Belgium has long been seen as a profitable country for foreign investments, but that could change if the country's on-going political crisis continues. Numerous well-known international companies have been attracted to the country's strategic location, multilingualism and association with international institutions such as the EU and NATO. Hoever business leaders are calling for an end to the current deadlock. As recently as 2006, a United Nations trade report, placed Belgium 4th in a list of best places in which to invest, ahead of economic giants such as China and India. The linguistic divide, which is a backdrop to life in the country, has recently exploded as Flemish parties want more autonomy for the regions, while the Walloon representatives want to keep links with the richer Flanders intact. As it stands the crisis is a political problem, but if it continues or, worse, the country splits the economic consequences for all could be serious.

euronews



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