In 2018, Wallonia processed no fewer than 71 foreign investment projects which are set to generate a total investment of 1.142 billion euros, compared with 682 million in 2017 and create 2,743 jobs.
The US was the second most important foreign investor in Wallonia last year, accounting for €212 million of FDI (18.6%), behind only China. Recent examples of US-driven investment in the region include Google’s expansion of its data center in Saint-Ghislain, Cargill’s new liquid chocolate production line in Mouscron, and Avery Dennison’s expansion of its factory in Soignies.
Last year, foreign companies mainly invested in new technologies (€330 million), life sciences (€158 million), the agrofood industry (€150 million) and the logistics sector (€133 million).
2018 can be considered as the second best result since 2000.