Not just beer and chocolate

Agnieszka Le Nart: Belgium is perhaps best known for its chocolate, its beer and its politics. How does Belgian entrepreneurship look in a broader context?

Maurice Delbar: The Belgian entrepreneur is much like a typical Belgian fellow - prudent and pragmatic. The Belgian entrepreneur is usually a better manager than salesman. Even if he has a substantial amount of money to invest, his first concern is related to what he will risk as opposed to what he can get.

How do you view trade relations between Belgium and Poland?

Trade relations between the two countries are evolving each year. Belgium and Luxembourg together are ranked in fourth place among major investors in Poland. There are about 300 firms of Belgian origin operating in Poland, primarily in banking (KBC, Warta, Fortis), construction (CFE, Ghelamco), pharmaceuticals (UCB) and logistics (Fast Line). As for Polish FDI capital in Belgium, it is estimated at about E10 (zł.36) million annually. These are investments mainly in Polish speciality goods and furniture shops, as well as electronics and batteries. The international labor market is also a very dynamically evolving area of business.

What are your expectations for the Belgian Days event?

Belgian Days is the biggest event the Belgian Business Chamber has ever organized. It will give an opportunity for the Belgian business milieu in Warsaw and its Polish counterpart to meet, share experiences and find new opportunities for cooperation and trade in both formal and informal contexts. Many of the events go beyond the typical business protocol, with films, concerts, seminars, dining and, finally, a festive gala. Belgian business meets culture and cuisine.

Personally, I'm very excited about Henri Seroka's Philharmonic concert. As for business events, the event will feature individual daily forums for the construction industry, the hospitality and tourism industries and the international labor market, including B2B meetings and seminars regarding investment and public-relations issues. New firms looking to establish themselves in Poland will find the initiative helpful in forming partnerships and will gain knowledge of the local business environment.

What is the future of Poland's role in European trade?

Poland is slowly becoming a central focus for trade within the region - a good forecast for further FDI investments in the country. Rising labor costs can't threaten this positive trend, based on Belgium's high opinion of Polish professionals.