The National Bank's monthly survey shows that Belgian businessmen and women are extremely confident about the economy.

The economic barometer is at its highest level for six years, according to the survey published on Monday.

Economists say that business confidence is up thanks to a strong surge in demand for exports.

Business leaders in industry and the building sector are particularly upbeat. Business people in commercial sectors are less enthusiastic about the fortunes of the Belgian economy.

Business confidence has been on the rise for a whole year now, said the survey which was carried out among 5,000 business leaders.

Source: Xinhua