Princess Astrid and five ministers on mission to Canada

Belgium's Princess Astrid will travel to western Canada next week on a trade mission, accompanied by five government officials. The focus of the mission is the film industry and Belgian food.

Both Belgium and Canada are relatively strong players in the film industry. Canadian cities are a popular fallback for American film crews on a budget, and Belgium attracts film crews with its tax shelter scheme. The Princess and five ministers will present 'The Belgian Film Industry and New Tax Shelter: Opportunity Knocks' to key members of the Canadian film industry.

Highlighting Belgium's rich offer of food, beer, chocolate and biscuits is also on the Princess' agenda. The export of Belgian food products to Canada increased by 30% in the past five years, and there is room for further growth.

Princess Astrid will be accompanied by foreign minister Didier Reynders, foreign trade minister Pieter De Crem, Flemish minister Geert Bourgeois, Brussels foreign trade minister Cécile Jodogne and Walloon economy minister Jean-Claude Marcourt.

Belgian companies joining the mission include Deme, Barco, Asco Aerospace and Exmar.