The Kingdom of Belgium Is in Full Transition to a Growing Carbon Economy
POSITIV 2/2021 43
to a Growing Carbon
What are the strengths of the Moravian-
Silesian Region from your point of view?
The strengths of the region are its great
industrial and entrepreneurial tradition,
combined with a highly qualified
workforce, a talent for innovation, and
an advantageous location, close to other
industrial regions in Poland and Slovakia.
Do you see potential here that should be
exploited?
Yes, in particular with a country like
Belgium. Several Belgian regions went
through the same transitions as Moravia-
Silesia, from coal and metallurgy to
different spin-off industries. And now,
Moravia-Silesia and these Belgian regions
are fully engaged in their transition to the
Industry 4.0, and a low-carbon economy.
Moravia-Silesia and Belgium can certainly
cooperate in these areas. I note also that
Moravia-Silesia has strongly developed
its transport systems with its international
airport, important electrified railways, and
also good highway connections. Further
development of multimodality is certainly
an asset for Moravia-Silesia, especially with
regards to Belgium, which developed one
of the densest transportation networks in
the world.
Have you recently joined any projects at
MSK?
The Ostrava Multimodal Park is the last
major project joined by a Belgian company,
the Port of Antwerp. Besides this important
project, Belgian companies present in
the region are flourishing like Bekaert in
Petrovice, an important metal processing
company, Vyncke in Frýdek-Místek,
specialist of ‘waste-to-energy solutions,’
which received several awards at the last
Czech Industry Challenge, or Stow Group,
a specialist of shelving systems.
How different is the Czech republic
compared with your home?
In fact, the two countries have a lot in
common, but if I had to single out one
difference, it would be the economy - it is
more dynamic in Czechia, because it is still
in a catching-up process, which offers a great
potential for foreign investors.
Czechs love the so-colled steak tartare,
in Belgium known as Filet Américain.
Have you tasted this delicacy in the Czech
Republic?
Yes, but I prefer the fried cheese, which is
a hearty dish but also a delicacy.
Mr Ambassador, thank you for the interview.