centres, Belgium has Belgian industry encourages partnerships
developed and developing. responded to the need for a greener global with developing countries. Belgium has
From an entrepreneurship point of view, economy by investing heavily in six areas of particularly acknowledged expertise in
it’s each company’s duty to look after the eco-business: renewable energy, energy solar and wind energy sectors. The world’s
these evolutions and continually launch efficiency, air, water, soil, recycling and waste. largest offshore wind farm is for example
new applications to meet them. Europe’s currently being built in the North Sea,
businesses have chosen to transform Developing clean-energy partnerships off the Belgian coast. Around 40 Belgian
constraints into opportunities. At the heart According to the International Energy Agency companies are involved in this project.
of Europe, Belgium has also taken up the (IEA), global energy consumption is set to
challenge of green technologies with a relish. increase by 50% by 2030. The sun, wind Towards improved energy efficiency
Many Belgian companies have become and water are potential climate-neutral Energy efficiency is a priority for all
world leaders in renewable energies, water energy sources. That’s why Belgium boasts governments. Belgian industry boasts a

156 Best of Belgium


Traffic, industrial processes and building the 32 member countries of the European
heating systems release smoke, carbon Environment Agency (EEA). According to the
monoxide and dioxide, heavy metals EEA, this number could increase by 50%
and other noxious substances into the between now and 2015. European industry,
atmosphere. Fortunately, enormous including Belgian companies, has responded
technological progress has already been to this challenge with a raft of innovative
made and new innovations are emerging ideas - with knock-on benefits for the rest of
all the time. Belgium has for instance the world.
the world’s leading producer of catalytic
converters for private vehicles. This Extracting economic value from waste
technology consists in increasing the Recent studies confirm that recycling also
reduction of the engines pollution. reduces greenhouse gas emissions since
it uses less energy than manufacturing
Water management: a global issue from raw materials. For this reason, Europe
The issue of drinking water is a key challenge advocates sustainable management of
for the 21st century. The substantial growth resources and waste. The technologies
in the world’s population is placing ever developed by industry in this area range
more pressure on the Earth’s freshwater from transforming waste into raw materials
reserves; at the same time, the amount to recovering it for use as fuel. In this highly
of waste water produced is increasing, competitive and diverse sector, there are a
bringing with it a mounting risk of pollution. number of Belgian companies capable of
The scarcity of water, especially in African exporting their know-how. Many Belgian
and Middle Eastern countries, calls for firms boast acknowledged expertise
number of flagship companies specialising in dynamic management of this life-essential covering every area of waste management
three sectors: energy-efficient construction resource. Technologies designed in from collection to soil remediation via
(windows, solar control, PVC, insulation, Belgium can help in the development of composting, recycling and biomethanisation.
natural ventilation, cooper conductors, water treatment and purification projects As an innovative and outward-looking
floor solutions, architecture), energy- that could improve the quality of life of country, Belgium has invested in the
efficient consumption (lighting, home local people and reduce the amount of research and the development of effective
automation, heating devices, heaters waste water discharged into the seas. environmental solutions. Many companies
and fireplaces, transport) and energy- have developed a significant know-how
efficient production (industrial installations Soil remediation in the fields of green technologies and
and power generation plants). While it may be making our everyday lives eco-efficiency. Today, this expertise is
easier, industrial development has sometimes waiting to be exported.
Breathing pure air also caused serious environmental problems.
Improving air quality is one of the challenges Some 250,000 polluted sites requiring Thomas Leysen
of sustainable environmental management. urgent remediation have been catalogued in President of the FEB

Best of Belgium 157


Belgium, a Home Base for
Economy and Industry

the Chemical Industry


Belgium has been a home
Place of thebase
Belgian for theandchemical
chemical industry
life sciences industry in the world 07
thanks to major innovations and the pioneering role of several
19th-century Belgians such as Ernest Solvay, Lieven Gevaert,
Léo Hendrik Baekeland and Albert Meurice.

Belgium: a small country, a major player


in the worldwide chemical and life
sciences industry
In more recent decades, people such
2007 figures as Paul Janssen and Christian de Duve
played a major role in the development
of the pharmaceutical industry.
The spectacular development of the
port area of Antwerp since the 1960s
has been of vital importance for the
growth of the base chemical industry
CHINA in Belgium. Thanks to considerable
investments by Belgian and foreign
companies in the petrochemical industry
and other major chemical activities,
Antwerp has developed into a leading
global petrochemical center.
The pharmaceutical industry,
USA meanwhile, expanded rapidly during the
past 20 years in Flanders as well as in
Wallonia.
A very diverse portfolio of chemistry-
based industrial activities developed
through the past two centuries in
Belgium. The Belgian chemical sector
today has one of the highest degrees of
specialisation in the world.

JAPAN

Population (Belgium = 1)

Degre of specialization in the chemical and life sciences industry

Ireland Belgium China Netherl. Germany Japan France Italy Spain USA UK

Specialization
index 3.5 2.3 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 1.0 0.9 0,8 0.8 0.7

Population
(Mio) 4.1 10.4 1,313.9 16.5 82.4 127.5 62.8 58.1 40.4 298.4 60.6

Sources: Cefic - OECD - Eurostat - IMF.


Calculations: essenscia, the Belgian Federation for Chemistry and Life Sciences Industries.
Note: the specialization index is the ratio of a country's chemical and life sciences industry turnover
to its gross domestic product, divided by the same ratio for the whole of the considered countries.
2006 figures for China, USA and Japan.

158 Best of Belgium


The Chemical Industry and Life
Sciences in a Nutshell
18 Facts & Figures 2008

Exports and imports of chemical and life


sciences products: geographical breakdown
2007
• The industry’s turnover exceeded 54 billion
EUR in 2007, accounting for one-fifth of
Exports
total turnover in Belgium’s manufacturing
25.5% Germany sector as a whole.
• Direct employment in the chemical and
11.9% France life sciences industry totals about 94,000
jobs, or 16% of all employment in the
entire manufacturing sector. In addition,
7.2% The Netherlands
the chemical and life sciences industry
generates about 150,000 indirect jobs in
6.1% United Kingdom
other sectors of the Belgian economy.
• The chemical and life sciences industry
7.1% Italy
is highly export-oriented. Exports
amounted to 99.2 billion EUR in 2007
3.6% Spain (including transit). Exports of chemicals,
pharmaceuticals, plastics and rubber
11.1% Other EU generated a positive trade balance of more
than 18 billion EUR in 2007, contributing to
27.5% Outside EU the growth of the Belgian economy.
• Since 2005, the trade balance of the
chemical and life sciences industry exceeds
the total trade balance of Belgium as a
Imports whole.
25.6% Germany • Invesment amounted to 1.96 billion EUR in
2007, representing more than one quarter
9.1% France of total investment in the manufacturing
sector. The basic chemical industry
11.6% The Netherlands accounted for nearly half of all investment,
two-thirds of which was in the Antwerp
6.0% United Kingdom region.
• Research and development expenditure
in the chemical and life sciences industry
5.4% Italy
totalled an estimated 2.32 billion EUR
in 2007. This represented nearly half
16.7% Ireland
of all private-sector R&D spending in
Belgium. Life sciences, which includes
5.9% Other EU
pharmaceuticals and biotechnology,
accounted for about three quarters of the
19.8% Outside EU sector’s R&D.
• The Belgian chemical industry accounts
3.9
for more than 6% of the total European
turnover in this sector, even though
Belgium’s share of the total EU population
is only 2.1%.
Sources: National Accounts Institute / National Bank of Belgium.
Harmonized System Sections VI+VII (Chapters 28-40): Chemical and life sciences products including plastics and rubber articles.
Calculations: essenscia, the Belgian Federation for Chemistry and Life Sciences Industries.
Note: Including all transit activities and international distribution centres.

Best of Belgium 159


The Belgian Automotive
Economy and Industry

Industry in a Nutshell
Located right in the middle of the European automotive
industry, gifted with a wide knowledge and a lot of know how
and a flexible and productive workforce: welcome to the
Belgian Automotive Industry!

Home to four major passenger car assembly


plants (Ford, General Motors, Volvo and
Audi), one truck assembly plant (Volvo Truck),
two large bus and coach manufacturers
(Van Hool and VDL Jonckheere) and many
manufacturers of trailers and bodyworks,
Belgium is a key player in the European
automotive industry landscape.
Moreover, there is an abundance
of suppliers focused on leading-edge
technologies. The diversity of manufacturers
and assembly plants has over the years
produced a rich network of automotive parts
suppliers and service providers in Belgium.

160 Best of Belgium


Colleges and universities here have been Finally, Belgium is the ideal bridgehead
graduating highly qualified and specialized for companies wanting to make inroads in
young people for decades. Europe. First of all there is its location: right
The Belgian automotive workforce is in the middle of the most prosperous and
renowned for its hands-on attitude, its industrialized region in Europe, with direct
customer and quality focus and overall access to all the surrounding markets. And
automotive mind. then there is its infrastructure with one of the
Several research institutions, each with most modern and densest networks of roads,
their own focus, perform far-reaching research railroads and waterways in the world. Home
for the automotive industry – from ride and to the largest transshipment port for new
control systems, via new materials and cars on the continent, Belgium also has three
alternative energy sources, to electronics and other seaports, a national airport and several
ICT for vehicles. regional airports.

“Belgium has a lot to offer: we are located right in the centre of the European automotive
industry, we have a wide knowledge and a lot of know how, and we can call on a flexible
and productive workforce.” Erik Vandervreken, Director, Agoria Automotive.

Support innovation through the creation of clusters


Innovation is a hot topic for the many companies that supply the automotive industry.
“Agoria Automotive works closely together with Flanders’DRIVE, the innovation platform
and partner in innovation for the vehicle industry,” Vandervreken continues. “Flanders’
DRIVE focuses mainly on three priorities: light weight materials, alternative powertrains and
active safety. We want to create clusters around these in order to share the R&D efforts and
to develop new modules and components. This will allow us to further strengthen the rich
network of suppliers. Agoria Automotive encourages suppliers to make optimal use of their
know-how and experience and thus become true partners with the automotive industry.”

An industry with influence Agoria Automotive is a division of


The automobile industry is very important the technology industry association
for Belgium. Every year over 700,000 cars Agoria, set up to represent the
Today approximately 300 companies create Belgian automotive industry. Agoria
added value for the automotive industry. They and over 40,000 commercial vehicles,
Automotive defends the interests of the
are engaged in a large range of activities: from buses and coaches roll off the assembly
manufacturers of cars, buses, trucks,
research and design to production, testing lines. Belgium has one of the highest trailers and supply industry.
and certification. motor vehicle production per capita in For more information and contact
Many of the suppliers are small- and the world. The export ratio for assembled details: www.agoria.be/automotive.
medium-sized enterprises that frequently work vehicles exceeds 80%.
together. They form a strong network, whether Directly and indirectly nearly 10% of
clustered or not around the assembly plants. the Belgian workforce is employed by
On top of that, renowned research centers Diamant Building,
the automotive industry. The influence
and universities drive the knowledge-intensive A. Reyerslaan 80
of the organizations that represent the
Belgian economy. Together with the industry, B-1030 Brussel
they are on a continuous search for new latter’s interests should therefore not be Tel: +32 (0)2 706 78 00
technologies that can help shape the future. underestimated. Fax: +32 (0)2 706 78 01

Best of Belgium 161


Winning Cards for the
Economy and Industry

Belgian Food Industry


The food industry occupies an essential position in the
“from land to worktop” chain.

The activities range from industrial to


traditional businesses, from drinks to sweets,
bread to meats, dairy to stock cubes, etc.
The same characteristics can be found in this
enormous diversity: processing raw produce
into safe, tasty and user-friendly food for
everyone.

Over the years, the Belgian food industry has


taken up a dynamic position in a competitive
market, as indicated by the following figures:

Annual turnover: €33.2 billion (2006) With


13.6%, the food industry takes second place
of total Belgian industry.

Added value: €6.0 billion (2006), or 12.6 %


of Belgian industry. Making it third place.

Employment: 89,994 employees (2006) This


makes the food industry the second largest
employer. The food industry is pre-eminently a
SME branch of industry.

162 Best of Belgium


As indicated in the table below, the food industry contains many branches, listed according to
turnover and employment (expressed in %).

Turnover Employment
Branches
(2006) (2006) Food Safety Succes Story
Abattoirs and meat 16.8 % 16.2 % The Federal Agency for the Safety of
Dairy 11.1 % 8.1 % the Food Chain (FASFC) has brought a
Cocoa, chocolate and confectionery 10.1 % 8.3 % completely new dynamic to the Belgian
Bread, pastries and biscuits 8.8 % 29.2 % agro food chain, ranging from mixed
Feeding of livestock 8.5 % 3.5 % feed manufacturers, to agriculture and
Grain processing, pasta and starch 8.3 % 3.5 % food industry to distribution and the
catering industry. This is the result of a
Fruit and vegetable processing 7.1 % 8.7 %
unique form of dialogue between the
Water and soft drinks 5.8 % 4.5 %
FASFC and the sectors. This dialogue has
Breweries 5.5 % 6.5 % been transformed into complementary
Vegetable and animal oils and fats 5.5 % 1.2 % government and business efforts to
Sugar industry 3.5 % 1.8 % protect consumer health.
Other 9.0 % 8.5 %
Total 100 % 100 % • The FASFC completely reformed
food chain monitoring on the basis
of a new concept, focusing on the
Food-wise Belgians live in the land of plenty. is a healthy consumer who enjoys his
chain’s approach and integrating the
Almost everything’s available at affordable food and drink but eats a balanced diet
various inspection departments in one
prices. This wasn’t the case fifty years ago, and therefore eats in moderation.
umbrella monitoring organisation; it
when 40% of the family income was spent
thoroughly monitors contaminants,
on food. Today the figure is just 15%. Food Consumers abroad have also learned
works on the development of
was much more expensive for our parents to appreciate Belgian food products,
tracing and optimum quality control
and grandparents, simply because there was as the fast growth of export indicates.
throughout the agro food chain
so little of it. Our farmers just didn’t produce In 25 years time, turnover figures state
enough to feed their own population. The that the export share of the Belgian food
European agricultural policy didn’t exist industry has risen from 20% to 50%. • The producers pursue a strong brand
yet and Belgium had to import sugar, grain policy of total quality; they write
and milk year after year to supplement its This requires new products, packaging, guides for guaranteeing quality and
production shortages. Only the rich could sales channels and consumption moments. food safety per sector, enter into
afford luxury products. Despite the price There is constant innovation to tap this agreements about quality control in
increase of agricultural raw produce during the potential. The Belgian food sector has winning consultative bodies per market and
last months, tasty and healthy food remains cards to face the future with confidence! organise hygiene and quality control
fundamentally cheap and available to all. training for their staff.

