₦airaland Forum

Stephane De Loecker, Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium

By Onome Amawhe

How long has Belgium had a diplomatic relationship with Nigeria?

Belgium and Nigeria have maintained diplomatic relations since 1960.

What sort of legacy do the two countries have in terms of the relations?

The relations between Nigeria and Belgium have intensified since the transition of Nigeria to democracy. And it is the wish of the Belgian Government to reinforce the relations even more, particularly in the area of supporting investment initiatives in Nigeria.

How would you characterize the relationship today?

Bilateral relations between Nigeria and Belgium are good because for many years, quite a number of some Belgian companies have contributed to the expansion of the Nigerian industrial sector particularly in  agribusiness.

In this regard, most of the refined palm oil that’s being sold in Abuja comes from a Belgian-owned high-quality plant located in Edo State. Another sterling example of our good relations is the strengthening of the age-long collaborations between the Nigerian Ports Authority and Port of Antwerp in Belgium, which is the second biggest port in Europe.

The Port of Antwerp actually played a role at the beginning of the Nigerian ports reform leading to the landlord model of port concession.

What are the main areas of trade between the two countries? In whose favour is the balance?

Ninety per cent of Belgium’s trade relations with Nigeria is petroleum based. The Port of Antwerp imports low value Nigerian crude oil, and in return, we export various types of gasoline and gasoil to Nigeria, of a much higher value. In financial terms, this means that Belgium is gaining 20 times more foreign exchange than Nigeria.

That means good business for Belgium but not for Nigeria. And I think that this clearly makes the case for improving the performance and output of Nigerian refineries, and also for opening up investment opportunities for increased Nigerian production.

Are there any trade deals that you have worked on between the two countries?

Belgium seeks to diversify and expand trade opportunities outside Europe. It has always been an internationally oriented country with a particular interest towards Africa. I am convinced that Belgian know-how in various industrial sectors, such as bioengineering in crops and cattlebreeding, transport management, environmental protection, water sanitation, electricity generation and distribution, can be of use in the development and diversification of the Nigerian economy.

Just to give an example: there is currently a major Fair going on in Belgium focusing on agriculture, and we have organised the visit of a Nigerian delegation in order to showcase the technological capabilities of Belgium in this field that could be useful to Nigeria in its efforts to diversify its economy, notably in the agriculture sector.

Allow me to plead a European cause, the European Partnership Agreement, which has already been agreed on by the European Union (EU) and West Africa, but still faces questioning in Nigeria, that is yet to ratify this treaty.

Being Ambassador of a country that benefitted so much from opening its economy to international trade while improving its own competitiveness, I can only advise Nigeria not to isolate itself from important market opportunities, both on the import and on the export side. This would be a historic mistake.

The Belgian economic policy is, as a rule, non-protectionist. Belgium is an open economy. Located at the heart of Western Europe, it enjoys a key position in the European and international economy. It is very strategically located as a gateway in Europe with its free movement of persons, goods, services and capital. It is a stronghold for European trade.

What are the main Belgian companies here? Are they successful? Expanding? Or facing difficult times? What new companies are coming in?

Some of the major Belgian companies in Nigeria are SIAT (palm oil plantations), CFE (construction), Nigerite/Eternit and ZETES. Two Belgian dredging companies are also involved in important projects in the field of port development in Lagos and Port Harcourt. The land reclamation of the Eko Atlantic project in Lagos is being carried out by Dredging International, which is also involved in dredging projects near Bonny Island and Port Harcourt.

Its competitor, Jan De Nul, also Belgian, was contracted in 2015 for the land reclamation project, where Nigerian giant entrepreneur, Aliko Dangote will build his petroleum refinery and fertilizer plant. Some Nigerian industries have also shown a particular interest in the position Belgium takes as a center for shipping and maritime industry.

I also understand there is a Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce in Lagos. How active are they, and do you work with assisting them?

