Newsletter December 2018
Season's Greetings & Best Wishes
The year 2018 has been a memorable year full of important events, which provided excellent opportunities to bring together high-level personalities and key actors in trade and economic relations between Belgium, Luxembourg and the Arab world.
You can review key moments of the year 2018 in the video below.
This year was crowned with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the ABLCC, which was graced by the gracious presence of HRH Princess Astrid! This gives a clear sign of recognition of our endeavours to build bridges between our nations and it encourages us in our determination to go on carrying out our Mission.
We look forward to share other wonderful moments with you in 2019.
In the meantime, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce wishes all its sponsors, partners, members, and friends a wonderful year 2019!
2018... a memorable year!
Future activities of the ABLCC
Arab-Belgian Diplomatic Business Lunch - 9th edition
On the occasion of the Diplomatic Days, the Arab Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) is honored to invite you to its annual event ‘Diplomatic Business Walking Lunch’, with the support of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the cooperation of the law firm Linklaters, on 29 January 2019, from 12.30 to 02.15 pm.
Seize the exclusive opportunity to discuss in person with Belgian ambassadors in the Arab world, and Arab ambassadors in Belgium!
What is more, we will have the pleasure to welcome HE Raoul DELCORDE, Ambassador and Director Middle-East North Africa, FPS Foreign Affairs, and HE Riad SALAME, Gouvernor of the Banque du Liban!
Belgian Ambassadors in Arab countries who already confirmed their participation are:
- HE Pierre GILLON, Ambassador of Belgium in ALGERIA (TBC)
- HE Sibille DE CARTIER D’YVES, Ambassador of Belgium in EGYPT (TBC)
- HE Hendrik VAN DE VELDE, Ambassador of Belgium in JORDAN & IRAQ
- HE Piet HEIRBAUT, Ambassador of Belgium in KUWAIT & BAHRAIN
- HE Hubert COOREMAN, Ambassador of Belgium in LEBANON
- HE Marc TRENTESEAU, Ambassador of Belgium in MOROCCO & MAURITANIA (TBC)
- Mrs. Danielle HAVEN, Consul General in PALESTINE
- HE Bart DE GROOF, Ambassador of Belgium in Qatar
- HE Dominique MINEUR, Ambassador of Belgium in SAUDI ARABIA
- HE Michel-Etienne TILEMANS, Ambassador of Belgium in TUNISIA & LIBYA
- HE Peter CLAES, Ambassador of Belgium in the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
This will be the ideal occasion to benefit from their insights. Indeed, this event is an inestimable occasion to gain vital information about the Arab world from leading authorities and maximize your chances of business success during this Networking Lunch.
The Arab Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to meeting you there!
Don’t miss the chance to participate in this EXCLUSIVE WALKING LUNCH!!!
We encourage you to consult our website regularly so as not to miss registration opening!
!!!Limited number of places!!!
For more information, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
New Members of the Chamber
To ensure compliance with GDPR, personal contact details of our member companies are not anymore published. However, should you need specific business contacts, do not hesitate to contact us (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 02 344 82 04)!
ALIPHOS
Aliphos, part of the Belgian EcoPhos Group, is a producer of inorganic feed phosphates with factories in the Netherlands, France and Bulgaria. Our products are sold worldwide under the well-known Aliphos® and Windmill® brand names. Aliphos offers the broadest range of inorganic feed phosphates: dicalcium phosphates, monodicalcium phosphates, monocalcium phosphates, magnesium phosphates and monoammonium phosphates. Besides these products we also offer a wide range of other mineral feed ingredients like magnesium oxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium sulphate, trace minerals in the form of glycinates, sea shell products and micro-encapsulated nutrients. The Aliphos technical department gives the necessary nutritional support to its customers.
Avenue Jean Monnet 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve
website: www.aliphos.com
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CITY COMFORT
Citycomfort nv is a high-end real estate company managed by ir. Bruno Terryn. The company has a rich portfolio of clients including various embassies and expats which we support with their investments in real estate, new building projects or refurbishments in the metropolitan area of Brussels. Both the Brussels region and the surrounding Flemish region have a complex patchwork of regulations and procedures. Expats and foreign governments are often struggling with the project administration and this doesn’t belong to the core business of their organizations. Citycomfort could assist you with all your questions about your patrimony. You can count on our extended network of reliable partners and consultants to offer the best expertise. We strongly believe in transparency, confidence and personal contact with our clients.
Rue des Fabriques 11, 1000 Bruxelles
website: www.citycomfort.eu
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CODESCALERS
CodeScalers’ mission is to develop promising technology for start-up companies in cloud computing and datacenters. Our customers are high tech startups that have found with CodeScalers a pool of talent that extends the quality assurance, research and development of their organizations. CodeScalers contributed to the development of Incubaid, Amplidata, Awingu , OpenVstorage and Racktivity products under outsourced development contracts, writing and testing systems. We are now working with the team of the Green IT Globe and ThreeFold Tech to change the world of IT as known now. Our internationally oriented cooperation provides our brand teams with resources in an innovative and time zone friendly environment.