Thanks to our diet, Belgians live longer and Packing Waste Success Story Thanks to this unique cooperation
healthier than their parents and grandparents. Packaging is no longer an environmental between government and private
The current life expectancy of the average problem in Belgium today. Reusable operators, the Belgian food
Belgian is 13 years longer than in 1950. bottles are being introduced on a safety monitoring system has
In 1950, eight year-old boys from poor large-scale, being ecologically and become a reference in Europe
families were on average 4 cm smaller than economically sound and over 90% of in just a few years time.
their wealthier playmates. Since then, the one-off packaging is now recycled,
success of the European agricultural policy thanks to the initiative of FOST Plus and
has led to a major revolution. The average the entire population’s cooperation. This
agricultural yield has increased by on average result makes Belgium Europe’s number FEVIA
2% annually during the past few decades. one. But Belgium also scores pretty well Fédération de l’industrie Alimentaire asbl
when it comes to prevention. In 2003 in 43 Avenue des Arts
These days, growth in the food industry is Belgium, 157kg domestic and industrial 1040 Brussels
no longer a matter of more, but of better. packaging waste was produced per Tel: 02/550.17.40
Better when it comes to ingredients, inhabitant, which is the third lowest figure Fax: 02/550.17.59
freshness, vitamins, antioxidants, etc. in Europe. Email: info@fevia.be
Because what the food industry wants www.fevia.be

Best of Belgium 163


Textile, Wood and Furniture:
Industry with a Future
In 2007 the Belgian textile, wood and furniture industry
realised a turnover of 14 billion euro, of which 70% has
been realised abroad.

Balta

The 2,680 companies of this industry jointly has undergone an extremely important
employ 57,000 people and invested over 400 adaptation process. There is one major
million euro last year. With added value worth constant: the companies increasingly aim to
3.2 billion euro and a positive trade balance distinguish themselves from the competition
of 2.7 billion euro, the sector offers a major by developing and manufacturing other,
contribution to Belgium’s prosperity. different products. Today we note that
there is major diversity of products in the
Innovation and diversification textile, wood and furniture industry and
The current position of the Belgian textile, this will undoubtedly increase further.
wood and furniture industry is partly due to Each company sought a niche – although
a strategy of innovation and diversification. this is sometimes a volume product – that
Extremis

During the past 20 years our industry is defendable in a global context.

164 Best of Belgium


Recticel Bedding

top when it comes to design garden furniture, and textile finishing. In the wood and furniture
where our companies excel because of their industry, there is also major production of
advanced design as well as their innovative board material – especially chipboard and
choice of materials. fibreboard, both rough and processed - and
Within the growing subsector of wooden packaging such as crates, pallets and
technical textiles, a number of companies tailor-made packaging.
are specialized in protective textiles. This mosaic of extremely diverse and
They manufacture materials with specific specialized activities and products are what
characteristics which protect people in their makes our Belgian textile, wood and furniture
work: fire fighter clothes, bullet-proof vests, industry so high achieving.
signalisation clothing for road workers, etc.
Currently, artificial grass is one of the high- The textile, wood and furniture industry: 10
tech products of the Belgian carpet industry. main subsectors
Three Belgian manufacturers are world players - interior textiles
in this field. Many national and international - technical textiles
football teams play their home matches on - clothing textiles
Belgian artificial grass. - spinning mills
- textile finishing
Sioen

Interior - furniture industry


The home interior is an important market - wood based panels
Worldwide players for the textile, wood and furniture industry. - building components
In some of these niches, Belgian Over half the products are intended for the - packaging
textile, wood and furniture companies interior. Just think of the furniture industry - other wood products
are among the world leaders. (furniture, seating, mattresses, etc.) and
For instance, Belgian laminate flooring the interior textiles industry (carpets,
manufacturers aren’t only pioneers, but also upholstery fabrics, textile wallcoverings, More information:
worldwide market players in their segment. etc.). But our industry also produces Fedustria
Through a combination of technological many other interior products and building Hof-ter-Vleestdreef 5 bus 1
innovation and design, Belgian manufacturers components, such as laminate flooring, B-1070 Brussels
of mattresses and bed bases have managed parquet, doors, windows, frames, etc. Tel: +32 2 528 58 11
to achieve a leading reputation in Europe. Other important subsectors of the textile info@fedustria.be
Belgium is also among the absolute world industry are clothing fabrics, spinning mills www.fedustria.be

Best of Belgium 165


Stûv, The Essential Fire

Timeless, sober, and – beyond its visual aspect – it is deeply


respectful of the users, their household environment, of
the Environment itself, of those people who build them and
install them.

Stûv 60 – The very first Stûv ! It


was designed to hang up to a wall.
Closed, it was a match for the
very best wood stoves. It worked
Photo Szczepaniak

in slow-burning mode : fed in the


evening, it could be rekindled the
next morning even after a long
night. It would open in a snap and
provide the joys of an open fire.
And even be used for a barbecue ! A fireplace in its simplest expression, a self-effacing design meant to emphasize the architecture and the fire itself.

166 Best of Belgium


Photo Vandentempel
Barbecues – With the Stûv grill, the food is not placed over
the embers but in front of the flames. The food is cooked by
radiation and there is no danger of it being carbonised by
drops of fat that blaze up as they fall into the fire.

Photo J-L laloux

Stûv 30 : 3 stove in 1! It can operate behind its glass door, as openfire and barbecue or as a slow-burning fire.
Other similar models are available : a stove to be integrated in the construction or a wall-suspended model.

History administrative, financial, human resource,


In 1983, Concept & Forme is a two-man management, marketing... but there are
band : Gérard Pitance and Benoît Lafontaine two areas that characterize this company :
who decide to become partners on the the design of its products and a permanent
development and production of a very special attention to human problems.
wood stove (the current Stûv 60) designed The design of Stûv stoves has nothing
by Gérard Pitance. They sub-contract the much in common with the current and
production of components and do the somewhat flashy “trendy” designs one sees in
assembly and installation themselves. Their magazines ; it is timeless, sober, and – beyond
capital : creativity and motivation. Early days its visual aspect – it is deeply respectful of the
are laborious but the firm slowly develops, users, their household environment, of the
progressively tools-up, staff increases little by Environment itself, of those people who build
little, offers new types of stoves ; products are them and install them.
carefully finished and highly efficient.
Distinctions
Today • Entreprise de l’Année 2006 (Company of
Concept & Forme offers 120 jobs, produces the year 2006 in Wallonia)
14,000 units annually, delivers a high- • Great Prize “Wallonia Export 2006”, “young
performance infrastructure and exports to all exporters” category
European countries (> 70% for export). • Design Prize, Batimat 2003
Stûv has always endeavoured to produce • Concours Lépine, the President’s Prize,
high-performance stoves. Today all models Paris show 2001
officially conform to European standards.
They have been tested in laboratories which
use the European standards EN 13229 Concept & Forme sa
(inserts) or EN 13240 (stoves). rue Jules Borbouse 4
5170 Bois-de-Villers
Company philosophy Belgium
One can only reach such levels by developing E-mail: info @ stuv.be
competences in all areas : technical, www.stuv.be

Best of Belgium 167


Brussels: A Rich, Vibrant
Economy and Industry

and International City


Brussels is one of the world’s great cosmopolitan centres and is the ultimate European city.
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

The home of the European Union, NATO Luxembourg, Madrid and Dublin), Brussels services groups Fortis and KBC. Brussels is
and other international organisations, emerged with the highest level of productivity regarded as the fourth-most attractive city
Europe’s de facto capital has a reputation and one of the highest GDPs. in Europe for starting a business. Brussels-
for bureaucracy and political decision- The backbone of this successful economy based journalist Leo Cendrowicz explains that
making but there is far more to Brussels is its services sector, which accounts for the city “has many hidden advantages, such
than this. It is a city of banking and around 88% of jobs in the region. Services as a strategic geographical location in Europe,
business, stylish architecture, vibrant culture include banking, research, information some of the most productive workers in the
and exceptional beer and chocolate. technologies, tourism, transport and health. world, excellent transport connections with
Brussels is also dynamic and successful. The star performer in this area is the financial other cities and a plentiful supply of relatively
In a recent study by BAK Basel Economics sector, where Brussels has an established cheap office space”.
comparing the Brussels Metropolitan banking tradition, a respected stock exchange A key growing sector in Brussels’ economy
Region (BMR) to 14 other major European and a variety of insurance, leasing and is information and computer technology,
metropolitan centres (such as Paris, London, investment fund firms including major financial with around 4,500 ICT companies employing

168 Best of Belgium


© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine


© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

lobbyists, consultancies, advertising agencies catered for with houses like Godiva, Pierre
and journalists. Many Belgian companies Marcolini, Wittamer, Leonidas and Neuhaus
have their headquarters in Brussels even if represented. Brussels also has numerous
business activities are centred elsewhere. taverns to sample the country’s 450 world-
The capital is home to 54,000 businesses, of renowned beers, which include delicious
which 2,000 are foreign, and the city attracts local specialities such as Trappist beer and
over 1,000 business conferences annually. the yeast-free ‘lambic beer’.
From a quality-of-life point of view, the city All of these attractions contribute towards
boasts numerous attractions for young and Brussels’ success, as does its international
old alike, a vibrant cultural life and a wealth of character as a cultural meeting-place. This
quality restaurants. Tourist landmarks include: multi-culturalism is not without its challenges,
the Grand Place, the majestic town square however. In some respects Brussels reflects
which is home to terrace cafes and functions the broader historical, political and linguistic
as the venue for numerous concerts; the divisions of Belgium itself, and greater
Atomium, a giant model of nine linked spheres cooperation with the Flemish and Walloonian
which represents an iron molecule’s atoms authorities would increase the city’s standing
and which serves as a symbol of the city; as a world-class cosmopolitan city.
the impressive EU headquarters; the Royal Economically, while the Brussels region
Palace; the neoclassical Palace of Justice, is a rich and successful one, levels of
75,000 people. Health is another vehicle for and the town’s gothic town hall. Museums unemployment are high (above 20%),
growth and employment, while excellent and galleries honour artistic talents Peter especially amongst the growing sector of
university research has contributed to the Brueghel, Tintin creator Hergé, surrealist less-educated immigrants from Turkey,
city’s leading role in developing life sciences, painter Magritte and Art Nouveau’s Victor Greece and North Africa. Companies and
including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Horta. The city also has its own style district international experts recommend better
With the decline of traditional industrial around the rue Dansaert with numerous education and retraining of the unemployed,
activities in the region, it is the international boutiques, trendy restaurants and art galleries. both in technical and language skills, to
character of Brussels which has assumed There are countless restaurants offering improve the situation.
vital economic importance. The city is the fine food, from the national dish of “moules Given its long history dating back to the
second-largest diplomatic city in the world et frites” (mussels and chips) to ethnic dishes 13th century of making the most of changing
and is host to 159 embassies and some from Turkey, China, Morocco, Vietnam, circumstances, Brussels will continue to meet
2,500 diplomats as well a vast contingent Tunisia, Italy and elsewhere. Belgium’s these new opportunities and remain one of
of EU officials, civil servants, interpreters, most famous food export, chocolate, is well Europe’s most dynamic and desirable cities.

Best of Belgium 169


Brussels
Economy and Industry

Emmanuel Van Innis, Chairman Brussels Enterprises


Commerce and Industry (BECI)

170 Best of Belgium


Brussels: a metropolis on a human scale. such dynamics in few other cities in Europe
Brussels has become the beating heart of as in the Belgian capital. Brussels is a
Europe, where expats, tourists, business cluster of people, talent and activity and
people, civil servants, commuters and is a source of creativity and innovation.
residents from all corners of the world The challenges which belong to such
meet each other and live together. an internationally tinted economy are
Brussels is since a number of years substantial. Brussels will, in order to be
again fully in motion. The city attracts able continuing to practice and strengthen
people and businesses; it is the largest its role as international centre and capital
student city of the country, a dynamic of Europe, have to invest in infrastructure,
and provocative global meeting place: mobility, urbanism and city marketing.
it is the place where it happens. Another challenge which Brussels, just like
Besides, Brussels has much to offer. many other cities will have to face, is the
It lies at the crossroads of Belgium and green economy: the city wants to take
Europe, with a multicultural composition the lead to tackle the mobility problems,
which doesn’t bear comparison: improve the energy performance of its
approximately half of the population businesses and housing stock and bring
has no Belgian roots. No other city into practise the CO2 guide lines of Kyoto
in Europe houses so many different and Europe. Brussels could be a perfect
European immigrants. That interaction test environment for a green economy and
and cooperation between people with measurements, which regulate the quality
a different background, who work for of life for the city and strengthen the natural
the many multinationals, the European environment and can stabilize its attraction
decision making, the local commerce or to businesses, knowledge and talent.
an international organisation, provide an The different union organisations of
added value and a wealth which has moved Belgium; the Flemish VOKA (Flemish
Brussels into the top three of Europe’s Economic Association), the Walloon
wealthiest regions. Brussels alone is UWE (Union of Wallonian Enterprises),
responsible for 20% of the Belgian GNP, the Brussels BECI (Brussels Enterprises
employs 700,000 people, of whom more Commerce and Industry) and the federal
than half are from Flanders and Walloon. VBO (Federation of Enterprises in Belgium)
It has furthermore succeeded to retain have joined hands to think together
its human face and a quality of life that about the economic future of the region
belongs to the top regions in Europe. of Brussels and its hinterland. They work
The European parliament, the European on a route plan for the whole metropolis,
Commission, the Council of Ministers of including the periphery that outlines
the EU, NATO, the Benelux and some 1400 which sectors should be expanded
international organisations make it the and/or supported. In that cooperation
capital of Europe. 3,800 diplomats, 13,000 between the different communities
lobbyists, 1,000 international journalists, hides not only the reason of existence,
4.5 million tourists per year make it the but also the strength of Brussels.
gateway of Belgium to the world and bring
the world to Belgium. There are only a few Emmanuel Van Innis
other places in the world where so many Chairman Brussels Enterprises Commerce
international meetings are held. When the and Industry (BECI)
Magritte museum and the Congressenpaleis
(Convention Centre) are opened next year,
the international influx will only increase.
But this city is more than a centre for
international headquarters or political
power: with a highly educated work force,
the highest productivity in Europe and
excellent accessibility, it also succeeded
in developing a new economy and in
becoming an important business and
financial centre. The region of Brussels
is the signboard and the economical
motor of the country and its proximity to
large economic centres (London, Paris,
Amsterdam and Cologne are situated within
250km and the HST train brings all these
very close together, within less than 2.5h
of travelling time) makes it interesting for
both multinationals and tourists. The ICT
sector and business services have known

Best of Belgium 171


Antwerp - Expanding Logistics Hub  
Antwerp is strengthening its position as one of the world’s key
logistics hubs through expanding its port, road and rail networks.

