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Events on 2018 
Inauguration of EBBA new office Feb. 20th, 2018
On Tuesday 20 February 2018, at 4:30 pm, H.E. Ambassador of Belgium to Egypt Mrs. Sibille De Cartier & Mr. Rafik Attia, Chairman of EBBA, witnessed the opening of the new office of EBBA.
The event took place in the presence of the following respectful personalities:
- Mr. Ludo Rochette, Deputy Head of Mission in the Belgian Embassy in Egypt & his wife,
- Ms. Haguer Magdi, Commercial Attaché,
- Mrs. Pauline Barsoum, Ambassador’s Assistant,
- Beside the presence of EBBA Board members and a lot of members who kindly donated the furnishing of the office.
All attendees were very happy to have such office, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Rafik Attia & his team to make it come true.
They spent a nice time and left at around 7:30 pm.
The donors who honored the office with their participation are:
1. Mr. Rafik Attia
2. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Shahat
3. Mr. Amr Korachy
4. Mr. Shiro Sugahara
5. Eng. Mahmoud Abdel Wahab Helal
6. Mr. Mohamed Ashour
7. Dr. Atef Abdel Latif
8. Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Abdel Fattah
9. Mr. Ahmed El-Zeftawy
10. Eng. Tarek El Far
11. Eng. Yasser Abbas Hussein
12. Mr. Hani Salam
13. Mr. Ashraf Al-Abhar
14. Dr. Amir Anwar
15. Mr. Fouad Attia
16. Mr. Mohamed Aziz
17. Dr. Abdullah Gad
18. Dr. Magdi Hegazi
19. Mr. Sherif El Sirgany
20. Eng. Samir Younes
21. Mr. Mohamed Abou Shanab
22. Mr. Mounir Shafik
23. Eng. Ahmed Al-Dessouki
24. Mr. Mohamed Rashad
25. Mr. Mohamed Soussa
26. Mr. Raafat Sabry
27. Mrs. Mervat El-Dessoki
28. Mr. Nagy Younes
29. Dr. Sherif Badawi
30. Eng. Ibrahim Moustapha
31. Eng. Mahmoud Samir Younes
32. Mr. Tahsein Ibrahim
33. Eng. Ahmed Mustafa
34. Ms. Amal Maher Habib
35. Mr. Mostafa Al-Shishiny
36. Eng.Ahmed Fawzi.
Photo Gallery & Video of the Event
(Click on image to enlarge & click on full screen to enlarge video)
Opening
Seminar with Dr. Magdy Abdel Aziz - Head of Customs Authority Apr. 03rd, 2018
On Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018, EBBA invited Dr. Magdy Abdul Aziz - Head of the Egyptian Customs Authority - to act as the main speaker, along with his assistants, in a seminar that witnessed many of EBBA members at the Egyptian Automobile & Touring Club in Cairo.
The seminar started at 6: 00 pm. At the beginning, Mr. Rafik Attia welcomed & thanked officials of customs authority and EBBA members for their attendance, then invited Dr. Abdel Aziz to start his speech.
The event ended at 8:00 pm. The attendees thanked Dr. Magdy Abdel Aziz for his allowed time, help, and knowledge.
The seminar was followed by a business dinner where the discussions took place between the customs authority key persons & EBBA members.
Photo Gallery of the Event
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Seminar with. Maj. Eng. Ismail Gaber - Head of the Egyptian Imp. and Exp. Control Org. Apr. 10th, 2018
On Tuesday, April 10th, 2018, EBBA invited Mr. Maj. Eng. Ismail Gaber, Head of the Egyptian Import and Export Organization to act as the main speaker in a seminar that was witnessed by many of EBBA members at the Egyptian Automobile & Touring Club in Cairo.
The seminar started at 6: 00 pm. At the beginning, Mr. Rafik Attia expressed his welcome and thanks to Mr. Ludo Rochette, Deputy Head of mission in the Embassy of Belgium in Cairo, Mr. Hazem Hassanen - Ex Head of the Egyptian representative trade office in Belgium, and EBBA members for their attendance.
The role went to Mr. Maj. Eng. Ismail Gaber to start his speech. He kindly explained many aspects related to the Import and Export Organization and the new regulations as well as what is expected to be developed in the near future.
He promised to solve the attendees' problems with the Organization. He then answered all questions provided by the attendees in details, the thing that made the seminar a fruitful and educating event.
The event came to an end at 7:30 pm. The attendance expressed their gratitude to Mr. Ismail Gaber for his time, help, and knowledge.
