Help & services

Our sector experts

Your business specialists for international success in your sector. Sector intelligence and expertise. AWEX, in particular through its sector department, has consolidated its role as a catalyst for innovation and sector knowledge for Wallonia, by deploying targeted strategies to strengthen the region's attractiveness on international markets.

Mission of the sector experts

Our sector experts are well versed in the issues, trends and regulations specific to your industry (agri-food, biotech, greentech, digital, etc.). They organise targeted sector missions, develop appropriate promotional tools and promote Walloon know-how abroad. They are your key contacts for working with competitiveness clusters and federations.

Strategic expertise in your sector
In-depth knowledge of target markets
Support in selecting target markets
Liaison with CECs abroad
Support for participation in trade fairs, missions, invitations to tender, etc.

Why contact a sector expert?

1

Building the right international strategy

2

Benefit from support during sector-specific missions

3

Receive specialised individual assistance

4

Access to investors and partnerships

FAQ

What is the role of AWEX’s sector experts?

Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX)’s sector experts provide day-to-day support to Walloon businesses in their international development. They:

Work with companies, federations, hubs and clusters to develop international programmes of action, based on sector-specific needs and market opportunities
Oversee and implement international initiatives (trade fairs, missions, sector-specific projects).
Support companies abroad during sector-specific missions (networking, identifying needs and opportunities)
Provide individual support: priority markets, opportunities, risks, international strategy
Support the search for foreign investors (VC, large companies, financing)
Identify and support companies with high potential for international expansion

Support foreign investors wishing to set up in Wallonia (INVEST dossiers)
Develop and promote Wallonia’s appeal, particularly in strategic sectors (biopharma, digital, e-commerce, logistics)

Raise awareness and train companies on the opportunities offered by e-commerce and cross-border e-commerce
Support strategic sectors linked to Wallonia’s priority innovation areas (S3)
Work in partnership with competitiveness clusters, Walloon and international partners

In summary: Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) sector experts are strategic partners, acting as advisors, project managers and facilitators, working to promote exports, innovation and Wallonia’s economic appeal.

How does the sectoral department contribute to supporting Walloon operators internationally and to Wallonia’s attractiveness?

1. Support for Walloon businesses operating internationally

Joint development of export action programmes tailored to the actual needs of businesses, clusters and federations. Local support during sector-specific missions (networking, opportunities, market risks).
Support in seeking foreign investors (VC, financing).
Targeted expertise through specific schemes such as WBDM (design & fashion) and cross-border e-commerce.

2. Attracting and welcoming investment (INVEST)

Sector-specific ‘business’ expertise to engage effectively with foreign investors.
Active contribution to INVEST dossiers, in line with the priority sectors of the Walloon S3 strategy.
Wallonia promoted as an attractive destination (biopharma, digital, cutting-edge sectors).
Support for foreign start-ups in setting up (soft-landing) and structured monitoring of cases.

3. Alignment with innovation and regional strategy

Support for sectors linked to Strategic Innovation Domains (SID) and Strategic Innovation Initiatives (SII).
Integrating the international dimension from the outset of projects by Walloon stakeholders.

In summary: the sectoral department acts as a strategic interface, linking businesses, innovation and investors to simultaneously strengthen Walloon operators’ exports and Wallonia’s long-term appeal.

What themes are covered by the experts in the sectoral department?

AWEX’s sectoral experts cover a wide range of themes, aligned with Wallonia’s economic strengths and strategic areas of innovation:

Aerospace & Defence: aeronautics, space, drones, defence, AI, cybersecurity
AgriFood: food & drink, nutrition, nutraceuticals, agriculture, Agtech & Foodtech
Design & Fashion (WBDM): fashion, industrial design, textiles, furniture, social design and food design
Digital Economy: digital transformation, smart cities, gaming, cybersecurity, digital services
E-commerce: maturity assessment and cross-border e-commerce strategies
Greentech: circular economy, renewable energy, sustainable construction, hydrogen, batteries, decarbonisation
Life Sciences: biopharma, MedTech, innovative therapies, biomanufacturing, health data
Logistics: supply chain, multimodal transport, logistics solutions
Mechanical Industry: Industry 5.0, robotics, mechatronics, advanced materials, sustainable mobility
Innovation & technological partnerships: soft-landing, start-ups, coordination of the S3 strategy

In summary: this structure enables Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) to offer cutting-edge sector-specific expertise, facilitating dialogue with businesses and investors and strengthening Walloon value chains internationally.

get in touch with a sector expert

Select a sector

Why contact a sector expert?

Competitive and technology intelligence
Sourcing
Networking
Support for setting up a foreign office
Individual and group trade fairs and missions
Market research and market penetration strategy
Marketing, commercial and strategic partnerships
Personalised advice and coaching, cultural approach
Lead detection

Work with other AWEX experts

Find out more

Our experts abroad

The economic and commercial advisors support Walloon companies on international markets, facilitating access to new opportunities and sustainable partnerships thanks to tailor-made support.

Find out more