Major infrastructure projects already In 2007 Antwerp, which is Europe’s second TEU) will soon be able to navigate unhindered
underway or in the pipeline include a bridge largest port, handled 183 million tonnes of right to the Deurganck dock.
and tunnel road link which will complete the freight from almost 17,000 cargo-carrying Work on widening the navigation
circle of the Antwerp ring, further deepening ships, increasing its annual handling volume channel by up to 370 metres between
of the river Scheldt, an expansion of the by 9.3%. The main driver of this growth is the Europaterminal and up to 500 metres
harbour, and a railway link between Antwerp general cargo with a sharp rise in container upstream of the Deurganck dock is set to
and Brussels airport. cargo in 2007 to nearly 95 million tonnes. commence following the implementation
Strategically located in the heart of Europe, This growth is set to continue with further of environmental protection measures from
Antwerp has long had a strong tradition deepening of the Westerschelde scheduled October 2008.
in logistics thanks to its inland location to be complete by 2009. Deepening work, There is strong political commitment to
which gives it excellent rail, water and road which is necessary to guarantee navigability this project from the Flemish government,
connections to Europe’s leading economies: and keep up with developments in ship with Flemish Minister-President Kris Peeters
the Netherlands, France, Germany, construction, got underway in December stressing that “widening the navigation
Luxembourg and also the United Kingdom. 2007. Big container ships (up until 12,000 channel in the Westerschelde is of great

172 Best of Belgium


the structure, which will have a space-
saving double-deck construction. The aim
of the Oosterweel link is to take heavy
goods vehicles through a tunnel under the
Scheldt and across the city on a viaduct
to join the Ring close to the Sportpaleis.
The project has faced strong opposition,
however, from Antwerp residents and political
groups such as Groen! who are concerned
about the environmental impact, the route of
the Link and the choice of a tunnel-viaduct
combination. The authority responsible
for the development, the Mobile Antwerp
Management Company (BAM) has also
had to revise its cost projections, pushing
up the price to €2.54 billion from the €1.85
billion ceiling set in 2007. The completion
date for the project will also be shifted,
with optimistic calculations suggesting
that work can begin in autumn 2009.

Rail link
In terms of rail infrastructure, Belgium has
one of the most comprehensive rail networks
in the world and transported a total of 188
million passengers and 62 million tonnes
of freight in 2006. Regional improvements
are set to benefit Antwerp as well with the
Diabolo project currently underway resulting
in Brussels airport becoming a major junction
in the Belgian and international railway
network. By providing a new direct rail link
importance for the economic development more and multinationals choose Belgium between Brussels airport and major railway
in Flanders and the Netherlands”. as their European distribution centre on stations such as Mechelen and Antwerp, the
Peeters added that the “expected profits the grounds of its exceptional location, project will significantly reduce travel times
from transport as a result of this third road network and logistics know-how. To on existing services.
deepening of the Westerschelde up to ease this congestion and allow for smooth Antwerp also provides excellent access
2030 are estimated at between €0.7 and expansion, Antwerp is planning a bridge to Belgium’s extensive network of inland
€1.1 billion for Flanders alone”. The cost and tunnel link (known as the Oosterweel waterways (1,532 km) which provides fast,
of the dredging work is €100 million. link) to complete the circle of the Antwerp environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient
ring. Dubbed the Lange Wapper after a transport to the heart of Europe.
Improving road mobility figure in Antwerp’s folklore, the 2.4 km Whatever the outcome of the wrangling
The fast expansion of Antwerp’s port is also state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge will over Antwerp’s road infrastructure
leading to faster than expected growth in be an impressive feat of engineering and development, the city’s expansion as a multi-
road haulage. Antwerp’s already congested serve as an eye-catching icon to the modal logistics hub is strengthening its global
road network is becoming even busier as city. Five 110-metre pillars will support competitiveness.

Best of Belgium 173


Having a Vision Offers a Great Head Start
Economy and Industry

Robert Voorhamme, Councilor for Education, Work & Economy - City of Antwerp
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

Situated between Amsterdam, Lille and the


Ruhr, Antwerp is a modestly populated region
with 466,000 inhabitants. It is the economical
centre of the Flanders region.
This is mainly due to Antwerp’s unique
location and its harbour. The Antwerp harbour
processes more than 180 million tons on a
yearly basis, and is the fourth busiest harbour
in the world.
An important part of the harbour’s business
© Christophe Ketels / Compagnie Gagarine

comes from the chemical and petrochemical


shipments it handles. Most large companies
in this industry will not settle for anything
less than the best facilities in the world, and
Antwerp is proud to be able to offer this.
While industry represents twenty percent
of Antwerp’s enterprises, the service sector
is by far the most important part of the

174 Best of Belgium


economy, representing seventy-five percent of The city has invested a lot of money and provide consistent policies, and the policies
all activities. The government plays a key role effort into improving its infrastructure and as well as the people who implement
in this matter, working proactively in order to accessibility to visitors. Antwerp has its them must have a vision for the future,
boost the economy, making sure all policies own TGV station and a planned direct and uphold the highest standards.
are environmentally friendly, and ensuring that connection with the airport of Zaventem Antwerp is a world leader in the protection
the companies involved are included in any will soon make the city even more of the environment. The city’s environmental
relevant debates. reachable to international travellers. regulations are among the most stringent
Antwerp is the world’s diamond and fashion Antwerp has effective policies in place in the world, but these regulations are
centre, and the city has become famous for to attract future orientated investors. The respected and upheld. We believe that
these two creative and high profile industries. city council has founded an agency whose companies who have to comply with stricter
Antwerp also offers a wide variety of goal is to attract new industry, retailers regulations in this regard will end up being
theatres, museums, cafes and restaurants and and companies to set up their regional twice as competitive in the international
has become renowned as the shopping city headquarters in this city. On a yearly basis market.
of Belgium, with the Antwerp Meir being the more than 350 international companies look
most popular shopping centre in the country. for a new office location in Europe, so there is Robert Voorhamme
Antwerp is also a university city. It is home a lot of potential for growth in this sector. Councilor of Education, Work, Economy and
to a management school as well as a number When it comes to attracting new Middle Class Stad Antwerpen
of international schools. investments, the government has to City of Antwerp

Best of Belgium 175


Sustainable Logistics
Alex Van Breedam, Director - Flanders Institute for Logistics

Logistics has secured a place as a strategic sustainably if the connection with industrial character, such as assembly, adding options
sector for Benelux. The added value of activities is strong enough. This means or kitting. These types of activities are labour
logistics is over 8% of the gross domestic that the boundary between logistics and intensive, providing work for more than
product, and it employs over 8% of the production is becoming less defined. This 30,000 people in more than 790 European
working population. can be seen in the changing design of larger distribution centres (EDCs) supplying at least
These figures alone show that logistics is warehouses. For example the pure storage five European countries.
more than just transport and warehouses. space is increasingly making way for added Aside from the obvious benefits of logistics
Furthermore, logistics today can only flourish value activities with an increasingly industrial for the economy, the social and ecological

176 Best of Belgium


Until now, companies had the goal of expanded in terms of job opportunities and
optimising their supply chains to be more consolidated delivery of goods flows, while
efficient and more effective, without very the gateway increases its attractiveness for
much consideration of sustainability. these flows of goods by establishing them
Maximum efficiency in this is usually more deeply. Moreover, the gateway is able to
expressed in a minimal total logistical cost, reserve maximum space for those industrial
or total supply chain cost. Effectiveness and logistic activities that are more port
generally refers to the service level that related, such as basic chemical activities or
is offered to the client, often expressed processing large volumes.
in terms of delivery frequency, delivery The ultimate goal of the Extended
quantities, delivery times, etc. Performant Gateway® Flanders is to lead the right
supply chain management makes it possible investment in the right location through
to improve efficiency and effectiveness a structured, integrated approach. The
together, to a certain level. Beyond that level concept that was originally concerned
the company has to choose for efficiency with business economics and logistics is
or effectiveness, depending on its strategy. gradually becoming a broad social project
More and more companies are starting that concerns regional planning, mobility, a
to demand sustainable logistics. This healthy labour market, environmental aspects
means that the existing trade-off between and the optimal expansion and use of the
effectiveness and efficiency must now be infrastructure.
expanded to include sustainability as well. Not all activities need to be concentrated in
The result is that the space to optimize the gateways. According to the total logistical
the three criteria at once becomes very tight. cost ratio, this is actually not recommended.
It is hard to imagine that a company can If the hinterland is selected, then clustering
minimise its supply chain costs by making is recommended: logistical and industrial
all its transport comodal, and simultaneously activities are bundled to be able to achieve
making more frequent deliveries in smaller optimal economies of scale. The focus is
quantities. Yet the opportunities are there: primarily on (a limited number of) favourable
collaboration, consolidation, in other words hotspots, regions that are particularly well
bundling streams is the key word. Companies suited to logistics. The cluster effects can then
that are prepared to bundle their streams be further developed concretely to the level
horizontally will succeed in improving all three of business operations. In short, companies
of their supply chain demands at once. must be encouraged to bundle streams. At
To be able to offer the logistics sector as present the Extended Gateway® Flanders
many opportunities as possible to develop is being given a concrete form and is being
towards sustainability without significantly increasingly used as a leading instrument
increasing social impacts, the Flemish for the further development of sustainable
Logistics Institute has developed the logistics in Flanders.
“Extended Gateway® Flanders” concept. In this way Flanders will be able to further
First of all, the Extended Gateway® Flanders develop itself into a logistical port for Europe
concept responds to a trend that has already with maximum benefits and minimal costs.
been apparent for some time. Sea and air In this process, sustainability is not a cost,
ports are taking initiatives in the area they but an opportunity to get all parties onto the
serve to increase their competitiveness. same wavelength and focus on one concept.
Hence the term Extended Gateway® Flanders. The government creates the framework - the
The goal is also to place the (industrial) Extended Gateway® Flanders - in which the
logistical activities in the correct location, logistical players have every opportunity
which is the place where the minimal total to reach high goals in the areas of cost
logistical cost generates the least social efficiency, customer service and sustainability.
impact. Originally conceived as being more In this way Flanders can maintain and expand
a question of business economics, themes its position as a top logistical region.
such as the environment, quality of life,
mobility, regional planning and work activity
are increasingly being linked to logistical
development. By clustering logistical activity
in carefully chosen regions, the flow of goods
costs cannot be denied. Scarcity of land, can be bundled and multimodality can be Vlaams Instituut voor de Logistiek (VIL)
increasing traffic congestion in the region and expanded sustainably. With the Extended Flanders Institute for Logistics
increased emissions of harmful gasses are a Gateway® Flanders Flanders concept, Jordaenskaai 25
few examples of this. This means that a new gateways and hinterland find each other. The B-2000 Antwerpen (Belgium)
challenge presents itself: sustainable logistics. concept also offers enormous development Tel: +32 (0) 3 229 05 00
Sustainability is generally defined as meeting opportunities both for the gateways as well as Fax: +32 (0) 3 229 05 10
present needs without mortgaging the needs for the Flemish and, with expansion, European E-mail: info@vil.be
of future generations. hinterland. In this way, hinterland locations are www.vil.be

Best of Belgium 177


Gosselin takes International Moving
Economy and Industry

and Logistics to another Level


Whether you’re relocating from rural China to the outback of
Chile or just across the city, the Gosselin Group ensures a
completely thorough and professional moving experience.

Gosselin, an Antwerp-based moving and The company’s core activities cover every international success have been former
logistics group of companies with more aspect of the removal business: moving, line- company chairman Dolf Gosselin and the
than 75 years of professional expertise, has haul, warehousing, packing and unpacking current CEO, Marc Smet. Dolf Gosselin
taken the business of moving and logistics of containers, customs clearance, and road, was a “real Antwerpenaar”, a “mover and
to another level. Started in 1930 as a local sea and air transportation. These activities shaker” who expanded Vivet-Gosselin
Belgian moving company, the firm has are divided according to the three divisions: from a local moving company into Gosselin
evolved over the years into an impressive Gosselin Moving, Gosselin Logistics, and World Wide Moving, a major player in the
international moving empire with 48 branches Gosselin Support Services. international moving scene. They oversaw
in 32 countries. The two driving forces behind Gosselin’s its steady expansion within Western, Central

178 Best of Belgium


and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus as well
as mainland Asia, and actively sought the
acquisition of smaller regional firms.
Gosselin is also perfectly placed to serve
the diplomats who are posted to Belgium,
the EU and NATO as well as the executives water front their inland container terminal at expertise, commitment to excellent service
of national and international companies. the Albert Canal in Antwerp handles 70,000 and team spirit.
These VIP contracts have resulted in the TEU’s (twenty foot equivalent units) a year. This As big as Gosselin has become, the
company acquiring a wealth of international shift from road to water transportation won Gosselin Group management team is
experience which is constantly being added Gosselin an industry award for contributing committed to retaining the personal touch.
to and refined. The international character to the growth of inland water freight, as well Moving is not a mass expedition, it is an
of the organisation means that the different as the praise of the EU Commission, for its emotional experience and respect for the
country offices learn from each other through contribution to the environment. The company treasured possessions of families who are
exchanging professional expertise and local has its own in-house customs clearance relocating is the key to Gosselin’s business.
knowledge. office which speeds up the administrative The logistics of people’s emotions here
Over the years Gosselin has evolved side of the process. Another critical factor in are as important as the moving of their
beyond recognition, adding invaluable moving and logistics is warehousing. Gosselin family furniture. One of the most important
sidelines to its overall package of services. operates an impressive 60.000 square metres ingredients of Gosselin’s ongoing success
More than just a moving and logistics of warehouse space (and takes ownership of is the trust they have built up with their
company, Gosselin positions itself as a another 13,000m2 in September 2008). customers. Given the sensitive nature of
partner in moving and logistics. Gosselin is From a quality control point of view, the the goods, it is this trust within the world of
able to take care of all elements of moving to company proudly boasts the distinction of multinationals and diplomats which gives
the most challenging destinations from outer being the first Belgian moving business to them their competitive edge.
Mongolia to central Africa and rural Chile. achieve the international moving industry’s
They are extremely thorough and careful in most prestigious accreditation, FAIM / ISO.
their approach and each move requires a As part of this quality assurance, Gosselin Gosselin Group
meticulous master moving plan. operates an internet tracking system that YOUR PREFERRED PARTNER
provides 24 hour visibility within a secure IN MOVING & LOGISTCIS
Multi-modal logistics environment. Belcrownlaan 23
Gosselin’s multi-modal logistics encompasses 2100 Antwerp - Belgium
road, air and water transportation. In addition Personal touch Tel: +32 / 3 360 55 00
to its hundreds of road vehicles, the Group Offering a comprehensive service to Fax : +32 / 3 360 55 79
has its own air cargo company at BruCargo customers is integral to staff training. The moving@gosselingroup.eu
(Brussels airport cargo park) while on the corporate philosophy at Gosselin is based on www.gosselingroup.eu

