2nd edition, 2017
New Members of the Chamber
P1 COATINGS BVBA
Zavelstraat 7 B, 9190 Stekene
Manufacturer of the P1 automotive peelable paint used for vehicle customisation or as a transparent protective layer used mainly on premium cars and vehicle fleets.
P1 protects any vehicle from scratches, vandalism, bird droppings, stone chips, UV degradation or natural sand blasting among others. Specifically formulated for very abrasive environments like the Middle East.
It is applied by spray in bodyshops and removed by hand up to 5 years later.
Contact: Mr. Sebastian Danicska, CEO
Mobile: +32 (0) 471 39 18 82 | Tel: +32 (0) 471 39 18 82
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.p1coatings.com
AFANA HOLDING CO.
Canal St. Alzafer 9 Tower (6th Floor), Gaza Strip (Palestinian Authority)
Contact: Suzan I. AlRabi, CEO
Tel: +970 8 245 1501 | Fax: +970 8 2843 222
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.afanaholding.com
CAZIMIR ATTORNEYS
Vijfhoekstraat 40C, B-1800 VILVOORDE
Cazimir is a boutique law firm, which assists private clients with their immigration/emigration process (including visa applications/ professional cards/ nationality/ international tax planning/ estate planning/ wealth management/...).
Contact: Mrs. Evelyne Van Der Elst
Tel: +32 (0) 474 55 00 94 | Fax: +32 (0) 2 255 87 05
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.cazimir.be
KYC LAWYERS
Niklaas Desparsstraat 12, 8000 Brugge
Assistance to companies willing to grow in an international context in constant move : KYC, advice, business matchmaking, fund raising, tax planning.
Contact: Mr. Xavier Huberland, Lawyer
Tel: +32 (0) 495 519 590
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.kyclawyers.com
NSF INTERNATIONAL
Ikaroslaan 79, 1930 Zaventem
Founded in 1944, NSF International (nsf.org) is an independent global organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the water, food, health sciences, automotive and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. As an independent, accredited organization, we write standards, we test, audit and certify products and systems as well as provide education and risk management.
Contact: Mr. Vincent Boks, Business Development Manager EMEA
Tel: +32 (0) 492 97 82 98
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.nsf.org
Focus
Women entrepreneurship: the next economic challenge of MENA countries
The winds of change are blowing. Over the past decade, there has been a positive development for women entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region). Thanks to both private and public initiatives, the situation for female entrepreneurship in the region has considerably improved. It is a slow but continuing development and more businesswomen are gaining regional and global recognition. Mentalities are changing and key transformations to encourage women to create their own companies have occurred. In the coming years, in most of the MENA countries, women are expected to play a substantial role in the regional economy and development.
However, despite the increase in the number of women launching their companies in the MENA region, women entrepreneurs still face important barriers due to socio-cultural factors, access to financing, work-life balance, limited access to information and a patriarchal mentality. The efforts done by some countries to empower their women deserve to be highlighted. Female entrepreneurship seems to have progressed significantly in countries such as the UAE, Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon, Bahrain and some others.
Economic News
Arab African Economic forum in Amman
The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce was proud to take part to The Arab-African Economic forum held under the theme “Partnership Roadmap and Financing Mechanisms”. The Arab-African Economic forum was launched on September 27, 2017, with more than 500 participants from 54 Arab, African, and foreign countries.
Enhancing business environment in the Mashreq region ...
The main objective of the forum consisted in developing and strengthening the economic, trade and investment cooperation among Arab and African countries. The shared factors between Arab and African countries are “strong points” sufficient enough to establish an economic bloc with a wide impact on the international economy. Jordan is determined to develop its business environment and to enhance it in the Mashreq region, to become a “strong” gateway for the Gulf region, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Egypt’s cabinet approves new Investment Law’s executive regulations
The Egyptian Cabinet has approved the executive regulations of the new Investment Law, which provides a group of incentives, from tax breaks and rebates on projects established in underdeveloped areas and labor-intensive sectors.
This new law is expected to boost much needed investment by cutting bureaucracy, especially for startups, and by providing more incentives to those looking to pump investments in Egypt.
The regulations explain the procedures of electronic establishment of companies; controls and forms of allocating lands for projects; and the organization of work in investment, free, and technological zones.
Four Walloon zones favored for job creation
After several months of waiting, four free zones will be created in Wallonia. They are waiting for the signature of a royal decree of execution, after a council of ministers followed by a consultation committee.
