A key role in global capital markets: By Koen Geens, Minister of Finance, Belgium

Belgium is one of the few euro area countries with GDP now above pre-crisis levels. Most forecasting institutions expect its growth rate in 2014 to be around 1.4%, which would be higher than the EA18 average. Investors and rating agencies appreciate Belgium’s diversified and open economy. Moreover, our country has a significantly positive net international investment position thanks to its strong private sector.