13 Apr '15

Flanders and Netherlands co-operate in joint trade mission to Africa

Summary

Minister-president Geert Bourgeois has announced the first joint economic mission by Flanders and the Netherlands, which will see the two visit Ghana and Senegal in May and June

“Certain to open doors”

The first operational joint economic mission involving Flanders and the Netherlands will take place from 31 May to 5 June in Ghana and Senegal (pictured), minister-president Geert Bourgeois announced at the weekend. Flanders will be represented by Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), accompanied by its Dutch counterpart, the state service for Dutch enterprise (RON).
 

“FIT and RON will pull together to make this mission a success for businesses in both Flanders and the Netherlands,” Bourgeois said. “The co-operation is certain to open doors for the maritime and dredging industries.”

Flanders and the Netherlands have been working towards greater co-operation in overseas missions since 2013, when former minister-president Kris Peeters and Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte travelled to the US. Last autumn, Bourgeois renewed the contact, promising Rutte that he would organise a new joint mission this year.

“We are neighbours and important trading partners,” Bourgeois said. “A joint mission improves the chances of Dutch and Flemish enterprises overseas.” The pair will organise another trade mission later this year, Bourgeois said.

FIT has been working on a programme to allow companies to make the most of the growth potential of the two African countries on the itinerary. So far 48 companies have signed up, mainly active in agriculture, transport and logistics and infrastructure.

“The aim is to go after opportunities for Flemish businesses in countries with a developing economy,” Bourgeois explained. “The success of such missions shows the growing importance of the African market for Flemish business.” FIT will also organise a mission to Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda this year, he said.
Photo courtesy Maersk Line

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Government of Flanders

Belgium is a federal state with several regional governments. The northern, Dutch-speaking region of Flanders is governed by the Flemish government, which was created when the Flemish Region and the Flemish Community joined forces in 1980. A minister-president presides over the government of Flanders, and Brussels is the capital city.
Competences - The government of Flanders is responsible for the economy, foreign trade, health care, energy, housing, agriculture, environmental concerns, public works and transport, employment policy, culture, education and science and innovation. Flanders also has the power to sign international treaties in these competencies.
Sole legislator - The powers of the Flemish government and of the federal government do not overlap. Therefore, only one government serves as legislator for each policy area. Flemish laws are called decrees. Decrees apply in co-ordination with federal laws.
Official holiday - 11 July is the official holiday of the Flemish Community, in commemoration of the Battle of the Golden Spurs in Kortrijk on 11 July 1302, when Flemings defeated the army of the French king. Flanders’ official anthem is “De Vlaamse Leeuw” (The Flemish Lion).
6

million people live in the Flemish Region.

5

provinces constitute the Flemish Region: West Flanders, East Flanders, Flemish Brabant, Antwerp and Limburg.

5

number of years for which the Flemish Parliament is elected. Its elections coincide with those of the European Parliament.

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