34
Will it still be
possible to pro-
vide funding for
sound projects
upon reasonable
conditions?
During the financial crisis, the finan-
cial sector has continued to lend to
families, companies and government
institutions. There is no threat of loan
scarcity, therefore, for those who are
able to submit a complete and sound
credit file.
Nevertheless, the financial sector ex-
presses some points of concern for the
future. The new European legislation
could have an impact on the avail-
ability and the price of the long-term
loans. Therefore, the sector is looking
for alternative sources of funding.
The financial sector is aware that specific en-
trepreneurs are under the impression that
credit has become scarce and that the financial
institutions are imposing stricter demands on
those requesting a loan. This impression is also
reinforced by the Belgian media. Nevertheless,
the figures show that the financial institutions
continue to loan in the event of complete and
sound credit files.
Since 2007, lending in Belgium has grown
steadily. At the end of September 2012, both
the market of loans to families and that of cor-
porate loans had grown by 30.4% and 19.8%,
respectively, which means that both categories
of lending reached a historic high point.
“
Lending is keeping up well in
Belgium, but for specific activities
such as export funding there are
funding challenges. The financial
sector can be a structural partner
in this respect to encourage
international enterprise.”
Pieter Timmermans, FEB, August 2012
2.
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PROSPERITY