Contributor(s): Rudy Demotte | In the 19th century the Belgian region of Wallonia was the second industrial power of the world after England. Then, in the 1950s, came rapid and seemingly unstoppable decline. Now, with exports and investment rising, there is a growing perception that Wallonia is finally turning the corner. How is it doing so? Rudy Demotte is Minister President of the Belgian region of Wallonia and President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Before becoming Minister President, Rudy Demotte previously served as Minister for the National Health System and for Social Affairs, Minister for Budget, Culture and Sport for the French-speaking community, and Federal Minister for Economy and Scientific Research. Maurice Fraser is Director of the LSE European Institute. This event is organised in association with the Belgian Embassy in London and the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain.