Senegal to welcome high-key economic delegation headed by Princess Astrid of Belgium

The Archduchess of Austria-Este, Princess Astrid of Belgium, is expected in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, May 21-25 with an important economic delegation to sign several deals with parties in the West African country.
Hubert Roisin, the Belgium ambassador to Senegal made the announcement noting that the royal personality has been assigned the mission by the Belgian monarch King Philippe.
“This mission is made of 367 participants representing 160 companies, 20 universities or colleges and a dozen federations of companies and investment funds”, the diplomat said during a press conference.
“These companies participate with great interest in these missions in the sense that the Belgian government and HM the King take a particular interest in them and that is why the King has asked his sister Princess Astrid to lead this mission on his behalf,” he added.
“It is important for Belgium to continue to develop its historical ties with new African countries and in particular Senegal. This is why Senegal was chosen as the host country for this mission.”
Exports from the European country to Senegal hit 1 billion euros last year, accounting for a 30 per cent increase. Belgium-bound Senegal exports also soared by 10 per cent.
Trade between the two countries revolve around petroleum products and derivatives, transport materials, machinery and equipment, metals, pharmaceutical industries and food products.
Both countries also have developed partnership in several areas including engineering, water, real estate, logistics, lime production, culture and port, Roisin posited.
The mission will attend B2B meetings with 500 Senegalese companies. Around 30 agreements between companies, schools and universities are expected.