The Wallonia Export-Investment Agency (AWEX) is the Walloon Region's department responsible for promoting foreign trade and welcoming overseas investors. Its three main aims are to:
1. Support Walloon exports around the world
The Agency offers Walloon businesses a range of services and activities covering the entire export process.
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general and commercial information on foreign markets
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production of individual market studies on request
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organisation of commercial prospecting operations (participation in international trade fairs, organisation of economic missions, sector-based contact days, etc.)
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contacts with international organisations
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promotion of Wallonia and its export potential
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financial support and funding for exports
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training and raising awareness of international professions
For overseas investors, the Agency can on request:
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pass on economic data on Wallonia and its export potential
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provide information on the products and services of Walloon businesses
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seek Walloon businesses for the conclusion of international partnerships
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distribute lists of Walloon exporters
2. Look for overseas exporters
For foreign companies, the Agency can:
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show why Wallonia is the perfect base for growth
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explain the very attractive tax situation in Wallonia
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provide appropriate assistance and solutions (e.g. set-up support, administrative procedures, visits, study meetings, customised simulations, networking, coordination for obtaining financial assistance and premiums).
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create good relations between the business and the administrations responsible for studying projects
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explain the regional set-up policy and the legal environment relating to set-ups
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help to develop business in Wallonia
3. Promote Wallonia internationally
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coordinate and lead the territorial brand policy
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campaign in the international media
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produce economic materials for foreign businessmen
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organise promotional actions bringing together cultural and economic aspects
AWEX in brief:
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approximately 400 people (200 of them abroad)
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a head office in Brussels and an office in Namur for overseas investments
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7 regional centres in Belgium (local and consultancy offices)
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93 economic and cultural attachés on 5 continents
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1 subsidiary: SOFINEX (management of funds for international financing)
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around 2,900 Walloon businesses supported every year
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ISO 9001 certified (2015).