International Affairs
The Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Arab Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) organized a Webinar on Wednesday July 1st, 2020.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the economic and commercial consequences of the COVID-19 crisis in the UAE as well as giving the possibilities to Luxembourg companies to meet virtually the Ambassador of Luxembourg to the UAE, H.E. Elisabeth Cardoso and the Ambassador of the UAE to Luxembourg and Belgium, H.E. Mohamad Abushabab.
During the webinar, Cindy Tereba, Director International Affairs of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, briefly underlined in her opening remarks that the Arab world is and will remain an important trading partner for Luxembourg, for commercial as well as financial products and services. Looking back over the last 15 years, Luxembourg's exports to Arab countries have more than doubled.
Another proof of commitment is the participation at the Universal Exhibition in Dubai reported to next year: Luxembourg was one of the first countries to announce its participation in this major event and was actually the first to sign its contract.
Both Ambassadors and Mr Loïc Bertoli Excecutive Director of the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office in Abu Dhabi, presented a comprehensive overview on the bilateral relations and on the economic and commercial consequences of the COVID-19 crisis in the UAE. The UAE have demonstrated successful leadership and resilience in tackling the pandemic and its effects on the business environment and ensuring business continuity.
The role of MoFAIC, the UAE Investment climate & new regulations to support businesses and start-ups were highlighted by Amna Fikri Deputy Director of the Economic and Trade Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and H.E. Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Assistant Under-Secretary for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of the Economy.
A testimonial given by Rik Vandenberghe, CEO, of Besix and Chairman of the Business Club Belgium Luxembourg concluded the virtual session.