A few days ago, in RTL info Signatures, Elio Di Rupo, Walloon Minister-President, said that Flanders also owed its economic success to Wallonia. “A third of the wealth we create in Wallonia goes to Flemish companies“, had affirmed the socialist. “For the Flemish economy, Wallonia is as important as the Netherlands, Germany or France“.
The Walloon GDP being equivalent to approximately 100 billion euros, divided by three, this would therefore make approximately 30 billion which would go to the Flemish economy. A figure that has also been confirmed by the Walloon Institute of Statistics. Conversely, the same organization calculated how much the Flemings spent in the Walloon economy: it is much less. “Only” 23 billion euros, while they are more numerous than the Walloons.
A figure that brings down many clichés in the relationship between the north and the south of the country, according to Nicolas Martin, PS mayor of Mons. “We often hear about North-South transfers in terms of social security, but what is not said enough, Wallonia contributes enormously to wealth and employment in Flanders. Wallonia is Flanders’ leading customer in economic matters“.
Flemish economic patriotism?
What explains this difference? Wouldn’t the Walloons have enough things to sell to Flanders? “There is a form of patriotism in Flanders, which is less strong in Wallonia. The Flemings have more this reflex of consuming local, from home, we much less“, explains the mayor of Mons, who emphasizes being “admiring” of the Flemish economic model.
A debate between the regions that Fabien Pinckaers, entrepreneur, wants to qualify.”Odoo’s turnover is 8% in Belgium, but it doesn’t matter much whether it’s more in Wallonia or Flanders“, explains the founder of this software which is a worldwide success. “In a commercial transaction, there is no loser or winner, the seller is happy to sell and the buyer is happy to buy.“.