The seminar was followed by a business dinner, during which discussions took place between Mr. Ismail Gaber & Mr. Ludo Rochette
Photo Gallery of the Event
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Seminar with Resident Representative of African Development Bank Apr. 17th, 2018
On Tuesday, 17th of April, 2018, at 8:30 am, H.E. Ambassador of Belgium to Egypt - Mrs. Sibille De Cartier - hosted, at her residence, a seminar & a business breakfast with Mrs. Malinne Blomberg, the Resident Representative of African Development Bank in Egypt.
At the beginning of the event, H.E. the Ambassador, as well as Mr. Rafik Attia - Chairman of EBBA - showed their welcome and expressed their thanks to Mrs. Blomberg and the attendees for their attendance. Next, Mr. Attia gave the word to Mrs. Blomberg.
The later explained many of the tasks that are carried out by the African Development Bank. She illustrated its contributions to fund many large and small development projects in the public and private sectors, and also its aim towards improving the quality of life in the African countries.
The aim of the seminar was to explain & discuss the bank's role in enhancing the economic cooperation development between Egypt and the African countries, encouraging the private sector to export to Africa, explaining the facilities offered by the bank in this regard, and finally answering interested attendees' questions regarding aspects related to this important matter.
More than 20 EBBA members attended the seminar. Mrs. Blomberg's speech was truly promising. She expressed her willingness to have a meeting in person with any of them to discuss his feasibility study and project.
EBBA community wishes to thank her again for her time and rich information & of course H.E. Ambassador for hosting this educating seminar, as well as her generosity.
The seminar ended at around 10:30 am with a promise to repeat such meetings as per members' request.
Photo Gallery of the Event
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EBBA Delegate 8th Annual Visit to Belgium Mar. 11th to 14th, 2018
The subject event was no short than a successful business trip. It was very-well arranged by Mr. Yahia El Wathik Bellah - Commercial Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Commercial Office at the Egyptian Embassy in Brussels and his assistants.
Many high-level meetings of great importance took place during this trip, namely:
- Chamber of Commerce of Liege: EBBA delegation attended a presentation about the economic assets of the Province of Liege, a presentation of the port. They also met the Mare and attended a B2B meeting with some Belgian parties, where they exchanged their views and visions about potential business opportunities.
- H.E. Ambassador Khaled El Bakly kindly held a great reception at his residence for the delegation and their Belgian guests, along with some Belgian officials, including heads of several chambers in Belgium, and others. The reception included the members of the Commercial Office and the Egyptian Embassy in Brussels.
- Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary General of the Arab Belgian Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) hosted a lunch for the delegation members. The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Amb. Khaled El Bakly. It was followed by B2B meeting with Belgian companies for business discussions and exchange of views.Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary General of the Arab Belgian Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) hosted a lunch for the delegation members. The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Amb. Khaled El Bakly. It was followed by B2B meeting with Belgian companies for business discussions and exchange of views.
- Mr. Yahia El Wathik Bellah, Commercial Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Commercial Office at the Egyptian Embassy in Brussels, hosted a dinner at his residence for the EBBA delegation.
- EBBA delegation visited the Chamber of Commerce in Luxemburg and attended a presentation about latest developments in business and the new investment legislations. The delegation also attended a B2B meeting with Belgian parties, whom kindly hosted a lunch event afterwards for the delegation.
Photo Gallery of the Event
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Meeting with a Belgian Trade Delegation to Cairo Mar. 5th to 08th, 2018
With the goal of locating real trade exchange opportunities with Egyptian companies that are working in the same fields, a delegation of more than 20 Belgian Commercial companies visited Cairo during the period from 5th to 8th of March, 2018 in a business trip.
In the morning of Monday, March 05th, 2018, board members of EBBA had some important meetings with the representatives of the Belgian companies, at Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel in Cairo, in the presence of H.E. the Ambassador of Belgium to Egypt.
At the beginning of the meeting, H.E. and Mr. Rafik expressed their welcome to the Belgian +delegation. Next, Mr. Rafik presented a brief introduction about the Egyptian-Belgian Business Association (EBBA) and the various activities of the associated members.
The meeting was interrupted by a short breakfast break, then they went to the meeting hall, where some important B2B meetings took place. These meetings were previously appointed in coordination with the Commercial Office of the Embassy of Belgium in Egypt. The meetings included some of the members of EBBA and the concerned Belgian companies' representative whom shared the same activity and interest.
Photo Gallery of the Event
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Ramadan Iftar May 30th, 2018
On Wednesday, 30th May 2018 (14th of Ramadan, 1439 Hijri), and as per costumed on this special event, the Egyptian Belgian Business Association (EBBA) organized the annual Ramadan Iftar for the members. The event took place this year at "Five Bells" restaurant in Zamalek, Cairo.
