Belgium ’s economy expanded in Q4 2009 as it continued to recover from its worst slump in six decades, according to the National Bank of Belgium.

Gross domestic product (GDP) increased by +0.3% in Q4, having gone up by +0.7% in Q3 2009, however it fell -0.8% on the Q4 2008. For all of 2009 GDP contracted by -3%.

Guy Quaden, head of the Belgian central bank, said: “Despite its great sensitivity to international trade and the difficulties experienced by the big banks, the Belgian economy proved more resilient than that of the euro area as a whole, nonetheless this is still a vulnerable recovery.”

The Belgian central bank increased its 2010 growth forecast in December 2009, projecting a +1% expansion, as reviving global growth boosts the nation’s exports.