CCBLA - Arab-Belgium-Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce - ABLCC

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.

B2B CONTACTS WITH THE EGYPTIAN BELGIAN BUSINESSMEN ASSOCIATION - JUNE 6th

The ABLCC welcomed a delegation of the Egyptian Belgian Businessmen Association (EBBA), headed by H.E. Mr. Rafik Atia, Chairman of EBBA and composed of leading companies in a wide range of sectors and activities.

A workshop was organized along with B2B contacts with Belgian companies in cooperation with BECI, and ahead of visits by the delegation to the Chambers of Commerce of Ghent and Antwerp.

The participants of the delegation represented companies working in several fields, more particularly import and export, heavy industry equipment, consumables, forwarding, mineral resources and metals. A detailed list with the coordinates of these companies is available on the website of the Chamber (www.ccbla.org ).

The visit of the EBBA delegation underlined the keenness of the Egyptian business community to develop its relations with Belgium as a hub for trade to and from the European countries.

TUNISIA : INVEST IN LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT – May 31st

The Committee of the Regions of the European Union and the Tunisian Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation, organized with the support of Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) and our Chamber of Commerce, an important conference on the new investment climate in Tunisia.

Mr. Antonio Tajani, Vice-president of the European Commission in charge of industrial policy and tourism, underlined the EU’s commitment to the region, stressing the importance of a strong partnership especially in the field of tourism, innovation and direct cooperation between businesses in order to strengthen democracy and economic development.

Tunisian Industry Minister H.E. Mr. Abdelaziz Rassaa highlighted the efforts in the fight against unemployment as a crucial part of consolidating the country’s young democracy. He underlined in this context the key role of the country’s well-developed human resources as the engine of economic growth in the future.

Mr.Ferid Tounsi, Director General of the Agency for the Promotion of Industry (API), presented the new business and investment opportunities in Tunisia and detailed the experience of several Belgian companies working in the country.

Source : Committee of the Regions.

BUSINESS VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA (10-15 APRIL 2011)

The Arab-Belgium-Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce organized a "business visit" to Saudi Arabia from 10 to 15 April 2011.The Chairman and the Secretary General have visited the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Riyadh and Jeddah They have met with the General Secretaries of both Chambers, Mr Hussein Al Athel and Mr Adnan Mandourah.The discussions concerned the business and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the possibilities offered by the Saudi market for the Belgian companies and the support provided by both Chambers to help the Belgian enterprises to develop their relations with Saudi Arabia.

The delegation also met with the responsible people at the Ministry of Water and Electricity; other meetings with the Saudi enterprises have taken place according to the program.

It has to be reminded that the economic and commercial relations between Saudi Arabia and Belgium are very strong; in fact, the Belgian imports from Saudi Arabia reached 1,27 billion€ in 2010 versus 705 million€ in 2009, i.e. an increase of about 60%; as to the Belgian exports to Saudi Arabia, they reached 1,03 billion€ in 2010 versus 940 million€ in 2009, i.e; an increase of about 10%.

Our Chairman, Mr Johan Beerlandt, has informed his counterparts of the opening of a BESIX office in Riyadh and of his will to participate in projects with Saudi partners in this country.

At the end, the Chairman and the Secretary General have invited both Chambers of Commerce to visit Belgium on the occasion of the participation of Saudi Arabia as guest of honour in the International Fair of Ghent which will take place in Ghent from 10 to 18 September 2011.

DOING BUSINESS WITH THE ARAB COUNTRIES (7th APRIL)

The Arab-Belgium-Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce organized in cooperation with BECI on April 7th 2011 a seminar on "DOING BUSINESS WITH THE ARAB COUNTRIES" with up to 60 participants.

H.E. Dr Montaser Oklah AL ZOU'BI, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was the key note speaker at the seminar, outlining the "Political development in the Arab region and its impact on the economic opportunities".

