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 SEMINAR WITH H.E. MR FAISAL TRAD, AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA (30th NOVEMBER)
On the occasion of the meetings of the Board of Directors of the Arab Belgium Luxemburg Chamber of Conference on 30th November, the ABLCC organized a seminar with HE Mr Faisal Trad, the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Brussels and to the European Union.
This seminar was attend by Arab Ambassadors, representatives of the European Union, the Belgian authorities and more than 100 members of the Chamber.
The Ambassador presented the trump cards of the Saudi economy, one of the twenty five most powerful economies in the world and considered to be the most powerful economy in the Middle East and North Africa.
He urged Belgian companies to direct their activities towards the Saudi market, which offers attractive basic conditions, occupies the 11th place among the countries that attract economic activities and ranks 7th in terms of ease of paying taxes. On the other hand, thanks to the long-term strategy adopted by the State, GDP per capita is expected to double from 43.300 Saudi riyals in 2004 to 98.500 SR in 2024, an increase by 4.2% per year, while the economic growth rate is to reach 6.6% annually during the first quarter of the strategy, rising to 8.7% in the fourth quarter. (A complete file on Saudi economy is available at the ABLCC)
SYMPOSIUM ON MOROCCO (15 NOVEMBER 2011)
The Chamber organized on 15th November, in cooperation with the CBL-ACP, a Symposium on the Kingdom of Morocco, during which HE Mr Samir Addahre, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Brussels, gave a presentation on the political and economical situation in Morocco, the importance of the economic and social relations between Morocco and Belgium, and the economic, political, academic and social contribution of the Moroccan community in Belgium, numbering some 400,000 people.
He also highlighted the business and investment climate in Morocco and the contribution of Belgian companies in economic and infrastructure projects, and the development of water and wastewater treatment systems.
The Ambassador referred also to the political transformation in Morocco, the upcoming legislative elections and the priority given by the Moroccan authorities to the development of national human resources.
SEMINAR "DOING BUSINESS WITH THE ARAB COUNTRIES IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE ARAB WORLD" IN LUXEMBURG (14 NOVEMBER)
The ABLCC organized on 14th November, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of Luxemburg, a seminar "Doing Business with the Arab countries in the light of the recent development of the Arab world". The seminar attracted some 90 businessmen and identified areas of cooperation and investment opportunities in the Arab countries, as well as to highlight the experience of the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg as an important international financial centre.
The Chamber, in cooperation with the official bodies in Luxemburg, intends to organize this meeting on a regular basis.
The event included several presentations about the Gulf area, North Africa and the Middle East, in addition to presentations on the importance of Luxemburg as an international financial place, a transport and services hub and the Islamic banking sector.
Reference was made to the positive development in relations between Qatar and Luxemburg, especially following the acquisition by Qatar Investment Authority of a 35% share in Cargolux, worth $ 117 million and the purchase of KBL Luxemburg.
ECONOMIC MISSION TO THE STATE OF KUWAIT (10-12 OCTOBER)
The ABLCC organized an economic mission to the State of Kuwait from 10 to 12 October 2011, heading a delegation of 15 representatives from various sectors of the Belgian economy, especially the health sector, the engineering, construction and metal industries, the transport sector, management, training and the banking sector. This mission benefitted from the strong support of the Embassy of Kuwait in Brussels and the Embassy of Belgium in Kuwait.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait organized a comprehensive program for the mission. The members of the delegation thus met H.E. the Minister of Health, Dr Hilal Al-Sayer and H.E. the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Amani Bouresli. During the meetings, participants discussed about enhancing economic and investment cooperation between the institutions of the private sector in both countries and examined a number of subjects to overcome the barriers and obstacles to an increase of the volume of trade and investment between both sides, particularly the activation of an investment protection agreement and avoidance of double taxation.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait also organized a meeting for the members of the delegation with Kuwaiti businessmen, headed by Mrs Wafa Al Qatami, a member of the Board of the Kuwaiti Chamber, during which they stressed the need to further enhance the efforts aimed at increased changes.
These meetings allowed to the members of the delegation to identify the opportunities to contribute to the projects of the five-year plan adopted by the Kuwaiti government and representing an investment of at least 35 billion Kuwaiti dinars (105 billion dollars). A number of delegates expressed special interest in participating in development projects to be implemented in cooperation between the public and private sectors. It should be noted that a number of Belgian institutions participating in the mission also signed cooperation agreements with Kuwaiti institutions, particularly in the field of health care.
The Chamber invited H.E. the Minister of Trade and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait to visit Belguim with a delegation of Kuwaiti businessmen.
The mission proved to be most successful and the participating businessmen expressed their deep gratification for the useful meetings made during the visit.
DOING BUSINESS WITH ARAB COUNTRIES IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECENT EVENTS IN THE ARAB WORLD – SEMINAR OF 27TH SEPTEMBER 2011 IN ANTWERP
 The Arab-Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce organized in cooperation with SGS Belgium on 27th September 2011 a seminar on “Doing business with the Arab countries in the light of the recent events in the Arab world” at the SGS House . This seminar gathered 70 participants.
