4th edition, 2014
New Members of the Chamber
AHLERS
Noorderlaan 139, 2030 Antwerpen
Ahlers is your dedicated logistics partner for business worldwide by offering tailor-made logistics solutions.
Contact: Mr. Hafedh CHERIF, General Manager for Africa & Middle East
Tel.: +32 3 543 72 11 - Fax: +32 3 542 00 23
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.ahlers.com
HS PROTECT BVBA
Geraardsbergsesteenweg 258, 9400 Ninove
HS PROTECT is the collective noun for an array of air-drying protective coatings that protect building materi¬als during construction, transportation and storage. These coatings/foils will protect the underlying surface against weathering, filthiness, scratches and corrosive elements that could damage it.
The liquid coatings can easily be applied by means of an airless spray gun, a paintbrush or a paint roller. After air-drying, the coating can just as easily be removed in one single motion, simultaneously removing all underlying dirt.
The eco-friendly HS PROTECT products are chemical-free and nonflammable, allowing them to be sorted with the regular waste.
Contact: Mr. Herman BERTIER, Manager
Tel.: +32 54 300 333
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.hsprotect.be
Economic News
Egypt plans to dig new Suez Canal costing $4 billion
Egypt plans to build a new Suez Canal parallel to the current 145-year-old historic Channel in order to expand trade along one of the most important shipping route between Europe and Asia.
The new channel is part of a larger project to expand port and shipping facilities around the canal in an attempt to raise Egypt’s international profile and establish it as a major trade hub.
This project is a major step to stimulate Egypt’s economy. Indeed, while revenues from the Suez Canal total about $5bn every year, the new canal is set to boost annual revenues to $13,5bn by 2023.
Belgian companies such as TRACTEBEL, DEME, or BESIX, are likely to participate in this major project.
Inauguration of Emirates new daily service to Brussels
On Friday 5 September, 2014, Emirates marked its inaugural flight to Brussels in Belgium; Brussels being the airline’s 145th destination. The new daily service will see up to 16,000 Emirates customers traveling on the Boeing 777-200LR between Dubai and Brussels each month.
Emirates is the third Golf company to land in Brussels, after Etihad and Qatar Airways.
These three companies, which are already among the top 5 world’s leading airlines, enjoy a growing success; paving the way for gulf countries to become the new centre of air traffic worldwide.
Delcredere/Ducroire: Country Risk Assessment
The Belgian public credit insurer, the Office national Delcredere/Ducroire has published an elaborate analysis about Tunisia Risk assessment. The study can be accessed via the following link: http://www.delcredereducroire.be/newsletter/en/cra/54537/cra-tunisia-june2014.
Qatar Airways wins World’s Best Business Class for the third time
Qatar Airways, member and sponsor of the ABLCC, has been recognized in three of the top awards at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards. In total, Qatar Airways won three awards - World’s Best Business Class for the third time and second year in a row; Best Airline in the Middle East for the eighth time; and Best Business Class Airline Lounge for the second time consecutively. The awards further cement Qatar Airways’ reputation as the world’s ultimate Five-Star carrier and are the result of its dynamic growth in recent years.
From Brussels, onboard its state-of-the-art new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Qatar Airways offers 22 fully flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration, with direct access to the aisle at each seat. Learn more.
News from Our Members
Ras Al Khaima Free Trade Zone welcomes a new tenant
Ras Al Khaima Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), one of the fastest-growing and cost-effective free zones in the UAE, is glad to announce that PGS Group, the French and Belgian-based, global manufacturer of wooden pallets, has expanded its operations into the Middle East by setting up a subsidiary in the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone.
The company chose to open PGS Middle East FZE in the RAK Free Trade Zone after reviewing the free zone’s strategic geographical location, top-notch facilities, award-winning business set-up services and substantially lower company set-up costs, which will allow the business to maximize its return on investment.
Direct Way : Official ground transportation partner of Emirates
Direct Way has been appointed as the official ground transportation partner of Emirates in Belgium. Direct Way offers ground transportation to the Emirates First and Business Class passengers across Belgium, the French, and the Netherlands borders.
EBBA Gala Dinner
EBBA is now preparing for its Annual GALA Dinner Party, which will take place on 13th November, 2014, under thepatronage of H.E. Ambassador of Belgium who kindly accepted to host the party at his residence garden.
A Belgian orchestra consisting of around 30 musicians (Saxophone players) will perform during the party, in addition to another Arabic program.
