The Belgian economic mission to Australia, led by HRH Princess Astrid, marked an important step in strengthening trade relations between Belgium and Australia. With a delegation of 315 participants, including representatives from 50 Walloon and Brussels companies, the mission demonstrated the dynamism and ambition of Belgian companies to penetrate the Australian market.
The mission took place in two parts, in Sydney and Melbourne, and included seminars, industrial visits and B2B meetings. Among the Belgian companies present were giants such as Besix and Schreder. Besix, for example, completed the construction of the Barangaroo metro station in Sydney, demonstrating Belgian expertise in large-scale projects.
The economic stakes of this mission were multiple. On the one hand, the aim was to consolidate Belgium's presence in the fast-growing Australian market and, on the other, to promote Belgian technologies in key sectors such as construction, chemicals and waste management.
The Belgian economic mission to Australia highlighted nuclear medicine's potential for cooperation. At Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Belgian delegates explored advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Nuclear medicine offers significant international collaboration opportunities, with Belgian companies like IBA showcasing expertise in proton therapy and medical isotope production, and discussions with Australian partners like Telix Pharmaceuticals revealing growth prospects and mutual benefits in healthcare systems and market expansion for Belgian technologies.
During the Belgian economic mission in Australia, delegates visited the iconic Sydney Opera House for a guided tour, during which EVS, a leading Belgian provider of live video technology for broadcast and new media productions, showcased its innovative contributions to entertainment.
Finally, the mission was marked by cultural and ceremonial moments, such as the Aboriginal smoking ceremony at Barangaroo, illustrating the respect for local traditions and the commitment of Belgian companies to the Australian community.
This business mission not only strengthened the commercial ties between Belgium and Australia, but also demonstrated the ability of Belgian companies to innovate and compete on the international stage. The economic spin-offs expected from this mission should benefit both countries and pave the way for further fruitful cooperation.