In 2009, Belgium ranked 3rd in the table of world productivity published annually by the Conference Board, thereby ousting the USA from its position in the top three.

For each hour worked, Belgian workers generate an added value of $58.5 (USD), or nearly €41, according to the annual study of trends in world productivity carried out by the American institute of economic research.

Of the 39 countries examined as part of the study, only the Norwegians and the workers of Luxembourg outperformed Belgium. A result that Norway owes in large part to its oil and gas industry, and that in the case of Luxembourg is mainly due to the highly skilled jobs of its financial sector. The USA was in 5th place.

"Belgium’s high productivity constitutes one of its strengths, because it has an impact on production costs, which attracts investors", commented Jacques De Pover, chief economist at Dexia.



GEUZAINE CAROLINE - 20/01/2010 - Copyright © L'Echo