The income of the charity party will be donated to a chosen Charity Association according to its possibilities and needs.
KAMAL Exchange Co. L.L.C
September 2014 marks the second anniversary of the Western Union Business Solutions' services through Kamal Exchange Co. L.L.C in Jordan. A successful second year of operations has been achieved in the field of cross-border business-to-business payment service to support Small and Medium Enterprises sector.
Kamal Exchange Co.L.L.C the sole agent for Western Union Business solutions in Jordan has made great efforts at the market with rapidly growing number of registered customers, thanks, to Jordanian business groups and organizations that interacted clearly with the services provided for the benefit of overall economy of Jordan.
Kamal Exchange Co.L.L.C expects that the number of actively trading customer will increase in the next year due to expanding service to include transfer for overseas students.
IFP Group announces two new events in Egypt: “Food Africa” and “Project Egypt”
The IFP Group (International Fairs and Promotions) announced the inauguration of its first subsidiary in Egypt on 18 July 2014 during a celebration and a gala dinner held at under the auspices of the Egypt’s Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade at Fairmont Nile City - Magenta Ballroom.
Establishing its Egyptian subsidiary reflects IFP’s vision of the potentials that the Egyptian and the African markets offer. In cooperation with Konzept Exhibitions & Event Management, IFP Egypt will launch two events in 2015, “Food Africa”, the international commercial exhibition for foods and drinks, as well as “Project Egypt” the international commercial exhibition for building materials techniques and environmental protection.
ConMEC helps innovative Belgian company breakthrough in the Middle East
From market analyses and legal requirements to establishing initial contact and providing guidance and support, ConMEC are experts in the development of business opportunities in the Middle East. Hence, the Belgian company I-CARE took advantage of the services offered by ConMEC and solicited them to act as an agent on their behalf.
‘It’s not just about asking whether it’s a good idea to launch your product in the Middle Eastern markets. You need to look at the steps you have to take to actually get there,’ explains Sam Verdonck, Business Development Manager at ConMEC.
For other companies wanting to replicate the success I-CARE is enjoying in the Middle East, ConMEC will be collaborating with Etihad Airways and Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce to organise their second seminar on business and export opportunities in the Middle East in the first quarter of 2015.
TCS repairs severely damaged vessel
TCS carried out necessary repair on a severely damaged vessel which collided with a 1650-tonne harbour crane. The necessary parts were manufactured in TCS’s workshop in Houthalen (Belgium) and then shipped to Port Said (Egypt). On-site repairs, including the crane movement operation, took 14 weeks and the crane was taken back into service in July.
MedicCleanAir: reached 1 million Euro Turnover in Saudi Arabia
MedicCleanAir, which specializes in air purification and in negative/positive pressure rooms, is now supplying to over 40 hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and thanks to their Saudi partner – Dr. Hassan Alkas of Banaja Medical Company – their yearly turnover in the Kingdom has passed the 1 million Euro.
MedicCleanAir will participate to the Patient Safety event in Dubai from 16 to 18 September 2014.
Karsam: Ethno Tendance Fashion Weekend Brussels
KinaMania, a new division of Karsam founded in 2013 by Kristina Zouein, will be showing its Spring Summer 2015 shoe-wear collection - for men, women, and children - at the Ethno Tendance Fashion Weekend Brussels on October 10th, 11th and 12th. This show is a unique international event in Belgium centered on the arts, ethical fashion and ethnic solidarity. The event will take place in the Hotel de la Poste from Tour & Taxis during the official Belgian month of fashion, organized by MAD (Mode And Design Center).
Focus on Kuwait
Kuwait is a country embarking on the road to a prosperous future. In february 2010, as per the directions of His Higness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, the National Assembly of Kuwait approved a five-year development plan in order to further develop the country. This five-year plan comprises a long-term plan, the State Vision Kuwait 2035. By eliminating the difficulties for local and international investors, reducing bureaucratic restrictions, as well as enacting new laws to protect and encourage investments, among others, the State of Kuwait intends to attract new investments and become a financial and economic hub in the region and the world.
In order to fulfill these plans significant investments such as a new business hub, the Silk City at Subiyah, the construction of a major deep-sea container port at the Shatt Al Arab, new railway and metro systems, the establishment of new cities to host the increasing population, are to be undertaken. Moreover, the oil and gas sector will also be modernized in order to raise production capacity. Indeed, petroleum accounts for approximately 60 per cent of Kuwait's GDP, 95 per cent of export revenues (OPEC).
