Newsletter Autumn 2019
New members of the Chamber
The Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present its new members.
To ensure compliance with GDPR, personal contact details of our member companies are not anymore published. However, should you need specific business contacts, do not hesitate to contact us (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 02 344 82 04)!
Emmanuelle HALABI
Me Emmanuelle HALABI, migration lawyer in Brussels (Belgium), provides legal advices for international mobility in terms of migration (single permits, visas, family reunification…) and capital investment or business’ and companies’ creation. Strong from almost 18 years of significant experience in migration law, she also provides related services such as ...
Rue Veydt 28, 1060 - Brussels
website: https://www.avocat-halabi.com/en/
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
#mehdibball
#mehdibball is a startup which promotes sport courts, the players and their activities. This organisation is active on Instagram through its project Bball in the sky (@bballinthesky) which is supported by BECI Starter.
Rue de Livourne 3, 1060 - Brussels
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CJ-ICM Logistics GmbH
CJ-ICM Logistics is an affiliated company of the South Koren group CJ Logistics. CJ Logistics is employing 22.000 people and having a turnover of US$ 8 Billion. CJ-ICM is a logistic service provider specialized in project cargoes, heavy lifts and out of gauge Cargoes. We dispose of our own transport material such as SPMT’s, Primemovers and specialzed vessels as well as cranes with a lifting capacity of 1000 mts. In the Middle East CJ-ICM is active in Dubai where we have in the free zone our own warehouses as well As in Iraq where we are doing port handling in Umm Qasr and having own covered and open storagefacilities as well As transport material. CJ Logistics is working worldwide with 400 offices in 33 countries and having 48.000 own transportvehicles. The Antwerpen office is managed by Peter van der Veeken.
Noorderlaan 147, 2030 - Antwerpen
website: www.cj-icm.com
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABLCC Members enjoy a 5% discount on fares with Emirates !
Did you know?
- Emirates multinational cabin crew has the pleasure to give you an excellent service on board in 60 languages.
- Even when you are travelling with kids they will be treated as our VIP’s with special attention, toys and goodies.
- With 2 daily flights from Brussels, you can connect easily to more than 150 destinations.
- With the Dubai Stopover package, you can get more out of your trip by passing through Dubai, leave the airport and immerse yourself in a dynamic city. Beyond the luxury aspect of Dubai, you can also experience local culture and wander in authentic souks.
- Complimentary Chauffeur Drive Service is offered to Premium passengers to 70 cities around the world. After boarding the comfort remains the key word, you relax and get to your destination in great shape.
- Emirates has won World’s Best Inflight Entertainment award for the 14th year in a row at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2018.
- Today, Emirates personal entertainment system offers 4.000 channels of music, movies, games, live sport and news to choose from in all classes. All the necessary comfort and hospitability are in the sky, with a gastronomic cuisine, inspired by Emirates worldwide destinations.
- The new 777 First Class Suite is an industry first with zero gravity seats, soft leather upholstery, hi-tech controls, mood lighting and virtual windows.
- You can stay connected during your journey as Emirates offers up to 20 MB free Wi-Fi within the first two hours, which is enough data to browse your favourite social networks and send messages.
ABLCC Members may take advantage of a 5% discount on fares booked by 30 June 2020! To enjoy this discount, please use the following promotional code: BEABLCC). Please note that flights must occur by 30 June 2020. Beyond that date, the promotion will not be valid. Book your flight here: www.emirates.com.
Upcoming Events
10th DOING BUSINESS WITH ARAB COUNTRIES – DIGITALIZATION & INNOVATION
2 October 2019
The Chamber is very pleased to announce the 10th edition of its annual seminar "Doing Business with Arab Countries", which will be held on 2 October 2019 in the premises of SGS in Antwerp.
It has been already 10 years that we have been co-organizing our annual event “Doing Business with Arab Countries” with our partner SGS. Every year, we try to address new issues for the benefit of the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg business community.
