On Friday 07 December 2018, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce 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 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"!