india welcome office

INDIA WELCOME OFFICE
In Wallonia-Brussels, Europe in your hands…
Wallo nia- Bel g ium , your b us ine s s p a rt n e r i n t h e h e a rt of E u ro p e
The Heart of Europe
Wallonia-Brussels, economic and cultural
crossroad in the true heart of Europe
Infrastructures
› Belgium ranks at the 1st place for logistic investments & distribution in Europe (2008 Cushman &
Wakefield’s survey);
› The most concentrated road network in the world (lighting, safety, toll-free);
› 375 million consumers within 8 hours drive (65 % of the European Market);
› 2 international and cargo airports (accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, European hub of
worldwide express integrator TNT);
› Host of the EURO-CAREX platform (Cargo High Speed Train in Northern Europe);
› More than 4000 acres available now in Industrial and Research Parks (land and storage from 30 to
60 euros/sqm).
WALLONIA-BRUSSELS is the french-speaking part of BELGIUM, including Brussels, Capital of Europe, in the immediate vicinity of
Western Europe’s major cities. The area is home to the main offices of the largest international institutions and the headquarters of
many multinationals.
In the heart of the most important distribution area in Northern Europe and at a few hours reach of Paris, Strasbourg, London,
Amsterdam, The Hague, Luxembourg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich and Geneva, Wallonia-Brussels is directly linked to all decision making
centres in Europe.
Wallonia provides a direct link to the sea ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam. Its exceptional geographical position, transport and
communication network with state-of-the-art multimodal facilities afford Wallonia the potential to increase your profits. A qualified
and multilingual workforce, which appreciates work and effort, and its readily available industrial and logistic tools permit very low
investment and operating costs. Symbols of innovation and competitiveness, the Universities and Research Centres of the region
give it a permanent added value in logistics supply chains.
Location
London
Amsterdam
Paris
Frankfurt
Luxembourg
Cologne
Düsseldorf
Rotterdam
Brussels
Lille
Distance
477 km
242 km
368 km
309 km
138 km
120 km
134 km
235 km
100 km
203 km
Time
5h30
2h40
4h00
3h00
1h45
1h30
1h40
2h30
1h00
2h05
With entertainment zones, gastronomy, tourism and the high quality of life found in the historical centre of Europe, Wallonia offers you
the best place to distribute products inside the European market.
Wallonia-Brussels, with its nine university centres housing 300 research facilities and 11.000
researchers, is world renowned for being innovative and research driven. This region is home to 3
Nobel Prize recipients. Original, creative, technology intensive and giving good value for money,
Wallonia’s expertly designed and manufactured products are competitive on all points with the
world’s best and its productivity is amongst the highest in the world. The information and
communication technology market is growing by 10% a year and is supported by 2.500 graduates.
Hamburg
UNITED KINGDOM
Hannover
Amsterdam
London
NETHERLANDS
Antwerp
Brussels
EUROTUNNEL
Lille
Dortmund
Düsseldorf
BELGIUM
Mons
Qualified workforce
GERMANY
Wallonia-Brussels has developed an extended, highly performing educational network of colleges, universities and graduate
schools. The training meets market requirements since the large majority of graduates from high schools or universities get a
job as soon as they finish their studies. Businesses benefit from a quality workforce: productivity is 20% higher than the
European average.
Cologne
Wallonia
Frankfurt
Luxembourg
FRANCE
Berlin
Paris
WALLONIA: European n°1 region for logistics (Cushman & Wakefield - Comparison of prime locations for European
distribution and logistic 2009).
Stuttgart
Strasbourg
Munich
Wa l l o n ia - Bel g iu m, yo u r b u s in es s p a rt n er in t h e h e a r t of Eu ro p e
THE HEART OF EUROPE
Serving innovation
The Heart of Europe
The Wallonia Business and Competitiveness Clusters
The Business clusters and the competitiveness clusters are complementary tools taking part in the new growth dynamic initiated by the
Walloon Government.
The Agro-industry cluster’s goal is to improve the competition between companies in the food
industry and boost business and employment in the sector, through different strategic development
areas like health food, industrial efficiency, packaging or development of durable networks in the
agro-industry.
It places Wallonia-Brussels at the heart of the knowledge communities and as a worldwide competitive industrial area, with the support of
Universities, Research and Training centers.
www.wagralim.be/indexEN.php
The Transportation and Logistics cluster was created to promote the transport and logistics sector of
Wallonia both within the country and abroad, by coordinating activities, by defining a common strategy and
by optimizing human and technological resources.
