Belgium on show at World Economic Forum in Davos
Wednesday is an important day for the Belgian delegation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The country will host a panel on building war-proof economies and showcase its strengths at an evening reception.
Belgian participants at the annual summit include King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, prime minister Alexander De Croo, Foreign minister Bernard Quintin and Flemish minister president Matthias Diependaele.
Since last year, the Belgian presence at Davos has become more visible, with a Belgium House on the central promenade of the ski resort, sponsored by companies such as AB InBev, DEME and Elia.
Closed-door talks
Belgian leaders are taking part in public panel discussions, attending receptions and holding numerous diplomatic talks. De Croo spoke with representatives of steel giant ArcelorMittal and wind energy company Ørsted. Diependaele spoke with the CEOs of chemical giant BASF and car supplier ZF, as well as the Catalan Foreign minister.
Little is known about the content of these closed-door talks. Concrete deals are not usually concluded in Davos and contacts often serve to showcase Belgium's assets or to discuss the progress of certain dossiers.
War-proof economies
The royal couple are following a separate schedule that includes a meeting with the CEO of carmaker Volvo, a major employer in Belgium, and attending a series of sessions on Africa.
On Wednesday afternoon, the King will take part in a panel discussion on rainforest protection in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi and former US Secretary of State John Kerry announced as speakers.
Political and business leaders will conclude the day with a reception at Belgium House, which will open with a panel discussion on building war-proof economies to maintain peace. Both De Croo and NATO secretary general Mark Rutte will take part in the panel.
Emmanuel de Merode, King Philippe and Brent Van Tassel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, 22 January 2025 © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
Related news
