Past Events

On 15 May 2018, the ABLCC, in close collaboration with Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Embassy of Bahrain in Brussels, organized a Business Forum that have called  for closer trade economic links and cooperation between Bahrain and Belgium for the benefit of both countries. 

"Bahrain places great importance to its relation with Belgium, which has grown steadily over the years and we hope that today's event will become an annual fixture and enable us to consolidate our trade and economic relations", said HE. Dr. Bahiya Jawad Al-Jishi, Bahrain Ambassador to Belgium, in her introductory remarks. H.E. Al-Jishi called attention to the fact that Bahrain took the initiative to diversify its economy relying on its strategic location, competent national cadres, regulatory frameworks and legislation. She also referred to the recent discovery of significant reserves of oil and gaz estimated to hold 80 billion barrels of tight oil and between 10 to 20 trillion cubic feet of natural gaz, which will be an opportunity for international oil companies to invest in the country.

Mentionning Bahrain as a model of a successful trading hub, Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary General of the ABLCC, noted that Belgian exports to Bahrain have seen a 3% increase in 2017 ( from 82 million euros in 2016 to 84  million euros in 2017). And even better, in 2017, Belgian imports from Bahrain have seen a 58% increase, going from 81,000.00 EUR in 2016 to 129,000.00 EUR in 2017.

Professor Laurent Marliere, President of the Brussels Based Islamic Economic and Legal Advisory Firm (ISFIN), underlined that Bahrain is a leading fintech and start up hub, as well as a leading financial and Islamic Financial Body, and Administrative hub. He pointed up two incentives beneffitting businesses :

• lower costs of Business
• Easy entrance to Saudi Arabia

Simon Galpin, Managing Director EDB, Geert Hoevens, Country Director EDB, and Mahmood Daylami, Secretary General of the Gulf Aluminium Council, engage the audience's full attention by presenting the opportunities and facilities offered by Bharain to Foreign enterprises and businesses.

The event was attended by Belgian and European officials, accredited Ambassadors to Brussels, businesspersons from Belgium and Luxembourg and representatives from various economic sectors.