Last year, Antwerp attracted more foreign investors than Brussels.
In 2010, a total of 46 foreign investment projects were realised in Antwerp. That is an increase of 46% over the past 6 years. Brussels had to settle with 32 projects, an increase of ‘just’ 12%. The effects can also be seen in the number of new jobs created by international companies in the port city: 1400 for Antwerp which is double the figure of 700 for the Brussels agglomeration.
The new figures were derived from IBM Global Services, which advises companies on the best locations for their new establishments. ‘Alongside the major projects which generate lots of jobs such as Atlas Copco, Genzyme and Pfizer, Antwerp has also begun to sharpen its focus on the office market in recent years,’ says global leader IBM-Plant Location International Roel Spee. ‘As a result, we are seeing a multitude of smaller projects being rolled out in Antwerp as well. In fact, the city is really making a breakthrough on the office market.’
Antwerp remains on top with respect to the rest of Belgium as well. Four in every ten new Belgian jobs created as a result of foreign investment are to be found in the province of Antwerp. East Flanders, Limburg and Flemish Brabant follow with 14%, 11% and 9% respectively. Brussels Capital Region is next on the list.
Antwerp Headquarters was founded by the City of Antwerp and 23 private companies under the Antwerp Waasland Chamber of Commerce to promote Antwerp as a prime office location. The bureau also provides a full range of services to assist prospective companies with every aspect of setting up offices in Antwerp.
The above figures clearly demonstrate the positive impact of Antwerp Headquarters’ strategy.
Source: De Standaard and PLI-IBM
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