The chamber of commerce is involved in trade missions and also serves as an EU “Business Cooperation Centre” as part of a wider network of chambers aiming to promote and facilitate trade between Nigeria and the EU as a whole. The Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce is headed by Ms Paulette Van Trier, who also doubles as the Honorary Consul of Belgium in Lagos and very active in promoting trade relations between both countries. Of course, we are in very close contact with them.

What has been your prime initiative since you assumed this role?

My prime initiative has been the support of trade and investment initiatives of Belgian companies in Nigeria. I am also currently working on a high-level Nigeria-Belgium Economic Summit in 2017 or 2018.

The life of a diplomat is marked by regular transfers to other countries. How does your family handle these changes?

To be honest, it is not always easy, because in essence, you impose transfers to the whole family, even if it is not necessarily their preference as a way of life.We have grown-up children living in London and Brussels, and thanks to modern communication technologies, we keep in touch almost on a daily basis.

How would you describe the Belgian people?

Belgium is, like Nigeria, an ethnically diverse country with different communities speaking different languages. As a people, we live together in a peaceful environment in a well-ordered way that guarantees enough welfare for every member of our society.

This has not always been easy as Belgium was often a battlefield for the world’s most cruel wars. This is why nowadays, Belgian people attach much importance to an integrated Europe. We understand the importance of integration and good relations with our neighbours.

What assistance does Belgium give to Nigeria? In what fields?

Nigeria isn’t a partner country of Belgium in terms of official development cooperation. However, we support private initiatives, especially to increase trade relations, as mentioned before. Belgium does contribute a lot to the development programmes of the EU, and specialized agencies of the United Nations that are active in Nigeria to tackle in particular the consequences of the conflict in the North-East.

How is Belgium addressing the challenges of globalisation? And how is the multicultural experience working out for Belgium?

Globalisation comes with challenges and opportunities. As an open economy dependent on export, Belgium benefits from more international trade, as well as political integration with other states. The process of integration has not always been easy though and the fight against all forms of discrimination and extremism is a daily battle.

Many inhabitants of Belgium are of foreign origin who have Belgian nationality and we consider them as “our” citizens. Some people may consider this as a threat to their own customs, cultural identity and economic prosperity, but it is important to understand that the cultural diversity of a modern society is actually engendered by people with different backgrounds who all bring new ideas and contribute to our society, so it is better to embrace the existence of different cultures while respecting the rights of these people.

Also, in addition, Benin and Togo are countries in your diplomatic remit. What specific interests and challenges does this portfolio entail?

Unlike Nigeria, Benin is a partner country of Belgium for official development cooperation, so these relations are very important because Belgium supports many development projects in Benin. Belgian companies are also active in Togo. As you may know, the Togolese authorities are seriously developing the port of Lomé – in competition with the Lagos Port – and one of the dredging companies involved in this project is from Belgium.

Can you tell us the number of Nigerian citizens living in Belgium presently?

I can’t give you a precise figure, but there are Nigerians who acquired the Belgian nationality, there are others residing temporarily in Belgium. Other categories are Nigerians visiting the country for business or tourism, and of course, there are those who illegally entered Belgium.

What have been your most interesting experiences here in Nigeria so far?

First, the magnitude and diversity of the country, in all aspects: cultural, religious, ethnic, socio-economic… This makes it a real challenge for leaders to govern this country in a democratic way.

I was not there at the time of the presidential election last year, but it was of course a historic election, as the people were able to freely express their choice, and that choice was respected.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/belgium-nigeria-relations-intensified-2/

Front Page: lalasticlala

I wish Nigeria would follow their example on free trade instead of doing all this protectionist nonsense. The ban list and forex restrictions are harmful. Then they dont address fundamental issues of productivity. Im not sure if the EU treaty the Ambassador advocating for is a good idea since i havent read it.

