The Brussels government has taken a significant step to stimulate the international trade of its companies. Two crucial export premiums, which had been suspended in 2024, are now available again. This decision, aimed at strengthening the economic position of the Brussels-Capital Region, was widely welcomed by the Brussels business community, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Brussels Enterprise Federation.
What is Happening
From now on, Brussels companies can once again apply for two specific export premiums. These include the subsidy that supports participation in international fairs and exhibitions abroad, and the premium for bidding on tenders outside the European Union. These measures had been temporarily suspended, but their reactivation is seen as a clear intention by the Brussels government to help companies recover and grow in the global market. This support is crucial for maintaining Brussels' competitive position in a globalized economy.
Impact on SMEs in Brussels
Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Brussels, which often operate with more limited resources, these premiums are vital. The costs for international participation and preparing complex tenders can be substantial. This includes travel expenses, stand rental, or consultancy for legal documentation. With this support, the barrier is lowered, making it easier for SMEs to enter new markets and improve their competitive position. This contributes to the diversification of the Brussels economy and the creation of sustainable employment.
"The reintroduction of these export premiums is a crucial signal to our entrepreneurs. It shows that the Brussels government recognizes the importance of international expansion and actively invests in the future of our SMEs." - Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry (BECI)
Background
The suspension of these export premiums in 2024 led to concern within the Brussels business community. International trade is a pillar of the Brussels economy, and such support mechanisms are essential to remain competitive. The decision to reactivate follows a period of evaluation and consultation, during which the needs of exporting companies were clearly articulated. This consultation took place with company representatives and economic actors such as hub.brussels, the organization for supporting Brussels' export.
The Flemish and Walloon governments have similar, albeit sometimes differently structured, export subsidies. For example, Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) offers support in Flanders, and the Walloon Export and Foreign Investments Agency (AWEX) in Wallonia. This influences the competitive landscape for Belgian companies in general. The coordination of this support at the federal level, through bodies such as the Federal Export Agency (FAE) or the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, remains an important point of attention to avoid overlaps and create synergies.
What This Means for Belgium
The reactivation of export premiums in Brussels is expected to provide a positive impulse to the Brussels economy and contribute to the recovery of Belgium's overall export figures. Strong Brussels exports boost the national economy and create jobs, a fact confirmed by Statbel statistics. The initiative demonstrates that the Brussels government recognizes the importance of international trade relations and actively invests in supporting local enterprises. This can also serve as a signal for other regions to continuously evaluate and adjust their export strategies where necessary, thereby strengthening Belgium's export position in Europe and beyond. As reported by L'Echo, this decision enhances Belgium's competitiveness in the international market and contributes to the general prosperity of the country, in line with the National Bank of Belgium (NBB)'s objectives for economic stability and growth.