This year, we chose to explore the field of Digitalization & Inovation. Our guest of honour H.E. Mr. Al Budawi, Ambassador of Koweit and our guest speakers Mr. Fadel Al Faraj, Managing Director of Q8 Petroleum and Mr. Nicolas Debray, Digital Transformation Expert from the Solvay Brussels Schools of Economics & Management, as well as Messrs. Ayman Chalak (Business Development Manager) and Juan Nolet (BIM Manager) from BESIX will share with us their visions for the future and knowledge.
The Belgian companies Medicor, CJ-ICM Logistics & Settlemint will participate in a panel discussion moderated byMs. Evelien Staelens from Flanders Investment & Trade.
Mr. Jozef Somers will present the activities of SGS, introduce the audience to certification process and bring the closing remarks.
The seminar is followed by a networking buffet in presence of Arab economic attachés, which is a great opportunity to discuss current issues and meet potential partners.
Agenda and registration on our website !
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING NIGHT
17 October 2019
AmCham Belgium invites you to link up with other young professionals from international and local Chambers of Commerce from across Belgium at the sixth edition of its famous cross-chamber networking event!
We will hear and be inspired by Philippe Gosseye, Senior Director at Dell Technologies Marketing, where he leads the team responsible for driving thought leadership. He is a passionate speaker and, in a pragmatic way, he will explain how B2B marketing has been changing in the digital era. Today’s marketer must be good at telling and selling their data-backed story. Being a creative right brain marketer is not enough: we also need to develop our ‘other’, more analytical side.
Don’t hesitate any longer and come expand your network with young professionals from a variety of different nationalities, professions and industries and gain insight into new ways to give your career and your personal brand that extra boost! Registration here, more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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.
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.
Did you Know?
BELGIAN ECONOMIC MISSION TO MOROCCO
hub.brussels (Brussels Trade Agency) is organising with AWEX (Wallonia Investment & Trade Agency) an Economic Mission to Morocco (Casablanca, Rabat and Tanger) from 14 to 18 October. The main purpose of this visit is to develop further economic ties and explore the opportunities offered by the Moroccan market.
Morocco has always been a gateway to the African continent but, in the past years, the authorities introduced a large panel of reforms in order to facilitate international trade and business. They include a policy of development for high potential sectors, a stimulating environment, financial incentives, the creation of off-shore zones.
ZEEBRUGE PORT & FLUXYS
The Belgian gas infrastructure group Fluxys signed a 25 years agreement with Qatar Petroleum (QTL) facilitating the entry of Qatari Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Qatar Petroleum's CEO Saad Al-Kaabi declared: “We are delighted to sign this landmark agreement today to extend and expand our existing long-term partnership with Fluxys Belgium for decades to come. We believe this arrangement will further support our customers in Belgium and Europe in general, by providing access to reliable LNG supplies from Qatar and allowing our customers to maximise the utilisation of such supplies.”
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Qatar in Brussels H.E. Abdul Rahman Bin Mohamed Al-Khulaifi and other senior representatives from Qatar Petroleum.
Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys, owner and operator of the Zeebrugge LNG terminal, also declared: 'We are particularly pleased at Fluxys with this new milestone in our long-standing cooperation with Qatargas at the Zeebrugge LNG terminal. The Q-Max delivery demonstrates the versatility we offer our customers, with LNG carriers of all types and sizes able to dock at the facility, ample pipe gas take away capacity for delivery throughout Northwestern Europe and a range of options for downstream small-scale LNG distribution.
The Belgian Minister of Energy Marine Christine Marghem praised the close and fruitful cooperation between Belgium and Qatar, and added that Qatar provides about 15% of the consumption of gas in Belgium.
Meanwhile, the Fluxys Terminal in Zeebrugge finished the construction of a storage tank for LNG making the port a crucial hub for the transport of gas.
Source: TIJD, RTBF, GULF TIMES
DUBAI TO ATTRACT MORE PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT
Dubai has established a dedicated unit to focus on public-private partnerships (PPP) as it looks to develop and maintain a sustainable, high quality infrastructure in the city.
