Editing Economy of Belgium (section)

== Trade ==
About 80% of Belgium's trade is with fellow EU member states. Given this high percentage, it seeks to diversify and expand trade opportunities with non-EU countries. The Belgian authorities are, as a rule, anti-protectionist and try to maintain a hospitable and open trade and investment climate. The [[European Commission]] negotiates on trade issues for all member states, which, in turn lessens bilateral trade disputes with Belgium.<ref name=DoS/>

The Belgian Government encourages new foreign investment as a means to promote employment. With regional devolution, Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia are now courting potential foreign investors and offer a host of incentives and benefits.<ref name=DoS/> Foreign companies in Belgium account for approximately 11% of the total work force, with the U.S.

Attracted by the EU 1992 single-market program, many foreign firms and lawyers have settled in Brussels since 1989.<ref name="DoS">{{cite web|title=Belgium|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2874.htm|publisher=[[US Department of State]]|date=April 2010|access-date=9 May 2010}}</ref>