Past Events

Fltr: Mr. Qaisar HIJAZIN, Mr. Ghassan KHERFAN, H.E. Sheikh Ali Bin Jassim AL THANI, H.E. Mr. Didier REYNDERS, Mr. Johan BEERLANDT

As is the custom, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce has brought together its board members, Arab Ambassadors accredited in Belgium and Luxembourg, and its members, for a lunch-conference in hotel Steigenberger, on the occasion of its meeting of the Board of Directors on 17 November 2016.

This year, the ABLCC has had the honour to welcome H.E.M. Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, as its guest speaker.

In his welcome speech, Mr. Johan Beerlant, Chairman of the ABLCC, thanked His Excellency Reynders for his readiness to respond to the Chamber’s requests and for his continual support.

Your Excellency, your presence here today proves your strong engagement vis à vis Belgian-Arab relations and the recognition of our efforts to create valuable ties between our various economies and people.
Mr. Johan Beerlandt

He also expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Arab Diplomatic Corps accredited in Belgium and Luxembourg, whose continued support is essential to pursue the mission of the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and ensure the success of its events.

H.E.M. Didier Reynders then took the floor and elaborated on "the challenges and perspectives of Belgian and European relations with the Arab World”.

His Excellency Reynders condemned the heinous attacks that hit Belgium in March 2016 and reminded that it was an attack on the international community as 20 different nationalities were among the victims.

H.E. Mr. Reynders called for stronger international cooperation in order to build inclusive societies with an economic growth benefitting all.

The Arab world and Europe have to cooperate to face the current challenges and turn them into opportunities
HEM Didier Reynders

He Highlighted the fact that many Arab countries have implemented reforms to enhance development opportunities, adding that “the EU intends to strengthen its support and mobilize the available instruments to assist those countries. Belgium fully subscribes to this approach”.

As a conclusion, H.E. Mr. Reynders said that, in this changing world with many crises and plenty of uncertainties, multiple challenges are lying ahead and that the way forward does not lie in isolation or in confrontation but rather in collaboration.

We thank all the participants for coming in such a large number and for their continuing trust and support!

On 02 October 2016, a 25-member delegation comprising 15 Belgian companies from the Brussels-Capital Region and Wallonia landed in Tunis in the framework of an Economic Mission to the Tunisian Republic, organized in close cooperation with AWEX, BIE, and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce.

This Economic Mission, presided over by H.E. Mrs. Cecile Jodogne, State Secretary of the Brussels-Capital Region, in charge of Foreign Trade, was an ideal occasion for Belgian and Luxembourgish entrepreneurs, specialized in the construction and infrastructure sectors, to get first-hand information about the Tunisian market thanks to information sessions and business visits. This was also a rich opportunity to exchange with potential partners through B2B meetings and networking events.

On the first day, During a visit to the Ministry of Equipment, Housing and Territorial Development, in presence of H.E. Mrs. Cecile Jodogne and H.E.M. Mohamed Salah Arfaoui, Tunisian Minister of Equipment, Housing and Territorial Development, the delegation could learn more about major development projects in Tunisia such as road construction and modernization projects, construction of social housing, as well as the construction of a new bridge over the Bizerte Canal. What is more, we have learned that with a population of around 11 million, the country faces a shortage of at least 50.000 new homes.

In the Afternoon, Mr. Rudolf Mecs, Managing Director of Studiotech Belgium, officially signed, in presence of His Excellency Michel Tilemans, Belgian Ambassador to Tunisia and Her Excellency Cécile Jodogne, a letter of intent and co-operation for leading edge, audiovisual equipment, with Mena Media Group, Tunisia.

On the second day of the Economic Mission, Mr. Pascal Bauwens, Director General of CFE-CTE, took the delegation around Tunis in order to visit their construction sites. The Group CFE-CTE is currently working on 17 construction sites and employs more or less 1000 workers. The successful experience of this Belgian company in Tunisia is the living proof that Tunisia offers interesting opportunities for Belgian-Tunisian collaboration.

To crown this interesting Economic Mission, H.E.M. Michel Tilemans, who accompanied the delegation throughout the Mission, hosted a cocktail reception on the last evening, which was a further opportunity to network.

On 29-30 November 2016, the 2016-2020 Development Plan along with the new investment code of Tunisia, aiming at boosting the economic attractiveness of the country, will be presented officially during the International Conference "Tunisia 2020". This conference which is keenly awaited by investors represents a good occasion for Belgian Eutrepreneurs to learn more about investment opportunities in Tunisia!