Once the documents are stamped, businesses in the south of the country will benefit from advantageous tax breaks in poles that faced an economic and social crisis.
The following four cities have thus been selected: Seraing, Charleroi, Sambreville and Framerie.
These cities are linked to the painful files of ARCELORMITTAL the steel industry, CATERPILLAR for civil engineering, SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT for the glass industry, and DOOSAN for mechanical machinery. In total, the free zone will allow businesses within a 40-km radius to benefit from a reduction of 25 % of the withholding tax for any job created for a period of two years.
Hamad port is officially inaugurated
The opening of the new Hamad Port will help Qatar to achieve food security and economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. This is part of a wider plan to increase non-petroleum exports.
Hamad Port will have an annual capacity of 7.5 million shipping containers, and separate terminals dedicated to general cargo, cereals, vehicles, and livestock.
According to Qatar News Agency, the new routes will connect Qatar's ports to Sohar and Salalah ports in Oman, Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait, Karachi port in Pakistan, Izmir port in Turkey as well as Mundra and Nhava Sheva ports in India.
The existing Doha port will then be transformed into an international cruise ship terminal.
Emirates introduced second daily flight to Brussels
Emirates has introduced an additional daily flight to Brussels, complementing Emirates' existing schedule and providing a double-daily service to customers as from 29 October 2017.
The new scheduled flight has been added to meet the growing demand for travel on the route - Emirates has carried over half a million passengers between Dubai and the Belgian capital since launching operations on 5 September 2014 - and continues to grow demand both inbound and outbound.
Chamber News and Recent Activities
Roundtable Meeting: PalTrade and OXFAM Delegation
28 September 2017
On 28 September 2017, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce was pleased to organize a roundtable meeting on the occasion of the visit of a Palestinian Delegation from PalTrade and OXFAM.
This was also a good opportunity to learn more about the two organizations:
Palestine Trade Center (PalTrade), member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – Palestine, is a non-profit organization with a mandate to lead the development of Palestinian exports as a driving force for sustainable economic growth. It advocates a competitive, business enabling environment, and is dedicated to improving trade competitiveness.
OXFAM is an international organization working with communities and partners around the globe towards a world without poverty and with more economic justice.
On 28 August 2017, PalTrade and OXFAM launched the Sustainable Local Economic Development Strategy (SLED) for the Gaza Strip, in collaboration with all related national and international stakeholders.
This gathering also enabled participants from both sides to share experiences, promote dialogue, and discuss potential areas of cooperation in developing closer relations.
We look forward to further collaboration!
Seminar “Doing Business with Arab Countries”
04 October 2017
For the eighth consecutive year, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce was delighted to welcome its members and friends in the beautiful premises of SGS in Antwerp, on Wednesday 04 October.
As highlighted by Mr. Qaisar HIJAZIN, Secretary General of the ABLCC, since the last edition in 2016, a great deal has happened in the Arab World, be it positive or sometimes less positive. However, despite of all this, Arab countries remain important markets and partners for Belgium.
Most Arab countries are will to unleash the potential of their markets and are moving forward in this direction. Indeed, many of them implemented substantial measures to diversify and restructure their economies for the best.
In this context, investment needs are high and opportunities are numerous in various fields such as infrastructure, healthcare, the service sector, transport and logistics, the IT sector and many more.
This year seminar, held under the theme “Doing Business with Arab Countries: Theory and Practice”, was a great opportunity for the participants to explore the potential offered by Arab Markets.
This was done in a most comprehensive way, by giving the floor to experts such as, Mr. Sébastien HARDY, Belgian Economic Attaché in Algeria, who let the attendees benefit from his on-site expertise in Algeria.
The ensuing question-time highlighted the two-way partnership between Algeria and Belgium, as Algeria is the only Arab Country exporting and importing for the same amount.
Mr. Jozef SOMERS, Operation Manager at SGS Belgium, and host of the event, gave an overview of the “conformity of products to the requirements set in Arab countries”.
After a short break, H.E. Mrs. Anick VAN CALSTER, Director General of Bilateral Affairs, FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, who the Guest of honour of this seminar, made the audience more familiar with the role of Belgian diplomacy in promoting and supporting Belgian-Arab economic ties.
After these theoretical aspects began the more practical side of this seminar! The attendees had the opportunity to take part to an interactive interview moderated by Mrs. Evelien STAELENS, Area Manager Middle East & North Africa at Flanders Investment and Trade.