Mr Ashraf AMMAR, Manager at DELOITTE, represented the value added of Luxemburg to investors willing to do business with the Arab countries and Mr Selim HADDAD, Manager Commercial & Correspondent Banking at BYBLOS BANK EUROPE, gave a short overview of Byblos Bank Europe, outlining its role as a partner in exporting to the Arab countries. Mr Ramzy KOPTY, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London, and International Commercial Mediator, reviewed the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available for European Enterprises working in the MENA region.  Mr Amor SASSI, Director at FIPA Tunisia, gave a presentation on the business environment in Tunisia following the currently occuring political and economic reforms. Mrs Cendrine GODEFROY, Sales and Commercial Attaché from INTERTEK, spoke about the obligations of exporters and the import regulations which interest companies wishing to export to the Arab countries.

LUNCH CONFERENCE "UAE THE MYTH AND THE REALITY, ECONOMIC SITUATION AFTER THE CRISIS " (31st March)

 The Arab-Belgium-Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Château Sainte Anne International Club, organized on 31st March 2011 a lunch conference with the participation of members of the ABLCC and the Club.

During the meeting, Mr Ghassan EJJEH, Senior Vice President of BESIX and member of the Board of Directors of the ABLCC, made a presentation describing the economic potential and evolution of the United Arab Emirates and the projects carried out by Belgian companies in the country.

The economy of the UAE witnessed exceptional expansion over the past 4 decades, driven by the oil industry and crude exports.  Revenues from the oil sector helped to fuel a massive construction boom, an expanding manufacturing base and a thriving services sector.

Oil is still the largest single component of the UAE economy but exports of aluminium, steel and textiles will probably surpass the income from oil and gas exports in the years ahead.

Mr Ghassan Ejjeh also extensively detailed the work of Belgian companies in the Emirates, more particularly the numerous projects realized by Besix.  In 45 years of presence in the country, the Belgian construction specialist made a major contribution to the Emirati social and economic development.  Working on marine and infrastructure projects, tourism and leisure developments, buildings and PPP investments, Besix realized some of the most iconic constructions in the country and indeed in the world, including the Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grande Mosque and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

LUNCH CONFERENCE WITH H.E. Mr Kris PEETERS, MINISTER PRESIDENT OF THE FLEMISH GOVERNMENT

"FLANDERS and THE ARAB COUNTRIES : STRENGHTENING THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP" (24 FEBRUARY)

The ABLCC organized a lunch conference with HEM Kris PEETERS, Minister President of the Flemish Government, on 24th February 2011 with the participation of a number of Arab Ambassadors in Brussels and about 80 people. Secretary-General initiated the lecture by welcoming the participants before turning to some of the features of the development achievements in the Arab countries, especially in the field of infrastructure.  He spoke about the role of the Chamber and its initiatives to support the private sector in these countries and encouring measures that lead to a stable business environment.  On the other side, he pointed out Belgium as an important trade partner for the Arab States and underlined the increase in trade between the two parties in 2010.

Mr Koen ALLAERT, President of FIT agency, spoke on behalf of HE Mr Kris PEETERS, saying that the ties between Flanders and the Arab World are good but could and should be better. Trade figures of the first ten months of 2010 show a significant improvement in the trade balance between the parties, as exports to the Arab world increased by 16% and imports by 37% after the decline in trade between the Flemish region and the Arab world during 2009.

He noted the success of the Flemish Economic Mission to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, from 6 to 11 February, organized by the FIT agency under teh chairmanship of the Minister President of the Flemish Governement and with the participation of 31 companies.

He explained that Flanders Investment & Trade combines an offensive growth strategy on a selection of so-called 'focus countries" with a more reactive strategy on a number of "non focus countries" because the optimal use of available resources (people and funds) needs a clear choice concerning the most important target markets.  In the Arab world, FIT focuses on Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, but wants to maintain representative offices in other Arab countries. UAE is a top trading partner and Qatar is the nr 5 export destination in the Arab world. Mr Allaert stressed the crucial role of some Arab companies in the Flemish economy, noted the sheer volume of investments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait and Qatar in Flanders and also expressed satisfaction on the activities of Flemish companies in the Arab world such as BESIX & JAN DE NUL.  He concluded to express confidence that trade and investment opportunities are available to companies of all Arab countries as well as for Flemish companies in both directions.