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Wallonia Foreing Trade and Investment Agency - AWEX -
An overview of institutional activities carried out by AWEX
WALLONIA FOREIGN TRADE AND INVESTMENT AGENCY (AWEX) • AWEX is the Agency of the Walloon Region of Belgium in charge of promoting foreign trade and attracting foreign investment (created in 1998) CONTACT INFORMATION: Place Sainctelette 2, B-1080 BRUSSELS -BELGIUM Phone: +32-2-421 82 11 - Fax: +32-2-421 87 87 Web site: www.awex.be and www.investinwallonia.be
• Headquarters in Brussels (foreign trade) and Namur (foreign investment)
• 7 regional centres in Wallonia
• Worldwide network of 107 economic and commercial representatives
• 435 employees (200 of which abroad)
• Budget 2011 : € 80 million
• Certified ISO 9001 since 2002
As a foreign trade agency, AWEX carries out a mission of promotion and information for the benefit of both Wallonia and the foreign business community.
Upon request, AWEX assists buyers, decision-makers, importers and foreign prospects by:
- Providing economic data on Wallonia and its export potential
- Disseminating information on products and services from companies located in Wallonia
- Identifying companies in Wallonia for international partnerships
- Distributing lists of exporters from Wallonia
As an export partner for Wallonia-based companies, AWEX offers a wide range of export-oriented services and activities:
- General and commercial information on foreign markets
- Market studies tailored to specific areas upon request
- Organization and planning of marketing activities (international trade shows, economic missions, sector-based contact days…)
- Establishing contacts with international organizations
- Promoting Wallonia’s export potential abroad
- Financial support and export financing
- Training in international careers
As a foreign investment agency, AWEX – via its Office for Foreign Investors (OFI) – has an overall responsibility for the attraction of foreign investment in Wallonia. This includes seeking out and providing information to potential foreign investors. The Agency also offers a pro-active follow-up service to investors already established in Wallonia. In addition, it is in charge of identifying new foreign investors for the acquisition of industrial sites under restructuring process.