OOSTVLAANDEREN - Geography and history
East Flanders lies at the heart of the most densely populated and industrialized part of the region. It consists of six districts, four of which (Ghent, Aalst, Sint-Niklaas and Dendermonde) lie within the triangle formed by the three neighbouring conurbations of Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent: probably a megalopolis in the making. The districts of Oudenaarde and Eeklo are situated at the very edge of this 'golden triangle'.
The economy is based on four major sectors: metals, chemicals, textiles and foodstuffs. This highly industrialized province does, however, derive some colour from its floriculture centre. Ghent's azaleas and begonias and Aalster's cut flowers are world-renowned. The University of Ghent is a trend-setter in biotechnology, and plant genetics in particular.
Difficult past, promising future
For centuries, the textile industry formed the hub of the economy of East Flanders. The decline of this sector from 1950 had heavy socio-economic consequences, especially emigration which has led to an ageing population. Diversification, which is now under way, depends on local and foreign investment and retraining of the unemployed.
East Flanders has insufficient means to exploit its advantages at European level. Since the mouth of the maritime canal which crosses the region is outside its territory, it is unable to participate rapidly in any current maritime developments.
On the other hand, its position at the centre of the most densely populated and most industrialized region of Europe is a big advantage. Modern telecommunications, two seaports and a dense network of motorways, facilitate access to the region.
Several schools of engineering and the University of Ghent ensure a qualified work-force, and a multilingual population overcomes language barriers. Low absenteeism and low staff turnover makes staff-training a worthwhile exercise.
The fact that East Flanders has one of the highest concentrations of foreign companies in Europe bears witness to its favourable business climate.
A closely packed province
The most densely populated areas are to be found in the districts within the triangular conurbation. The geographical distribution of employment follows the same pattern: this triangle now accounts for 47% of all employment in Belgium.
The industrial base is along the Ghent-Antwerp axis. The port of Ghent - distribution centre for raw materials for the food industry - is the site of the Flemish steel industry and the second largest centre of the Belgian chemical industry, the largest being the area around the port of Antwerp, which extends deep into the East Flanders' district of Sint-Niklaas. The area between the two ports is home to fine chemistry, precision engineering and the rolling stock and transport vehicle industries.
The largest concentration of rubber and plastics processing plants is in Ghent, Aalst and Oudenaarde. The East Flanders' textile and clothing industry, a major activity, is based in the south of the province. An electronics belt is gradually developing between Ghent and Oudenaarde.
All these industrial developments have always had the advantage of a concentrated transport network linking each district of East Flanders with the major cities and industrial regions of northwestern Europe.
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