A strategic location
Kuwait, which is bordering three major markets (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia), enjoys a strategic geographical location. Major cities are the capital, Kuwait City, together with Jahrah, while the main residential and business areas are Salmiya and Hawalli and the main industrial area is Shuwaikh.
Kuwait is a wealthy country with approximately 3.5 million people, of whom approximately 1.3 million are non-nationals (worldpopulationreview). The official language is Arabic. However, English is also widely used as a business language. Nearly 98% of the population in Kuwait is urbanized, and about 83% of the total population resides in the capital, Kuwait City.
Investment opportunities for Belgian and Luxembourg companies
Oil & Gas:
Kuwait is home to one of the largest oil reserves in the world and a major player in the global energy market. The authorities are looking to increase oil production to 4 million barrels per day by 2020.
Construction :
Kuwait has several large construction projects including the silk city, Boubyan Island, Metlaa Township, and Al-Khiran Pearl City. These projects provide opportunities for foreign investors in terms of development planning, construction contracting and facilities management.
Financial Services:
The Kuwaiti financial system is well developed which makes it an attractive destination for foreign institutions to offer specialized services.
Healthcare:
Kuwait has the 3rd largest total healthcare expenditures in the GCC. Since efforts are made to open the sector to private and foreign investments, private sector investments are expected to reach $1.8bn by 2016.
Transport:
Kuwait is developing major air, road, rail, and maritime infrastructure projects in order to increase passenger transport activity and provide opportunities for foreign investment.
Eduction:
It is a central part of the government’s strategy which includes 31 projects such as establishing an educational TV station, using personal computers, smart boards and other relevant technologies. At the same time, there are developments in the private sector to create private schools and universities.
Tourism:
The number of tourists is expected to grow from 305,000 in 2012 to 491,000 by 2022, creating need for greater hotel capacity.
Power:
According to Oxford Business group Kuwait has 5 power plants which can generate an installed capacity of 12,500MW. The country plans to create a further 10,000 MW of capacity until 2015 to deal with the rising energy consumption.
Did you know ?
- Kuwait has the world’s highest value currency, the Kuwaiti Dinar : 1KWD = 2.65€
- Commercial export of crude oil began in 1946
- Failaka Island, which history dates back to the early stone age, is considered the most beautiful of Kuwait’s Islands.
- To open a business in Kuwait you need to go through 12 procedures and expect 35 days to do so
Investment-friendly regulations
In 2001, the Kuwait Foreign Investment Bureau was established to coordinate Kuwait direct investment agenda. In an effort to facilitate and encourage foreign investment in Kuwait, new measures have been introduced.
Hence, foreign investors enjoy several benefits such as:
- Up to 100% equity ownership in 14 sectors including infrastructure projects (water, power, waste water treatment or communications); investment and exchange companies; insurance companies; information technology and software development; hospitals and pharmaceuticals; air, land and sea freight; tourism, hotels, and entertainment; housing projects and urban development.
- A 15% flat rate tax
- Partial or full custom duties exemptions
- Guarantees against nationalization or expropriation
Kuwait investments in Belgium and Luxembourg
Through the years, Kuwait National petroleum Company has made important investments in Belgium and Luxembourg. Indeed, Kuwait Petroleum, which made the strategic decision to invest in Belgium, is nowadays one of the biggest players on the Belgian fuel market.
Likewise, established in 1905, the Antwerp blending plant is at the heart of q8 oils’ European operations.
Furthermore, since early May 2014, Kuwait Petroleum International has opened its first highway site in Capellen, Luxembourg. This is Q8’s largest site ever as well as the third largest site worldwide
More information on regulations, procedures and concrete investment opportunities
Visit:
• www.kfib.com.kw
• www.kuwait.doingbusinessguide.co.uk
• www.brussels-in-kuwait.irisnet.be
Contact:
• Kuwait investment Authority: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Kuwait Fund for development: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Belgian Embassy in Kuwait: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Kuwait Embassy in Belgium: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Economic and Commercial Attaché – Mr. Mounif Kilani: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Upcoming Events
25 September 2014
Doing Business With Arab Countries: Theory & Practice
The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and their sponsor SGS Belgium, are pleased to invite you to the fifth edition of their yearly seminar entitled “Doing business with Arab countries”, on Thursday September 25, 2014. This seminar will be held in the premises of SGS from 14h30 to 17h15 and will be followed by a networking buffet.
