Doing Business in Liège
Historical Significance
Liège, a city located in the Walloon region of Belgium, stands as a significant economic hub in the country. With a robust industrial heritage, the city has long been known for its steel production, mechanical engineering, and chemical processing industries. However, in recent years, Liège has diversified its economy, embracing a growing presence of service-oriented industries, including logistics, IT, and finance.
Like many industrial cities, Liège faced substantial economic challenges in the latter half of the 20th century due to deindustrialization. The decline of traditional industries such as steel and coal mining necessitated economic restructuring and a shift towards more diversified economic activities. Despite these challenges, Liège has demonstrated remarkable resilience, gradually transitioning to a more varied economic base. Today, Liège is recognized as the economic capital of Wallonia, contributing significantly to the region's GDP.
Key Industries and Innovation
Liège is home to a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, biotechnology, and information technology. The presence of internationally renowned companies such as AB InBev, ArcelorMittal, and FN Herstal underscores the city's industrial diversity. Additionally, Liège has become a center for innovation, with numerous startups and research institutions contributing to its dynamic economic environment. The city's economic development plan focuses on promoting real estate opportunities along major urban thoroughfares, balancing economic growth with residential needs.
The University of Liège (ULiège) has fostered a vibrant ecosystem of spin-off companies, many of which have emerged from its research initiatives. Since 2006, ULiège has generated the creation of 159 spin-offs, with 110 still active as of the latest update. Campus Sart-Tilman and Liège Science Park are home to several notable and innovative companies, many of which are spin-offs from the University of Liège. Here are some key companies:
Notable Companies at Campus Sart-Tilman are LiveDrop, THERAtRAME, BEBLUE and CMD-Coat. Notable Companies at Liège Science Park are EVS Broadcast Equipment, Safran Aero Boosters, Convert Pharmaceuticals, Imcyse, MITIS S.A. and Vésale Bioscience Typical rents for modern office space will vary in between 135 and 180 €/m² per year.
Visit our available office properties in Liège.
Logistics in Liège
Multimodal transport in Liège involves the integration of different transportation modes—airport, river (Meuse), and railway—to create a seamless and efficient logistics network. Here's how each component contributes:
Port of Liège
Ranked as the 3rd largest inland port in Europe, the Port of Liège handles a significant volume of cargo, including dry bulk, liquid bulk, breakbulk, Ro-Ro cargo, and containers. This port plays a crucial role in the city's logistics infrastructure.
Liège Airport
Liège Airport is ranked as the 5th largest cargo airport in Europe. It is a major hub for freight operations, specializing in perishables, pharmaceuticals, express, e-commerce, and other types of cargo. As a major cargo hub, Liège Airport plays a crucial role in air freight, handling a significant volume of goods and connecting Liège to global markets. The airport's facilities are designed to support the quick and efficient transfer of cargo to other transport modes.
River Meuse
The Meuse River provides an important waterway for transporting goods. It allows for the movement of large volumes of cargo, particularly bulk goods, which can be transferred to and from ships at the Port of Liège. This reduces road congestion and lowers transportation costs.
Railway Network
Liège is well-connected by rail, with extensive railway infrastructure that links it to major European cities. The railway network facilitates the efficient movement of goods over long distances, complementing air and river transport. This is particularly useful for heavy or bulky items that are not time-sensitive.
Bierset Cargo Airport and Notable Companies Operating Here
Overview of Bierset Cargo Airport
Bierset Cargo Airport, officially known as Liège Airport (IATA: LGG, ICAO: EBLG), is a major international airport located in Grâce-Hollogne, near Liège, Belgium. It is one of the largest cargo airports in Europe, strategically positioned within the golden triangle of Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, which handles a significant portion of European freight. The airport is renowned for its 24/7 operations and its ability to handle a wide variety of cargo, making it a critical hub for global logistics and transportation.
Notable Companies Operating at Bierset Cargo Airport
Several prominent companies operate at Bierset Cargo Airport, contributing to its status as a leading cargo hub:
- FedEx Express: One of the world's largest express transportation companies, FedEx Express has a significant presence at Liège Airport, utilizing its strategic location for efficient cargo distribution across Europe and beyond.
- Cainiao Network: Alibaba has established a significant presence at the airport. In 2018, Alibaba and the Belgian government signed an agreement to promote inclusive global trade under the Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) initiative. As part of this initiative, Cainiao Network has developed a smart logistics hub at Liège Airport. The Cainiao smart logistics hub at Liège Airport includes a 30,000 square meter warehouse, divided into an air cargo station and a parcel sorting center. This facility enhances logistics efficiency and supports cross-border trade, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The hub is equipped with advanced logistics technologies, including automated material handling systems and RFID detectors, to streamline the flow of goods. Alibaba's presence at Liège Airport underscores the airport's strategic importance in global logistics and its role in facilitating international e-commerce.
Typical rents for modern logistics space in and around Liège will vary in between 35 and 54 €/m² per year.
Visit our available warehouses in Liège.
Retail and Shopping Centres in Liège
Liège offers a vibrant shopping scene with a mix of modern shopping centers and charming historic streets. Key shopping destinations include:
- Médiacité: One of the largest shopping centers in Liège, featuring a wide range of stores, an ice skating rink, and a cinema.
- Belle-Île: Located in Angleur, this shopping center offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Les Galeries St Lambert: A popular shopping gallery in the city center with high-end fashion stores, cafes, and specialty shops.
- Roua Shopping Center: Offers a wide range of products from food to multimedia, DIY, and furniture.
- Shopping Hognoul: Features various retail outlets catering to different needs.
- Cora Alleur: A large hypermarket offering a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, and household items. It is a key shopping destination in the area.
Liège's diverse economic landscape, innovative spirit, and strategic logistics infrastructure make it an attractive destination for businesses and investors alike. Whether you're looking to establish a new venture or expand an existing one, Liège offers a wealth of opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Visit our available retail units in Liège.
