��reasonstoinvestinchemicalsinantwerp,Belgium

� theBigclustereffectProfit from the synergies generat-

ed by Europe’s largest, most diversified and highly integrated chemical cluster. All companies work closely together to streamline production, logistics and infrastructure; to help save costs and protect the environment.

� allpipelinesleadtoantwerp

Connect to a dense pipeline network in the port of Antwerp, joining all plants and independent tank storage compa-nies. Antwerp’s central location makes it the main hub of the entire Western European pipeline network, ensuring first class availability of raw materials.

� getsmartwhenitcomestologistics

Move your goods faster, more efficient-ly and at less cost thanks to Antwerp’s long tradition in logistics. Unparalleled accessibility to the European hinter-land, proven knowhow and a highly productive, multilingual workforce*, combined with continuous investments in multimodal transport will secure Antwerp’s pole position with a step towards even greater sustainability. * Source: C&W, Comparison of Prime Locations for European Distribution and Logistics 2009

� Yourmostimportantassetareourpeople

Realise the full potential of your project with Antwerp’s highly trained and highly productive workforce. The University of Antwerp and the Antwerp colleges offer a wide range of degrees leading to jobs in the chemicals sector. When it comes to efficiency in process technology, Belgium also scores well above the European average.** Source: World Economic Forum, Competitiveness Report 2009–2010

� processinnovationleadstoenergY

efficiencYSecure the future of your operations with the world’s most energy efficient chemical cluster. Chemistry in Flanders —the majority of which is located in Antwerp— boasts energy consump-tion rates significantly lower than the average of the best 10% of the world’s chemical companies.* * Source: Commissie Benchmarking Vlaanderen, Annual Report 2007

� productinnovationleadstosustainaBle

developmentBe inspired by the high level of product innovation and focus on sustainable development. Innovative products for insulation, fertilization, crop protec-tion,… help saving 2.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions for every tonne generated in producing them.* Moreover, despite a 10% increase in production in Antwerp from 1998 to 2008, emissions have fallen by more than 40%.*** Source: Study conducted by McKinsey on request of the International Council of Chemical Associations, “Innovations for Greenhouse Gas Reductions – A life cycle of carbon statement abatement solutions enabled by the chemical industry”, July 2009 ** Source: Study conducted by Voka Antwerp-Waasland and the Port of Antwerp, May 2010

� taxBreaksBenefit from significant tax cuts

thanks to Belgium’s notional interest deduction scheme. By deducting a notional rate of interest on your equity, companies can significantly decrease their total taxation liability. On top of that, income derived from patents is 80% deductible, which means an effec-tive tax liability of no more than 6.8% on such income, the lowest in the EU. In addition, 75% of the salary earned by researchers is exempt from company tax. The advance ruling system offers legal certainty regarding companies’ total liability. In general, expats also benefit from advantageous income tax rates, which means lower salary costs for employers against the same net salary.

� governmentBackingtomovechemicals

forwardRest easy knowing the government is right behind the chemicals sector, every step of the way. The Belgian government officially recognises chemicals as a strategic sector, which means it prioritises measures designed to develop the sector in Belgium and sharpen its competitive advantage in the region and the world at large.

� aworldcitYonahumanscale

Live in one of the most vibrant and cool cities in Europe. Antwerp’s reputation as a culinary, fashion and diamond capital makes it an epicentre of style and luxury. Combined with its lively cultural scene and relaxed atmosphere, it is a great place to live. Antwerp was awarded second place in the ECA International ranking on quality of life for expats. Antwerp Headquarters also provides a comprehensive support programme for expats.

�� state-of-the-artofficesat

affordaBlepricesEnjoy high quality office space with all modern infrastructure at very afford-able prices. Antwerp is constantly on the move to renovate historic build-ings to live up to modern standards and to develop new state-of-the-art buildings. Nevertheless, compared to other surrounding cities and countries, prime rents in Antwerp are much more attractive. This makes Antwerp a truly cost-efficient business location. In short, Antwerp is a metropolitan without the downturns of a capital. Moreover, Antwerp Headquarters helps you to find the best premises.

chemicals inantwerps

tate-of-the-art infrastructure,

outstanding connectivity, proven

expertise, world-class research…

Antwerp has all the things you would

expect of the world’s second largest

chemicals cluster. But also a few you

wouldn’t. Like one of the highest

concentrations of bars and restaurants

in Europe and a burgeoning cultural and

artistic scene to match. In more ways than

one, work and life go well together in

Antwerp.

Resp

onsi

ble

publ

ishe

r: D

irk

Diel

s, G

rote

Mar

kt 1

, 200

0 An

twer

p, B

elgi

um

SUPPORTED BY

teChnology in antwerp

state-of-the-art infrastructure,

outstanding connectivity, cutting-

edge design, proven expertise in

product development… Antwerp has all the

things you would expect of a world business

city. But also a few you wouldn’t. Like some

of the best international schools and day

care centres in Europe and a comprehensive

range of social services to match. In so

many ways, Antwerp helps you stay in

touch with all the important things in life.

outsourCing in antwerp

state-of-the-art infrastruCture,

world class support services,

outstanding connectivity, highly

skilled workforce… Antwerp has all the

things you would expect of a world business

city. But also a few you wouldn’t. Like some

of the best bars, restaurants and hotels in

Europe and a fun and vibrant social scene

to match. In Antwerp, the best things in life

and business are at your fingertips.

CleanteCh in antwerp

state-of-the-art infrastruCture,

outstanding connectivity, proven

expertise in green technology,

world-class research and development…

Antwerp has all the things you would

expect of a world business city. But also a

few you wouldn’t. Like a comprehensive

range of social services, some of the best

international schools in Europe and a relaxed

lifestyle in spacious, green surrounds. In

more ways than one, Antwerp offers the

ideal environment for both work and play.

