Yesterday, Katrien Van Loocke and Dennis Gijsbrechts of the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency gave a guest lecture as part of the Vlerick Internationalization Bootcamp in Brussels, where they had the opportunity to engage with a dynamic group of future global business leaders.
This immersive program equips students with hands-on experience in crafting international expansion strategies - a crucial skill in today’s globalized economy. Over the course of the bootcamp, participants work in teams to develop a real-world international expansion plan for a few Belgian companies (selected from our BFTA Exporters Database) covering:
✅ Selecting the right target market
✅ Determining the most effective entry strategy
✅ Crafting a strategic marketing approach
✅ Developing financial projections
We were honored to contribute by sharing our expertise on Belgium’s role in international trade and the support available for businesses looking to scale globally.
In a world where technological advancements and digital connectivity are redefining traditional market boundaries, international expansion is no longer just an opportunity - it’s a necessity. The ability to navigate foreign markets, diversify revenue streams, and enhance global brand presence is key to long-term business success.
A big thank you to Oli Mihalache, Full Professor of International Entrepreneurship at Vlerick Business School for organizing this impactful program, and to the students for their enthusiasm and sharp strategic thinking. We can’t wait to see how these future leaders will shape the global business landscape!