Where? In the premises of SGS (87, Noorderlaan – 2030 Antwerp)
When? from 14h30 to 17h15
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
19 November 2014
9th Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Economic Forum
Over the years, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Economic Forum has become a not-to-miss event on the calendar of the ABLCC. The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the General Union of Arab Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries, is thus pleased to invite you to its 9th Economic Forum on 19 November 2014.
The Forum, which brings together decision makers, government officials, diplomats, business executives, investors, and professional organizations from Belgium, Luxembourg, the EU, and Arab countries, seeks to strengthen commercial relations as well as to promote investment projects and partnerships in various key economic sectors.
This year, the guest of honor will be the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. As a matter of fact, in addition to enjoying a strategic location, Jordan has experienced significant economic growth over the last decades. The kingdom thus presents ample investment opportunities for Belgian and Luxembourg companies seeking to conduct business in the Arab world.
In the framework of this Economic Forum, the following themes are to be addressed:
- Business opportunities in Jordan
- Energy and water sustainability
- Logistic and infrastructure investments
- Banking and Finance
Do not forget to mark your calendar and make sure to attend this major event!
More detailed information coming soon
07 – 12 December 2014
Economic Mission to the Kingdom of Morocco
The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, in close cooperation with the regional foreign trade agencies (AWEX, BIE and FIT), and the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, is organizing a multi-sectoral Economic Mission to the Kingdom of Morocco from 07 to 12 December 2014.
In addition to official sessions, meetings with the Casablanca and Rabat Chamber of Commerce, and B2B meetings, individual rendezvous will be organized by the Economic Attachés in Morocco Ms. Conny Van Wulpen (FIT This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Mr. Takis Kakayannis (AWEX and Brussels Export, awex @ menara.ma).
More information: http://www.ablcc.org/news-events/upcoming-events/353-economic-mission-to-the-kingdom-of-morocco
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Annoucements
MFO Group
MFO is launching a new concept of luxury residences for senior people with services.
MFO Group is looking for financial partners for their projects.
For further information and a complete description of the projects, please contact:
Mr. Joël MURCIA, CEO
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.risus-group.com
SMI
SMI, a manufacturer of absorbable and non absorbable sterile surgical sutures with and without needle, offers a complete range of surgical sutures of more than 1000 different products.
SMI seeks co-operation with well-established companies to undertake the promotion and distribution of SMI products in their country.
Medicor International
Nemoto/Medicor, a Japanese & Swiss company leadership in the medical imaging contrast media injection product, launches two new products:
1. SMARTSHOT ALPHA: Single Head injector that can be used together with low budget scanners as well with High END scanners.
2. DUAL SHOT ALPHA 7: Dual Head injector, a flagship product that will change the way of injecting contrast media, this injector will be used for the high END scanners (especially Cardiac and Neurology).
More information: www.medicor-international.com
Business Proposals
Tender: Ministry of Oil – Iraqi Drilling Company
Iraqi Drilling Company, an Iraqi Ministry of Oil establishment, invites to bid for the supply of: two imported and furnished Oil field camps (not locally manufactured) in accordance with the conditions and specifications, which can be obtained from the materials & Purchasing Committee headquarters in Baghdad.
Tender No: IDC/2014/2Camps-140P
Contact:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Interested in other tenders or Business proposals?
The ABLCC now sends tenders and business proposals directly to ABLCC members via e-mail.
Would you also like to benefit from these and other ABLCC services? You can. Become a member and enjoy the full range of advantages offered by the ABLCC.
Brochure and subscription form
Brochure en inschrijvingsformulier
Brochure et demande d’adhésion
مزايا الانضمام لعضوية الغرفة و طلـب انتســـاب الغرفة
You are welcome to return the completed form to us by e-mail (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or fax (32 2 347 57 64).