ChemiCals in antwerp

state-of-the-art infrastructure,

outstanding connectivity, proven

expertise, world-class research…

Antwerp has all the things you would

expect of the world’s second largest

chemicals cluster. But also a few you

wouldn’t. Like one of the highest

concentrations of bars and restaurants

in Europe and a burgeoning cultural and

artistic scene to match. In more ways than

one, work and life go well together in

Antwerp.

logistiCs in antwerp

europe’s largest inland seaport,

fast hinterland connections by road,

rail, air and water, ample space

to grow and a highly skilled, productive

workforce… Antwerp has all the things

you would expect of the world’s preferred

gateway to Europe. But also a few you

wouldn’t. Like some of the best boutique

shopping in the region, a rich cultural

heritage and inspiring architecture at

every turn. In more ways than one,

business and pleasure form an integrated

package in Antwerp.

iCt in antwerp

state-of-the-art infrastructure,

outstanding connectivity, proven

expertise, world-class research…

Antwerp has all the things you would

expect of the world’s second largest

chemicals cluster. But also a few you

wouldn’t. Like one of the highest

concentrations of bars and restaurants

in Europe and a burgeoning cultural and

artistic scene to match. In more ways

than one, work and life go well together

in Antwerp.

YourBusiness inantwerp? Contact Antwerp Headquarters

Markgravestraat 14, 2000 Antwerp, BelgiumTel +32 3 338 20 03, Fax +32 3 338 20 09www.antwerpheadquarters.be

thechemicalssectorinantwerp,Belgium

A Few Success StoriesHilde LUySTERMANS

f INA ANTWERP OLEFINS

Hilde Luystermans, General Manager

Fina Antwerp Olefins: “Antwerp’s location

fits perfectly within our logistics concept.

We are convinced that the chemical cluster

in Antwerp is one of the strongest in the

world resulting, among other things,

in a well-trained workforce and a wide

availability of suppliers.”

Michel SLAP

s OLVENTIS Michel Slap, Director of

Solventis Antwerp, also identifies

Antwerp as an ideal office location: “From

our perspective as traders in chemical

products, the main advantage of our office

in Antwerp is the close proximity of all our

service providers. Not just storage and

logistics but also things like banks and

the chamber of commerce are all located

within a short distance of each other.

We also enjoy very easy access to these

services. The chamber of commerce, for

instance, provides effective support with

legalisations for our export activities.

These contacts also provide ample

opportunities for networking. Our decision

to set up an office in the centre of Antwerp

was therefore a very conscious one,

because we are close to banks and the

chamber of commerce and still close to

our warehouse in the port.”

Uwe ARNDT

B AYER  Uwe Arndt, Managing Director

at Bayer Antwerpen NV: “For Bayer,

Antwerp is and has always been a unique

location thanks to the comprehensive

integration of the chemical cluster in

the port. The availability of polyvalent

and highly trained employees is another

important element.”

yves VERSCHUEREN

e SSENSCIA Yves Verschueren,

Managing Director of Essenscia,

the umbrella organisation representing

companies in the chemicals and life

sciences sector, confirms that employees

in the port of Antwerp are among the best

in the world: “The highly skilled labour

force in the Antwerp cluster ensures a word

class technical expertise and operational

excellence in the field of energy efficiency,

safety and innovation. This provides a solid

solution to face the global challenges of the

future in the field of sustainability.”

Wouter DE GEEST

B ASF Wouter De Geest, General

Manager of BASF Antwerp NV on the

advantages of Antwerp for the chemicals

sector: “BASF Antwerp’s logistical location

is ideal for us. There is a good level of

cooperation at the port, which has given

rise to the Competitive Port of Antwerp

Total Project. The entire logistics chain

and all its individual actors are constantly

thinking about how we can become better

and stronger. The Port Authority is also

very attentive to the needs of the industry

and proactive in addressing those needs.

Such as high-quality infrastructure.

A location by itself is something static but

a region can only become dynamic when

everything is connected: via canal, rail,

a good road network and, importantly

for the chemicals sector, pipelines. The

government realises that enterprise is

synonymous with achieving something.”

“Over the past five years, BASF Antwerp

has invested €1.2 billion in several projects

including the expansion of the steam-

cracker and new equipment and logistical

infrastructure such as the multimodal

Combinant Terminal. And we continue to

invest in safety, maintenance, capacity

expansions, infrastructure and training

for our employees,” concludes Wouter

De Geest.

Stefan KROLL

e VONIK Stefan Kroll, General Manager

of Evonik Degussa Antwerp NV,

confirms that Antwerp is an advantageous

location for investors in the chemicals

sector. He emphasises three important

advantages: “Firstly, there is the port’s

convenient location. The large cluster of

chemical companies not only ensures the

availability of many raw materials. Existing

infrastructure with connections by water,

road and rail also deliver a strong logistical

advantage. Secondly, there is plenty of

space available for investment. Thirdly,

there is the availability of a highly qualified

workforce.”

Eddy BRUyNINCKx

a NTWERP PORT AUTHORITY

Eddy Bruyninckx, Managing Director

of Antwerp Port Authority, concludes:

“The Port of Antwerp is Europe’s largest

integrated petrochemical cluster and a

cornerstone in the Western European

chemical industry. The integration and

synergies of port and industry is second

to none. Thanks to the constant drive

for improvement and innovation by the

Antwerp based companies and their

people, the Antwerp cluster has developed

into one of the world’s leading and

most efficient production and logistics

platforms.”

©To

on G

robe

t