Arab-British Business Volume 40 Issue 1 April 2016 Monthly bulletin of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce
OPPORTUNITIES IN QATAR
A forthcoming event at the ABCC will look at emerging opportunities in Qatar. See page 11
HELPING TRADE FLOW
Europe Arab Bank is uniquely positioned to help your business take advantage of Europe and North America trade flow and investment opportunities in MENA. As part of the Arab Bank Group, with the largest banking network in the Arab region, you gain seamless access to 16 MENA countries and a network of 600 branches around the world. Learn more: www.eabplc.com +44 (0)20 7315 8500 Š Europe Arab Bank plc 2015 All Rights Reserved. Registered in England and Wales number 5575857. Registered Office: 13-15 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AD. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Not all products and services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
CHAMBER NEWS
NEW MEMBERS Arona St James Solicitors
63 St James Street E17 7PJ Contact: Ms Arona Sarwar LLB Tel: +44(0)20-3757 8670 Email: arona@aronastjames.co.uk Website: www.aronastjames.co.uk Law firm specialised in child abduction, divorce and immigration law
Beta Securities S A
Monthly bulletin of the A-BCC Editorial Team Abdeslam El-Idrissi Cliff Lawrence David Morgan Dr Yasmin Husein Arab-British Chamber of Commerce 43 Upper Grosvenor Street London W1K 2NJ Tel: +44 (0) 20 7235 4363 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7245 6688 d.morgan@abcc.org.uk (English Editorial) y.husein@abcc.org.uk (Arabic Editorial)
29 Alexandras Ave GR Athens 114 73 GREECE Contact: Ms Nadia Iglezi Tel: +30 210 64 78 900 Email: info@beta.gr Website: www.beta.gr Acts as a clearing broker for the Bank of Attica, using the bank’s network of branches all over Greece
Eventology (Muslim Lifestyle Show)
2nd Floor Park House 1-4 Park Terrace The Avenue WORCESTER PARK Surrey KT4 7JZ Contact: Ms Suniya Qureshi Tel: +44(0)20-7112 4862 Email: suniya@muslimlifestyleshow.com Website: www.muslimlifestyleshow.com Events organisers
www.abcc.org.uk
Production & Design Distinctive Publishing Unit 2b Floor B Milburn House Dean Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2343 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk
CONTENTS
Advertising
BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS 14
Distinctive Publishing Tel: 0845 884 2343 john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk
NEW GULF PROJECTS 18
Disclaimer Distinctive Publishing or Arab-British Chamber of Commerce cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Arab-British Chamber of Commerce. ISSN No: ISSN 0958-8116
MEMBERS’ NETWORKING EVENT 3 SHARJAH 10
IT SECTOR IN LEBANON 20 ARABIC SECTION 26 TENDERS 35 BUSINESS EVENTS 38
The Glenside Group Limited
9 Caputhall Road Deans Industrial Estate LIVINGSTON West Lothian EH54 8AS Contact : Ms Mary Revill Tel: +44(0)1506-420 950 Email: enquiries@glensidegroup.com Website: www.glensidegroup.com Manufacturer and supplier of organic fertilisers: natural seaweed products that can be applied as foliar sprays or through a drip irrigation system stimulating the plant root system
Grant Thornton International Limited Grant Thornton House Melton Street Euston Square NW1 2EP Contact : Mr David Wilson Tel: +44 (0)20-7383 5100 Email: david.wilson@gti.gt.com Website: www.grantthornton.global Business consultancy services including audit, tax, advisory and outsourcing
continues page 22
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Mr Mark Njoroge, ABCC Financial Controller (left), Dr Lamya Al-Imara, ABCC Membership Officer (centre) and Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, Director, Trade Services, ABCC, (second right) with the ABCC members who delivered presentations at the event.
MEMBERS’ NETWORKING EVENT The first of the Chamber’s popular members’ networking events of 2016 took place on the afternoon of 28th January. Ten member companies from various industries delivered five-minute presentations in front of an audience of ABCC members, non-members and other guests.
He pointed out that the Chamber had now been supporting Arab-British trade for 40 years and was able to offer a range of expert advice and services to member companies.
transparency to a poorly regulated global art market.
Mark Njoroge, ABCC Financial Controller with responsibilities for membership, welcomed all the visitors to the event
Mr El-Idrissi announced a programme of business events in 2016 with a focus on “opportunities” in key Arab markets, and which would start with Qatar, followed by Kuwait, Morocco and Tunisia later in the year.
Naylor is a Barnsley based manufacturer of a range of pipes for use in the construction industry. It is a family run business using clay which is a durable traditional material with a long life. Exporting to 65 countries, its brand is well known in the Middle East markets including Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
He thanked members for their support on behalf of the Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, the Chamber’s Secretary General & CEO, and Rt Hon Baroness Symons, the Chairman of the Chamber. He told the meeting that the ABCC was planning a busy programme of activities for 2016 and stressed that the Chamber was keen to work more closely with its members. Mr Njoroge announced that the Chamber’s new website would be launched soon. Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, ABCC Director of Trade Services, delivered a presentation during which he looked at the key current and forthcoming opportunities in the Arab markets and the potential openings for UK business.
