The Minister for Employment, Economy and Consumers, Kris Peeters, (Flemish Christian Democrats) on Tuesday convened a crisis team. The team is responsible for preparing our country for the consequences of the United Kingdom's potential exit from the EU, otherwise known as “Brexit.” De Tijd is reporting upon this today (Tuesday). Paul Buysse, a businessman known in particular for his efficient management of the Bekaert group, is heading up this working group.
Several studies are focusing upon the particular exposure of Belgium in the event of Brexit, with a recent study having raised the spectre of 12,000 potential job losses. To minimise potential negative consequences upon the Belgian economy, Peeters is calling upon business gurus. “It is important to listen very carefully to their assessment, the experience in the business sphere that they bring to bear and to their expectations,” the Minister explains.
The Governor of the National Bank of Belgium, Jan Smets, the President of BNP Paribas Fortis, Herman Daems, and the Managing Director of the Zeebrugge Port Authority, Joachim Coens, will take part in the meeting.
If Britain's referendum on June 23rd (Thursday) leads to Brexit, the aim is for this team to meet regularly to draw up recommendations for specific government action. M. Buysse is also planning to meet British employers to discuss the situation.
(Source: Belga)