Ninety per cent of Belgium’s trade relations with Nigeria is petroleum based. The Port of Antwerp imports low value Nigerian crude oil, and in return, we export various types of gasoline and gasoil to Nigeria, of a much higher value. In financial terms, this means that Belgium is gaining 20 times more foreign exchange than Nigeria.

Refining and economic diversification is a must.

Blue3k:
I wish Nigeria would follow their example on free trade instead of doing all this protectionist nonsense. The ban list and forex restrictions are harmful.

Unfortunately it will fall on deaf ears, as the economic sophistication of most of Nigeria's political elite is so lacking that they think "self sufficiency" is the answer to all ills. Why else would empty barrels like Lai Mohammed keep talking up nonsense like "Nigeria will become self-sufficient in rice by 2019", as if such a thing were intrinsically desirable even if it were true (which it never is)?

Blue3k:
I wish Nigeria would follow their example on free trade instead of doing all this protectionist nonsense. The ban list and forex restrictions are harmful. Then they dont address fundamental issues of productivity. Im not sure if the EU treaty the Ambassador advocating for is a good idea since i havent read it.

Refining and economic diversification is a must.

Breh, Belgium is too far sef. We have our Botswanan neighbours we can learn a lot from. But delusion of "giant of Africa" won't let us borrow sense

Just few days ago, I was reading about Seretse Khama, the former President of Botswana. You need to read how this guy transformed Botswana through mining and smart economic policies from one of the poorest countries in the world to the fastest growing economy in the world within 20 years.

I tell you bro, fixing Nigeria is no rocket science. We are just cursed with stupid people as leaders. Stupid citizens too are already pushing Buhari and Atiku for 2019.

MasterChen:
Breh, Belgium is too far sef. We have our Botswanan neighbours we can learn a lot from. But delusion of "giant of Africa" won't let us borrow sense

Just few days ago, I was reading about Seretse Khama, the former President of Botswana. You need to see how this guy transformed the country through mining and smart economic policies from one of the poorest countries in the world to the fastest growing economy in the world within 20 years.

I tell you bro, fixing Nigeria is no rocket science. We are just cursed with stupid people as leaders. Stupid citizens too are already pushing Buhari and Atiku for 2019.

Sensei Chen, do they really want to fix Nigeria? That's the first and most important question.
If yes..... do they have the brainbox to fix Nigeria?
If yes..... does Nigeria have the resources to fix Nigeria?
If yes..... why aren't we fixing Nigeria?

kn23h:
Sensei Chen, do they really want to fix Nigeria? That's the first and most important question.
If yes..... do they have the brainbox to fix Nigeria?
If yes..... does Nigeria have the resources to fix Nigeria?
If yes..... why aren't we fixing Nigeria?

Mehn...there are two words that answer all your questions.

Incompetence and selfishness.

Like I said on another thread, you can't give what you don't have. Most Nigerian leaders are dumb

Blue3k:
I wish Nigeria would follow their example on free trade instead of doing all this protectionist nonsense. The ban list and forex restrictions are harmful. Then they dont address fundamental issues of productivity. Im not sure if the EU treaty the Ambassador advocating for is a good idea since i havent read it.



Refining and economic diversification is a must.

Nigeria's protectionist policies are not unfounded, our manufacturing sector is still very nascent, we cannot afford to flood our local market sphere with sophisticated imported European goods, leaving our own local industries with no way to compete.

It has to be a multiple approach; we improve our ease of doing business, empower startups and SMEs with necessary funding and tax exemptions, and build enabling infrastructures such as power,good roads,rail,steel plants and refineries that would propel our own industrial revolution.
Only after developing our own local manufacturing capacity to an extent, can we then fully open our borders and operate an open economy.

Op,this is all bulcht

MasterChen:
Breh, Belgium is too far sef. We have our Botswanan neighbours we can learn a lot from. But delusion of "giant of Africa" won't let us borrow sense

Just few days ago, I was reading about Seretse Khama, the former President of Botswana. You need to see how this guy transformed the country through mining and smart economic policies from one of the poorest countries in the world to the fastest growing economy in the world within 20 years.

