Economic News

Kuwait Investment Forum

Fltr: Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, H.E. Mr. Anas Al-Saleh, Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

Not long ago, the ABLCC brought to the public attention the Kuwait Investment Forum, the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) first promotional event. This Forum convened against the background of several positive developments witnessed in the Kuwaiti economy that have caught the attention of investors:

It distinctly demonstrated the Kuwaiti Government’s resolve to attract quality local and foreign investments, by creating the right investment environment, simplifying procedures, enabling a favorable legislative framework for the encouragement and protection of investment, and offering a host of incentives and exemptions, including allowing for a 100% foreign ownership.

Kuwait’s new Five-Year Development Plan (2015/2016-2019/2020) embedded these favorable developments by focusing on enhancing economic diversification, fostering Kuwait’s competitiveness, and adopting an economic policy that allows the private sector to play a leading role in the economy. As well as allocating investment expenditure around US$ 103 billion to develop the needed infrastructure in strategic sectors including oil, electric power & water, communications, transport, health, education, housing & urban development; and the development of the financial market.

These favorable developments have placed Kuwait at the forefront as a lucrative investment destination for both local and foreign investments; leveraging their value as primary channels for the transfer and settlement of modern technology, building the pillars of knowledge economy, and facilitating local SMEs integration within global value chains. These benefits exacerbated by the openness of the Kuwaiti economy, the strength of its macroeconomic performance, its strategic location as a link between the Gulf and the hinterland, and the predominance of Kuwait well-educated and talented youth, who exemplify the country’s real wealth.

The main topics tackled during the Kuwait Investment Forum were:

• Foundations and Prospects of Economic & Developmental Policy
• Why Invest in Kuwait Now?
• Modern Legislations for an Attractive Investment Environment
• Potential & Lucrative Investment Opportunities
• Kuwait- A Global Economic & Humanitarian Player
• Financing Investment
• “Future of Investment for a Sustainable Development”

http://www.kuwait-investmentforum.com/en/

Port of Ghent in 2015: seaborne cargo traffic on the up and a record for conventional general cargo traffic

Port of Ghent registered an increase by almost 2% in 2015 as against the previous year for its seaborne cargo traffic. Moreover, Ghent experienced a record for its conventional general cargo traffic. Ghent again sees its position as a bulk port and as the biggest dry bulk port of the country confirmed. The main trading partners are Brazil, Russia and Canada. Consequently, the transatlantic seaborne trade again increased. In 2015, Ghent port registered a total waterborne cargo traffic of 46.5 million tonnes, this is 2.6% less because of the decreased inland navigation traffic. Ghent Port Company sees 2016 as ‘the year of the new companies’.

Ghent, again the biggest dry bulk port of the country

With the same volume, Ghent remains the country’s biggest dry bulk port as for its seaborne cargo traffic and this for the third year in a row. Divided according to cargo type, dry bulk again registered 16.7 million tonnes. Consequently, dry bulk takes up almost two thirds of the seaborne volume.

2016: year of the new companies

If 2015 was announced as ‘the year of the investments’ then 2016 announces itself as ‘the year of the new companies’. This year, a number of new companies will be taking a concession allowing them to develop their activities in port of Ghent. Every year, Ghent Port Company plans to give out 15 hectares of land. In 2016 it will be a little bit more, which will also have a positive influence on its seaborne cargo traffic and on employment.

Furthermore, for 2016, the preservation and expansion of existing activities, a series of new investments and the appointment of a contractor – by the Netherlands – for the construction of the New Lock in Terneuzen are counted on. Ghent Port Company will charge 1% more for the mooring of a vessel and for the use of various (maritime) services in 2016. In 2015 there was no price increase.

Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company (Kemya) and Continental Carbon Company announce Start-up of a Carbon Black Plant in Saudi Arabia

Brussels, March 2016 – Kemya, a joint venture between Sabic and ExxonMobil, and Continental Carbon Company are pleased to announce the start-up of a new carbon black plant located in Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

The Kemya facility has a capacity of 50,000 mt and will primarily serve the tire industry.

Continental Carbon has licensed its well-recognized and approved carbon black production technology. Continental Carbon has incorporated the latest technical advances to this facility. The products will be commercialized by Continental Carbon Europe, under the Continex tradename.

