The GDP of Belgium was $581.9 billion in 2021 and the country ranked 28 out of 136 nations in the GCRI Q4 2021. The country’s risk score is in the low-risk nations band. The economic growth of Belgium is expected to slow down in 2022, due to a rise in price level amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The country possesses one of the best infrastructure networks in Europe with high-density transportation and telecommunications. Most of Europe’s main highways cross Belgium and it has one of the densest railway networks in Europe, with high-speed connectivity to London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. Belgium has very well-developed water and air transport facilities as well. The country’s aging population will plague Belgium as people continue to retire in increasing numbers. Taxation in Belgium is ranked the highest in the EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) region.
What are the PESTLE insights for Belgium?
Political Landscape
Freedom of press is guaranteed by the constitution and generally respected by the government. On the voice and accountability, Belgium was ranked in the 90.8 percentile in 2020, in the World Governance Indicators (2021), published by the World Bank. Belgium works closely with the US bilaterally, as well as through regional and international organizations, to promote economic and political cooperation. In 2020 the US market represented Belgium’s fourth-largest export destination. The US is the largest source of foreign direct investment in Belgium from outside of Europe.
Economic Landscape
Belgium boasts of a highly diversified and open economy. The government has undertaken several measures to increase Belgium’s attractiveness to foreign investment and economic competitiveness. The country has welcomed investment and reform initiatives in the National Resilience and Recovery Plan and encouraged ambitious labor and product reforms in 2021. Ukraine is one of the grain stores of Europe which stopped the supply of grain following Russia’s attack leading to a rise in prices.
Social Landscape
Belgium’s Human Development Index score stood in 2019 made it a good place to live. Belgium spends a major proportion of its GDP on the social sector. After noting the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on vulnerable groups, the government has called for more fundamental reforms of social benefits, minimum pension, wage setting, and employment protection to ease rigidities and meet ambitious employment objectives. The Belgian government plans to increase the pension to avoid a future pension crisis. To enhance labor force participation, the government aims to raise the employment rate thus expanding the income tax base and base for social security contributions.
Technological Landscape
In the EU, Belgium presented the highest proportion of enterprises employing ICT specialists. In terms of digital skills. Belgium ranked second in the share of enterprises providing ICT training to its employees. Belgian exports consist largely of medium-level technology products and the country faces stiff competition from nations with lower labor costs. Belgium’s competitive position is not fully built on its comparative technological strength, and the country has been failing to harness the benefits of R&D.
Legal Landscape
Belgium has an independent judicial system and the country’s federal character is well-reflected in its legal system. Legislative and judicial powers have been divided between the regions. Since the country is a member of the EU, it has incorporated the union’s directives and conforms to the standards set by the European Court of Justice. In February 2022, the country provided eligibility to workers to choose a four-day week under a series of labor market reforms.
Environmental Landscape
Belgium has a strong environmental policy framework that addresses the relevant EU directives. The government has identified sustainable development and waste among its focus areas in its environmental policy, which is centered on improving water and air quality, and bolstering eco-efficiency. Belgium aims to raise the share of renewable energy by 2030 by focusing on wind and photovoltaic energy, biofuels, and the use of waste heat.
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Market report scope:
| GDP 2021 | $581.9 billion |
Reasons to Buy
- Macroeconomic Outlook Report identifies the potentials of the country as an investment destination by analyzing the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental (PESTLE) structure.
- PESTLE Insights provides a 360-degree view of the economy which can be used as a strategic tool to understand the market dynamics, business potentials, and direction of operations.
- Along with providing the country’s snapshot, the report captures the risk factors pertaining to the macroeconomic risks, political environment, legal environment, demographic and social structure effectiveness, technology & infrastructure, and natural and geographic aspects that might impact business.
- This report also highlights key clusters/cities which contribute significantly to the country’s GDP and population along with major companies’ presence in these areas.
Key Players
Table of Contents
List of Figures
Frequently Asked Questions
The GDP of Belgium was $581.9 billion in 2021.