El Nozha street 72, 4th Floor, 1134 Cairo – Egypt
website: www.codescalers.com
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
LUC MATHOT GAUFFRES
Installed at the edge of the Ardennes, Luk’s factory has an experience of nearly ten years of pancakes pearl sugar and yeast dough. Thanks to its expertise, rigor and passion, the young entrepreneur offers exceptional products, ultra-fresh, made from 100% handcrafted.
Route d’Achêne 6b, 5561 Celles
website: www.galettes-de-luc.be
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PUBLISIGN
PUBLISIGN has more than 50 years of experience in the world of visual publicity. Our services cover all aspects of the publicity process, starting from small adhesive applications on window displays, vehicles, small signaling panels, all the way to complete cladding for industrial buildings. As company we are leader on the EU market and on international basis for service stations supplies as canopy and all accessories you may find in each gas stations. In this branch we have even realized some stations in Africa. We’re also a recognized supplier for one of the biggest automotive groups. Production is complete in-house which enables us to control all stages of design and construction ourselves. Investing in new machinery and keeping in touch with the latest technology. We have a spacious factory, professionally equipped with trained, experienced colleagues that provide a top service with the necessary attention for detail for each customer. Our different departments are all staffed by competent and experienced sales managers, graphic designers, technical artists and specialized engineers that work closely together as a team.
Zoning Ouest 11, 7860 Lessines
website: www.publisign.be
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
STEIGENBERGER
Set back along upscale Avenue Louise, Steigenberger Wiltcher’s has stood as a paragon of good taste since 1911. New she stands ready for the next century, with an understated, modern elegance that invites guests to relax and linger. A good place to start: one of the 267 guest rooms - the most spacious of the city - that exudes a sense of calm and serenity with beautiful views over the innercourt or the Avenue Louise. Plan afternoon adventures over sweet delicacies in the library, then join locals for handcrafted cocktails and a market-fresh meal in the cozy Loui bar and restaurant. You’re just minutes from Brussels’ old town.
Avenue Louise 71, 1050 Bruxelles
website: www.wiltchers.com
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
TRANSMARE CHEMIE
Transmare CHEMIE NV is an ICIS top 100 Chemicals distributor serving customers based in Africa, Middle East, KSA, GCC, CIS and Latin America. We have been supplying these products from our proper refineries but recently we have completely transformed towards a chemical solutions provider. We are supplying the Oil & Gas, Personal and Home Care, Pharmaceuticals, Construction, Paint, Food & Feed industry. Our sales staff is constantly trained in making customers more successful by supplying formulations, samples and technical support to become more innovative and by differentiating themselves. From our Antwerp based HQ our logistics team makes sure our customers are served providing correct documentation and in time shipping information. “We supply Chemistry”
De Keyserlei 58, 2018 Antwerpen
website: www.transmare.com
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fairs, Conferences and Exhibitions
High Level Mission of Commissioner Hogan to the United Arab Emirates(UAE) with Business Delegation
16 – 19 February 2019
European Commissioner Phil Hogan will be visiting the United Arab Emirates(UAE) in February 2019 accompanied by a delegation of senior representatives of European companies/producer organisations of the agri-food sector. The trip will combine official visits by Commissioner Hogan to the relevant Emirati counterparts and promotion activities attended by the business delegation. The latter may include seminars on the characteristics of the local market and the consumer trends, retail and site visits; networking opportunities; visit to the Gulfood fair in Dubai.
Interested organisations/companies are invited to complete the online application form by 18 December 2019 via the link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/HLMAgriUAEDubai2019
The detailed DG AGRI's announcement of the event is available here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/registrations-open-high-level-mission-united-arab-emirates-2018-nov-30_en
For more info, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
International Food Exhibition Libya
4-7 March 2019
The 2nd International food exhibition has been postponed and will be held from the 4th until the 7th March 2019.
For more information, please consult website www.tripolifair.com.
Solar Middle East
5-7 March 2019
After 6 years as a co-located exhibition, Solar Middle East will return in 2018 as a dedicated product sector on the Middle East Electricity floor plan, alongside its new sister sector Energy Storage & Management Solutions. Solar at MEE will remain as the largest gathering of solar industry professionals in the Middle East & Africa, offering the most effective trade focused platform to international manufacturers and distributors looking to meet regional buyers.
8th Defense, Security and Military Manufacturing Exhibition
Baghdad, 9-12 March 2019
The Baghdad Defense, Security and Military manufacturing Exhibition will take place for the 8th time from 9 to 12 March 2019. Belgian and Luxembourg companies interested to participate are asked to send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please find more info on www.unfco.com.
