An estimated one third of the Flemish export to Germany is intended for North Rhine-Westphalia (or 'NRW' as the Germans often abbreviate it), a region that is also known as the Ruhr. With close to 18 million inhabitants, this federal land is the largest state in Germany and – partly due to the barrier of the German language – remains largely unknown to many Flemish people. Did you know that Duisburg, which is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr, is the largest inland port in Europe? Thanks to their cultural or sporting fame, cities like Dusseldorf, Dortmund, Cologne, Leverkusen or Mönchengladbach may be more well known.
The triangle of Flanders, North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands has many advantages and is one of the largest logistics and chemical hubs in the world (with the ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam, Duisburg and the Ruhr area). Cooperation with North Rhine-Westphalia is therefore a priority area in Flemish foreign policy. On a governmental, parliamentary and administrative level, there are deep bilateral contacts. Various topics are dealt with: integration (in the labour market), de-radicalisation, a joint chemical strategy, energy, better logistical East-West connections, dual learning, health policy and culture.
There are no figures for trade between Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia. These are included in the global figures for trade with Germany.