Activities of the Chamber

VISIT OF A DELEGATION FROM ERBIL (IRAQ)

26 September 2019

The ABLCC had the pleasure to welcome a business delegation from the Erbil (Iraq), headed by H.E. Dr. Dara Jalil Khalil Khayat, Chairman of the Chamber, on 26 September 2019.

Belgian companies from different sectors participated in the business brunch and discussed about the opportunities of exchange with the Kurdistan region of Iraq. ABLCC Secretary General Mr. Qaisar Hijazin moderated the conversation and praised the dynamism of the region. The delegation, mostly represented by local Chambers and company representatives, underlined that the industry is already well installed but also insisted that western technologies and know-how would be most welcome.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SECRETARIES GENERAL OF JOINT ARAB CHAMBERS

25 September 2019

The annual meeting of Secretaries General of Joint Arab Chambers was organised in Berlin on 25 September by the Ghorfa - Arab German Chamber and the Union of Arab Chambers.

The ambitious agenda covered a large panel of issues with regards to the Euro-Arab Economic partnership, in the framework the resolutions of the 1st Euro-Arab Summit. Among others, the Secretaries-General addressed the question of SME in Arab countries and the EU support program. They also assessed Chambers' services and discussed about the possibilities of further development.

VISIT OF A HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION FROM THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

9 September 2019

In close collaboration with the Omani Embassy, the ABLCC arranged the visit of a high-level delegation from the Sultanate of Oman, headed by H.E. Minister Yahya AL JABRI. The delegation was comprised of senior representatives from the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), Oman Investment Authorities (Ithraa), Port of Duqm, Oman Oil, Oman Dry Dock and Duqm Quarries. Oman TV covered the entire visit and published a series of TV reportages.

From left to right: Mr. Qaisar HIJAZIN, H.E. Dr. Raoul DELCORDE, Mr. Johan BEERLANDT, H.E. Mr. Yayha AL JABRI, H.E. Mr. Najeem AL ABRI

ABLCC-SEZAD Business Forum

On this occasion, the Chamber co-organised on 9 September 2019 a business forum with SEZAD at THE HOTEL Brussels. The words of H.E. Raoul Delcorde, Director MENA of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Johan Beerlandt, ABLCC Chairman - along with the presence of a dozen of Arab ambassadors - significantly contributed to the success of the event, which gathered nearly 80 people from various companies and agencies. The seminar “Oman, A Country of Promising Opportunities” was followed by a business lunch and a B2B session.

Visit to John Cockerill and Armstrong International

Wallonia Investment & Trade Agency AWEX kindly invited the delegation to visit our sponsor John Cockerill and the company Armstrong International on 10 September. The visit was followed by a business lunch in the Castle of Colonster in presence of Mr. Luc Gillard, MP-President of the Province of Liege, Ms. Marielle Germis, Head of AWEX Liege and the companies Hamon Therma, TD Williamson and Widetech.

Port of Antwerp

The delegation then headed to Antwerp where they were welcomed by the Governor Cathy Berx and the Honorary Vice-Mayor Philip Heylen. The Port of Antwerp - which is a key partner of the Port of Duqm - organised a 2-days forum. A business seminar presenting PoA’s priorities for the future and the opportunities of investment in Duqm took place in the famous Port House, created by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid.

Ultimately, the delegation visited the port area and attended a dinner in the presence of the Ambassador of Oman, Antwerp authorities and ABLCC Secretary General.

About Duqm…

Duqm is originally a port town located on the Arabian Sea. The Port of Duqm was further developed through a 50-50 joint venture between the Government of Oman and the Port of Antwerp. A Belgian consortium was in charge of the construction of the new port and drydock and SEZAD has been appointed responsible for the management of all economic activities in Duqm. Since, Duqm has become one of the main commercial doors of the Peninsula and is well connected to Europe and the rest of the world through a highly advanced logistic network.

The Special Economic Zone around the Port of Duqm is the biggest in the Middle East and allows the establishment of a large range of megaprojects. The zone is divided into 8 subareas : port, drydock, oil refinery, regional airport, industries complex, logistics services and residential - commerical and tourism area. Special measures have been developed and implemented to ensure ecological balance, proper mobility and offer a pleasant living environment to the inhabitants and expat community of Duqm.

LAUNCH OF THE JORDAN-BELGIAN BUSINESS & FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION

4 August 2019

On the occasion of the launch of the Jordan-Belgian Business & Friendship Association (JBFA), Mr. Qaisar Hijazin had the honour to represent the ABLCC at the reception organised on 4 August 2019 by H.E. Hendrik Van de Velde, Ambassador of Belgium in Jordan. It was also a pleasant occasion to meet with H.E. Dr. Yousef Bataineh, Ambassador of Jordan in Belgium.

The Chamber truly praises the efforts deployed by both Ambassadors. The JBFA will foster business links and further cultural and social relations between the Kingdoms of Belgium and Jordan.