This cluster in Mechanical Engineering has defined 4 strategic lines of development:
› Materials and surfaces of the future;
› Comprehensive forming technologies;
› Microtechnologies and mechatronics;
› Intelligent maintenance.
www.polemecatech.be/en
www.logisticsinwallonia.be/en
The Aerospace cluster established a sound strategy in order to face the technological challenges that are
currently required. It aims at developing technological niches for the future, diversifying and creating new
companies, and meeting the market demand in terms of yet lighter components or increased performance
in the structures, without forgetting the minimization of the environmental footprint.
www.greenwin.be/en
1 800
RESULTS 2000-2012 / AWEX FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
1 600
1 659
Amount invested: 5,5 billion €
1 400
1 200
1 011
1 000
800
600
This Health cluster federates all stakeholders from Wallonia participating in innovation and training in the
field of biotechnology and health. The R&D, supported by the cluster, covers all fields related to health,
with 8 technological themes defined.
www.biowin.org
536
413
400
200
216
203
2000
2001
241
223
212
2003
2004
2005
119
489
222
0
2002
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Wa l l o n ia - Bel g iu m, yo u r b u s in es s p a rt n er in t h e h e a r t of Eu ro p e
THE HEART OF EUROPE
Environment and Sustainable Development is covered by GreenWin, aiming at innovation in green chemistry
and sustainable materials (including their applications in zero or near zero energy buildings).
Million €
www.skywin.be
Personalised service (free of charge)
Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency (AWEX) facilitates collaboration between the Science Parks of Wallonia (SPOW)
and Indian technological firms. Numerous agreements have been negotiated between private partners and public bodies in networks
all over India.
› The permanent presence of a bilingual expert (English-French);
› Assistance in understanding the language and culture;
›Advice with practical and logistical matter (visas, travel permits, accreditation, legal issues,
everyday worries…);
› Administrative assistance with initial prospection in the European market (e.g. market studies);
› Networking with leading European professionals in your industry;
› Commercial use of Wallonia in Europe (more than 50 offices in the capitals and major European
cities).
As part of the CROSS INCUBATION projects in India and Europe, AWEX offers Indian companies to test and launch on the European
market in a new INDIA WELCOME OFFICE based in Liège (in Wallonia), between Germany and Brussels, specially dedicated to innovative
Indian companies wishing to expand in Europe.
Brand new offices and many personalised services are available for FREE excluding telecommunication costs, for Indian companies
which can devote themselves, at a very low cost, to the daily growth of their business, and all this from a base in Belgium, affording
maximum ease of travel to all major European cities.
Services of all types
Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency (AWEX) proposes in partnership with the Science Parks of Wallonia (SPOW):
›
›
›
›
›
“
I was very surprised at the warmth and thoughtfulness of the arrangements made
by AWEX during my visit. They set up a program with high-quality presentations,
”
appropriate B2B meetings and a very suitable and customized support...
Mr. Anupam KUNWAR, Technology Director, SuRe Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd.
“
The AWEX has been a great support since the gestation period of our company. They
have proved to be our partners, and not only a facilitating agency, by giving us a free
office space, but also introducing us to new partners and potential clients. We really
”
appreciate their professional yet customised approach towards new companies.
Mr. Surinder KUMAR, Owner, LED Concepts & Design Pvt. Ltd.
A specialised office for Indian companies to launch their activities in Europe (based in Liège): THE INDIA WELCOME OFFICE;
Ultra-modern telecom services (Internet access, optic fibers, ADSL/SDSL, videoconference…);
Hi-tech business centres equipped to welcome companies and accelerate growth;
Specialised sector-specific offices (Aerospace, Lifesciences, Agro-food, Mechanical Engineering...) for the support of start-ups;
Training and economic support to create your own distribution business in the heart of Europe.
Connections throughout Europe
But also:
› A dissemination of information with a technological advantage to companies operating in science
parks;
›The promotion of technology transfer between research and industry, with many European
partners;
›Lively technological activity between companies (networking with innovative businesses at
European level, creating opportunities for technological exchanges between players from industry
and/or research);
› Access to EUROPEAN RESEARCH PROGRAMS through experts directly connected to the relevant
departments of the European Commission in Brussels.
Wa l l o n ia - Bel g iu m, yo u r b u s in es s p a rt n er in t h e h e a r t of Eu ro p e
WA L LO N I A - B R U S S E L S O F F E R S TO I N D I A N CO M PA N I E S . . .
Wallonia-Brussels offers to INDIAN companies…
Support from Belgian Public Agencies
Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency (AWEX) is the one-stop shop for all prospective foreign investors wanting to locate
in Wallonia. Our commitment is to help foreign companies begin their activities successfully and integrate them into European Economic
Networks.
We offer foreign companies links with local authorities, universities and technological partners thanks to special relationships with local
real estate agencies and the Science Parks of Wallonia.
Apart from this initial «kick start», we also organise meetings with experts from various federal and regional departments and guide you
through the relevant administrative steps.
› We offer you a free and ready-to-use office in our India Welcome Office, for a determined period, to
start your prospection and activities quickly;
› We provide you with legal, fiscal and practical advice and help you study your project on a technical,
commercial and financial basis;
› We search for the ideal location or building for your activity;
› We help you to attract qualified staff and workforce;
› We guide you through the process leading to obtain subsidies and funding from the authorities.
As a foreign trade agency, AWEX carries out a mission of promotion and export support for the benefit of both Wallonia and the foreign
business community.