Three managers of international companies active in the Arab World and more precisely in Algeria - Mr. Daniel DECKERS, Export Manager at Van Hool/ Mr. Johan PROOST, General Manager at Ipsen Logistics BVBA Belgium/ Mr. Jan L. SARENS, Group Equipment Trade Manager at Sarens Group – shared with the audience their success story, on-site expertise, and tips in doing business with Arab countries. This interactive part of the Seminar has been highly appreciated by the attendees.
Last but not least, Mr Robby DE SCHUTTER, Trade Finance Officer, KBC Bank NV, introduced various payment techniques to ensure the smooth functioning of international banking transactions.
After the seminar per see, and for the first time in the past 8th editions, the participants had the opportunity to meet face to face thanks to pre-organized B2B meetings with the Belgian Economic attaché in Algeria, Representatives from Arab Embassies, Mrs. Evelien Staelens from FIT, and other participants.
To bring this interesting seminar to a close, the participants were invited to relax and exchange their business cards during a networking buffet in presence of Arab Economic Attachés.
Import-Export Club: GCC countries
20 October 2017
On Friday, 20 October 2017, Mr. Qaisar HIJAZIN, General Secretary at the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, was delighted to lead a working-group on “doing business with GCC countries” on the occasion of the 4th encounter of the Import-Export Club, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Walloon Brabant.
In this respect, the participants were delighted to get to know more on the services made available to them by the ABLCC to assist them in planning, developing, and managing their business in Arab countries and, in this case, in the GCC.
Participants, were also keen to learn more on the economic context of the GCC countries.
To bring this interesting meeting to a close, participants discovered the newly renovated premises of Schoeps and its packaging line.
Messe Frankfurt Seminar: United Arab Emirates
23 October 2017
On Monday, 23 October 2017, Mr. Qaisar HIJAZIN, Secretary General at the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, had the pleasure to make a presentation on the occasion of the Seminar “Your way to the United Arab Emirates” hosted by Messe Frankfurt, Flanders Investment and Trade, and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce.
Thanks to Mr. Hijazin presentation, the participants were delighted to get to know more on the UAE such as the history, recent statistics on commercial exchanges, the business environment, the business culture, along with the various services made available to them by the ABLCC to assist them in planning, developing, and managing their business in Arab countries and, in this case, in the UAE.
Saudi Arabia - Belgium Business Forum:“Vision 2030: Towards a Smart Partnership”
21 November 2017
On 21 November 2017, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Council of Saudi Chambers and AGORIA, had the pleasure to welcome a delegation of businessmen from Saudi Arabia.
On this occasion, the ABLCC organized a Business Forum followed by a lunch in presence of the delegation and B2B meetings.
Mr. Johan BEERLANDT, Chairman of the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and Sheikh Hassan Isam AL KABBANI, Honorary Consul of Belgium in Saudi Arabia, opened this Business Forum by welcoming nearly 100 participants.
Mr. Johan BEERLANDT stressed the importance of the relations with Saudi Arabia at both European and Belgian level. Saudi Arabia is the first trading partner for the European Union as regards trade with Arab countries
As far as Belgium is concerned, Belgian imports from Saudi Arabia have seen a 40% increase! Indeed, Belgian imports rose from 1.5 billion EUR in 2014 to 2.2 billion EUR in 2016, which shows a positive and encouraging evolution for the future.
Sheikh Hassan Isam AL KABBANI took this opportunity to highlight the prosperous international relationships of Belgium. Thanks to its economy and its investment environment, Belgium attracted about 33 billion dollars of foreign investment in 2016 and represents 21.3% of the total exports of the EU. Belgium is also the 10th country importing from Saudi Arabia.
Although both countries can already be proud of these figures, Belgium and Saudi Arabia will unite their efforts to enhance total foreign trade between the two countries.
As regards the seminar per see, Mr. Ziad AL SUBBALY, Marketing specialist, gave an in-depth presentation on the Saudi Export Program. Among other things, he underlined the non-oil sectors growth in Saudi Arabia during these last years.
We invite belgian business owners to participate in the implementation of the investment programs embodied in the vision 2030 of the kingdom of saudi arabia, which included many commercial and investment opportunities suitable for belgian businessmen in various fields: high technology, transports, logistics, ict, health, and education.
Thanks to the intervention of Mr. Basem ALSALLOM, Deputy Governor, Saudi Arabia General Investment (SAGIA), the attendees were given a comprehensive presentation on Saudi Arabia economic context and opportunities, and more precisely on its Vision 2030.