H.E. Mr Al-Humaimidi, Ambassador of Iraq, represented by Mrs Jwan Khioka, outlined the “Business and Investment opportunities in Iraq”. Iraq has the second largest proven oil reserves in the world with a large potential for investments and business in various economic sectors (CD on request)
Prof Amine Ait Chaalal, Director of the Study Center for International Crises and Conflicts at the Catholic University of Louvain, made a presentation on the Arab revolutions and the impact on relations with the EU “Les révolutions arabes : le retour des peuples dans l’Histoire” Mrs Mireille Janssens and Mr Daan Rowies from ONDD (Office National du Ducroire) analyzed the countries risk with illustrations from the Arab world and the solutions of ONDD for international risks. (Download PowerPoint Presentation)
 Mrs Katrien Leinders, Economic and Commercial Attaché in Egypt delivered a presentation on “A new Egypt” with the impact of the transition for the Business Community and on the various services she provides to develop relations with Egypt. (Download PDF Presentation)
Mr Jozef Somers, Business Unit Manager at SGS Belgium, spoke about the certificates of conformity and how they made easier the customs clearance in Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Kuwait, Spain, Iraq and Qatar.
Then, Mr Ghassan Ejjeh, Vice Chairman of BESIX, member of the executive bureau of the ABLCC, made a conclusion analysis on the situation in the Arab world which represents 350 million consumers and on the demand for new products and services ever growing as the region is an important destination for foreign investments.
MEETING WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE IRAQI NATIONAL INVESTMENT AUTHORITY - JUNE 23rd
 On the occasion of the visit to Belgium of H.E. Mr. Rowsch Shaways, Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, accompanied by an important business delegation, the ABLCC organized a round table with H.E. Dr. Sami Al Araji, Chairman of the Iraqi National Investment Authority. Several members of the Chamber, having activities in Iraq, participated in the meeting.
Dr. Al Araji presented the investment potential of Iraq and the opportunities for Belgian companies offered by the Iraqi market in several sectors. Perspectives for cooperation are genuine and comprehensive, especially in oil and gas, construction and housing, water and sewerage, transport, communication, health care, electricity and cement production. Belgian companies furthermore have an extensive experience of the Iraqi market, and numerous important projects have been implemented in the past by Belgian entrepreneurs. 
The favourable economic prospects of the country are to a large extend based upon the huge oil reserves : proven oil reserves stand at approximately 140 billion barrels, representing the world’s 2nd largest reserves.
During his contacts with high ranking Belgian politicians, Deputy Prime Minister Shaways launched an invitation for a delegation of officials and businessmen to visit Iraq. The contacts were completed at a reception organized on this occasion by H.E. Mr. Mohammed Al-Humaimidi, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Brussels.
VISIT OF A SUDANESE BUSINESS DELEGATION - JUNE 18th
 The Chamber welcomed, in cooperation with the Sudanese embassy in Brussels, a Sudanese business delegation specialized in poultry production. A meeting was organized at the premises of the Belgian poultry specialist Incubel Belgabroed, member of our Chamber.
Incubel Belgabroed is the leading company in Belgium, specialized in the production of hatching eggs and one-day old chicks. The company is a major exporter and has a longstanding experience in the Arab world.
The contacts during the meeting at Incubel gave the Sudanese businessmen insight into the up-to-date techniques used in the production facilities of the company, the packaging methods and the transport of the output.
Sudan has a vast agricultural potential and cooperation with Sudanese companies in this field proves to be most attractive.
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ABLCC - JUNE 8th
 The ABLCC organized the meetings of its Board of Directors and General Assembly on June 8th, with the participation of the representatives of the League of Arab States and the Arab embassies in Brussels.
The Secretary General submitted the report on the activities of the Chamber in 2010 and the programme of the upcoming events and initiatives in 2011. The latter report highlights the opportunities linked to the organization of an economic mission to Kuwait in October this year.
During the meeting, approval was given to enlist the representatives of the Ducroire and the company Denys as members of the Board of Directors. Me William Pissoort was also elected as a member of the Financial Committee of the ABLCC.
The General Assembly was followed by a lunch-conference with the participation of the Arab Ambassadors and guest speaker Jean-Luc Proutat, Responsible for OECD economies at BNP Paribas head office in Paris. Mr. Proutat spoke on the world-wide economic situation with a particular focus on the Arab countries.
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ARAB-BELGIUM-LUXEMBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 
On the 17th of April, the ABLCC, in collaboration with Brussels Invest and Export and the CBL-ACP and with the support of the Algerian Embassy in Brussels, organized an "Algerian Day" in which more than 40 Algerian companies participated. Offering participants an insight into the most recent information about Algerian-Belgian trade and investment opportunities, the Algerian Day proved to be an excellent opportunity for stakeholders from all sides to strenghten the already mutually beneficial Belgium and Luxemburg-Algerian partnership.
During the plenary session, many high level representatives from Belgium and Algeria, including Mr Medjekouh, Vice President of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mr Demaegh of the Brussels Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade, referred to the excellent relationship that exists between both countries on an economical as well as on a cultural and interpersonal level. Focusing on the importance held by politics in economical matters, Mr Belgaid, representing H.E. Amar Bendjama, Ambassador of Algeria, emphasized the fact that significant reforms are being taken to enhance the Rule of Law in Algeria, making the country an even more attractive partner for collaboration.
Mrs Claire TILLEKAERTS, CEO of Flanders Investment and Trade, spoke on behalf of H.E. Mr Kris PEETERS and fully agreed that a more intensive partnership between Belgium and Arab countries could only be beneficial for both parties.
The CEO of FIT mentioned two examples of the current ties between Belgium and the Arab countries. In Libya, Belgium is helping to rebuild the country's infrastructure. There are already several Belgian hospitals where heavy wounded victims are treated. In the Flemish city of Genk, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) the Saudi Arabian company that ranks as one of the fifth largest petrochemical enterprises worldwide, established its largest "greenfield" compound factory.
