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Mayrik have established security and commercial partners in many countries where cultural and business etiquette is critical to the development and success of business deal's, in order to help our clients progress their business opportunities we would like to share the information below with you, please click on the map points highlighted for an insight into the business etiquette of the countries we and our partners, have experience in.

Mayrik, helping our clients by understanding the differences and bridging the gaps

Belguim

Introduction

The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters, as well as those of other major international organizations, including NATO.

Belgium covers an area of 30,528 km2 (11,787 square miles) and has a population of about 10.7 million.

Straddling the cultural boundary between Germanic and Latin Europe, Belgium is home for two main linguistic groups, the Flemings and the French-speakers, mostly Walloons, plus a small group of German-speakers.

Belgium's two largest regions are the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north, with 59% of the population, and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia, inhabited by 31%.

The Brussels-Capital Region, officially bilingual, is a mostly French-speaking enclave within the Flemish Region and near the Walloon Region, and has 10% of the population.

A small German-speaking Community exists in eastern Wallonia. Belgium's linguistic diversity and related political and cultural conflicts are reflected in the political history and a complex system of government.

The name 'Belgium' is derived from Gallia Belgica, a Roman province in the northernmost part of Gaul that was inhabited by the Belgae, a mix of Celtic and Germanic peoples. Historically, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg were known as the Low Countries, which used to cover a somewhat larger area than the current Benelux group of states.

From the end of the Middle Ages until the 17th century, it was a prosperous centre of commerce and culture. From the 16th century until the Belgian revolution in 1830, many battles between European powers were fought in the area of Belgium, causing it to be dubbed "the battlefield of Europe" and "the cockpit of Europe"—a reputation strengthened by both World Wars.

Upon its independence, Belgium eagerly participated in the Industrial Revolution and at the end of the nineteenth century, possessed several colonies in Africa.

The second half of the 20th century was marked by the rise of communal conflicts between the Flemings and the Francophones fuelled by cultural differences on the one hand and an asymmetrical economic evolution of Flanders and Wallonia on the other hand. These still-active conflicts have caused far-reaching reforms of the unitary Belgian state into a federal state.

Religion

Since the country's independence, Roman Catholicism, counterbalanced by strong free thought movements, has had an important role in Belgium's politics. However Belgium is largely a secular country as the laicist constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects this right in practice.

During the reign of Albert I and Baudouin, the monarchy has had a reputation of deeply-rooted Catholicism.

Symbolically and materially, the Roman Catholic Church remains in a favourable position. Belgium's concept of 'recognized religions' set a path for Islam to follow to acquire the treatment of Jewish and Protestant religions.

While other minority religions, such as Hinduism, do not yet have such status, Buddhism took the first steps toward legal recognition in 2007.

According to the 2001 Survey and Study of Religion, about 47% of the population identify themselves as belonging to the Catholic Church, while Islam is the second-largest religion at 3.5%. A 2006 inquiry in Flanders, considered to be a more religious region than Wallonia, showed that 55% considered themselves religious, and that 36% believed that God created the world.

According to the most recent Eurobarometer Poll 2005, 43% of Belgian citizens responded that "they believe there is a god", whereas 29% answered that "they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 27% that "they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force".

It is estimated that between 3 to 4% of the Belgian population is Muslim (98% Sunni) (350 000 to 400 000 people). The majority of Belgian Muslims live in the major cities, such as Antwerp, Brussels and Charleroi.

The largest group of immigrants in Belgium are Moroccans, with 264,974 people. The Turks are the third-largest group, and the second-largest Muslim ethnic group, numbering 159,336. There is also a tiny Hindu and Sikh population.

Society & Culture

Belgium is not a homogeneous country with one national identity. As such, it is therefore difficult to give a general overview that applies to all Belgians. Each area will have its own particularities. The three predominant cultures are:

In the north, Flanders - primarily Dutch,
In the south, Wallonia - primarily French and
In the northeast - primarily German influenced.

