Belgian Companies mull investments in Macedonia

Several Belgian textile companies and a brand from the chemical industry have shown interest to invest in Macedonia, said Agency for Foreign Investments director Visar Fida after Tuesday's business forum, MIA reports from Brussels.

After the presentation in the premises of the Belgian Textile Federation, Fida told MIA the country's textile sector sought new business destinations in Europe, which would enable easier and faster access to established markets.

"These meetings offer a good chance to attract these companies, first to visit Macedonia and afterwards to decide and invest in the country", added Fida.

Besides companies from the textile industry, Fida said cooperation could be established with brands from other sectors.

"Today we met with representatives of one of the largest global companies in the chemical industry, who voiced their interest to visit and possibly invest in Macedonia, since the company wants to be closer to the Middle East and the Turkish market", he said.

During his stay in Brussels, Fida will also meet with representatives of companies from the IT, automotive and chemical industries.

Largest Belgian bus manufacturer to invest in Macedonia

Belgium's largest bus manufacturer Van Hool will invest in Macedonia, Daim Iljazi, advisor at the Macedonian Embassy in Belgium, told MIA.Van Hool's decision to build a bus factory near Skopje comes as a result of the year-long embassy activities for attraction of foreign investments.
The embassy has confirmed that the company will start to build the factory in 2-3 months, with an annual capacity of 300 buses intended for the United States market.Van Hool was established in 1947, currently employing about 4,500 people worldwide.

Macedonia has a Trade Surplus with Belgium

Belgium is one of rare countries with which Macedonia generates trade surplus.
According to the latest statistical data, the surplus amounted to USD 50 million in 2010 and USD 14 million in the first nine months of this year.
In terms of the total trade with the EU, trade with Belgium accounts for 4 percent. According to the Macedonian State Statistical Office, Macedonia exports tobacco, vegetables, ferronickel, textile products and sugar to Belgium.
On the other hand, motor vehicles, oils, iron, steel and plastic products are imported from Belgium.