I tell you bro, fixing Nigeria is no rocket science. We are just cursed with stupid people as leaders. Stupid citizens too are already pushing Buhari and Atiku for 2019.

chattap ua maut dia,luk whos talkn?

Y wont stupid leaders rule ur arsse wen all u ewedus do is search for rats and cockroaches on ever igbo thread..

Kunlau_mental

EVarn:
Nigeria's protectionist policies are not unfounded, our manufacturing sector is still very nascent, we cannot afford to flood our local market sphere with sophisticated imported European goods, leaving our own local industries with no way to compete.

It has to be a multiple approach; we improve our ease of doing business, empower startups and SMEs with necessary funding and tax exemptions, and build enabling infrastructures such as power,good roads,rail,steel plants and refineries that would propel our own industrial revolution.
Only after developing our own local manufacturing capacity to an extent, can we then fully open our borders and operate an open economy.

You're just recycling the old "infant industry" nonsense that has failed over and over again. The trouble with "infant industries" is that they never seem to grow up: can you name a single industry in Nigeria that has flourished because of all the protectionist measures adopted since 1960? And when I say "flourished", I mean grown to the point where it was able to stand on its own feet after losing protection, to the extent of even becoming an exporter.

I mean seriously, just think about it for a second: if you were a businessman lucky or cunning enough to get special protection for your industry, why would you ever want to open yourself up to foreign competition, no matter how big or successful your company becomes? This is exactly how Nigeria got lumped with Dangote's cement monopoly that causes each and every Nigerian who builds a house to pay more than 2x the international price for cement when building a house (and even renters can't escape the tax because their landlords pass it on in their rates). Dangote has $12 billion in the bank, and yet his "infant industry" is still sucking millions of poor Nigerians dry to this day.

Nigeria's trade to GDP ratio is already among the lowest in the world. What the country needs now is much more openness to both capital and trade, not less in the name of some stale "infant industry" argument that's already been tried unsuccessfully for nearly 60 years.

omohayek:
You're just recycling the old "infant industry" nonsense that has failed over and over again. The trouble with "infant industries" is that they never seem to grow up: can you name a single industry in Nigeria that has flourished because of all the protectionist measures adopted since 1960? And when I say "flourished", I mean grown to the point where it was able to stand on its own feet after losing protection, to the extent of even becoming an exporter.

I mean seriously, just think about it for a second: if you were a businessman lucky or cunning enough to get special protection for your industry, why would you ever want to open yourself up to foreign competition, no matter how big or successful your company becomes? This is exactly how Nigeria got lumped with Dangote's cement monopoly that causes each and every Nigerian who builds a house to pay more than 2x the international price for cement when building a house (and even renters can't escape the tax because their landlords pass it on in their rates). Dangote has $12 billion in the bank, and yet his "infant industry" is still sucking millions of poor Nigerians dry to this day.

Nigeria's trade to GDP ratio is already among the lowest in the world. What the country needs now is much more openness to both capital and trade, not less in the name of some stale "infant industry" argument that's already been tried unsuccessfully for nearly 60 years.

So your idea is to go ahead and flood the market with imported goods anyway?

See, the reason why the protectionist policies aren't working for us is because the government is not providing the enabling environment,incentives(SME funding and subsidies) and infrastructures(like power,roads and rail) for the policies to have maximum effect.

When a country puts protectionist policies in place(i.e decides to operate a close system), it must also put in place measures; social programmes,infrastructures,loans to ensure that the policies translates into adequate industrial growth. But Nigeria isn't doing any of that.

So the problem isn't the protectionist policies, but the lack of economic planning by the government. Nigeria, or even Africa is not America, we cannot just open our markets to international trade without a firm local industrial base. We cannot continue to consume, it has a long term effect of stifling our own start ups and further lowering balance of trade with other countries.