China is the main commercial partner for Wallonia in Asia according to Paul Magnette. Walloon exports (€420.62 million) to the Middle Kingdom correspond to combined exports to South Korea and Japan.
In 2014, Wallonia's exports to China represented €420.62 million, namely 8% more than in 2013, declared Paul Magnette, Minister-President of the Walloon Region. This figure alone is equivalent to combined exports to South Korea and Japan. Imports from China represent €688.34 million, namely an increase of 7.1%.
A future Sino-Belgian business incubator in Louvain-la-Neuve
Chinese investments in Wallonia are becoming increasingly numerous and sizeable. The case of the future technological business incubator in Louvain-la-Neuve is the best example of this. The estimated budget for this project is 200 million, financed by Chinese capital. This investment should enable the creation of 1,500 jobs and favor exchanges between Wallonia and China.
Pascale Delcomminette, the CEO of AWEX, is very proud of having brought this product to fruition. "It has been a long story, which started seven years ago, when the representative of Awex in Wuhan met the manager of Whibi, an expert in the management of incubators. He wanted to establish a base in Europe." One thing led to another and Wallonia was chosen, then Louvain-la-Neuve. The project will start at the end of August.
"We are very proud of it", adds the Rector of UCL, Vincent Blondel. "There are many reasons for this choice: location, the Science Park and links with the university". In concrete terms, the China Belgium Technology Center will comprise five incubators, dedicated respectively to biotechnology, IT, electronics, optoelectronics and sustainable development. In the long term, the project partners will create 1,500 jobs, 800 of which will be for Belgians. The site will welcome, in addition to offices, laboratories and conference rooms, a hotel and a restaurant.
Liège Airport is also not being left out, because, during the State visit from 20 to 27 June, the airport signed an agreement to ensure the continuity of charter flights for Chinese tourists in Wallonia.