Support & Services

Our advisors abroad

Economic and Commercial Counselors (CEC) are trusted partners who support Walloon companies in their international business expansion by strategically showcasing their strengths in global markets. They combine commercial diplomacy, strategic influence and tailor-made support to help Walloon companies enter new markets and build lasting partnerships abroad.

Contact an Economic and Commercial Counselor (CEC)

Role of Economic and Commercial Counselors (CEC)

More than 80 Economic and Commercial Counselor (CEC) offices are located across five continents. Our CECs represent Wallonia internationally and provide information, market intelligence and advice on foreign markets, market research, prospecting support and on-the-ground assistance to companies, among other services.

Competitive and technological intelligence
Support for establishing an office abroad
Trade fairs and individual or collective missions
Market research and market entry strategy
Marketing, commercial and strategic partnerships
Tailored advice and coaching, cultural guidance

Worldwide

More than 80 Economic and Commercial Counselors (CEC) to support you

Our teams are present on every continent to provide practical, personalised support for your international development.

Wherever you want to export, our Economic and Commercial Counselors (CEC) are your key contacts on the ground. With a presence in more than 90 offices abroad, they provide insights into local markets, connect you with their network of contacts and support you in your business development and establishment projects.
Their mission: to save you time, help you make informed decisions and maximise your chances of international success through close, personalised support.

Contact an Economic and Commercial Counselor (CEC)

Meet an Economic and Commercial Counselor (CEC)

During the Business Days

These events give you the opportunity to meet directly with our advisors and effectively prepare your international projects.

The Business Days are key events for accelerating your international projects. Over one or two days, you can meet our Economic and Commercial Counselors (CEC).

This is an opportunity to develop a concrete export action plan, establish valuable business contacts and increase your visibility in your priority markets. Through these direct exchanges, you save time and maximise your international development opportunities.

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Discover our Economic and Commercial Counselors (CEC) in pictures

Why contact an Economic and Commercial Counselor (CEC)?

1

Identify new opportunities

Targeted identification of trusted business partners, distributors and high-potential prospects.

2

Analyse and enter target markets

Following the assessment, the company receives a Personalised Support Programme (PSP), which includes the financial and non-financial services recommended based on the assessment results.

3

Strengthen your international presence

Support in preparing for and participating in trade fairs, individual and collective missions, and B2B prospecting activities.

4

Build strategic connections

Networking, institutional lobbying and economic diplomacy to support Walloon business interests.

Discover the Economic and Commercial Counselors (CEC) on video

VideoIntroducing the Economic and Commercial Counselors (CEC)

PodcastThe role of an Economic and Commercial Counselor (CEC) at the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX)

FAQ

What types of services do the Economic and Commercial Counselors offer to businesses?

The Economic and Commercial Counselors offer a wide range of services:

searching for commercial or technological partners;
market research and advice on accessing the local market;
support for trade fairs, missions and B2B prospecting;
assistance with visibility and commercial networking;
support for innovation and market intelligence.

Economic and Commercial Counselors - What is the role of Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX)’s Economic and Commercial Counselor ?

The Economic and Commercial Counselors represent and defend Wallonia’s economic and commercial interests abroad. As veritable ambassadors of Walloon expertise, they support businesses in their international development, facilitate local commercial contacts and promote the region’s economic image. They are also tasked with identifying and attracting investment projects to Wallonia, positioning our Region as a highly effective, attractive and competitive destination for potential foreign investors.

How do I get in touch with an Wallonia Export & Investment Agency Economic and Commercial Counselor ?

What is the difference between an Area Manager and an Economic and Commercial Counselor ?

This is a crucial distinction:

The Area Manager is based in Belgium. They define the overall strategy, advise you at the outset and validate the suitability of your project for their area.
The Economic and Commercial Counselor is based abroad (in the target country). They act as your “eyes and ears” on the ground, providing accurate local information, lists of potential customers and logistical support during your visits.

International

Contact our Economic and Commercial Counselors (CEC)

Select a country

Why contact an advisor?

- Competitive and technology intelligence
- Sourcing
- Networking
- Support for establishing an office abroad
- Trade fairs and individual or collective missions
- Market research and market entry strategy
- Marketing, commercial and strategic partnerships
- Advice and cultural guidance
- Lead generation

Work with other experts from the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX)

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Our local contacts

Your local point of contact to become a client of the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) and access all our services.

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Our sector experts

Industry specialists who help you succeed internationally through in-depth sector expertise and targeted strategies tailored to your sector and international markets.

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Our geographical experts

International market specialists who help you understand local specificities, identify opportunities and develop an effective and secure export strategy.