Signs of recovery in Belgian industry

“More new jobs created than expected” Employment increased in the industry sector during the first quarter of 2016 for the first time in nearly five years. According to figures from the National Accounts Institute, reported by De Tijd on Friday (12 August), the quarter saw a modest increase in employment.

Since 2011, 40 000 jobs have been lost in the industry sector.

"We are seeing a change. Among our members, 2 000 jobs have been created. This is more than what we expected," said Marc Lambotte, CEO of Agoria, the federation of the technology industry.

 "We note a clear increase in the IT sector and communication technologies. There is also a rising trend in the mechanical industry and in metal processing," he says.

The chemical industry has also seen an increase in employment since 2015.

The recovery is due to two factors: a reduction in wages compared to neighboring countries and the overall economic recovery in Europe. In the chemistry and textiles branches exports account for over 80% of the turnover.

The Brussels Times (Source: Belga)

 


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