The ensuing question-time highlighted the genuine interest of Belgian entrepreneurs for the new vision 2030 and the Saudi Market!
After the Business Forum, participants could enjoy a lunch in presence of the Saudi Business Delegation and nurture their relationships.
To bring this interesting day to a close, the attendees had the chance to take part to particularly fruitful B2B Meetings with the Saudi Business Delegation.
This day demonstrated the common will of the two Kingdoms to expand their partnership!
8th Arab-Belgian Diplomatic Business Workshop
15 December 2017
The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber Commerce is honoured to invite you to the 8th edition of its renowned « Diplomatic Business Workshop », which is being organized with the support of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the Diplomatic Days at and in cooperation with the law firm Linklaters, on 15 December 2017, from 12.00 to 2.00 pm.
Seize the exclusive opportunity to discuss in person with BELGIAN AMBASSADORS in the Arab world and ARAB AMBASSADORS in Belgium, as well as to develop business relations throughout this Networking Lunch.
This event is an inestimable occasion to gain vital information about the Arab world from leading authorities and maximise your chances of business success!!!
The following Belgian Ambassadors in Arab countries have already confirmed their participation:
- H.E. Mr. Pierre Gillon (Algeria)
- H.E. Mrs. Sibille De Cartier D’yves (Egypt)
- H.E. Mr. Hendrik Van de Velde (Jordan & Irak)
- H.E. Mr. Piet Heirbaut (Kuwait)
- H.E. Mr. Alex Lenaerts (Lebanon)
- H.E. Mr. Marc Trenteseau (Morocco)
- H.E. Mr. Bart DE Groof (Qatar)
- H.E. Mr. Geert Criel (Saudi Arabia)
- H.E. Mrs. Dominique Mineur (UAE)
- H.E. Mrs. Danielle Haven (Palestine) TBC
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 and quickly register HERE
!!!Limited number of places!!!
Fairs, Conferences and Exhibitions
Mauritania's livestock Investment Forum
Mauritania – 13 November 2017
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Djibouti International Trade Fair
Djibouti – 03 to 07 December 2017
More information: www.ccd.dj
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kuwait Expo for Knowledge Transfer
Kuwait – 6-8 February 2018
More information: http://kuwaitkt.com/
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
International Fair of Khartoum
Sudan-Khartoum – 22-29 February 2018
More information: www.sudanfreezone.com, www.khartoumexpo.com
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The big 5 SAUDI
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) – 05-08 March 2018
More information: www.thebig5saudi.com
The Annual International Conference and Exhibition of Specialized Medical Services
Baghdad (Iraq) – 14-16 March 2018
More information: www.himeiq.com
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
4th Jordanian International Food Exhibition
Jordan –02 - 06 May 2018
More information: www.ipco.jo
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Business Proposals
Al Doha for Food Stuff Co.
We have the pleasure to introduce Al Doha for Food Stuff Co., Egypt, which is one of the leading companies in the field of processing food products and packaging in the Egyptian market.
Al Doha was founded in 1980 and since then, the company has taken a unique approach in offering high-quality products- such as Rice, Sugar, Flour, Beans and Spices - to local and international markets. The company is working with the latest technologies in order to guarantee the best quality to the customer.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Said M. Elargany, Export Manager
Al Doha for Food Stuffs co.
Address: Plot no 28 S-1, Investment Industrial Zone
11936 Qatamey, Cairo, Egypt
E-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T: +2 010 2222 6481 (mobile)
T: +202 2756 5344/46 (Ex. 205)
F: +202 2756 5345
Egyptian company interested in setting up business relationship with Belgium
We have the pleasure to introduce the Helal Star Group, an international company based in Egypt, ranked among the Middle East’s leading petrochemicals manufacturers, which expresses interest to set up business relationship with Belgium.
Helal Star Group is specialized in the production of a wide range of plastic household products including brushes, squeegees, buckets, ropes, mops and many other cleaning utensils. The company has managed to expand its operations throughout Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Ibrahim Okasha, Export Coordinator
Area A2, 3rd Industrial Zone – Area A2
Egypt
T: + 20 5544 11802
F: + 20 5544 11805
Mobile: + 20 1099 027273
Tenders
Interested in tenders or Business proposals?
The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce receives invitations to tenders and Business opportunities from its various partners on a regular basis. This service is exclusively provided to ABLCC members.
Would you also like to benefit from these and other ABLCC services?
Join the ABLCC membership today and enjoy the full range of advantages offered by our Chamber. Subscribe here.
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)
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