Best of Belgium 179


The Westerlund Group
Westerlund’s worldwide paper chain
offers a complete solution

The Westerlund Group is a world leader in supplying ship’s provisions. Over 100 years Kingdom and China, and the group also owns
the handling and logistics of paper, pulp later, the Westerlund Group has a strong and operates the world’s largest terminal
and other forest products and provides a tradition in forwarding and warehousing paper, specialising in forest products.
complete distribution service for producers pulp and forest products and is continuing Westerlund’s steady expansion and then
and consumers through its port terminals in its global expansion through strategic specialisation in forest products received a
Antwerp, Rouen and Changshu. acquisitions and buyouts. massive boost in 1968 when the founder’s
When Captain John Westerlund, a ship In 2008 the Westerlund Group handled sons built one of the first large modern
owner from Gothenburg in Sweden, settled over nine million tons through its regional terminals in Antwerp to specialise in pulp,
in Antwerp in 1903, he set up a business operations in Belgium, France, the United paper and forest products. 1987 marked the

180 Best of Belgium


Port Autonome de Rouen © P. Boulen

dust-free) bulk kaolin receiving terminal on 14001 certification, becoming the first Belgian
Antwerp’s right bank. terminal operator to obtain this distinction.
A key aspect of Westerlund’s success has Ongoing investment in systems, procedures
been the growth of its regional operations. In and training at its various terminals ensures
Europe, Westerlund France started operating that Westerlund provides the highest quality
a marine terminal at Rouen in 1993 and also service while having the least impact on the
runs a container freight station at Marseilles/ environment and the community.
Fos. Westerlund UK started running its BBI buyout consolidates Westerlund’s
business from Tilbury in 1995. In France, global position
Westerlund recently strengthened its position 2008 has seen a major development for the
as a market leader through the acquisition of group with the decision by Babcock & Brown
Cimep-Mondia Forest Products. This buyout Infrastructure (BBI), Europe’s largest bulk
increased its French activities by 50% and and break bulk operations group specialist,
enlarged its storage capacity in Rouen to to acquire the Westerlund Group. Through
85,000m2. its majority-owned subsidiary Benelux
In Asia, Westerlund commenced business Port Holdings, BBI acquired a majority
in 1996 with the building of terminals in the shareholding in the Westerlund Group as part
new Chinese port of Changshu, west of of its long-term business strategy of acquiring
Shanghai on the Yangtze River. Westerlund and developing high quality port companies.
Changshu nearly doubled its handling BBI employs 2,900 people worldwide in its
volumes from one million tonnes in 2004 to port holdings and operations and handles
almost two million tonnes in 2007. A newly approximately 150 million tons of various
opened office in Shanghai coordinates the commodities annually. In 2007 BBI achieved
group’s Asian logistics. group revenue of €0.8 billion.
Jean-Jacques Westerlund, who remains
Full logistical services CEO of the Westerlund Group, assured all
Westerlund’s activities have developed rapidly stakeholders that the quality and commitment
over the past few years beyond traditional of Westerlund would remain unchanged.
stevedoring to include full logistical services, “Babcock & Brown has a record of
including complete distribution to final clients operating to the same high quality standards
as well as the exporting of paper from Europe. as Westerlund is known for, and you may
The group combines its expertise in pulp be assured that Westerlund will continue
and paper handling with strategic partners in providing the dedicated service and attention
order to offer a seamless logistics network. to your interests in all the ports we operate,”
Forwarding by road, rail, barge or sea, or any he said.
combination thereof, is carried out by a single “We firmly believe that the new
service provider for reliable and competitive shareholding structure will allow our company
export solutions. A worldwide network of to successfully pursue growth in our major
company-owned and managed terminals markets and to serve our clients even better
start of a period of significant growth as the ensures high quality warehousing for safe in future.”
company opened the very first terminal on storage and efficient handling. As part of its
the left bank of the river Scheldt. Doubling comprehensive service to both producers
its capacity four years later, Westerlund’s and consumers, the group also provides a full
Antwerp terminal became the largest in the online tracking system to monitor shipments Philip De Mulder
world specialising in the handling of paper at all stages of the paper chain. Group Commercial Manager
and pulp. It covers an area of 880,000m2 with A major accomplishment with regards to Westerlund Group
260,000m2 of covered storage. In addition quality control was Westerlund’s achievement Email: Pdemulder@westerlundgroup.com
the group operates Europe’s largest (and in 2002 of simultaneous ISO 9001 and ISO www.westerlundgroup.com

Best of Belgium 181


Boeckmans Shipping
SHIPPING & FORWARDING

BOECKMANS
and Forwarding BELGIE

Boeckmans powering ahead at a rate of knots

182 Best of Belgium


In the world of maritime trade, the port of A three-pronged attack
Antwerp has been recognised for centuries Boeckmans is recognised for its focus on
for its commercial strength. Barring the odd conventional cargo (non-containerised cargo
catastrophe (for example when the Dutch such as steel, pipes, paper and forestry
blockaded the river Scheldt in the 17th products, palletized and other unitary cargo).
century), shipping lines are all but guaranteed This specialisation developed as a result of the
to enter and leave the port fully laden. consolidation of container lines in the 1980s
Antwerp-based shipping agent Boeckmans and 1990s, a period which saw the creation
maintains this tradition of commercial success. of huge multinational companies (such as
Even in today’s massively consolidated Maersk) that then expanded their activities into
shipping industry, Boeckmans remains the shipping agent role. Independent shipping
independent and continues to thrive. The agents were faced with a stark choice — be
company won the prestigious Trends Gazelle swallowed up by the big container lines
Award for rapid growth during the period or find their niche. Boeckmans followed
2004-2005, an expansion driven largely by its a two-pronged strategy, specialising in service, Scaldic Med Line, owns three vessels
increasingly strong reputation in the transport conventional cargo and in specific regions (the and has two more on long leases. These
of conventional cargo, and bolstered by Mediterranean, Middle East, South America currently operate the Mediterranean and North
investment in its own shipping line. and South-East Asia). African routes. In line with Boeckmans’ chosen
A third, equally important priority has been specialisation, Scaldic Med Line concentrates
At the heart of Antwerp. the provision of a fully integrated service to its on conventional cargo. Since 2001, the
At the heart of Europe clients — both shipping lines and forwarders company has seen strong growth on the back
Boeckmans was founded in the 1930s. (and their customers). While Boeckmans’ of these shipping line investments, culminating
Originally an expedition agent , the company prime service to shipping lines is commercial in that coveted Trends Gazelle Award.
emerged after the Second World War as in nature (centred on finding cargo), it also As an organisation with several decades
a shipping agent. Majority shareholding is offers an integrated suite of administrative and of experience in shipping and logistics,
owned by the Durot family, who have steered operational services. These include customs Boeckmans has successfully managed to
the firm through the troughs and swells of clearance, cargo handling, warehousing, exploit the challenges and opportunities of a
the shipping industry since the 1970s. They distribution and control, trans-shipment, ship changing industry. Its expertise in maritime
are keen to maintain the firm’s status as an re-supply and more. Integrated computer transport continues to develop and deliver
independent agent and to further develop systems enable efficient distribution and results, both for its customers and for the
their expertise and know-how in shipping tracking of cargo through communication with company itself. One of the many ways it does
and logistics. The company’s headquarters local port custom authorities, ship owners so is in the employment market. Boeckmans is
overlook the river Scheldt in Antwerp, perfectly and clients. Furthermore, market research a sought-after employer because of the ideal
placed for their shipping and forwarding role. technology and computer-aided traffic analysis learning environment it provides for all those
Europe’s second largest port after Rotterdam, systems allow for geographical area analyses, committed to the maritime transport business.
Antwerp has a strong tradition in logistics plus account profiles and statistics on
thanks to its inland location which gives it imported and exported cargoes, by principal
excellent multi-modal connections to the heart and by customer. As part of its integrated Boeckmans Belgie n.v.
of Europe’s economies. The city also has a service, Boeckmans prides itself on offering Van Meterenkaai 1,
well-established commercial reputation, one an all-round, one-stop service that covers all B-2000 Antwerpen
that is strong in all areas — be it vehicles, ports in the Benelux. Belgium
break-bulk, containers, dry bulk, cooled Tel: 32 (0)3 202 02 02
transport, chemicals or fresh fruit. In 2007, the Investing in shipping and its people Fax: 32 (0)3 202 03 93
port handled 182 million tonnes of freight with In addition to its agency role, Boeckmans is E-mail: info@boeckmans.be
container cargo making up the lion’s share. also thriving as a shipping line. Its short sea www.boeckmans.be

Best of Belgium 183


Belgium’s Export
Performance stays Strong
Thanks to its strong industrial base and excellent transport infrastructure networks,
Belgium is able to export three-fifths of its annual industrial output. Exports in most sectors
have shown good growth in the past two years. Roughly 80% of Belgian trade is with
neighbouring EU member states and the main export markets are France, Germany, the
Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Italy.

184 Best of Belgium


The most important sectors for Belgian Main export sectors
exports are iron and steel, chemicals, textiles, One of the best-performing export
machinery, motor vehicles, diamonds and sectors in 2007 was iron and steel, which
precious metals, and prepared foodstuffs, grew its exports by a massive 65% to
notably chocolate and beer. €6.61 billion in the 4th Quarter of 2007
Belgium’s total exports amounted to €236 in comparison with the equivalent time
billion in 2007, which represents an increase period the year before. Belgium’s top
of 2.8% from 2006. Approximately€188 export performer over the past two years
billion of this was intra-EU trade. In the 1st has been the chemical sector with foreign
Quarter of 2008, exports amounted to €64.2 sales of over €8.73 billion in the 4th
billion, an increase in volume of 3.3% from Quarter of 2007, marginally down on the
the equivalent three-month period in 2007. 2006 4th Quarter figure of €8.79 billion.
Belgium’s leading export market, France, Machinery and vehicle sales were the
made up 23% (€11.85 billion) of this total second and third largest export sectors
while Germany’s share was 21% (€11.21 for the period, with figures of €7.96
billion). Belgium’s top five trading partners billion and €7.56 billion respectively.
in the EU together account for 78% of With mineral exports (notably iron and
Belgium’s intra-EU exports. steel) taking the fourth place, exports of
Within the EU, Poland and Finland are non-ferrous metals amounted to €6.59
emerging as growing markets for Belgian billion for the same three-month period,
goods with exports to these two countries making this the fifth largest export sector.
increasing by 33% and 29% in value Plastics exports grew by 6.8% to €5.58
respectively in April 2008 compared to the billion in the 4th Quarter of 2007 while
equivalent time period in 2007. Poland exports of diamonds and precious metals
bought €419 million worth of Belgian exports increased marginally to €3.58 billion.
in March 2008. Largely as a result of the steep fuel
Extra-EU exports grew marginally faster price hikes in 2008, imports increased
than intra-EU exports from 2004 to 2007, by 32% in April 2008 compared to the
posting a cumulative growth rate of 27.2% in same month in the previous year. This
comparison with 24.7% for intra-EU exports. pushed Belgium’s trade deficit to €5
Outside of the EU, the largest market for billion for the first four months of 2008.
Belgian exports is the United States with The National Bank of Belgium predicts
exports to this market totalling €10.18 billion a slowing of Belgian exports of goods
in 2007. Exports to India amounted to €5.19 and services in 2008 in line with flagging
billion in 2007 while those to China increased global demand but forecasts that exports
to €2.8 billion for the same period. will start to recover again from 2009.

Best of Belgium 185


BRIC’s Breaking the Mold
Bernard Pierre, Ambassador of Belgium to China

The global economy is going through rough caught up with the American economy by expand our exports and attract investment.
times. As the dust of the subprime crisis 2035, as a recent Carnegie Endowment True, Belgium could do better in this
settles, and western economies brace for peace report predicts. It will be respect. While we are still the fourth most
themselves for more, not less uncertainty, twice as large by 2050. The BRICS by popular investment destination world wide
one undeniable truth looms large. The that time will have dwarfed the size of (UNCTAD stats 2006), we seem to find it
epicenter of the global economy is shifting the G7 by over a hundred per cent. more difficult to attract BRIC investments.
to the east. Or rather more precisely: it is Does this mean the demise of the old Also, we should urgently increase our
heading into BRIC territory. continent is near? I would argue quite export market share in BRIC territory (27th
This is an unavoidable trend. And the contrary: BRIC markets offer us an out of 30th place in terms of growth of
one that will speed up in the decades to unprecedented opportunity to add wealth to BRIC exports between 2002 and 2006).
come. The Chinese economy will have our own societies as long as we are able to The Belgian government however is fully

186 Best of Belgium


of the CIC, China’s Sovereign Wealth Fund?
Can we convert technological cooperation
into more trade and investment? To what
extent does Belgium and its private sector
need to brand themselves abroad in
a really  country-specific manner? These are
issues that trade and Investment Agencies
all over in Europe are trying to come to grips
with. As BRIC economies and multinationals
committed to take up the challenge. It will are maturing, they call for a qualitative
be all important as Minister of Foreign Affairs leap in our investment policy frameworks.
Mr Karel de Gucht has repeatedly pointed In Belgium’s case, my view is that such
out, to speedily optimize our economic and a comprehensive approach will depend
public diplomacy tools. Belgium’s trade and hugely on intense coordination between
investment relations in China are a case in all levels over government and, crucially,
point. Essentially, we will have to shape our with the private sector. The ‘how’, so to
answers around a number of key questions: speak, will be as important as the ‘what’.
how do we generate a multiplication effect  
of the investors which are already present Bernard Pierre
in Belgium? How to tap into the resources Ambassador of Belgium in China Bernard Pierre - Ambassador of Belgium in China

Best of Belgium 187


Free-of-Charge Expert Advice
Economy and Industry

Flanders is a small region, but big in doing business with the


rest of the world. To support its fast-growing economy, both
local and foreign companies can count on the support from
Flanders Investment & Trade. As a government agency, we
provide free-of-charge expert advice to foreign companies
who have their eye on Flanders.

