Blog Post

Belgian Princess leads mission to further economic ties in Austin and Texas

  • By Christine Wren
  • 06 Dec, 2016
Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium (right), Robert Dean (left) and Christine Wren (right of picture). Photo by Ben Ramirez III.

You won't find me starting very many of my articles with the phrase Her Royal Highness, however, I have the distinct pleasure of doing so today.

Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium is visiting Texas this week on an economic trade mission where she is advocating for stronger business and education ties between Texas and Belgium. Didier Reynders, Federal Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, and Pieter De Crem, Federal Secretary of State for Foreign Trade along with over 200 business executives and trade representatives are accompanying Princess Astrid on her visit.

“Texas and Belgium have a great deal in common,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Reynders at the Memorandum of Understanding presentation between TexasOne and Belgium. “From being one of the first European countries to recognize Texas’ independence in 1836 to 175 years of continuous trade, the time has now come for us to deepen our ties with this important cultural and economic partner. Indeed, Belgium now stands as Texas’ 10th largest export trading partner at just over $4.6 billion annually. Our mutual trade investments include logistics and chemical sectors through the ports of Houston and Antwerp as well as advanced R&D in biopharmaceuticals through the Texas Medical Center.”

With my continued commitment to expanding my global reach through many international affiliations’ I welcomed the opportunity to participate in discussions with such a dynamic group of international business leaders on the topics of clean technology, life sciences, biopharmaceuticals, and innovation in real estate. I did have the good fortune to meet and speak with Princess Astrid. I look forward to continued collaboration with many of my new found friends including Paul Renson, Kirby Hiscox, Bill Clabby, Eric Gabrys and Eric Van Zele pictured here with Robert Dean just to name a few.

Whether you are relocating to Texas from another part of the world or planning an adventure outside the U.S., I can provide you access to an exclusive network of agents that specialize in international real estate. If you would like to know more about Austin and are curious about what your perfect home looks like here, please give me a call or send me an email. Until next time, Cheers!

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