Liège is situated in the east of Wallonia - the French-speaking part of Belgium. It is the capital of the Belgian province of Liège.
Having powerful neighbours, like Germany and France, Liège has often been obliged to defend its territory in the past. As a result, it became the strongly-fortified and autonomous city it is today. At the beginning of the 16th century, the economic uprising of Liège was a turning point in the city’s history. Many of the flourishing business sectors of the time have survived to the present day.
Useful facts:
- Size: 69.39km2
- Number of citizens: 185,000
- Languages: the official language is French, but English, German and Dutch are also spoken.
Nowadays, Liège is a fast-changing city where historic features are elegantly combined with a well-considered adaptation to modern times.
Liège lies within the economic heartland, formed by Maastricht in Holland and Aachen in Germany. The city’s metallurgical and coal mining industries boosted Walloon economic development enormously throughout the 20th century.
- Labour force: 122,100
- Key sectors: the metallurgical- and steel industries
- Main knowledge centres: Agency of Economic Development of Liège and the Walloon Region Economic and Social Council
Although Liège suffered badly from the closure of the coal mines, the city quickly adapted to the emerging industries of the 21st century. Strategically located at the crossroads between northern and southern Europe, Liège is a major economic player.
The Port of Liège is Europe’s second largest inland port with excellent transport connections by both road and rail. In recent years, the port has been modernized and, as a consequence, the level of commercial traffic has doubled. In addition, Liège airport was the first one in Europe to focus specifically on air cargo.
- Business events: conventions are held at the Liège Convention Centre. The Liège Congrès - a convention advice agency - will gladly answer your questions on business-related tourism.
- Policy of subsidies: the Agency of Economic Development promotes all activities related to setting up new businesses in Liège.
- Port: Port of Liège
- Airport: Liège Airport