Around fifty members from EBBA and their families attended the Iftar. The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Sibille De Cartier, Ambassador of Belgium to Egypt, as well as some distinguished guests from the Embassy of Belgium in Cairo and from Taxes Authority & GAFI.
All the guests enjoined their Iftar, watching the famous Ramadan programs & series at TV in a nice family atmosphere.
Photo Gallery of the Event
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TV Interview with Mr. Rafiq Attia Feb., 2017
During February 2017, Mr. Mohammad Almazziki, the journalist from Akhbar Elyoum, has made a TV interview with Mr. Rafiq Attia, Chairman of EBBA
During the interview, Mr. Rafiq answered various questions expressing his view on how to develop investment opportunities in the Egyptian territory through enhancing and facilititing investment laws and procedures and making use of experts to lure foreign investors.
He also pointed to the good collaboration between the Belgian and the Egyptian sides in various business fields and how to increase the chance of the Egyptian products in the Belgian as well as the global markets by monitoring quality and making good researches on global demands.
Videos of the Interview
(Click on a video to view its contents)
Video 2
Video 1
Video 3
Video 4
Video 5
TV Interview with HE Dr. Mohammad Mayit - Minister Of Finance May, 2018
During May 2018, Ms. Dina Salem, the News Anchor from "Extra News" channel, has made a TV interview with HE Dr. Mohammad Mayit, The Egyptian Minister Of Finance.
During the interview, many topics that concerns the public opinion and reactions regarding the latest decisions of the Ministry were discussed.
HE Dr. Mohammad explained in clarity and transparency the necessity for those decisions and their positive influences on the prosperity of both the citizens and the Egyptian commerce.
Videos of the Interview
(Click on a video to view its contents)
Video 3
Seminar with senior experts of the Egyptian Tax Authority Sep. 19th, 2018
On Wednesday, 19th of September, 2018, the Egyptian-Belgian Business Association organized a seminar with the experts of the Egyptian Tax Authority at the Egyptian Automobile and Travel Club - 10 Kasr El Nil Street, Cairo. The event started at 6:00 pm.
The seminar was attended by the Chairman of the Association, the Board members, more than 25 members of the Association, and a number of officials of the Tax Authority in different specialties, including:
- Eng. Yasser Omar - Deputy of the Committee of Plan and Budget at the Egyptian Parliament.
- Mr. Osama Tawakol - Consultant to the Minister of Finance.
- Mr. Dr. Ramadan Seddiq - Legal Consultant to the Minister of Finance.
- Mr. Salah Youssef - Head of Tax Policy Sector - Value Added Dept.
The seminar was also attended by a group of journalists from various media to cover the event.
It was also honored by the presence of H.E.Ambassador of Belgium in Egypt Mrs. Sibille de Cartier, as well as Mrs. Marina Adel, the assistant of Commercial Attaché in the Embassy.
At the beginning, Mr. Rafik Attia, Chairman of the Association, expressed his welcome and gratitude to the attendees for their presence. He then gave the word to Mr. Ramadan Seddiq, Legal Consultant of the Minister of Finance. The later kindly explained the new taxes laws and answered questions of some members regarding real estate tax and value added tax.
After that, Mr. Osama Tawakol, Consultant to H.E. the Minister of Finance, spoke about some of the tax issues of interest to the present businessmen at the seminar. He kindly answered their questions and promised to solve their problems immediately, which gave them a great impression on his fast and positive response.
After more than two hours of warm and fruitful discussions, Mr. Chairman expressed his sincere thanks to the invited guests, the members of the Association, and the speakers, for their efforts and useful information, and wished them success.
Finally, everyone went to dinner. In fact it was a fruitful and enjoyable seminar.
The event came to an end at about 10:00 pm.
Photo Gallery of the Event
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Ministry Of Finance Presents a New Draft Law On Customs
(Article published in El Masry El Youm & El Shorouq El Youm newspapers on 22nd of Sep., 2018)
"Ministry of Finance":
A New Draft Law On customs And Its Presentation To The Business Community
"Seddiq" confirmed that there is no new increase in tax
and no prejudice to the incentives and benefits
On Sep. 22nd, 2018, an article was published in El Shorouq El Youm newspaper (edit by Mohammad Gawish) and El Masry El Youm newspaper (edited by Mohsen Abdul Razeq), presenting the important subject announced by Dr. Ramadan Seddiq, Consultant of the Minister of Finance,
Dr. Ramadan said that the current tax policy adopted by the state depends on several supports. The most prominent of these is that there is absolutely no intention to increase taxes or tax rates, nor will there be any prejudice to any tax incentives or benefits.
