Major industries are important to our economic fabric, because they are important for surrounding supply companies and for service companies. Just think of IT companies, cleaning companies, transport companies or security companies. When a large factory closes, it affects a whole range of companies around it.
The industry is also considered an engine for innovation. We appear to be doing quite well there. We are strong in the areas of biotech and chemistry, for example. In 2021, 3.65 percent of GDP in Flanders went to research and innovation, which puts us at the top in the European Union. This good figure is mainly due to the companies themselves, because the Flemish government appears to be delaying somewhat here.
It goes without saying that our exports are also doing well with a well-functioning industry. Our country’s main export products are pharmaceutical and chemical products.