Exporters told: Explore Belgian market

With its strong purchasing power, import demand and growing consumer interest in sustainable and ethically sourced products, Filipino exporters are now encouraged to explore markets in the Belgian cities of Flanders and West Flanders.

According to Delphine Standaert, International Trade Advisor at Voka-Chamber of Commerce and Industry West Flanders, they can find demand across several product categories including food and beverage, textiles and garments, electronics and components, furniture and home decor, and health and wellness products.

Standaert said these include tropical fruits, coconut-based products and seafood, as well as apparel, fashion accessories and sustainable fabrics; rattan, wood-based and handmade items; industrial components; and natural supplements, beauty and personal care products.

“What are the market drivers why you should choose Flanders or West Flanders as a key market? We have a high purchasing power and a strong import dependency,” she said during a recent information session organized by the Department of Trade and Industry Export Marketing Bureau.

Standaert said it also serves as a strategic European logistics hub, connecting exporters to a multicultural consumer base that drives demand for exotic, sustainable and ethically sourced products.

“We are very strong in our distribution channels as well here. We have supermarkets, grocery stores and specialty food stores, (and the) hospitality sector — hotels, restaurants, catering — is also very important here,” she said.

Standaert said Flanders’ trading infrastructure supports business-to-business importers and exporters, while also hosting e-commerce platforms with European Union-wide reach.

“I hope to see a lot of opportunities to do business with our region,” she added.

Standaert further said Flanders’ total imports from the Philippines reached 199 million euros in 2025.