Monique Lempereur, Managing Director of Continental Carbon Europe commented: ‘This new plant represents a unique opportunity for Continental Carbon to develop and expand its presence not only in Europe, Middle East, and Africa but also in the Asia Pacific region. The new organization, headquartered in Belgium, south of Brussels, will offer its customers with a premier customer care support combined with a complete supply chain service. The license to Kemya is also bringing to the market a new competitive source of carbon black produced by a large and reputable joint venture.’

EU-Morocco agricultural agreement

H.E.M Charles Michel, Belgian Prime Minister, expressed Belgium’s support to Morocco’s position regarding the European Court's ruling related to the Morocco-EU agriculture agreement, on the occasion of His visit to the Kingdom of Morocco on 29 -30 February 2016.

The two heads of governments hailed the long-standing relations between the two kingdoms and expressed their hope to further strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, notably renewable energy, environment, agriculture, and professional training in a variety of promising partnership sectors.

www.maroc.ma

Annual Investment Meeting: one of the Best Conferences in Dubai

The UAE Ministry of Economy is organizing the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), to be held, Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, from 11-13 April 2016, at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

AIM is a unique event to bring together, on the one hand, the world leading institutional investors, private financiers, high profile government officials & asset owners and, on the other hand, international projects promoters, global or regional business owners, who will convene to discuss the key requirements of today’s foreign direct investment trends.

www.aimcongress.com/en/

2nd International Trade Exhibition for food and Beverages

“The food and beverage industry is growing at a pace of 25% annually, opening up huge opportunities for international companies”.

From 04 to 07 may 2016, The IFP Group (International Fairs and Promotions) organizes the second edition of its International Trade Exhibition for Food & Beverages at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center (CICC).

Featuring an extensive four-day showcase that covers all the sectors of the food industry, the event provide space for the presentation of quality food manufacturers from all over the world. It will also be a premier meeting place for the food and drinks industry and a source of products for the African market. More information (cfr. Document PDF envoyé par e-mail)

www.foodafrica-expo.com

B2fair @ ICT Spring Europe 2016

The Chamber of Commerce of Luxembourg will organise a new matchmaking event “b2fair @ ICT Spring Europe 2016” on 10th & 11th May 2016 in collaboration with Farvest at the European Convention Center, Luxembourg.

ICT Spring Europe is one of Europe’s largest and most international information-communication-technology conferences hosting an array of international participants. The event is dedicated to exhibiting & demonstrating the latest relevant trends & innovations and discuss their impact on society and the working world. For more information on ICT Spring Europe 2016 visit their website: www.ictspring.com.

b2fair @ ICT Spring will offer your companies:

• two days of business meetings
• an opportunity to build strong relationships and partnerships in the ICT sector
• an excellent networking opportunity for digital leaders, innovation managers, researchers, start-ups etc.
• a possibility to find your right business party in one single meeting place.

Multisectorial Economic Mission to the Arab Republic of Egypt: 31 May – 04 June 2016

Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX), in collaboration with Brussels Invest & Export (BIE), is organizing a Multisectoral Economic Mission to Egypt to be held from 31 May to 04 June, 2016, in Cairo.

Egypt, the commercial heart of North Africa and the Arab world, has no shortage of potential despite past events. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world, 90 million people of which over 66% are under the age of 30), natural resources (the Nile, the source of unity with Africa, two seas, a deep potential in solar energy, wind turbine, etc.) and large infrastructure projects establish the era of Egyptian Mega projects.

As Belgium is Europe's fourth largest exporter to the country, our industries are very highly sought by the Egyptian market in various fields.

Multisectorial Economic Mission to the United Arab Emirates: 03-08 September 2016

BECI invites you to join European companies to explore the growing business opportunities in the United Arab Emirates.

The main sectors in the UAE are: infrastructure (especially construction and mass transport), energy, defense and security, education and training, financial services and to the person, creative industries and the media.

This mission is open to companies from all sectors, with a priority given to women entrepreneurs and women in business.

Learn more: http://www.awex.be/fr-BE/Nos%20services%20%C3%A0%20l'export/Programme%20d'actions/Pages/2016_AFPMO_EGYPTE_MissionEconomique.aspx