Luxembourg should keep its doors open

Luxembourg's Prince Guillaume urged Luxembourgers to keep their “doors open to the foreign workforce” in order to help sustain and grow the country's economy.

The words of encouragement were heard by 350 people from 10 different chambers of commerce attending the International Chambers gala dinner on Tuesday.

In the magnificent setting of the Centre de Conference on Kirchberg, the prince thanked the international community's contributions. He said: “We must keep our doors open to the foreign workforce which helps our community with its international experience. I ask you to join my call to embrace this international dimension. You are the spokespeople for your countries.”

During the evening's opening speech, the prince credited foreign investment for Luxembourg's wealth, saying that the chambers of commerce were at the origins of the country's economic development.

“I think it's important to remember that today's economy would never had seen the light of day without workers from abroad,” he said, listing a number of successful firms in Luxembourg, which were borne out of foreign investment, including Cargolux, ArcelorMittal and Goodyear.

As a business ambassador himself, the prince was not blind to the financial difficulties being experienced globally. But, in a gesture of unity, he stressed the need for international cooperation in order to find a solution. “We're facing a serious crisis. Everyone is wary of outside influences. But we must remember that today's crisis won't be solved by individuals,” he said.

British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg chairman Robert Deed, who gave the introductory speech, thanked the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce for assisting the international chambers in their roles.