Belgian Family Values

Family plays a central role in most Belgians' lives.
The obligation to the family is a person's first priority.
Many people remain in the town in which they were raised, which creates close extended families.

Appearances Matter

Appearances are important to Belgians.
They can often be seen washing the pavement or steps in front of their house or even sweeping the street.
Cleanliness is a matter of national pride.
Belgians take great pride in their houses. To have overgrown hedges or untidy gardens would disgrace the family and insult their neighbours.
Belgians take pride in their personal appearance too. They dress well and are concerned with the impression they make on others.

Egalitarianism in Belgian Society

Belgium is on the whole an egalitarian society.
Women are not expected to change their name when they marry.
There are laws governing paternity as well as maternity leaves and laws forbidding sexual harassment in the workplace.

Meeting Etiquette

Greetings entail a degree of formality. A brief handshake is the common greeting among people who do not know each other.
Once a relationship is developed, three kisses on the cheek may replace the handshake. This is more a kissing of the air near the person's cheek. Start with the left cheek and alternate.
Men never kiss other men; they always shake hands.

Gift Giving Etiquette

If you are invited to a Belgian's house, bring flowers or good quality chocolates for the hostess.
Older Belgians may expect flowers to be unwrapped.
Do not give white chrysanthemums as they signify death.
Flowers should be given in an odd number, but not 13.
Liquor or wine should only be given to close friends.
Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

Belgians socialize in their homes and restaurants, although the home is reserved for family or close friends.
If you receive a written invitation, the response must be written as well.
Wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to the other guests.
Dress conservatively. Belgians take pride in their appearance and expect you to do the same.
Arrive on time. Punctuality demonstrates respect.
Wait for your host to tell you where to sit.
Women take their seats before men.
Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
Keep your wrists above the table when eating.
Wait to see if your host offers a toast before sipping your drink.
The guest of honour may also give a toast.
Women may offer a toast. It is polite to stand for a toast.
The Flemish raise their glasses twice during a toast. The glass is initially raised during the toast and then at the completion of the toast.
Never leave food on your plate. It is seen as both rude and wasteful.
you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate, tines facing upwards, with the handles facing to the right.
Belgians take pride in their cuisine so praising a meal is a sincere compliment.

Relationships & Communication

Although third-party introductions are not necessary, they often smooth the way.
Belgians are careful and prudent so take time before they trust others, be they individuals or representatives of companies.
Business dealings tend to be bureaucratic. There are many procedures and a great deal of paperwork.
Belgians are excellent linguists and many are sufficiently fluent to conduct meetings in English.
Belgians prefer subtlety to directness, believing that subtlety is a reflection of intelligence.
Although they are more direct in their communication than many cultures, if a response is too direct it may be seen as simplistic.
They prefer communication to be logical and based on reason.
Belgians often engage in long, critical discussions before reaching a decision so that they can be certain that they have considered all the alternatives.
They believe it is rude to be confrontational.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Appointments are necessary
The person you are meeting will generally set the time for the meeting, usually mid morning or mid afternoon.
Avoid scheduling meetings during July and August, which are prime vacation times; the week before Easter; and the week between Christmas and New Year.
Everyone is expected to arrive on time Arriving late may brand you as unreliable.
Meetings are formal
First appointments are more socially than business oriented, as Belgians prefer to do business with those they know.
Do not remove your jacket during a meeting.

Dress Etiquette

Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts and silk ties.
Women should wear business suits or conservative dresses.
Men should only wear laced shoes, never loafers or other slip-ons, as they are too casual.
Polished shoes are an integral part of a professional image.

Business Cards

Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
Have one side of your business card translated into French or Dutch. This shows respect and understanding of the linguistic heritage of your colleagues.
If you have meetings in both areas, have two sets of business cards printed, and be careful to use the proper ones.
Present your business card so the recipient can read the side with their national language