The Financial Times praises Antwerp internationally as investment hub 

Antwerp remains an attractive city for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, according to the latest ranking by fDi Intelligence, says the British business newspaper Financial Times. For the second year in a row, the city achieves second place in the fDi Strategy category as an economic engine of Flanders, which is the strategy for attracting foreign investment for cities up to 2 million inhabitants. In addition, Antwerp scores even better in all major categories this year: the city rises to fifth place in the connectivity category, seventh in the economic potential category and eighth in the overall category. ​ 

A city with a forward-looking strategy 

The success in the rankings highlights the city’s strategic choices to create a future-proof investment climate. Together with key partners such as Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the University of Antwerp the city focuses on sectors such as sustainable chemistry, energy transition and digital innovation. This approach has led to ​ significant foreign investment. Some recent projects include those of Fairbrics, Aquature Ltd. and PureCycle Technologies. There are also ambitious investments such as the €1.5 billion from Vioneo in a green plastics production plant and the €3 million investment by TripleW in NextGen Demo, an innovation testing ground at the port of Antwerp, and Power to Hydrogen, also in NextGen Demo.

Collaboration and a thriving ecosystem 

Urban ambition goes beyond mere investment promotion. Antwerp has invested heavily in establishing an innovative ecosystem in recent years. Through strong collaborations between the port, universities and various innovation hubs - such as The Beacon, Dunden, BlueChem, BlueApp, NextGen District and NextGen Demo - the city has created not just a platform, but an entire value chain of relevant innovation hubs that reinforce each other. This ecosystem supports every company, from research to commercialisation, providing a unique innovation journey. As a result, Antwerp positions itself as an Innovation Powerhouse and strengthens its competitive position as the most attractive investment region in Flanders, which also scores highly at European level. 

Johan Klaps, Alderman for Port and Economy: “A rating by the Financial Times is not something that happens every day. Our ambition is clear: together with the port and university, we are building the port and city of the future. By leading the way in innovation - from climate change and increasing the sustainability of the chemical sector to the digitalisation of industry, healthcare and traditional sectors such as diamonds, fashion and retail - we are strengthening Antwerp as an international investment hub. It makes us very proud that the Financial Times continues to recognise this position, year after year.” 

The figures bear this out: in 2023, the city of Antwerp attracted €1.2 billion in foreign investment, with 36 investment projects, representing 23% of total foreign investment in Flanders. More broadly, within the province of Antwerp, 1.7 billion euros were invested, spread over 86 projects, which together created 1,178 extra jobs. 

As a result, Antwerp remains the most attractive investment region in Flanders and also scores highly at European level.