Although Brussels accounts
for just 0.5 per cent of Belgium’s surface area and has a
population of under one million, the region generates 15 per cent
of the nation’s Gross National Product. Brussels’
unemployment level at 15 per cent remains quite high and the national
level is not much better, standing at 12 per cent. This perhaps
is explained by the fact that two thirds of Belgium’s 40,000-strong
asylum seekers are located in Brussels and, since 2000 regulations,
this population has been entitled to seek employment. A further
explanation rests on the types of employment available in Brussels,
which relies on a highly skilled, technically proficient and multi-lingual
workforce. In this environment, the less skilled find it difficult
to slot to find work. One third of Brussels’ labour market
comes from the international community, of which 65 per cent are
from the European Union.
Most major Belgian companies are based in Brussels, including the
Glaverbel, Solvay and SN Brussels Airlines.
‘Capital’ of the European Union, Brussels
also plays host to NATO. The presence of these
international organisations, combined with Brussels’ geographic
location at the heart of Europe, excellent transport infrastructure,
highly trained multi-lingual workforce and favourable fiscal regimes,
draws nearly 2000 foreign companies to Brussels. The presence of
over 60 foreign banks has contributed to making Brussels the world’s
seventh biggest financial market. American companies, France, Germany,
Sweden, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Japan all have strong
financial links with Brussels. Foreign companies with a presence
in the city include AT&T, IBM, Sony, Toyota,
Procter & Gamble, Hewlett Packard, Volkswagen and
Price Waterhouse-Coopers.
The tertiary sector accounts for nearly 80 per cent of all jobs
– in various fields including banking and financial services,
transport and tourism and transport. Nonetheless, Brussels remains
the nation’s second most important industrial centre after
Antwerp. Industry is increasingly specialised in
high-tech sectors and accounts for 15 per cent of employment.
The city centre is where the Belgian financial groups including
the FORTIS and BBL the government
ministries are based here. The Espace Nord is much favoured by public
administrators and private-sector companies, such as Belgacom,
Bankcard Company and The World Trade Center.
The Louise area is occupied by national and international companies,
while the coveted Léopold area is dominated
by the European Parliament. Brussels’ international flavour
is also evident in the numerous diplomatic missions present and
the city welcomes nearly 16,000 business congresses during the course
of the year. Nearly a third of the capital’s population is
made up of overseas visitors, giving Brussels a truly cosmopolitan
flair.
Business Etiquette
A certain degree of business formality is expected in the city.
It is wise for business visitors to confirm meetings in writing
and arrive on time, armed with business cards and wearing a suit
with a tie for men. Companies are hierarchical and as many managing
directors do not delegate and it is advisable to go straight to
the top.
Standard office hours are
Monday to Friday 0830–1730.
On meeting clients, one should address colleagues with their surname,
respecting any professional or academic qualifications. English
is the standard language of business in Brussels. Personal relationships
are very important, so relaxed lunch meetings help develop trust
– a stage that must be reached before any decisions are made.
In Brussels, it is common for business colleagues to be invited
for an apéritif, followed by dinner at a nice restaurant,
although not generally at the first meeting. |
