Belgian news in brief, 23 March 2006

Record number of suicide calls

A record of more than 10,000 calls was placed last year with the Flemish suicide helpline. That is the highest figure since the helpline was established in 1979. The number of calls for assistance rose by 28 percent last year. More women call the helpline than men. The average age of callers is 40, but there has been a marked increase in the number of people aged older than 60 seeking help. An increasing number of youths are also seeking help.

BASF invests EUR 1bn in Antwerp

German chemicals group BASF has unveiled a EUR 1 billion investment scheme at its Antwerp plant. The scheme will initially lead to the creation of 100 jobs. The new employees will work on six new production lines, including one to produce superabsorbers. During the next three years, the investment scheme should also create 3,000 jobs at subcontractors during building work at the Antwerp plant.

Players agent confesses to corruption

The players agent interrogated by police investigating the soccer match-fixing scandal on Wednesday has been charged with corruption and making threats. The 28-year-old man, from Namen, has also reportedly confessed to trying to bribe players on request from Chinese businessman Zheyun Ye.

Subject: Belgian news