يرجى إعادة الاستمارة لنا بعد تعبئتها بشكل كامل بالبريد الالكتروني (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
أو بالفاكس (32 2 347 57 64)
Fairs, Conferences and Exhibitions
First International Exhibition of Najaf for Machines, Mechanisms Vehicles, and Equipment
Najaf (Irak) – 01-04 September 2014
More information: www.goldenfalconfairs.com
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Health and Life 2014 International Forum
Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt) – 11-13 September 2014
More information: www.ihl-forum.com or www.samaha-events.com
/ Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Patient Safety Middle East
Dubai (United Arab Emirates) – 16-18 September 2014
More information: http://www.patientsafety-me.com/
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Arab Women Leaders in Leadership and Business Summit
Dubai (United Arab Emirates) – 22 -23 September 2014
More information: http://micequotient.com/the-arab-women-in-leadership-and-business-summit/
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2nd GCC Businesswomen Forum & Exhibition
Bahrain – 15-16 October 2014
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
6th edition of the Business and Technology Exchange
Tunis (Tunisie) – 16-18 October 2014
More information: www.catapi.tn
Contact: 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.
Energy Iraq 2014
Erbil (Iraq) – 20-23 October 2014
More information: http://www.elenex-iraq.com/Erbil/home.php
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Project Iraq 2014
Erbil (Iraq) – 21-24 October 2014
More information: www.project-iraq.com/Erbil
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Iraq Agrofood
Erbil (Iraq) – 17-20 November 2014
More information: http://www.iraqagrofood.com
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
12ième Salon International des Travaux Publics 2014
Alger (Algeria) - 19-23 November 2014
More information: www.safex.dz
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Baghdad Motor Show
Baghdad (Iraq) – 04-07 December 2014
More information: www.motorshow-baghdad.com
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The plastics, petrochemical, cosmetics, detergents, printing Exhibition
Erbil (Iraq) – 16-19 December 2014
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
32nd Session of International Fair of Khartoum
Khartoum (Sudan) – 21-28 January 2015
More information: www.ifksudan.com
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
40th Edition of the Arab Health Exhibition
Dubai (United Arab Emirates) – 26-29 January 2015
More information: http://www.arabhealthonline.com/ or http://www.awex.be/fr-BE/Nos%20services%20%C3%A0%20l%27export/Programme%20d%27actions/Pages/2015-AFPMO-EAU-ArabHealth.aspx
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Medicare Iraq Erbil
Erbil (Iraq) – 11-13 May 2015
More information: www.iraqmedicare.com
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
New ABLCC Services
Visa Service and Registration of Documents for Saudi Arabia
The Chamber is delighted to provide a visa service to Belgian and Luxembourgish citizens and persons legally residing in Belgium or Luxembourg who want to undertake business travels to, or work in, Saudi Arabia. You are welcome to contact the Chamber for more information on the visa obtainment procedure.
Fees for visa service: €50 (VAT not included)
Member advantage: ABLCC members can simply drop off and pick up their documents at the Chamber within 48 hours, or have them sent to them by mail, and save valuable time. For ABLCC members, the Chamber takes care of the document certification at the Saudi Embassy. The ABLCC is not responsible for any possible delays in visa issuance.
Since recently, the ABLCC is also authorized by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to register all documents for which you have to obtain legalization at the Saudi Consulate in Brussels.
Fees for document registration: €10 members - €15 non-members (VAT not included)
Don’t hesitate to contact us for information on the visa obtainment and/or document registration process.
Tel.: +32 (0)2 344 82 04 – E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facilitation of Business Cooperation through the EEN Business Cooperation Database
Looking for business contacts in the Arab world? The ABLCC is your first point of contact! Over the years, the ABLCC has managed to develop a strong network in the Arab world comprising businesses, officials, diplomats, trade associations, financial institutions and chambers of commerce on all levels.
Thanks to Enterprise Europe Brussels, the ABLCC can now also offer its members access to the Business Cooperation Database of Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), one of the world’s largest tools for business matchmaking. Contact us to obtain your Business Co-operation Proposal Form and have your company profile published in the EEN Business Cooperation Database. The kind collaboration of BECI/Enterprise Europe Brussels enables us to send you the expressions of interest of companies established in the Arab world for your company profile.
More information:www.brusselsnetwork.be (Enterprise Europe Brussels)
Contact us atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Would you also like to benefit from these and other ABLCC services? You can. Become a member and enjoy the full range of advantages offered by the ABLCC.
Brochure and subscription form
Brochure en inschrijvingsformulier
Brochure et demande d’adhésion
مزايا الانضمام لعضوية الغرفة و طلـب انتســـاب الغرفة
You are welcome to return the completed form to us by e-mail (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or fax (32 2 347 57 64).
يرجى إعادة الاستمارة لنا بعد تعبئتها بشكل كامل بالبريد الالكتروني (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
أو بالفاكس (32 2 347 57 64)