Fltr: Mrs. Evelien STAELENS, Mr. David BEECKX, H.E. Dr. Yousef BATAINEH, Mr. Joseph SOMERS, Mr. Qaisar HIJAZIN, Mr. Frank HAAK

For the seventh consecutive year, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce was delighted to welcome its members and friends in the beautiful premises of SGS in Antwerp, on Wednesday 21 September, to explore with them the potential offered by the Arab Market.

As highlighted by Mr. Qaisar HIJAZIN, Secretary General of the ABLCC, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since the first launch of the “Doing Business with Arab Countries” seminar in 2009.

Conflicts, upheavals, low oil prices, refugee crisis… but also and above all the will of most Arab economies to unleash the potential of their markets through substantial measures aiming at diversifying their economies.

This year seminar held under the theme “Seeing beyond the horizon: a new economic vision for an innovative and dynamic Arab world” was thus a great opportunity for the participants to have an in-depth understanding of the complex realities that lie behind the various changes undergone by the Arab world.

This was done in a most comprehensive way, by giving the floor to experts such as, H.E. Dr. Yousef BATAINEH, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Belgium, who gave the attendees an objective analysis of the situation in Jordan and the wider Region.

Mr. David BEECKX, Senior Trade Finance Manager at BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV Belgium, presented the new digital trade finance product BPO (Bank Payment Obligation), a new payment method in international trade. Indeed, as our world is becoming ever more connected we have to be prepared for the world of tomorrow.

Fltr: Mr. Koen VAN PETEGHEM, Mr. Yaniss AICHE, Dr. Walter BUYDENS, Mrs. Evelien STAELENS

After a short break, everyone gathered again to take part to an interactive interview moderated by Mrs. Evelien STAELENS, Area Manager Middle East & North Africa at Flanders Investment and Trade, who skillfully guided the managers of three international companies active in the Arab world (Mr. Koen VAN PETEGHEM, CG POWER SYSTEMS, General Manager EMEA/ Mr. Yaniss AICHE, SHEPPARD MULLIN RICHTER & HAMPTON, Counsel EU Policy and EMEA Government Affairs/ Dr. Walter BUYDENS, VITO, CEO VITO Middle East).

Through this interview - one of this edition’s new concept - they shared their success stories along with their perspective on doing business with the Arab world. Their well-founded observations along with their sound advice have been highly appreciated by the attendees (Watch the full interview here).

After this interesting session, Mr. Guy CEUNEN, Commercial Manager Benelux at Qatar Airways, invited us to embark , the time of a presentation, on a Qatar Airways flight and to discover the “Rise and success of one of the fastest growing airlines in the world”.

Last but not least, Mr. Joseph SOMERS, Operation Manager at SGS Belgium, and host of the event, gave an overview of “Product Conformity in the Arab World (New legislation in Egypt, Lybia)”.

To bring this interesting seminar to a close, the participants were invited to relax and make acquaintances during a networking buffet in presence of Arab Economic Attachés.

In short, we can conclude that despite the recent transformations, the Arab world, although it is not the easiest region, remains a rewarding place in more than one way. Just keep in mind the PPP rule: be Patient, Persevere, and keep your Prices attractive...

The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce was proud to take part to the premiere of the “Exportbeurs” of Flanders Investment & Trade, organized from 27 until 29 June 2016 at Tour&Taxis.

The Exportbeurs, which brought together all relevant experts for international business, represented an excellent opportunity to get an answer to all questions regarding international entrepreneurship, and to get in touch with all relevant stakeholders.

On this occasion, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce also held a workshop on "Export to the Arab World: we put all our skills and know-how at your service", on Wednesday, 29 June 2016. This was a great occasion for the participants to learn more about how to do business with the Arab world and about all the services available to them. Our experts also provided advice about all practical steps that have to be taken.

The following speakers were on the agenda of the workshop:

• Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary General - ABLCC, "the Arab world a key partner: the ablcc at your service"+ "How to do business in the Arab World: cultural aspects"
• Mr. Sam Vandenbergh, Project Manager - ABLCC, "Visa service"
• Mr. Peter van Blanckenbergh, Sales Executive PCA - SGS, "Product Conformity Assessment in Arab countries"
• Mr. Wim Bosman, Business Development Advisor - Delcredere/Ducroire, "Delcredere | Ducroire – The Belgian Export Credit Agency"

You have missed this event and still want to learn more about doing business with Arab countries? Do not hesitate to get in touch with the ABLCC team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. !