Getting Started with Belgium Business Etiquette

Welcome! The purpose of this blog is to provide international business travelers with information on common business practices in Belgium.

Belgium is an International Business Hub

Belgium’s capital, Brussels, is the location of the European Union’s (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) headquarters.

Belgium’s Location and Languages

Belgium is located in Western Europe, and is divided into three main regions: Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. Dutch is predominately spoken in Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, and French is predominately spoken in Wallonia, the southern region. If you already know French or Dutch, that’s great, but be aware that German and Flemish are also spoken to some extent; be sure you speak the proper language for the region you will be visiting. Many Belgians are multilingual, and English is widely understood by residents across the county.

http://www.freeworldmaps.net/europe/belgium/political.html

                            

How to Prepare for the First Meeting

Attire. Wear formal, conservative clothing. Men should wear a suit, and women can wear a suit, or a blouse with a dress or skirt.

Punctuality. Belgians are less likely to trust someone who is late for a meeting; always be on time for meetings.

Introduction. It is appropriate for everyone at the meeting to shake hands and state his or her name for a formal introduction.

Thanks for reading my blog; my next post will continue with more details on business etiquette in Belgium.

Works Cited

"Belgium." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.

"Belgium - Language, Culture, Customs and Business Etiquette." Kwintessential. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.