The event is held in English

Beci's Hello World event highlights business opportunities in the Arab countries

The Arab world presents one of the most promising export opportunities for Belgian companies looking to expand beyond European borders. With over 450 million inhabitants across 22 countries, its proximity to Europe and historical ties with countries like France, the UK, Italy, and Spain make it a vital and accessible region for trade and business. The economic landscape of the Arab world is diverse, ranging from oil-rich Gulf states to rapidly developing North African economies. Despite disparities among these countries, the region offers great potential for businesses across multiple sectors.

Belgium's trade with the Arab world has grown significantly in recent years. In 2022, Belgian exports to Arab countries accounted for 15.6 billions of euros, primarily in sectors such as equipment and machinery, chemicals, food. Arab countries, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), have become key partners for Belgian industries, contributing significantly to Belgium's export revenues (Source: BFTA, BFTA, ABLCC).

To help Belgian businesses explore the rich opportunities in the Arab countries, on 20 November BECI is organizing an insightful event in cooperation with our members - the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) and BAB Consult. The event will provide you with a deeper understanding of the economic landscape, cultural nuances, and strategic advantages of the Arab countries.

Why do the Arab countries ​markets matter for Belgium?

• Belgian-Arab trade relations: Arab countries represent a key growth market, with Belgian exports to the region exceeding €15 billion annually
• Strategic sectors: Sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and agribusiness are thriving, with high demand for Belgian expertise and goods.
• Growing demand for Belgian products: Arab markets are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions, technology innovations, and advanced manufacturing, areas where Belgian companies excel
• Easiness of market access: Geographical location (neighbouring countries), common business culture, and open market policy (with few trade barriers) are the major assets of these countries

Who should attend?

Public and private companies, SMEs, consultants, business developers, neo-exporters

• dealing with international business;
• engaged in international trade
• looking to explore new markets and expand into the Arab region
• seeking a deeper understanding of business dynamics in the region

 What will you learn?

• Is it worth entering the Arab markets?
• Dos and don’ts for approaching these markets successfully
• Navigating stereotypes and understanding cultural amalgams to enhance business success.

AGENDA

14:00 - 14:10  Welcome and Introduction by Beci


14:10 - 14:30   Panorama of the Belgian Trade with the Arab World
Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary General of the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, ABLCC


• Historical overview
• Trade statistics
• Key markets and sectors
• Strengths and growth areas
  


14:30 - 14:45  Insights into diplomatic and economic relations between Belgium and the Arab world.
H.E. François Cornet d’Elzius, Director MENA Region at the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation


14:45 - 15:05  Technical Insights

• Risk Coverage. Nabil Jijakli, CEO of Credendo
• Standards and Certifications. Steven Martens, Team Lead TFS at SGS
  


15:05 - 15:25 Cultural Dimension in the Commercial Approach to Doing Business in Arab Markets
​Mounif Kilani, BAB Consult


15:25 - 16:00 Panel Discussion, Testimonials, Q&A


16:15 - 17:00 Networking

Language

The event is held in English

Participation

Free of charge; registration is mandatory

Speakers

Qaisar Hijazin

​Secretary General or the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce

Qaisar Hijazin started his career at the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) more than 40 years ago, first as Head of External relations, then Deputy Secretary General, and for the last 12 years as the Secretary General. Mr Hijazin led and participated in numerous conferences and studies on the Arab-Belgian relations, and also headed various economic missions to the Arab countries.

The ABLCC, created in 1978, plays an active role in the development and consolidation of the economic relations and establishing economic partnership between Belgium, Luxembourg and the Arab countries.

​Mounif Kilani

CEO of Halal Food Council of Europe (HFCE), a Brussels based company; Founder of BAB Consult Belgium

Mounif Kilani is the  CEO of Halal Food Council of Europe (HFCE), a Brussels based company, and the Founder of BAB Consult Belgium, a consultancy and business development office specializing in fostering business relations between Belgium and Arab countries. Expert in international commercial relations with more than 30 years’ experience as Economic & Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Belgium in GCC countries and in the United Kingdom, and Head or research at Arab-Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Brussels. Board member of several associations active in diversity and intercultural fields.

Mounif served in different positions focusing on international business, i.e. teacher, translator/interpreter, Passengers Sales Supervisor at Saudia Arabian Airlines in Brussels, and Executive Manager at Coprabel (Wavre). In this capacity, he is a keynote speaker and debate moderator for several events dedicated to foreign trade and intercultural relations.

Mounif Kilani holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from UCLouvain, Belgium.