More and more small Flemish companies are moving to Northern France

“We feel the interest among companies is only increasing,” said Tom Vermeersch, regional manager for Northern France at Voka on Thursday in De Tijd.

According to Voka, the main reasons why Flemish entrepreneurs cross the border are the more favorable business climate and the availability of land. Northern France is embarking on an industrial renaissance. The region around Dunkirk in particular has seen a tremendous revival in recent years. “The process for obtaining a permit is smoother and the government is generous with subsidies,” says Vermeersch. “But the most important point: there is still plenty of room to build. More than 70 percent of investments come from production companies. Industry in particular is moving to Northern France.”

Although the figures for 2023 – 10 investments and 195 jobs – are slightly lower than those of the previous year – 14 investments and 381 jobs – there is a lasting trend of Flemish companies towards France. “There is certainly no relapse,” says Vermeersch.