St. Petersburg
Moscow Nizhny Novgorod
Montreal Kiev
Toronto
New York Tasjkent
Chicago Istanbul
Los Angeles Tunis Teheran Beijng
Damascus Seoul Tokyo
Atlanta Algiers
Tel Aviv Bagdad Islamabad Osaka
Tripoli
Casablanca Caïro Kuwait Shanghai
Mexico City Riyad New Guangzhou
Havana Dubai Delhi Taipei
Hanoi Hongkong
Mumbai
Manilla
Bangalore Bangkok
Abidjan
Bogota
Nairobi Singapore
Kinshasa

Jakarta

Helsinki
Sao Paulo Oslo
Johannesburg
Stockholm
Santiago

Buenos Montevideo Sydney


Aires Edinburgh Copenhagen
Vilnius
Dublin Birmingham Berlin Warsaw
London The Hague Poznan
Cologne
Lille Stuttgart Prague
Our worldwide network Paris Geneva Munich
Vienna Bratislava
Zürich Budapest
Lyon Ljubljana
Milan Zagreb
Bordeaux
Bucharest
Belgrado
Madrid Rome Sofia
Barcelona
Lisbon
Athens

Looking
315/29 Wereldkaarten to locate or 1expand your business
FIT-Netwerk.indd Once established in Flanders, we assist you, • cutting-edge building materials,10-04-2008
interior 14:47:39
in Flanders? among other things, with your expansion design and environmental technology firms;
Flanders Investment & Trade can assist plans and help you identify new export • top fashion designers and diamond cutting
with your plans to locate your operational markets. industry;
base in Flanders, at the heart of Europe. We • breweries and producers of delicious
provide you with useful insights and up-to- Looking for high-quality suppliers? chocolates.
date information on a wide range of aspects If you are a company selling foreign products,
relating to business relocation, such as: Flanders is a place worth running your ruler We can help you get in touch with the many
over. Its industries offer many high-quality, suppliers of profitable products developed
• site selection and local labor supply; innovative and semi-manufactured products and produced here in Flanders.
• legal aspects, tax benefits and government that will astound you. This region is noted, the
incentives; world over, for its Looking for support in your quest for
• business, government and academic innovation?
contacts; • renowned chemical, logistics, automotive Flanders Investment & Trade supports both
• integration into local community life. and life sciences industries; local and foreign companies in their ongoing

188 Best of Belgium


© Imec

© Imec
© Televic

quest for innovation. We provide, among other government bodies, Flanders Investment & network of representatives in over 90 cities
things, expert advice and guidance for: Trade had posted several technology attachés around the globe. To find out more on what
around the globe: Flanders has to offer foreign companies
• Obtaining government subsidies for looking to do business in and with the
innovation projects; • Information and Communication European region of the future, visit:
• Tax incentives for R&D staff and for patent- Technology (Mumbai, India); www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com
derived income; • Biotechnology and Nanotechnology (Tokyo,
• Partnerships with our research centers and Japan);
knowledge cluster; • Biotechnology (New York, USA); Flanders Investment & Trade
• Joint ventures and transfer of technology • Environment & Energy (Beijing, China); Gaucheretstraat 90
with Flemish hi-tech companies. • Information and Communication 1030 Brussels, Belgium
Technology (Los Angeles, USA). Tel: +32 2 504 87 11
To encourage the flow of innovative and Fax: +32 2 504 88 99
technological know-how between Flemish and Our global network at your service E-mail:info@fitagency.com
foreign companies, centers of knowledge and Flanders Investment & Trade has an extensive www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com

Best of Belgium 189


In One City… All of Europe
Economy and Industry

BRUSSELS: the decision-making heart of Europe

Headquarters of the majority of the European - Management of a Brussels’ exporters


institutions and of many international database, available on www.brussels-
organizations, the Brussels-Capital Region is exporters.be;
not only the political decision-making center - Answering of any questions related to
of the EU, it is also a major financial centre. EU matters by way of the “Enterprise
Furthermore, thanks to its position in the Europe Brussels”.
economic heart of Europe and its excellent
accessibility, the Region is an ideal gateway to • Invest in Brussels, a second support
the wider European market. service, operates within the Brussels
The importance of Brussels as an Enterprise Agency, an organization
economic centre cannot be overemphasized. supported by the Brussels Regional
In numerical terms, Brussels accounts for Government. It promotes inward
20 percent of Belgium’s overall GDP and 17 investment by providing assistance to
percent of the nation’s jobs. It is also home overseas companies planning to set up and
to some 54.000 companies and exports more develop a business in Brussels. Besides
than half of its production. supplying free office space as part of a
Brussels’ economic fabric is mainly made Welcome Package, Invest in Brussels
up of SMEs. They are export-oriented, diverse supplies free and confidential advice in
and successful, often building their business matters of taxation, legal issues, public
around “quality” and “know-how”. Indeed, grants and business development.
the Region has acquired a reputation for
the diversity and creativity of many of its
companies.

In order to boost the economic success


of companies either already in Brussels or
setting up in Brussels, the Region offers two
comprehensive support services: www.brussels.irisnet.be

• Brussels Exports, one of these services,


works to promote trade between
companies in Brussels and companies
abroad. Created through a partnership
between the Foreign Trade Department of
the Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region
and Brussels Enterprises Commerce
and Industry (BECI), the agency assists
Brussels exporters by offering a wide range E-mail: infos@brussels-export.irisnet.be
of services, including: www.brusselstrade.be
www.brussels-exporters.be
- Information regarding Brussels products
and services for foreign companies;
- Customized assistance for exporters
from Brussels and abroad, thanks to a
network of over eighty economic and
commercial attachés worldwide;
- Organization of economic missions,
contact days, stands on international
trade fairs and meetings with foreign E-mail: info@bea.irisnet.be
buyers; www.investinbrussels.com

190 Best of Belgium


Wallonia Foreign Trade and
Investment Agency

% 8 [ b ] _ k c
LVaadc^V
<:C:G>H"6EGDEDHĝE>8IJG:H/IDB6HO<JAA6!9G:6BI>B:"6C9GwHI:K:CH"GN6CB8K6N!E=DID9>H8"7GJCD76AH6B6"6G8=>I:8IH/E#K6C9:GHIG6:I:CH><B6(!E=#H6BNC

8gZViZ  :mX]Vc\Z  <gdl :mXZaaZcXZ


Vii]Z]ZVgid[:jgdeZ
J^[Wii[ji\eh]hemj^ -POEPO
"NTUFSEBN

 ;
 ^cVcX^Va^cXZci^kZh[dgZmedgihVcY^ckZhibZci! #SVTTFMT
adlZgWjh^cZhhiVmZhVcYZVhnVXXZhhidXVe^iVa
Wddhi\gdli]^cLVaadc^V# LVaadc^V

7Ykbjkh[e\fWhjd[hi^_f 'SBOLGVSU
 L
 Vaadc^VÉhZmXZaaZcXZ^hWVhZYdci]ZZm^hiZcXZ
d[VcZildg`d[]^\]anh`^aaZYaVWdjgVcYd[G9 1BSJT

jc^ihYZY^XViZYid^ccdkVi^dc#

7Yecf[j_j_l[h[]_ed
 I
 gVchedgiVcYad\^hi^Xh!VZgdcVji^XhVcYheVXZ
^cYjhign!V\g^Wjh^cZhh!bZX]Vc^XVaZc\^cZZg^c\!
VcYa^[ZhX^ZcXZh/*edaZhd[XdbeZi^i^kZcZhh
VcYhZkZgVadi]ZgXajhiZghejiLVaadc^VVii]Z
[dgZ[gdcid[egd\gZhh# lll#lVaadc^V"^ciZgcVi^dcVa#WZ

Although Wallonia generates only 0.60% of highly qualified labour force, has enabled infrastructure fully interconnected with
European Union GDP, its share of exports Wallonia to position itself in a number of the European networks, the availability of
is almost twice as high. Walloon sales as niche sectors. space in industrial and science parks, its
part of total European Union external trade Although the spirit of enterprise level of education and training, its culture of
have grown by 15% over the past 10 years. appears to be vital to any economic partnership with scientific and technological
This means that the trend amongst Walloon redeployment, the mobilisation of all centres of excellence (300 research centres;
enterprises has been to increase their market its energies – academic, scientific and 60% of Belgian spin-offs), the networking
share against their European counterparts political – is also a key factor of its success. of its high added value industrial fabric, the
throughout the world for the past decade. These are the principles that underpin the availability of its managers… and so on.
Exports are on an identical trend, rising Walloon government’s Marshall Plan for Not forgetting its human qualities!
by an annual average of 8.5%. This result Wallonia, designed to stimulate the creation Wallonia is a welcoming and friendly region,
places Wallonia’s performance at a higher of businesses and jobs. With a major rich in tradition and proud of its multicultural
level than that of its immediate neighbours transversal international dimension, the Plan components, which have forged a spirit of
and of the EU15 as a whole. aims to focus on a few major economic tolerance. It is quite simply a beautiful place
Foreign investment is also a driving fields in which Wallonia is highly competitive to live and to discover!
force of regional development as foreign (aeronautics-space, food processing, life
companies setting up in Wallonia represent sciences, mechanical engineering and
75% of turnover, more than 70% of logistics-transport). In this framework the
employees and 55% of its exports. During actors involved have pooled their strengths
the past 7 years (2000-2007), foreign to accomplish shared objectives. The
companies have invested close to 5 billion Plan also provides tax breaks to boost the
euros in Wallonia, leading to the creation of competitiveness of enterprises with the
more than 13,290 jobs. creation of free zones and a strong focus on
This trend indicates real business training, job support and the social sector.
dynamism. It is the fruit of the changing These are just some of the measures that
economic and industrial environment in will increase the attractiveness of Wallonia,
Wallonia which started to develop ten years which naturally already benefits from
ago. This success results largely from the many international assets, for both buyers
ability of its enterprises to innovate. and investors: its central geographical
The high percentage of SMEs (95%), position just a short distance from the EU
offering flexibility and a multilingual and Capital, its multimodal communication www.wallonia-international.be

Best of Belgium 191


Belgians Building the Middle East
Economy and Industry

Belgium’s top construction and dredging companies are closely involved in


the multi-billion dollar building boom in the Middle East with major construction
and land reclamation projects in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Burj Dubai - Tallest Building in the World

One of the most striking projects in with Samsung Engineering & Construction DEME was closely involved in the Pearl
the Middle East building boom is the and Arabtec. Besix is also involved in the Qatar project which features a 400-
construction of the world’s tallest tower, construction of a $40 billion development hectare residential island. DEME’s €152
the Burj Dubai, scheduled for completion on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi which includes million share of the project consisted of
and occupation in the UAE’s financial a retail centre, hotels, a leisure complex dredging, reclamation, soil improvement,
and trading hub in September 2009. The and a Formula One motor racing circuit. dry earth and rock excavation, onsite
projected final height of the Burj Dubai Qatar’s building boom has also provided quarrying, and shore protection. In 2007
remains a secret but industry observers exciting opportunities to Belgium’s leading the group also completed a 1,700-
estimate it will be approximately 818 metres dredging groups, Dredging, Environmental hectare land reclamation to create a
high with 162 habitable floors, making it the and Marine Engineering (DEME) and platform for the new Doha international
world’s tallest free-standing structure. Top Jan De Nul, who between them had an airport in Qatar’s capital city.
Belgian construction firm Besix is one of annual turnover of €2.5 billion in 2007 Fellow Belgian dredging giant Jan De
the primary builders on the project together and employed 7,800 people worldwide. Nul recently signed a contract with Qatar

192 Best of Belgium


Emirates Tower Dubai

The Palm Jumeirah

Petroleum to extend the port of Mesaieed. contract with the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway and CCC. The dredging work will be
The €330 million contract, awarded to Foundation for the construction of a 40 undertaken by the Middle East Dredging
a consortium of Jan De Nul and STFA, km causeway between the two countries. Company (MEDCO), a subsidiary of DEME.
will see Jan De Nul constructing an extra The “Friendship Bridge” as it is called will The causeway will cut the current
350 metre quay wall and dredging five be the longest bridge in the world and five-hour road journey between the
million m³ of relatively hard rock to a consist of a 2x2-lane, fixed motorway two countries to 30 minutes and be
depth of -15.5m and over a distance of link between the two Gulf states. It will a major boost for trade and tourism.
4.5km. The total duration of the contract feature 18 km of embankments and 22 Following rigorous environmental and
including the civil works is two years. km of viaducts and bridges, including two ecological assessments, the four-year
400-metre cable-stayed bridges allowing project is scheduled to get underway
World’s longest bridge shipping to pass through deeper waters. in early 2009. The bridge will come
DEME is also part of a consortium that The other partners in the consortium are into service in 2013 with an estimated
recently signed a $3 billion design-build Vinci Construction Grands Projets, Hochtief daily traffic of 12,000 vehicles.