Seddiq added during the seminar that the Egyptian Belgian business Association arranged that the ministry of finance is preparing a draft law on customs and will be presented to the business community & exporters, the trade and industrial community to take their opinion and make proposals on it and identify their needs and difficulties they are facing before presenting it to the parliament, pointing out that the new project is based on providing all possible facilities and will gross a big jump in supporting exports of local industries.
He pointed out that the new customs law will allow for pre-notification of customs duties and pre-clearance of consignments prior to their arrival to the Egyptian ports, as addition to establishing a legal basis for electronic documents to end customs procedures. It also reorganizes all customs regulations according to the international best practices in order to boost international trade to Egypt.
As for customs, "Seddiq" said that the law included for the first time release of the penalties imposed by the Customs Authority in non-violations and customs crimes in case of payment. The Minister of Finance issued Decree No. 451 of 2018 specifying the penalties that are exceeded, which are the fines found in Article 98 for fines in warehouses.
In a related context, Osama Tawakol, Consultant of the Minister of Finance confirmed that the exemption from the return of delay includes stamp duty, income taxes, the development of the state's financial resources, sales tax, and VAT, in addition to customs penalties.
Articles Arabic Version
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Newspaper article: Positive Influence of World Youth Forum, 2018 Oct., 2018
In an article that was published during October 2018 in many newspapers, including Sada El Balad, El Ahram, El watan, and Akhbar El Youm, Dr. Atef Abdul Latif - EBBA member, expressed in details his view regarding the positive and supporting influence of the World Youth Forum 2018 held in Sharm El Sheikh - in conjunction with the 2018 World Travel Market (London) - on many of the aspects that is of direct benefits to Egypt and its causes.
The complete article can be read in the following photos.
Arabic Version of the Article
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King's Day Celebration - The Seventh King of the Belgians Nov. 15th, 2018
On 21st of July 2013, King Albert II abdicated the throne in the royal Palace of Brussels. He passed on the crown to his son Philippe of Belgium, who took the oath before the Chamber of Parliament in the Palace of the Nation. King Philippe is the Seventh King of the Belgians. King's day, the day on which the Belgians celebrate their Head of State, is on the 15th of November.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde married on the 4th of December 1999 in Brussels They have four children; Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, born in 2001, Prince Gabriel, born in 2003, Prince Emmanuel, born in 2005, and Princess Eleonore, born in 2008.
Photos of event pamphlet
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Annual Gala Dinner by the Belgian Embassy in Cairo & EBBA, at the Belgian Residence May 3rd, 2018
On Thursday, 3rd of May, 2018, the Egyptian Belgian Business Association (EBBA) held a Charity & Gala Dinner in the garden of the Belgian Residence.
H.E. Ambassador, Mrs. Sibille De Cartier and Mr. Rafik Attia, Chairman of EBBA co-hosted the event, sponsored by:
- Mr. Rafik Attia - Chairman of EBBA.
- Mr. Samir Younes , Vice Chairman & Board member of EBBA.
- Mr. Sharif El Sirgany, Treasurer & EBBA board member
- Dr. Amir Anwar - ABBA member.
- Mr. Mohammad Ashour - EBBA member.
- Mr. Fouad Attia - EBBA member.
- Mr. Nabih Berzy - Chairman of EDITA Group.
- Dr. Goerge Amin Youssef - Chairman of LUNA Group & EBBA member.
- Dr. George Ayad Hanna - Managing Director of AYAD Sons Co. & EBBA member.
- Eng. Wael Raouf - Chairman of SARENS Co. & EBBA member.
- Mr. Raouf Ghabbour - CEO of GHABBOUR Auto Enterprise Besix Co.
- Mr. Mohammad Ali - Chairman of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.
- Mr. Raouf Ramzi.
- Mr. Fatehi El Sebaee - Chairman of Housing & Development Bank.
- Mrs. Awatef Serag El Din - Professor in history, activist.
- Other respectful EBBA members.
Around 300 guests attended the party, in addition to the VIPs that honored the event with their presence.
The event started with a short welcoming word of H.E. Ambassador De Cartier, Mr. Attia - Chairman of EBBA, and Eng. Ibrahim Moustafa - Secretary General & board member of EBBA
After that, the entertaining program started with a performance of an Egyptian singer, who made it a magical and unforgettable evening.
A break for a buffet dinner took place. The evening went further afterwards with an Oriental belly dancer who performed till the end of the party.