Depending on various features, such as the location of your investment and your main sector of activity, you will benefit from
different kinds of financial incentives. We help you calculate the percentage of subsidies you could be granted, which can go up to
50% of the total investment.
Our team of specialised multilingual advisors will assist you personally from the feasibility study through to the realisation of your
investment and export strategy. Our experts will be pleased to help at every stage of your activities.
At the federal level, your company can also benefit from interesting and unique financial tools, such as Notional Interest Deduction,
Tax Ruling, Specific tax features for R&D activities, Dividend Withholding Tax Exemption, Expatriate Regime, etc.
Export support and incentives
Foreign companies choosing Wallonia as their European hub can benefit from export oriented services
thanks to our local and international staff. More than 100 attachés, including around 50 in Europe, are
devoted to promote the Walloon companies abroad. Our export services include:
›Providing you with customized commercial information about the country you are
interested in;
› Helping you to take part in international trade shows and economic missions;
› Establishing contacts with potential partners and institutions;
› Assisting you during the development of your export activity.
As a newly created Walloon company, you can also benefit from financial incentives to help you develop your exportations. AWEX
can support part of your expenses when you:
› Hire an expert or a coach in communication, webdesign, foreign trade, etc.;
› Create a new website and new communication materials;
› Prospect new markets abroad and participate in an international trade show or economic mission.
We can determine together which kind of incentives apply to your situation and help you through the process of obtaining it.
Wa l l o n ia - Bel g iu m, yo u r b u s in es s p a rt n er in t h e h e a r t of Eu ro p e
SUPPORT FROM BELGIAN PUBLIC AGENCIES
Our services are entirely adapted to your requests:
LIVING IN WALLONIA
ACCOMODATION
A complete overview of the accommodation available to rent and to sell is frequently published in various newspapers and on the Internet.
Several specialized agencies can also advise and guide you through your options, and seek for the ideal accommodation for you according
to your needs, your location preferences and your budget.
HIGH-QUALITY HEALTHCARE
Belgium can take pride in its healthcare network, one of the most modern and efficient in the world. It comes top in the ranking of countries
with medical infrastructures that meet the needs of its inhabitants (IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2010).
For employees and self-employed, Health insurance is part of the compulsory social security contributions, which makes it almost free and
of a very high standard.
You are also required to take out the private health insurance of your choice, which will ensure the partial or total refund of medical care and
the purchase of certain drug.
LIFESTYLE
Wallonia has much to offer in terms of life’s pleasures. Its landscapes are a harmonious patchwork of the rural and the
urban, of towns and peaceful villages. Wallonia’s personality can be summed up by its friendliness, its festive outlook,
its century-old folklore and its architectural jewels, recognized as Unesco World Heritage sites. Last but not least, its
legendary culinary tradition and sense of hospitality and relaxation make Wallonia a warm and welcoming region.
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS
LIVING IN WALLONIA
Wallonia has a good quality and diversified education system. There are many alternatives for parents when choosing a nursery, primary or
secondary school, including local, European and international schools.
Education is both formal and free in Belgium. While kindergardens welcome children from the age of 2 ½ years old, compulsory education
includes primary and secondary schools for children from 6 years old to 18 years old.
If you are staying in Belgium for a short-term assignment, most expat families send their children to the local public school or to an
international school where English is one of the main languages of instruction. In both cases, French classes will be offered.
Finally, the higher education network of the Walloon community includes universities that rank among the world’s best institutions, with
nearly 20% of foreign students enrolment.
BELGIUM: 8th best country to live in (Quality of Life Index 2010, International Living magazine).
Wa l l o n ia - Bel g iu m, yo u r b u s in es s p a rt n er in t h e h e a r t of Eu ro p e
INDIA WELCOME OFFICE
India Welcome Office
Spi+ Atrium Vertbois
NETHERLANDS
Nilesh APTE / Joachim GALAND
Rue du Vertbois, 11 - B - 4000 Liège
Tel: +32 (0) 4.371.54.50
indiawelcomeoffice@investinwallonia.be
www.investinwallonia.be
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In Belgium:
Michel KEMPENEERS
Director Asia-Pacific
AWEX - Foreign Trade and
Investment Agency
Namur Office Park
6, Avenue des Dessus de Lives
B-5101 NAMUR (Loyers)
Tel +32 (0) 81 332 850
m.kempeneers@awex.be
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In Mumbai:
Jean-Guy SCHATTENS
Trade & Investment Commissioner
AWEX Mumbai
Consulate General of Belgium
5th Floor, C.G -Thapar House,
Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli,
400030 MUMBAI (INDIA)
Tel +91-22 2432 1829
Fax +91 22 2432 2609
Mobile +91 9819675771
mumbai@awex.be
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D'AVROY
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QUAI OR
In New-Delhi:
Christophe VAN OVERSTRAETEN
Trade & Investment Commissioner
Embassy of Belgium
Wallonia-Brussels Economic Representation
50-N Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
110021 NEW DELHI (INDIA)
Tel +91 11 42428200
Fax +91 11 42428210
newdelhi@awex.in
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Contacts
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via E40
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via E42
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