Best of Belgium 193


Creating New Land Worldwide
Economy and Industry

through Comprehensive Engineering


Dredging, land reclamation, silt and soil cleaning, creating,
transforming, restoring, rehabilitating and marine engineering.
The successful Belgian-based Dredging, Environmental and
Marine Engineering (DEME) group does all of these (and more)
as part of its comprehensive engineering efforts across the globe.
© Legendes

Port development, Sepetiba, Brazil

With 150 years of experience, an annual farm, involves a range of specialist activities. 2007 the group also completed a 1,700 -
group turnover of €1.3 billion in 2007 and This contract requires thirty 45 metre-high hectare reclamation to create a platform
a combined workforce of 3,500 people, gravity-based foundations to be installed on for the new Doha international airport.
the DEME group is a world leader in its pre-dredged foundation pits 30 km. off the In the UAE, DEME is constructing the Al
sector, providing a diverse range of high Belgian coast for its 5MW wind turbines. Raha Beach waterfront in Abu Dhabi and
tech operations across the globe — from “In this project we have dredging, heavy the Al Marjan artificial islands in Ras Al
Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, lifting at sea, stone dumping activities, Khaimah; A new 350 million Euro contract
China, and Australia to South America. trench dredging, cable laying and directional has been awarded there for the construction
DEME was established as a holding drilling – and the whole project delivers of the huge artificial island Al Dana.
company in 1991 and includes names such renewable energy,” says Hubert Fiers, Important international projects in Asia and
as Dredging International and Baggerwerken communications manager for DEME. “So Oceania include the construction of two new
Decloedt in the dredging sector, Tideway, it is a really good example of how the ports in India at Damhra and Gangavaram,
GEOSEA and Scaldis Salvage & Marine synergies within the one group can work.” the creation of Jurong island in Singapore and
Contractors in marine engineering and oil- While DEME’s European base provides a the operation of one of DEME’s jumbo trailers
and-gas related activities; DEC, de Vries & backyard to try out new things and train its in several port access channels in China for
van de Wiel and Ecoterres in environmental staff for their overseas contracts, 80% of the the past two years. The project in Singapore
techniques; and DEME Building Materials group’s turnover is generated in other regions. entails the joining of seven islands into one
(DBM) in fluvial and marine aggregates. In the Middle East DEME has recently built, to create a petrochemical hub for the East
The group’s success can be attributed in partnership, a 400-hectare residential island Asian region. Some 5000 hectares of land
to the unique and valuable contributions in Qatar. Here petro-dollars can purchase are being created in the process and 70%
of each member, which complement the the creation of entire islands. DEME’s €152 of the project has so far been completed.
activities of the other companies. In its million contract in this so-called Pearl Qatar I n Australia, DEME has just finished
home market of Europe for example, the project involves dredging, reclamation, soil a deepening project on the west coast
group’s headline project in Belgium, the improvement, dry earth and rock excavation, at Cape Lambert while it recently won
construction of the C-Power far-shore wind onsite quarrying, and shore protection. In contracts for maintenance dredging at

194 Best of Belgium


© Legendes

© Legendes

Thorntonbank wind farm off the Belgian coast Stone revetment works for the protection of the new industrial areas reclaimed at Jurong Island, Singapore
© Legendes

© Legendes

Al Marjan Island Development – Ras Al Khaimah – U.A.E. Rainbowing activities for the Coega harbour development in South Africa

Bunbury, Port Hedland and for deepening but one aspect of DEME’s contribution to while a wide spread of activities gives
the approach channel to the port of sustainable development. DEME focuses on DEME the opportunity to offer total turnkey
Gladstone. In a new €100 million contract, environmentally-friendly dredging techniques solutions and packages to clients.
DEME undertakes a major extension of while also carrying out remediation and “What we do allows future generations to
Newcastle, Australia’s major coal port. decontamination of silt and soils. DEME’s prosper,” says Fiers. “We are creating new
In South America, DEME has completed work treating dredged materials includes infrastructure, new ports, new residential
a major port development at Sepetiba in working on landside projects, cleaning up areas and new sites for sports and recreation
Brazil and has started a new port access the soils of petrochemical sites, brownfield facilities. We are making positive tracks to
dredging work in Itaguai, also in Sepetiba rehabilitation, remediation of so called “black create a better living world for tomorrow.”
Bay. Maintenance dredging works have been spots”, remediation of waste deposit areas,
executed in the Orinoco River and Maracaibo and landscaping. Its UK subsidiary, DEC UK,
Lake in Venezuela for a number of years now. participates in the cleaning of 500 hectares of
In West Africa, DEME coordinates its contaminated soil on the area earmarked at
activities in the region from its base in Stratford for the London Olympics 2012 site.
Nigeria whilst the group’s projects in South
Africa include the creation of an entirely Positioning for the future
new access channel to the port of Durban While DEME will always be, first and foremost, DEME
and extensive maintenance dredging in a dredging company, they have established Dredging, Marine, Environmental Engineering
Richard’s Bay. In Angola, Luanda Bay is satellites around this core business in support. Haven 1025, Scheldedijk 30
being given a new waterfront, while a new Two important strategies for the B-2070 Zwijndrecht
site platform is being reclaimed in Soyo. future are the maintenance of a “good Belgium
geographical spread” and a multi-disciplinary Tel: +32 (0)3-250.52.11
Environmental projects approach. Fiers points out that having Fax: +32 (0)3-250.56.50
Approximately 10% of DEME’s business a worldwide presence makes the group E-mail: info@deme.be
entails environmental projects. This is less dependent on cyclical fluctuations www.deme.be

Best of Belgium 195


The Belgian Innovation ‘Formula’

Innovation is a hot topic in Belgium, margins, and thus economic growth. The
perhaps too hot, with the result that the alternative is declining wages and protracted
term is often abused in hollow marketing social conflict. Looking at Belgian innovation
slogans. But we need to be clear: from achievements—in sectors such as biotech,
an economic perspective innovation is of engineering, microelectronics, materials,
fundamental importance to this country. aerospace, industrial design—there are
The European Commission’s review of some clear patterns to be observed. To start
innovation policy (INNO Policy Trendchart with the cliché, most Belgian innovative
2007) sums it up nicely. Firstly, economic companies are ‘niche’ players, i.e., they are
forecasts predict that Belgian growth rates active adjacent to the main categories in
in the coming years will not be sufficiently their market. They make the often invisible
high to prevent the reappearance of public components in the products we as consumers
deficits, or in another scenario, sufficiently experience. They often occupy a spot
high to maintain social protection for an earlier on in the value chain, producing a
ageing population. Secondly, there is a long- component or supportive system that is
term trend of declining rates of productivity required by another product, or a next phase
growth. Thirdly, exporters are losing market of the value chain. This is no accident.
shares due to the decline in (external) Most Belgian innovative companies have a
competitiveness of our main export industries. clearly outlined strategy in that regard. They
There is only one way out of this economic have identified their category, their market
doom scenario and that is via innovation. segment, and their strategy is to dominate
It is via innovation that Belgian companies or lead that category worldwide, both from a
will be able deliver superior value on world technology and market (share) perspective.
markets, thereby increasing revenues and For example, it is estimated that ICOS Vision

196 Best of Belgium


Systems has 70% market share globally though their revenues come from product
in the market for inspection systems for sales. Also, many of these companies are
semiconductor manufacturing. EVS, supplier vertically integrated, retaining significant
of production systems for TV broadcasters, manufacturing operations, even in the face
is the undisputable leader in this category. of high operating costs. All of this makes
Melexis—your car is likely to have multiple sense, though not in terms of the classic
components made by this company from economic models, like economies of scale
Tessenderlo. nWave—world leader in 3D films and competition on the basis of efficiency.
screened on IMAX and theme-park screens These tactics make sense if one competes
worldwide. Also, nearly all these companies on the basis of knowledge and know-how,
are truly global—but not necessarily very or on the basis of one’s ability to change, to
large (typically between 50 and 300 million always be at the forefront from a technological
Euro in turnover). The innovation strategy perspective, to always be developing new
of these companies follows their corporate and better products, to respond faster and
strategy. The goal, that is, worldwide technical more effectively to changing market needs.
leadership of their category, determines where Thirdly, there is the challenge of translating
and how they will invest in innovation. It is not good ideas into feasible products or
necessary to invent it all oneself—acquisitions services—the second phase in the innovation
and partnerships will do the job too. value chain described above. Since much
of the innovation in Belgium is technical model innovators? It seems clear that the
A second common characteristic that in nature, companies (and policy makers) Belgian innovation story, if we must simplify
can be observed is the structure of their have learned that technical innovators, and summarise, is one that in the main
innovation process. If we conceptualise the scientists and engineers, are rarely is concerned with technical innovation.
the innovation process as moving through equipped to bring their technologies to Numerous commentators make the point.
three phases (Hansen & Birkinshaw, 2007): the next level, ready for the market. This is We seem to lack the high-growth companies,
- idea generation (finding relevant ideas, where the most interesting lessons come the companies that are able to “upscale”
both within and outside the organisation) to from companies like Alcatel-Lucent, with its their assets rapidly and globally. Also,
- idea development (screening and “boot-camp” for new venture teams. Or the the business model innovators are a rare
funding of new ideas, developing them Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), species in Belgium. There are such major
into viable products or businesses) to with its professional tech transfer unit that structural shifts happening globally in the
- idea diffusion (‘selling’ the ideas to focuses on creating spin-off companies that music industry, in media, in travel. Even the
other business units, to distribution develop into world-class companies. Or soil financial sector seems to be at the brink of
channels, to customers) fertility specialist DCM, who has set up a major change. Markets worth billions are
research institute that is dedicated to applied evaporating to be claimed by new emerging
What is remarkable at companies like ICOS research—bringing the world of science and business models. Jobs are being lost, but
Vision Systems, LMS, Bekaert, Umicore, academia closer to economic enterprise. thousands more are being created. There
but also smaller companies like Xenics So is there such a thing as a Belgian way, do appear to be some interesting Belgian
and FOS&S, is that their innovation value a Belgian approach to innovation? Rationally, companies who are recognising those shifts
chain is anchored at both ends to an it sounds ridiculous. Business is business, and figuring out ways to ride those waves.
innovation ‘ecosystem’, a web-like network wherever one is, the same principles apply. Companies like Netlog, a social networking
of customers, universities, research institutes On the other hand, looking at it historically, site, with a membership base of 30 million
and suppliers, that feeds the chain with ideas one could argue that the small size of the users. nWave is another company to watch,
on one end and ensures successful diffusion Belgian market and its lack of a strong if the shift toward 3D media does occur then
on the other end. There is no debate about national identity (and lack of a strong federal this is a company that will truly explode in
‘open innovation’—most Belgian innovators government), have led to the emergence of the value it is able to create. These are not
are avid proponents of an open approach niche players. The argument is well known: a specifically technical innovators; instead,
to innovation. This is entirely in line with the large home market enables the development they tweak business models or combine
data reported by the European Innovation of large companies, hence the prominence existing technologies in new ways to create
Scoreboard, that Belgian companies are of so many large US companies on the new user experiences. Muriel Scherre (La
strong collaborators in their innovation world stage. Also, a strong (or chauvinistic) Fille d’O) is another entrepreneur to learn
activities. And it is an approach that is only national government will do its best to help from, in the way she is creating an entirely
likely to be pushed deeper in the economy, set up and protect large national enterprises. unique user experience. We have a sense that
as Wallonia’s Marshall Plan competitiveness Hence the approach of successful Belgian many more such companies are emerging
poles and the Flemish clusters begin to companies: keep a lower profile, do not create in the country, we just cannot recognise the
do their job. Working with universities and too much noise, focus on a niche where the winners yet. Entrepreneurship is increasingly
research centres is one thing, but it is also crowd isn’t looking, work hard to offer quality, ‘cool’, there is a tremendous well of creative
apparent how close these companies are and work smoothly with others, be it your and technical talent to draw on, and there
working with their customers, such as customers, your suppliers, whoever you need is capital available. Admittedly, this is not
setting up joint R&D projects. Though not to work with. Chauvinism is not the Belgian a tidal wave of inspiration—the potential is
at the scale of a typical multinational, many way, unless you get us started on food. much greater. But the energy, the creativity
of these companies are still making the So much for the niche players, the is recognisable, for the casual observer
effort to set up offices all over the world. technical innovators—but what about perhaps most obvious in music and the
They maintain ‘service’ divisions, even the strategic innovators, the business arts. Let the entrepreneurs now follow.

This article is based on the recently published book ‘Innovators: Innovation & Design in Belgium’, published by The Fifth Conference in 2008.

Best of Belgium 197


Belchim Crop Protection
Economy and Industry

A strong challenger in the European


crop protection market

From its origin in a potato shed twenty-one a strategic partnership with two established
years ago to its position as a leader in the international research and development
crop protection industry today, Belchim Crop companies which allowed not only a more
Protection (Belchim) has shown remarkable specialised product portfolio, but also further
growth and has adapted well to the changes expansion into Europe. The company was
in the industry. In 2007 it earned consolidated renamed Belchim Crop Protection (Belchim)
annual revenues of €170 million and currently and is now a large player operating in the
operates in 19 European countries. European crop protection market competing
Managing director and the driving with Syngenta, Bayer Crop Sciences and
force behind Belchim, Dirk Putteman was BASF. Belchim operates in 19 European
introduced to the crop protection industry at countries and has plans to extend operations
the young age of 21 at Schering. At the age to the newer European member states.
of 30, he founded his own crop protection The company operates from its
business, Belchim, in 1987. By the late HQ in Londerzeel, Belgium, but a
1990s, after expansion in The Netherlands, flexible reporting structure enables the
Belchim Benelux was ready for further various European entities to retain a
enlargement and Putteman sought and found strongly market-oriented approach.

198 Best of Belgium


“Filling the gaps” the image of the company and the sector as a
A major challenge to the European crop whole. An exciting development in this regard
protection industry has been the increasing has been the cooperation with the German
demands from the agrifood sector and Prophyta Biologischer Pflanzenschutz GmbH
consumers alike for more targeted use company. Belchim markets Prophyta’s
of plant protection products, as well as biological fungicide, CONTANS®, which is
more environmentally friendly pesticides. a natural fungus that successfully counters
This has led to an active phase of Sclerotinia, a plant disease which affects over
mergers and acquisitions and increasing 300 different field, vegetable and herb crops.
internationalisation as smaller companies In the face of stricter industry norms
have seen their profit margins shrink. Belchim and consumer pressure, Belchim has
has been able to take advantage of the seen impressive growth, which resulted
changing market dynamics and has strived in acquiring the Belgian crop protection
to fill the gaps that have opened up. For company Protex. This recent takeover is
instance the product SPOTLIGHT®, from estimated to increase Belchim’s Belgian
its origin an herbicide to be used for weed market share by 5% and will add another
control in cereals has been introduced in €10 million to its annual turnover. Putteman
State-of-the-art products the cultivation of potatoes as a harvest aid says that as the registration holder and
Belchim carries a broad range of state-of-the- and has recently been developed in the exclusive supplier of more than 100
art crop protection products which include vine growing too. Belchim has launched different products, Protex brings a wealth
specialty products for important European the insecticide TEPPEKI® against aphids of experience to Belchim. Such knowledge
crops such as potatoes, grapes, vegetables in various crops. This innovative product is invaluable in helping Belchim to continue
and maize. The product range is adapted to has a very good toxicological profile to provide state-of-the-art crop protection
the needs of each country. For example in and can be used in IPM, Integrated Pest products, service and advice to its customers,
the Benelux countries products are geared Management. TEPPEKI® kills the aphids and in keeping Belchim’s stakeholders,
towards potatoes and vegetables while in that are harmful to the crop, but leaves the staff and strategic partners happy.
France, Germany and the United Kingdom beneficial insects, the natural predators
the product range covers vines, potatoes, oil of the aphids such as the ladybird,
seed rape and vegetables. Putteman says that unharmed. This way, nature and chemicals Belchim Crop Protection nv/sa
Belchim has been well received in the market work side by side to protect the plant. Neringstraat 15
since it provides a welcome alternative to the Putteman says that they are working B-1840 Londerzeel
big multinationals. Some of the products, such towards further expansion of Belchim Crop Belgium
as RANMAN® against late blight in potatoes, Protection’s Bioline (such as biopesticides) Email: info@belchim.com
have become the standard in crop protection. which is good not only for clients but also for www.belchim.com

Best of Belgium 199


The Vitalo Group
Founded in 1936, the Vitalo Group became one of
Europe’s leading producers of plastics solutions for
various economic sectors.

