Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), an independent organisation dedicated to supporting Flemish companies overseas, will aim to shine a spotlight on Flanders as a thriving hub of innovation and technology during a delegation's visit to Australia from 23-27 October, Belga News Agency reports. Key areas of focus include the gaming industry, sports technology, and sustainable energy.
Led by the Dutch-speaking region's Finance Minister Matthias Diependaele (N-VA), the Flemish delegation comprises 114 participants representing 87 companies and organisations, some of which have already established a presence in Australia.
FIT is enticed by the multitude of opportunities in Australia, driven by its robust purchasing power, sustained economic growth (except during the pandemic years), a wealth of world-renowned universities engaged in pioneering research, and abundant natural resources, including critical minerals. Australia's strategic location is also attractive to companies seeking to expand their reach in the Indo-Pacific region.
Expanding trade
In the larger context of this mission, the Federation of Belgian Enterprises (VBO) stresses the importance of "expanding trade with Australia", recognising it as not just an opportunity but a necessity. With much of future global growth projected outside of Europe, European companies are keen to shift their focus toward international export markets.
The Flemish mission over the coming days aims to underscore Flanders as a dynamic innovation and technology hub. Specific sectors in the spotlight include the energy transition, the "blue economy" (i.e the sustainable use of ocean resources), sports technology, and smart logistics. The mission will also spotlight Flanders' traditional strengths in sectors such as food and healthcare.
Sydney and Melbourne, both known for their significant roles in renewable energy initiatives, are expected to play a central part in this mission. Australia's ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require an additional 3,000 gigawatts of green energy capacity, a goal which will be discussed during the mission.
Additionally, Flanders and the State of New South Wales will work on a declaration of intent concerning green hydrogen. A visit to Tasmania, the first Australian state to attain 100% renewable energy capacity, is also scheduled.
Fun and games
Flanders is a prominent player in the video game industry, and FIT aims to introduce Australians to the Flemish gaming world during a fair organised by the Flemish Games Association (Flega), Flanders Games Hub, and the Howest University of Applied Sciences.
In Melbourne, the mission's focus will shift to sports technology, an apt choice given the city's stature as a global sports hub, hosting prestigious events such as the Australian Open, F1 Grand Prix, and MotoGP. Flemish company RefAssist, known for its automated solutions in referee management, will share its expertise, having served organisations like the Australian Football League and Cricket Australia.
Minister Diependaele's visit will also encompass a series of political meetings, including discussions with Australian Governor-General David Hurley, as well as the Governors of New South Wales and Victoria, Margaret Beazley and Margaret Gardner, respectively.