A generous donation was granted to both funds (The Right to Live Association) and (Face for Children in Need Association). Both associations expressed their happiness and gratitude for EBBA sincere willingness to support their charity organizations and noble causes.
It was a wonderful gathering & event.
Photo Gallery of the Event
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Seminar with H.E. Ambassador of Belgium Mrs. Sibille De Cartier Dec 16th, 2018
EBBA was delighted to invite H.E. Ambassador of Belgium Mrs. Sibille De Cartier to act as the main speaker in a seminar with EBBA members, and was honored by her acceptance of the invitation.
The seminar took place on Sunday, 16th of December 2018, at 6:00 pm, at Automobile Club, 10 Kasr el Nil Str. beside Groppi.
During the seminar, H.E. was very kind to explain the various relations between Egypt & Belgium from all the aspects of view (commercial, economic ,scientific, tourist, and cultural) and her vision regarding the future of these relations.
The event was held in the presence of:
- EBBA Board
- Large number of EBBA members
- Mr. Ludo Rochette, deputy head of mission in the Belgian Embassy in Cairo
- DMrs. Haguer Magdi, Head of Trade office in the Embassy.
The seminar was also honored by the presence of:
- Mr. Abdel Moneim Matar, Consultant of H.E. Minister of Finance
- Mr. Karim Abdel Karim Darwish, Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee in the Egyptian Parliament & EBBA
honorary member.
At the beginning, Mr. Rafik Attia expressed his welcome and gratitude to H.E. the Ambassador and the attendees for her presence. He then invited H.E. Mrs. Cartier to start her speech.
H.E. delivered a wonderful and useful lecture explaining the cultural, commercial, and scientific relations between Egypt & Belgium, as well as investment and tourism and how the trade exchange between the two countries is rising from one year to the next.
H.E. also explained the correct procedures that members should follow when applying for a visa to Belgium, so as not to be rejected. At the end of speech, H.E. kindly answered all EBBA members' questions.
The event ended at 8:00 pm. The attendees thanked H.E. the Ambassador for her time, help, and information. Afterwards, all the attendants went to dinner.
It was indeed a nice and fruitful evening.
Photo Gallery of the Event
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Kings Day Celebration - H.E. Ambassador's residence Nov 15th, 2018
On Thursday, November 15th 2018, synchronized with the event of The King's Day celebration for the Seventh King of Belgians, H.E. Mrs. Sibille De Cartier, was so kind to held a gathering at her residence celebrating this great event.
A huge number of community's key persons were invited and attended this event, along with EBBA board and many of EBBA members.
It was a very nice gathering.
Photo Gallery of the Event
(Click on image to enlarge)
Belgian Royal Family Visit to Egypt - 2019 Xmas Vacation Jan 2019
Photo Gallery of the visit
For 10 days, starting from Dec. 27th 2018, Egypt was delighted and honored to receive the Royal Family of Belgium, having their Xmas vacations and anjoying the warm weather and the warm welcome of the whole nation as well. King Philippe of Belgium, his wife Queen Mathilde, and the young princesses left Cairo back home on Saturday, Jan 05th, 2019.
Accompanied with their four children, the monarchs visited the Upper Egyptian governorate of Aswan and its tourist landmarks, including the High Dam, Philae Temple, the unfinished obelisk in addition to Luxor governorate and its archaeological sites.
Egyptologist and former Minister of Antiquities Zahi Hawass accompanied the royal family during the vacation, which included visiting Aswan, Luxor and Cairo.
The king stressed his astonishment with Egypt, which he called "charming."
"It was my pleasure to accompany King Philippe and his family since Wednesday," Hawass told Al-Masry Al-Youm. "I gave him my hat, while I gave the rest of the family my books."
Hawass noted that during his trip, King Philippe was keen to wear his hat, and expressed great happiness with it. Hawass said they visited many archaeological sites in Luxor, while the king brought his own camera to document his visit.
Hawass added that he then managed to convince them to visit the pyramids, since this visit is the first of King Philippe and his family, and the proposal was welcomed by everyone. The visit was at seven o'clock in Saturday morning, and lasted for about an hour. The King and his family expressed their admiration with the Egyptian civilization and its monuments.
Hawass stressed the passion for Egyptian civilization that he had seen from King Philippe and his wife. He said that King Philippe had asked him more than 100 questions about the Egyptian civilization, and that the Queen herself had confirmed her reading of many books about Egypt.
Hawass said that King Philippe's visit to Egypt was "the best publicity for the country."
According to Hawass, King Philippe walked through the streets and entered shops, stating that he found Egypt's streets secure and safe.
(Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm)
Photo Gallery of the visit
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