The Vitalo Group has a strategic global


presence, headquartered in Belgium,
ensuring its right place to react rapidly and
professionally to the demands of its global
client base.
Besides its presence in Belgium, the
group has production facilities in China, the
Philippines, Thailand, India, Mexico and
Slovakia.
The group also has sales offices in Japan,
Korea and the US and competence centers in
Belgium and the Philippines.
Mid 1998 the Vitalo Group became a
part of Koramic Investment Group from the
Belgian entrepreneur Mr. Christian Dumolin.
Today, the Vitalo Group employs over 1000
people and realizes a consolidated revenue
of more than 85 million EURO.
The Vitalo Group is specialized in
thermoforming and over the years, the
company has developed expertise in a wide

200 Best of Belgium


range of plastics processing technologies, from initial conceptualization right through
including single and twin sheet vacuum to manufacturing and supply. The end
forming, acoustic materials and thermo- product is a seamless integration of concept,
compression of natural and synthetic fibres. design, and meticulous product development
The Vitalo Group has two divisions, Vitalo processes. Rigorous testing takes place
Packaging and Vitalo Industries. before it is released into the market.
Vitalo Industries excels in the design In addition to its technical know-how
and production of thermoformed and and core design skills, Vitalo’s other major
insulation components for earth moving advantage is its global reach. Vitalo has a
equipment, agricultural vehicles, bus presence in all the major time zones of the
and railway, healthcare, electronics world. These factories’ operations are all
and industrial equipment. standardized. Each one uses exactly the
Vitalo Packaging specializes in developing same processes and equipment to provide
and producing high–end thermoformed clients around the world with consistent
precision packaging and technical products, punctual deliveries, and the
components. Vitalo Packaging integrates minimum time from design to market.
in-house design, tooling and production Thanks to the consolidated global supply
know-how with a flexible, customer driven management in Vitalo’s worldwide locations,
approach for the medical, HDD, electronic it can also guarantee the best raw material
and telecom markets. sourcing possible.
Tight specifications and sharp detail are The Vitalo group has recently undergone
the buzzwords for the Vitalo Group. The an organizational increase of efficiency by
properties - antistatic or conductive - can be integrating Vitalo Packaging with Vitalo
as important as the shape of the packaging Techcenter, the company’s engineering and the theses of university students who are
itself. For medical equipment, the packaging competence centre. This has streamlined exploring environmental shifts. This way it
must offer total physical protection for the the operation, allowing it to be even more keeps up to date with the latest advances in
product it contains. Complete sterilisation is responsive to its clients’ needs. environmentally friendly developments, and
mandatory, and Vitalo meets and surpasses In the fast-changing world of has a head start in bringing these innovations
the internationally agreed standards for the thermoforming, ongoing research and to market.
packaging of these materials, which is done development is an integral part of With its wealth of experience and
in specially designed cleanrooms. Vitalo’s strategy. Every year, a larger its ongoing investment in research and
The Vitalo Group has experienced healthy budget is allocated to research and strategic thinking, Vitalo’s future looks
and continued growth since its early days, development, to advance the strong bright. The company has exciting plans
and spurred on by the unique and specific global and technical platform, which ahead, with product differentiation
challenges in each different market, it has keeps it at the forefront of its business. providing a new key to success.
expanded into a total solutions company The most important consideration at
for plastic solutions. It works closely with present is the environment. With clients who
clients, developing the right concept for each are increasingly environmentally focused and
individual requirement and bringing these aware, the Vitalo Group is constantly working Vitalo Group
concepts to fruition in the most efficient to source more environmentally friendly Bruggesteenweg 7
and cost-effective manner. Clients are solutions that are still competitive on price. B-8760 Meulebeke
encouraged to get involved at the earliest The company invests in its own research Belgium
possible stage. This enables them to benefit and development, collaborates with research E-mail: group@be.vitalo.net
from Vitalo’s expertise every step of the way institutes and universities, and sponsors www.vitalo.net

Best of Belgium 201


Hansen Transmissions
Hansen Transmissions is an established global wind turbine
gearbox and industrial gearbox designer, manufacturer and
supplier, with a leading position (by MW supplied) in the
wind turbine gearbox market.

Hansen supplies gearboxes to four of the under construction in Coimbatore, India


five largest manufacturers of gear-driven and in China. Hansen has strong research
wind turbines globally and provides durable and development operations to maintain its
gear drives for a wide range of industrial technological leadership and employs more
applications throughout the world. Hansen than 1800 people worldwide.
plans to increase its wind turbine gearbox In addition to wind turbine gearboxes,
manufacturing capabilities nearly four-fold, Hansen Transmissions supplies drive solutions
from 3,800MW per annum as at 31 March for a wide range of industrial applications
2007, to 14,300MW, by 2012. In addition in industries such as the chemicals, energy,
to its principal manufacturing facilities in material handling, environmental, extraction,
Belgium - comprising a wind turbine and pulp and paper, steel and metal, food and
industrial gearbox plant at Edegem and a beverage, and construction, including such
fully integrated state-of-the-art dedicated areas as bucket elevators, car crushers,
wind turbine gearbox manufacturing facility cement kilns, conveyor systems, industrial
at Lommel - Hansen has a large new plant mixers, paper mills, pulpers, and water

202 Best of Belgium


treatment systems like aerator drives, screw Increased trends towards larger and more
pump drives and brush aerator drives for powerful turbines in recent years have led
waste water treatment plants. to the development of larger wind turbine
To respond to increased demand from our gearboxes with increased capacity and we
wind turbine customers as well as the forecast are in the process of developing larger and
increase in global demand for wind energy more powerful gearboxes and integrated
generally, we are taking steps to increase our gearboxes with additional accessories.
manufacturing capabilities from 3,800MW per Hansen’s current wind turbine gearbox
annum (as at 31 March 2007) to 14,300MW product is the Hansen W4 which is a tailor-
per annum by 2012. This resulted in an made gearbox for wind turbines in a power
expansion project at our Lommel facility to range that varies between 1.5MW and
treble the current manufacturing capabilities, 4.5MW, and we are also currently developing
as well as in the construction of new plants in gearboxes with a capacity of up to 6MW.
Coimbatore, India and in China. Our extensive expertise in the design
Our expertise in the design and and manufacture of gearboxes has resulted of new business opportunities. We provide
manufacture of gearboxes has resulted in high in high quality products and efficient a strong technological track record and the
quality products and efficient manufacturing manufacturing processes. Our tailor- ability to offer additional services such as
processes. Our tailor-made wind turbine made wind turbine gearboxes have low commissioning of equipment, as well as
gearboxes have low noise and vibration noise and vibration levels and high torque strong product development skills and an
levels and high torque density and power density and power to weight ratios. understanding of the importance of research
to weight ratios. We have strong in-house and development expenditure to develop
testing and quality control capabilities and Industrial Gearboxes cost competitive manufacturing processes
devote significant resources to our research Our industrial gearbox product range consists for the production of high quality industrial
and development operations to maintain and of a core standardised selection covering gearboxes. Finally, industrial gearbox
enhance our technological leadership. over a hundred different applications in a customers are increasingly looking for
torque range from 6kNm to 800kNm which are gearbox manufacturers with a global service
Wind Turbine Gearboxes suitable for both right angle and parallel shaft and sales network and proven distribution and
The gearbox is a critical component of configurations in either horizontal or vertical support capabilities.
gear-driven wind turbines. It converts arrangements. We have strong in-house testing and
the motion of the rotating blades to a Throughout our history, four generations quality control capabilities, and devote
higher speed which is required to drive of standardised industrial gearboxes have significant resources to our research and
an electric generator. The load and torque been developed, the latest generation being development operations to maintain and
characteristics of wind applications are the Hansen P4 which is a modular design that enhance our technological leadership.
such that the design and manufacture of can be adapted to suit customer requirements Our extensive expertise in the design and
wind turbine gearboxes is very demanding through extensive applications engineering manufacture of gearboxes has resulted in high
and requires specialist expertise and highly during the sales process. quality products and efficient manufacturing
specialised manufacturing capabilities. We have also expanded our traditional processes. This, coupled with our growing
Hansen’s wind turbine gearboxes are product portfolio for the industrial market Services offering, supports our leading role in
designed by us in close collaboration with through the development of a new series of the gearbox industry.
our customers for use around the world. Our industrial gearboxes, the Hansen M-Series,
wind turbine gearboxes have developed over which is also based on a modular design,
time to meet customer demands for larger enables a configured-to-order approach, and Hansen Transmissions International NV
and more powerful wind turbines. Our first delivers a competitively priced product at the Leonardo da Vincilaan 1
range of wind turbine gearboxes were of a lower end of the Hansen P4 torque range. B-2650 Edegem (Antwerp) Belgium
standard type with an initial capacity of 30kW, Tel: +32 (0) 3 450 12 11
increasing to 1.5MW by 1995, which today Technology is key Fax: +32 (0) 3 450 12 20
is at the smaller end of the scale in our wind Our strong track record and existing customer E-mail: sales@hansentransmissions.com
turbine gearbox product range. relationships are beneficial for the generation www.hansentransmissions.com

Best of Belgium 203


Randstad: Making Business
Economy and Industry

about People
Belgium is full of talent, and Randstad’s role is to bring
that talent together with world class organisations.

Its innovative view of work is summed up in For over 40 years, Randstad has been Randstad, with its global headquarters
the motto, “to know, serve and trust”: and providing companies and employees in in the Netherlands, is the third largest
that motto holds true not just for Randstad Belgium with staffing services. That mission staffing company in the world based on
but for the entire employment chain. This has evolved through the years along with revenue. In 2007, it generated revenue of
dedication to its position as a “people the needs of the job market. From its €9.2 billion, with a net income of €384.9
services” company, and its commitment beginnings as a temporary employment million, from its 2,886 branches located
to community, has led it to be the first agency, Randstad has developed into in 19 countries around the world.
company in Belgium to achieve the SA 8000 a leader in matching demand for and In Belgium, Randstad employs weekly
accreditation for decent working conditions. supply of labour and HR services. 35,400 people working for 17,000 different

204 Best of Belgium


clients, making it the most important
private employer in the country. Its multiple
subsidiaries guarantee its position as an all-
round service-provider in the area of human
resources: Randstad Belgium, Randstad
Construct, Randstad Household Services,
Randstad Professionals, Randstad HR
Solutions and Randstad Training.
The services it offers are divided into
five categories. Mass-customised is what
Randstad considers to be its ‘regular’
business. This includes staffing, permanent
placement and (high-volume) specialties. The
in-house category involves on-site presence
at the employers’ premises, to handle total
HR management, including recruitment and
selection, training, planning, retention and
management reporting. Interim professionals,
the third category, matches specialists and
consultants with professional qualifications
in ICT, technology, finance domain and
life sciences to interim middle and senior
management positions. Finally, HR solutions
includes HR project management, HR
management and HR consultancy services.
What makes the company special, though,
isn’t just the many services it offers. Randstad
instead differentiates itself on the basis of its
values, philosophy and certification.

Values: Randstad actively promotes the


interests of everyone in the employment
chain. This goes far beyond employees
and employers, and includes its own staff,
shareholders and other stakeholders such as
ministries, trade unions and suppliers. Since
the beginning, the company has recognized
that by helping everyone – for example, by
helping companies and institutions develop
networks, Randstad benefits as well.
© Reporters Philippe Buissin – Randstad, official partner of Justine Henin
Philosophy: Randstad’s philosophy is based
on the understanding that doing business is company whose essential activity is to create play and integrity, she is an ideal platform
a continuous process of interchange between connections between people and employment for Randstad’s international branding.
commerce and society, to the benefit of cannot do otherwise than be involved in Randstad’s growth continues apace,
both. For that reason, the company makes society,” explains Herman Nijns, Managing thanks to its buy-out of Dutch staffing
sure to represent equally the positions of Director, Randstad Group Belgium. Randstad company Vedior. While this merger will
the two sides of the job equation: both the also holds ISO 9001:2000 certification. result in the company becoming the 2nd
employer and the employee. Its CSR activities This focus on “fair play” and ethics, largest staffing company in the world, for
– including work on diversity and involvement along with Belgian pride, has led Randstad Randstad its true importance lies in the
with international development organisation to sponsor another top performer: Justine expanded market presence it brings. The
Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), reflect this Henin, the Belgian World Champion tennis merger will significantly increase Randstad’s
inclusive philosophy. player. The company sees Justine as an position in specialist areas for skilled
excellent representative of its own values: workers like nurses and accountants, the
Certification: Being a responsible member she strives for perfection, she is innovative, fastest-growing segment of the staffing
of the Belgian community is a priority for she is a source of inspiration and she market. It will also strengthen Randstad’s
Randstad, which was the first business in works hard to win. She is also involved overall situation, as demand for workers
Belgium to gain SA 8000 accreditation. This in the fight against doping in sports, and slows in some European countries.
international ethics standard covers topics was awarded the UNESCO ‘Champion
such as child labour, forced labour, health, of Sport’ prize in June 2006. With her
safety, trade union rights, discrimination, international image highlighting strength of
working hours, pay and communication. “A character, commitment to excellence, fair www.randstad.be

Best of Belgium 205


People Management

Introduction observation is made that most companies, the back flap of all the new books which
“Because people are important”. This classic however, talk a lot about “people are appear about human resources, personnel &
among the elections slogans has developed our most important capital” but in reality organization or whatever you’d like to call it.
over the course of the years into the icon perform more maintenance on their copying Let alone each time embark on the complete
of one-liners. Enter “because people are machines than on their people’s capacities. book. And nevertheless, to read something
important” just on Google today and you Beautiful quote but grossly exaggerated? from time to time… rewards the (big) effort.
get 3,710,000 hits. Not bad, definitely not Yes, of course. Only it can’t do any harm But then what to choose from that supply
if you compare it with “washes whiter than not just to listen to what is being said but of thousands of “classics”? Take, e.g., “The
white” that only gets 12,800 hits. Politics also to have a look at what is being done. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”
revolves around people. OK, but management What does personnel policy mean in reality? by Stephen R. Covey. And, no doubt, for
just the same. Because what makes the What could it be? What does it produce? those for whom the whole tome is too
difference between successful and less- Are companies with a sophisticated and, weighty, a summary exists somewhere.
successful businesses? Not the quality of admittedly, a personnel policy that costs
their fleet or the power of their computers, quite a bit, also more effective? Differently Why would we make the effort?
also not the raw materials or thousand- said: is it worth it to invest in people? For quite a few people personnel policy
and-one things that we use daily. Is it consists of recruiting people, spotlessly
possible that the simple slogan of days past A little bit of literature as administering their file, ensuring that they
contains a wealth of truth? Undoubtedly! a warm-up exercise are correctly paid at the end of the month,
People are our most important capital. Before entering into the pragmatics of day- each day arranging more than a hundred-
With this bromide we already get closer to-day personnel policy, it’s worth the effort and-one things (holidays, time credit,
to the traditional management-speak. The to quickly get into the helicopter and admire part-time working…) and - for a lot of HR
pronouncement is not in the least popular. the landscape. First just look at the forest hands-on people a serious chunk out of
Only 84 hits. One of it leads to an amusing and then at the trees later. It’s impossible their time budget – hopefully maintaining
website (http://taan.eu) where the intriguing to keep pace. It’s a full-time job just to read good relations with the trade unions.