The Big5 Saudi
Jeddah, 10-13 March 2019
The Big 5 Saudi was launched in 2011 and is the Kingdom's premier and fastest growing construction show. The 9th edition of The Big 5 Saudi, taking place from 10 – 13 March 2019, will be the strongest platform for construction industry suppliers and manufacturers to profit from the huge Saudi construction market – set for another period of significant growth.
Chamber Past Activities
ABLCC Gala Dinner - in presence of HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium
07 December 2018
On Friday 07 December 2018, the Arab Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) celebrated its landmark 40th anniversary with a sumptuous Gala Dinner attended by more than 170 invited guests.
This 40th anniversary was an exceptional event graced with the gracious presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium.
Among the distinguished guests were:
- HE Didier Reynders, Federal Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs;
- HE Cécile Jodogne, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade & Investment for the Brussels-Capital Region and Minister of the French Community Commission(Cocof) in charge of Civil Service and Health Policy;
- HE Mohammed Abdo Saeed, Chairman of the Union of Arab Chambers;
- HE Dr. Khaled Hanafy, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Chambers;
- All Arab Ambassadors in Belgium.
Mr. Johan Beerlandt, Chairman of the ABLCC, who officially opened this celebration, underlined the evolution of relations between Belgium and the Arab world which is the 7th economic partner of Belgium with a level of exchange reaching more than €19 billion in 2017. Likewise, he pointed out that the level of exchange between Luxembourg and the Arab world has more than doubled in the past 15 years.
Then, the two guest speakers, HE Didier Reynders, Federal Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, and HE Dr. Khaled Hanafy, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Chambers, took the floor in turn and praised the valuable contribution of the ABLCC in building stronger trade and economic relations between Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Arab world.
After these very positive speeches, all invitees enjoyed a small film tracing the history of the ABLCC from its creation till nowadays.
The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the ABLCC was also a good opportunity to give recognition to some important people, for their precious and continuous support to the ABLCC, during an Award Ceremony presented by HE Mohammed Abdo Saeed, new Chairman of the Union of Arab Chambers, and Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary-General of the ABLCC.
Some lucky invitees then had the chance to win plane tickets generously offered by Mr. Jean-Pierre Martin, Country Manager Belux at Emirates, and Mr. Raouf Khelil, General Manager Benelux at Tunisair, during a prize-giving ceremony.
To conclude this memorable event, Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary General of the ABLCC, conveyed his special gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium for honouring the ABLCC with Her gracious presence on the occasion of this landmark anniversary. "This is a sign of recognition of our endeavours to build bridges between our nations and it encourages us in our determination to go on carrying out our Mission", he said.
He then thanked the Arab Ambassadors, all present on this occasion, for their trust and active contribution in the activities of the ABLCC. He also thanked the Union of Arab Chambers as well as joint Arab Chambers, who travelled especially for this celebration, for their continuous encouragements and the successful collaboration over the years.
Finally, he underlined the fruitful collaboration with Belgian and Luxembourg official bodies which is of key importance.
Last but not least, he concluded by saying that "tonight’s celebration would not be possible without the wonderful support of all our members, friends, partners, and our very generous sponsors"!
Belgian-Tunisian Business Forum
24 October 2018
The Arab Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) partnered with the Embassy of Tunisia in Brussels, FIPA Tunisia (Foreign Investment Promotion Agency), and the Province of Namur in organizing a business forum entitled “Perspectives économiques : la Tunisie terre d'avenir, hub pour l'Afrique” on Wednesday 24 October in Namur.
After the welcome words of Mr. Berger, President of CWFFA (Forum francophone des Affaires), Mr. Denis Mathen, the governor of Namur, and HE Ben Mosbah, new Ambassador of Tunisia in Brussels, the audience was informed about the legal framework for investments in Tunisia along with the funding and support tools available. An interactive panel gave the opportunity to share experiences with Belgian companies already present in the country.
Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary-General of the ABLCC, delivered the closing remarks of the forum insisting on the importance of developing a win-win partnership.
To bring this interesting day to an end, all attendees took part to a networking lunch offered by the Embassy of Tunisia in Brussels.
Top Reasons to Become a Member
The Arab-Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) informs and supports Belgian and Luxemburgish companies willing to export to or invest in the Arab world, and delivers the same services to Arab companies from the 22 Arab countries with their business projects for Belgium and Luxembourg.
ABLCC means organization of seminars and business trips, advice to Belgian, Luxembourgish and Arab companies, set-up of b2b and b2g-meetings, document certification, translation & visa services, publication of tenders and business opportunities, an extended economic and diplomatic network in the Benelux and the Arab world, a newsletter and business directory, and so much more.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or consult or website, www.ablcc.org.