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, director general of Dubai's Department of Finance (DOF), said he expects the private sector will engage in projects and initiatives with the government worth tens of billions of dirhams within the next few years.
"We are continuously aspiring to enhance financial sustainability of the public sector and stimulate economic growth in Dubai. In line with these aspirations, DOF is placing key focus on public private partnerships aiming to leverage local and international private sector expertise, efficiency, and innovation," he said.
"This business model has proved successful in countries that have been implementing it for a long period of time," said Al Saleh. "Alternative financing serves as a catalyst and a conduit for the attainment of additional strategic imperatives such as economic diversification, foreign direct investment, encouragement of local entrepreneurship and industry, and the pursuit of sustainable economic growth.
"In order to adhere to the targets set out by the Dubai Plan 2021 and the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, Dubai must deliver the infrastructure required to meet the needs of a growing population, and develop the Emirate as one of the world’s leading financial, touristic and commercial hubs," he added.
Source: Arabian Business
Fairs & Expo
CAIRO FOOD AFRICA 2019
From 9 December 2019 to December 11th
Egypt is one of the world's fastest growing markets for food, stimulated by a young and developing population.
Demand for food products is high and is expected to increase in the coming years.
Moreover, Africa’s large import-dependent market provides immense opportunities for trade and investment.
Capitalizing on the region’s evidently large business potential, Food Africa, the continent’s largest International Trade Exhibition specialized in the Food and Agro-industries, returns for its fifth edition from 9 to 11 December 2019, at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center (EIEC).
Food Africa is continuously evolving and expanding to cater to the ever-growing needs of the agro-food sector in Egypt and Africa. This year, the exhibition will encompass a specialized conference and two additional components; Sea Food Africa and Ingredients Africa.
More information:
Ms. Dalia Kabeel, Local Sales
Tel: +20 2 25245187/88
Fax: +20 2 25245199
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ms. Ghassan Nawfal, International Sales
Tel: +961 5 959 111 Ext. 118
Fax: +961 5 955 361
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DESTINATION AFRICA 2019
From 9 November 2019 to November 11th
Destination Africa is an annual international pan-African B2B sourcing event for the textile industries in Egypt.
It brings together the African Textile, Apparel, and Home Textiles manufacturers in ONE place with the international buyers to strengthen the business opportunities and trade activities on a global level.
The event consists of a regional exhibition with African countries pavilions in parallel to an international conference led by expert speakers and networking functions.
Destination Africa has witnessed an outstanding success with a growth of 74% visitors since 2016, resulting in an increase in the exhibitors’ number, the exhibiting space and the number of local, regional and international visitors. Therefore, the past editions’ impact has been recognizable leading to spreading and highlighting “Destination Africa’s” name among the international buyers and exhibitors.
Be part of making Africa the New Frontier of the world's sourcing destination!
Phone: (+20) 2527 1010, Ext: 337 - 178
Exhibit:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Visit:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website:www.destination-africa.org
HEALTH EXPO IRAQ / HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE
From 2 September 2019 to September 4th
Under the Patronage of H.E. the Minister of Health and Environment
Dr. Ala ALWAN
The Ministry of Health and Environment intends to organize the Annual International Health Expo and conference- 2nd Edition, in cooperation with Business Ground Group for International Exhibitions and Conferences, on September 2-4, 2019 Baghdad International Fair.
Participation:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More information:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: +964 783 06 94 198 , +964 772 16 85 986
Top reasons to become a member of the ABLCC
The Arab-Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) informs and supports Belgian and Luxembourg companies willing to export to or invest in the Arab world, and delivers the same services to Arab companies from the 22 Arab countries with their business projects for Belgium and Luxembourg. ABLCC means organization of seminars and business trips, advice to Belgian, Luxembourgish and Arab companies, set-up of B2B and B2G-meetings, document certification, translation & visa services, publication of tenders and business opportunities, an extended economic and diplomatic network in the Benelux and the Arab world, a newsletter and business directory, and so much more.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or consult our website, www.ablcc.org.
