The Kortrijk region
5 reasons to invest in the Kortrijk region
1. A creative and dynamic region - "gaining appeal every single day"
Creativity and dynamism runs through the Kortrijk region. It is after all THE design region of Belgium. Home to top designer Arne Quinze, the international Interieur fair and numerous companies specialized in design and lifestyle, the Kortrijk region has design in its blood. The vibrant atmosphere makes the Kortrijk region one where it is enjoyable to live and to work.
The Franco-Belgian Eurometropolis, the first joint operating agreement between the three cross-border regions Kortrijk, Lille and Tournai, is just more proof of the dynamism and international flair that the Kortrijk region finds so important.
2. A network of specialized SME's - "the backbond of the region"
The Kortrijk region is renowned for its network of specialized SME's. Thanks to the support of the local government, SME's in the Kortrijk region have been able to think forward, innovate and make sure of conquering a place on the market. Their approach of aiming for niche markets and specializing in quality goods and services is just one of the reasons why the Kortrijk region is so economically fertile.
3. Outstanding accessibility - "immediate access to international transport networks"
The E17 international highway connects the Kortrijk region with Ghent and Antwerp to the north, and with Lille and Paris to the south. This international connection makes it possible to travel to London by car in 2 hours 30, Paris in 2 hours, Brussels in 1 hour and Amsterdam in 3 hours. The Kortrijk region has no problems with road congestion.
The Kortrijk region is situated at 20 kilometres from Lille-Europe Station, the most heavily used HST hub in the world. By direct HST, Brussels is 38 minutes away, Paris just 58 minutes, London 1 hour and 40 minutes, Cologne 3 hours and 18 minutes and Amsterdam 3 hours and 35 minutes.
The river Leie runs through the Kortrijk region, and is a part of the new "Seine Nord connection" that will allow large vessels to transport goods between the Seine river (and the Paris area) and the ports of Dunkirk, Antwerp, and Rotterdam, or further into any part of Europe.
The region has an airport known as Kortrijk-Wevelgem International Airport, which is mainly used for business travel.
4. A young, qualified, multilingual work force - "closely related to professional needs"
Thanks to the fact that the university and the various higher education institutions of the region work closely together with industry, the high quality education system satisfies the needs of a competitive economy.
Being so close to France means that almost 90 percent of the people in the Kortrijk region speak French. Thanks to the high standard of education, English is also well-known.
5. The presence of multiple knowledge centers - "catalysts for an innovation driven economy"
Next to the higher education institutions covering a wide range of disciplines, the Kortrijk region also counts a few knowledge centers of which the most important are Flanders' Centre for Plastics and Flanders InShape. Flanders' Centre for Plastics provides technological support to the plastics processing industry and the industrial users of plastic parts. Flanders InShape is a competence centre for product development and industrial design.
Not only is the presence of these knowledge centers a major asset, the Kortrijk region is also home to many renowned international enterprises. Just think about Barco, Wienerberger, Cisco, Bekaert, etc.
