Past Events

Fltr: H.E. Mr. Tahar Cherif, H.E. Mrs. Cécile Jodogne, H.E. Mr. Ridha Ben Mosbah, Mr. Qaisar Hijazin

The seminar “A Wind of Economic Renewal within Arab Countries: The case of Tunisia - understanding the challenges and opportunities”, jointly organized by the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and FIPA Tunisia for the Benelux, with the support of the Embassy of Tunisia in Brussels, on 24 May, 2016, was appreciated by all the participants who numbered around 100. This Seminar was held in BNP Paribas Fortis beautiful premises which were kindly made available for the whole day.

The wind of economic renewal in Tunisia is carried by our strategic choice for democracy, tolerance and pluralism
H.E. Mr. Ridha Ben Mosbah

On this occasion, we had the immense privilege to welcome as our guests of honour, H.E. Mr. Ridha Ben Mosbah, Minister and Economic Advisor to the Tunisian government, and H.E. Mrs. Cécile Jodogne, Brussels’ Secretary of State for Foreign Trade.

The attendance of both Ministers to the seminar is clear evidence of their commitment to further deepening bilateral relations between our two countries.

After a welcome note by Mr. Andre Deltenre, Head of Cash Management & Trade Finance for BNP Paribas Fortis, Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary of General of Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and H.E. Mr. Tahar Cherif, Ambassador of Tunisia to the Kingdom of Belgium, we had the pleasure to listen to Their Excellencies Ben Mosbah and Jodogne.

Arab countries are a valuable and strong business partner of Belgium and Belgian companies are right to pursue business relations with those countries
H.E. Mrs. Cecile Jodogne

Afterwards, Mr. Frederic Du Bois, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Belgium in Tunisia, Mr. Enzo Helou, Manager, Business Development, European Bank For Reconstruction and Development, and Mr. Bruno Denis, Head of Division, Public Sector/South, Neighbouring Countries Department, European Investment Bank, shared their presentations and experience with the audience.

A Wind of Economic Renewal within Arab Countries: the case of Tunisia… Tunisia’s economy has suffered in recent months in part because of a significant drop in tourism. However, the government is strongly focusing on bringing growth back on track and making Tunisia a safe destination for foreign trade and investment. Key economic reforms are first on its agenda to improve the business climate.

Through this event, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce wished to express its support for closer cooperation between Belgium and Tunisia through trade. Indeed, Belgium and Tunisia already enjoy a deep friendship, and we believe that trade is one avenue to deepen the connections between them.

To bring to a close this interesting seminar, the participants had the opportunity to establish contacts during a networking cocktail where they could exchange with Tunisian officials and companies.

The next Arab destination on my program happens to be Tunisia, where I hope to be joined by a significant Belgian Business delegation during an economic mission that will take place from October 3rd till October 7th
H.E. Mrs. Cecile Jodogne