206 Best of Belgium


Must all that take place? Of course! But character. It is, therefore, not surprising Let’s just put things into perspective. There
don’t think that “human resources” are that this type of activity was rapidly seen can’t be any objection against concisely
adequately covered by this. That you to be entrusted to specialized offices. describing someone’s contribution (in terms
are “a people manager”. Therefore, it is Rightly so, because no company can afford of function or role). However, the condition
a good thing to take just a step aside to have a badly functioning remuneration is that the description satisfies a number of
from time to time and perhaps float a administration and the wrong recruitment requirements:
little. Because, who sits too deep in the costs a lot of money. The need for carried
mud for too long, no longer moves. through professionalization, however, resulted • it must comment concisely on the added
And then a Stephen R. Covey in human resources (or whatever it is called) value of the role or function and cannot
or a Jim Collins (“From Good to into a more and more technical function, a degenerate in an interminable enumeration of
Great”) can do wonders. specialty, something complicated. Employees what someone does in one day;
didn’t see eye to eye with “the personnel • it must be sufficiently recognizable for the
Phases services” and whoever had to be there… individual employee and nevertheless be
If we quickly look at the agenda of the didn’t usually come on their own initiative. sufficiently general, i.e., there must be a
personnel manager and how that has evolved A second important episode started balance between the more general (abstract)
over the past years, then we can distinguish when job descriptions and, in its and the concrete;
3 periods. That is important because we see slipstream, competence management • it must be formulated result-oriented, and not
in this way also how for HR the bar is being made their entrance. The central phrasing input-oriented;
raised higher all the time. And rightly so. of the question was very clear: what is the • it contains the competences which are
At a first stage the emphasis lay without fundamental contribution of each function needed to be able to reach the desired result;
further to do on remuneration administration and what do you need for that? Up until • the number of job descriptions may, finally,
and recruitment & selection. In both cases the present this input still lives strongly in also not be too large, so that it continues to
it is about activities with a high degree of a lot of organizations, although here and be manageable to adapt them to changing
technicality but with a strong repetitive there dissonances resound nevertheless. circumstances.

Best of Belgium 207


Without wanting to fall into dogma, I would However, the obverse is, and here the critics longer concerning the technicality or the
state that it must be possible to write out really have a point, that people management mechanic but concerning… people.
such a job description on at the most 1 becomes very mechanical this way. Developing The question which raises itself now, and
page front/back. All else is ballast. vision could, however, be a competition that now we come very close to the subject of
Such a job description gives the employee is described, to which points are attached, many management books, is how and why
a footing: What is my contribution? which make your function weigh more heavily some organizations manage to be successful
On what am I being assessed? Which and as a result of which, therefore, a higher and others not? Pay attention, a soul-saving
competences do I have to develop? level of remuneration is reached… but where criterion doesn’t exist. But the cocktail of
Also the company can give its personnel is the vision, the charisma, where is the soul, elements which must be available shows
policy an amount of structure in this way: the commitment, why does the one leader nevertheless large points of similarity.
functions which are described can also succeed in leading people and the other And let us start at the top. Each successful
be weighed by means of one or another not or less? In short, the critics denounce organization, more specifically long-term
methodology, call it classify, and based on that who continues to remain behind in successful, distinguishes itself in having
this the link to remuneration can be made functions and ditto descriptions misses the strong leaders. And of course this observation
easily. A number of functions are also essence of people management: how to doesn’t only apply to, however important this
extensions of each other, as a result of which allow people to grow so that they ensure person may be, the CEO. Detecting potential
career paths arise. In short, a coherent whole the success of the company in this way? and developing leadership throughout the
develops on which may be relied. It is backed And thus we end up at the third organization are today a key concern of the
by methodology. It is well thought-out. phase of human resources. Now it is no HR manager. Hence, digression, that it is so

208 Best of Belgium


important to invest as a company in good
employer branding. Attractive companies
succeed after all better in attracting attractive
candidates. And the chance that you find
future leaders in that target group is after
all greater than in an average population.
Companies which succeed in
“cultivating” leaders and in being
attractive, belong to the absolute world
top. Not only today, but also tomorrow.
This input causes a radical shift in the
agenda setting of the personnel policy. It
no longer concerns tools, techniques or
processes. No, it now concerns company
culture, about seeing talent develop, about
giving people the space and freedom to do
their own thing. In short, HR has undergone
a fundamental metamorphosis and is - for
those who find themselves in this third phase
– the beating heart of the organization.

HR: an overall picture of


the action territory
There exist innumerable models for looking
at HR, one already more complicated than
the other. Within our own organization
we also have developed one for fitting
in all our activities and understanding
all elements which together form an
integrated personnel policy. And actually
we, therefore, state the following: people
management includes all these elements.
Important to the model is that the several
components cannot be seen separately
from each other. They form a whole and are
in continuous interaction with each other!

HR Strategy
HR also needs a long-term vision. Moreover,
this should be aligned with the strategy of defined by individual or at team level, most which philosophy lies behind the company
the complete organization. HR may not be an of them must satisfy a number of criteria: processes. For HR that organization culture
island that stands separate from the business. they must be specifically measurable or at is a key factor. It determines the learning
least verifiable, feasible and at the same capacity of the organization, its willingness
Competence Management time ambitious. Moreover, and perhaps most to change, how people are treated.
To realize that strategy, the organization important, they must be an extension of the
needs the correct competences. Randstad company objectives. By means of correctly Social Commitment
distinguishes 3 types of competences: formulating objectives the organization can More and more organizations are themselves
generic competences (frequently also called ensure that everybody is on the same page. aware of their specific role in society.
core competences), which are expected of Important social trends translate themselves
all employees, behavioural competences, Reward also to internal company processes: how
which are inherent to the function and Research has shown that remuneration is to treat older employees, how seriously
job related technical competences which a very important factor to determine the is the slogan “work is fun” taken, how is
are directly related to the function. attractiveness of a company. It is also an the lamentation by many employees to be
Having a proprietary company set essential element for motivation of the able to realize a proper balance between
of competences is important for all employees... An important component of the “work life” and “private life” handled,
HR processes. Competences come HR happening has been aimed at dealing what can diversity mean to you,… ?
looking around the corner both during with this creatively and purposefully. In
recruitment, evaluation and development. addition to a fixed remuneration, a company Conclusion
could also build in a variable element and “Because people are important” the
Staffing beside the hard euro there still are numerous people-oriented aspect in organizations
In-, through- and outflow of employees is possibilities for expressing your appreciation. will come more and more to the forefront.
a daily worry of each HR worker. Having HR will be shaking off its “soft” image
correct people at the correct moment in the Talent Management and be wholeheartedly committing to the
correct numbers is, of course, a permanent The “war on talent” rages in abundance. The business. The language of the future HR
objective. Important issues in this respect competitiveness and the innovative capacity manager is business oriented, his eyes
are: how does your organization recruit, of your organization depend on the degree are focused on the future and his nose is
how flexible are you with regard to contract in which you succeed in attracting talent, constantly searching for talent. “You have
types, how do you treat employees who developing it further and preserving it. a nose for talent”… a bigger compliment
want or must leave the organization, ... you cannot get as HR manager.
Organization Culture
Performance Management Each company is different, exudes a different Hugo De Vreese
Formulating objectives for employees or atmosphere. It is that company culture that Managing Consultant
teams is no sinecure. Irrespective whether determines which profile is attracted and Randstad HR Consulting

Best of Belgium 209


Compagnie Gagarine
Economy and Industry

Creative photography agency

210 Best of Belgium


The Compagnie Gagarine photo agency,
based in Antwerp, today provides its high
quality photographs to the leading national
and international media such as Knack, Le
Vif L’Express, La Libre Belgique, Trends, Che,
De Standaard, Geo Magazine, Belga press
agency, as well as working for internationally
renowned brands, institutions and publishers
such as Burberry, eBay, Punch Graphix,
VLM Airlines, Adisseo, Europe Real Estate
Publishers, Design Flanders, K.U.Leuven
University, the Province of Antwerp and DK
Travel Guides amongst other

Portrait and concert


Compagnie Gagarine is acclaimed for its
portrait and concert photography. Celebrities
covered by the agency in the past include
Depeche Mode, Air, Tracy Chapman, Bruce
Springsteen, Placebo, Radiohead, Roisin
Murphy, Christophe, Indochine, Jane Birkin,
Jean Michel Jarre, Jeanne Moreau as well as
Belgian bands and personalities like Vive La
Fête, Gabriel Rios, Fien Troch, Ozark Henry,

Best of Belgium 211


Bent Van Looy, Jonas Geirnaert, Sven Van
Hees, Sarah Bettens, Daan, Arno, Neon
Judgement, Wim Mertens, Axelle Red and
Hooverphonic.

Architecture and travel


Equally important, however, is the agency’s
architecture and travel photography, realising
editorial and creative images in Belgium
for travel guides, architects, designers and
publishers, as well as travelling throughout
Europe (France, Holland, Italy, Greece, Spain,
England, Switzerland and Germany) to return
with artistic impressions of those regions, its
people, nature and architecture.

Christophe Ketels
Compagnie Gagarine’s founder, Christophe
Ketels, is the main photographer at the
agency. What drives him is originality, the
consistent attempt to photograph subjects
from an original point of view, whether it is
a building, monument, a person or concert.
Photography for Ketels is a constant search
for that particular angle and light which
no one has found before, or which no one
has wanted to try before. It means leaving
the normal conventional path and trying
something unusual in order to allow emotion
and amazement to take over. Perspectives
that go far beyond the traditional images,
as well as bringing details and objects to
our attention which most of us would never
have noticed. Just like the astronaut Youri
Gagarin was the first man in space, where
no man had gone before and what many

212 Best of Belgium


people at the time found a utopia. Ketels’ the photographic industry’s top brands.
work is a search for perfection and its 2008 sees the agency making its largest new
originality has become his landmark and investments thus far, bringing the company to
style as a photographer, a visual identity. a next level with the most superior digital and
His photographic adventure is lasting over a analogue photographic material, yet again to
decade, and results in a diversity of personal bring the agency a step closer to perfection Compagnie Gagarine
impressions, unique on the European and being able to offer the highest quality Apollostraat 161/1 – 2600 Berchem
continent. photography. Enjoy several images of main Tel: 03 297 36 18 
photographer Christophe Ketels throughout 0472 / 47 95 28
Ever since its creation, Compagnie Gagarine this book, and have a look at the website E-mail: info@compagniegagarine.com
has constantly updated its equipment with www.compagniegagarine.com. www.compagniegagarine.com

Best of Belgium 213


Index

Agoria Automotive 160 – 161

Antwerp International School 136 – 137

Antwerp World Diamond Centre 40-41

B-Apparthotels 90 – 91

Barry Callebaut 70 – 71

BBCW Best Belgian Chocolate of the World 66 – 67

Belberry Preserves 62-63

Belchim Crop Protection 198-199

Belgacom Memorial Van Damme 117

Bocconi Ristoranti Italiano 104-105

Boeckmans Shipping & Forwarding 182-183

Brasserie Pakhuis 106-107

Brussels Enterprise Commerce Industry 170-171

Brussels Export 190

City of Antwerp 38 – 39

Cock’s Fresh / Cock’s Vleeswaren 76-77-78-79

Compagnie Gagarine 210-211-212-213

Conrad Brussels 84-85

Creamoda 130-131

DEME 194-195

Diamond Museum in Antwerp 44 – 45

Duc d’O Chocolaterie 72-73

Essenscia 158-159

Federation of Belgian Enterprises 156-157

Fedustria 164-165

Fevia 162-163

Flanders Fashion Institute 124-125

Flanders Investment & Trade 188-189

Flemish Institute for Logistics 176-177

Gazet Van Antwerpen Cyclo-cross Trophy 114

Ghent International Film Festival 28 – 29

Godiva 68-69

Gosselin Group 178-179

Hansen Transmissions 202-203

214 Best of Belgium


Healthcare Belgium 140-141-142-143-144-145

HealthCity 118-119

HRD 42 – 43

Huis de Colvenier 102-103

ING Antwerp 10 Miles and Marathon 115

Jules Destrooper 64-65

Kasteel Coninxdonck 92-93

Kasteel van Lebbeke 94-95

L’Albon Chambon 98-99

L&A Jewellery 52-53

La Butte aux Bois 96-97

Les Bijoux de Marie-France 56-57

Meevida 46 – 47

Metropole Hotel 86-87

Modo Bruxellae 122-123

Museum Brasserie 100-101

Muziektheater Transparant 34 – 35

National Bank of Belgium 150-151

Nordic Fire / Crisdiam 48 – 49

Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp 88-89

Pinchasi & Sons 50-51

Pralibel 74-75

Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition of Belgium 30 – 31

Randstad 204-205-206-207-208-209

ROSAS 32 – 33

Stûv 166-167

The Stage Dinner Theatre 108-109

Tour of Belgium 116

University of Leuven 134-135

Verbruggen Diamonds & Pearls 54-55

Vitalo Group 200-201

Wallonia Foreign Trade & Investment Agency 191

Westerlund Group 180-181

Best of Belgium 215

You might also like