Past Events

On the framework of the Belgian Economic Mission to the United Arab Emirates March 2015, AWEX and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce organized a visit in Liege with a focus on the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on the 27th of January 2015.

A morning visit of the Trilogiport with DP World followed by a lunch, in presence Mr. Jean-Claude Marcourt, Walloon Minister of Economy, at the Chateau Colonster, and a visit of the Galler factory in the afternoon gave the participants a clear idea of the economic benefits of the focus countries investments in the Region.

The traditional Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Economic Forum of the ABLCC, which has been organized for the 10th consecutive year on 30 November 2015 in BNP Paribas Fortis sumptuous premises, was once again a suitable place to meet and exchange on current issues without any taboos.

After a welcome note of Mr. Filip Dierckx, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board BNP Paribas Fortis, and Mr. Ghassan Ejjeh, Senior Vice President at Besix Group and board member of the ABLCC, H.E.M. Rami Mortada, Lebanese Ambassador to Belgium, took to the floor inviting us to grasp the reality behind this year’s theme “creating new opportunities through partnership”. “Because challenges are so numerous, it is really time to look for opportunities and see how to face these challenges together”.

H.E. Mr. Pieter de Crem, Belgian Minister of Foreign Trade and keynote speaker of the Economic Forum underlined the fact that “the Arab nations can and do play an important role in [Belgian] trade relations”. He added that “Belgian Economic Missions to the Arab World “showcase a high level of trust and help to strengthen the ties of friendship between our people, companies and leaders”.

The plenary session “The European Union – Arab World: Economic & Financial perspectives” provided the audience with an overview of new economic perspectives and was moderated by Mr. Fouad Trad, CEO at Byblos Bank Europe. The panelists included Mr. Nabil Jijakli, Deputy CEO at Credendo Group, who gave the audience a “World Economic and Geopolitical Outlook”; Mr. Philippe Gijssels, Chief Strategic Officer at BNP Paribas Fortis, who spoke about “the financial and economic risk in the Arab World”; Mr. Alain Verbeken, Tax Director at Deloitte Luxembourg, who introduced Luxembourg as “An attractive business ecosystem in the heart of Europe”; Mr. Sebastian Gerlach, Manager Business Development at Bahrein Economic Development Board, who made a presentation on “Bahrain - the financial services hub in the Gulf”.

The Forum ended with a question-answer session during which the potential impact of alternative energy cost competitiveness on oil prices was debated.

Last but not least, the participants had the opportunity to establish contacts during a networking cocktail, which brought the event to a close.

The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) and Malta’s Middle East Business Council (MEBC) conducted a roundtable Session on Wednesday 21 October 2015 in the premises of the ABLCC.

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Amman – 05 to 07 October 2015

Official visit to the Jordan Chamber of Commerce

On Tuesday 06th October, the official opening of the Mission was launched in Amman, Jordan, in presence of H.E. Mrs Cécile Jodogne and H.E. Mrs. Maha Ali, Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply.

His Excellency Hendrik Van de Velde, Ambassador of Belgium to Jordan, offered his valuable support to the delegation which called on High dignitaries during the two days of joint meetings.

Indeed, meetings with the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, the Jordan Chamber of Industry, bilateral meetings with Jordanian and Iraqi companies, along with onsite visits of the Royal Automobile Club, the Civil Defense Directorate and a visit to the great Amman Municipality were scheduled on the rather full agenda of the Delegation.

Tuesday 06th October in the afternoon, the delegation was also invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Tractebel Engineering’s presence in Jordan.

Likewise, the Belgian delegation was kindly invited for lunch by the Amman Chamber of Commerce, and Belgian Ambassador hosted a reception for the whole delegation at his residence.

Lebanese Republic, Beyrouth – 08 to 10 October 2015

 
fltr: H.E.M. Alex Lenaerts, H.E. Mrs. Cécile Jodogne, H.E.M. Alain Hakim, Mr. Qaisar Hijazin - Official Opening Session, Beyrouth, Lebanon

On Thursday 08th October, the official opening of the second part of the Mission took place in Beyrouth, Lebanon, in presence of H.E. Mrs Cécile Jodogne and H.E. Dr. Alain Hakim, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade.

During these two days H.E.M. Alex Lenaerts, Ambassador of Belgium to the Lebanese Republic, was present with the delegation which enjoyed a varied and well-rounded programme.

The official delegation had the opportunity to meet with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Beyrouth and Mont-Liban, the Development and Reconstruction Council, H.E.M. Arthur Nazarian, Lebanese Minister of Energy and Water resources, as well as with H.E. Dr. Alain Hakim, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade, the Société Libanaise pour le Développement et la reconstruction du centre-ville de Beyrouth (SOLIDERE), the Instutute for Industrial Research, and Rassemblement des Dirigeants et Chefs d’Entreprises Libanais.

Furthermore, the Belgian delegation was cordially invited for lunch by Dr. François Bassil, President of the Byblos Bank, then for a cocktail at the Belgian Ambassador’s residence.

Finally, to bring an end to this economic Mission filled with high-quality events, a farewell dinner was hosted by the Belgian Business Council in Lebanon.

Trade between the three countries mainly involves exports from Belgium to Jordan and Lebanon. However, this visit is expected to further strengthen the ever increasing trade and economic relations between the countries.