He also announced the establishment of the Shurooq Secretariat at the Chamber following a formal agreement signed between the ABCC and Shurooq (Sharjah Investment & Development Authority). The member presentations were delivered in the following sequence.
SGS UK LIMITED The company presentation focused on the new service from SGS Art Services, which offers to inspect works of art to provide safeguards for purchasers against damage and fraud. Its services cover the lifecycle of a painting and seek to bring trust and
NAYLOR DRAINAGE LIMITED
BBS GROUP BBS is a consultancy with a head office in London offering a range of expertise and services including advice on tender processes, training programmes and sourcing of products for private labels. Online marketing is also an expertise of the company.
RIDER LEVETT BUCKNELL (RLB) RLB is a property consultancy with offices around the Middle East and across the world. It works closely with architects, developers and has a big focus on the Arab markets,
CHAMBER NEWS
especially the Gulf. It provides project management, risk analysis and sustainability consultancy for clients. Recently, RLP has worked on projects in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE but is planning to expand further into the MENA region.
RAPIDROP GLOBAL LIMITED The company’s expertise is in designing sprinklers for the fire protection industry of which two million are produced each year. It has a strong presence in the Middle East. Some 80 percent of its products are made for export and sent to markets in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Algeria. The company operates a R&D test site in Peterborough.
HODA LASHEEN INTERIOR DESIGN LIMITED The firm was founded in 2006 and set up in the UK in 2015. It produces unique designs including items of furniture that are customised to meet the requirements of individual clients. It was able to produce design work suitable for a rich variety of clients in the commercial, residential and educational sectors.
KS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS & PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS KS International is a firm of accountants with offices in Bahrain, London and in a total of 180 different worldwide locations. The Bahrain and London offices work for clients around the Gulf providing services such as auditing, consultancy, risk management, Islamic finance and advisory services.
ELITE INTERNATIONAL ASSETS The financial services firm specialises in investment in the real estate and education sectors. Its services also include training especially in Islamic finance. The company seeks to act as a bridge between clients in
Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, Director, Trade Services, ABCC
Europe and the GCC. It aims to be a trusted financial adviser for Gulf clients and operates an office in Qatar with an additional one soon to expand into Saudi Arabia.
LONG ROCK CAPITAL LIMITED Long Rock is an investment and financial services firm that works to bring together project opportunities and potential investors. It focuses on risk management, technical services, customised research and training.
JANET RADY FINE ART Janet Rady formerly worked for Sotheby’s and brings her expertise in the fine art market to the Middle East. She specialises
in contemporary art from the MENA region and Islamic art. She is a curator, exhibition organiser and operates an online art gallery that acts as a showcase of art for sale. Janet Rady’s customers include private clients and corporates for who acts as a consultant and supplier of artworks. The members’ networking event concluded with a reception where refreshments were available and where delegates could discuss potential business together in an informal setting. Facilities for one-to-one meetings were made available.
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His Excellency Mr Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Industry Commerce & Tourism, of the Kingdom of Bahrain (left)
BAHRAIN MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE A ministerial roundtable discussion with His Excellency Mr Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Industry Commerce & Tourism, of the Kingdom of Bahrain, was hosted at the Arab British Chamber of Commerce on the morning of 29 February. The discussion, which focused on why UK companies should take a much closer look at Bahrain, was introduced by Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, Secretary General & Chief Executive of the ABCC, and chaired by Rt Hon Baroness Symons, ABCC Chairman. The meeting took place in the presence of H E Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Ambassador of Bahrain to the UK, and attracted a range of senior business executives keen to explore the new opportunities in the Bahraini market. In addition to the detailed briefing given by the Minister, and welcoming remarks from the Ambassador, delegates to the meeting also benefited from the expertise of Dr Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist, with the Economic Development Board of Bahrain (EDB). In her opening remarks, Dr Al-Shuaiby described Bahrain as a key strategic partner in the Gulf for the UK. She pledged that the Chamber was always ready to provide the necessary assistance to help British companies make a success of their activities in the market. Baroness Symons remarked on the importance of Bahrain both as a strategic
and trading partner for the UK. She indicated that the ABCC would be strongly supporting the UK government’s forthcoming Gulf initiative programme which is to be launched in July 2016. In his opening remarks, H E the Ambassador described Bahrain as a gateway to the Gulf for business and trade. He mentioned that the two Kingdoms were celebrating 200 years of friendship in 2016 and that this was an illustration of the strong foundations on which British-Bahrain relations are based.
re-engineering the country’s economic and financial landscape to attract more investors. The law for registering a company in Bahrain was increasingly flexible and transparent. Human capital was a major asset and it was an attractive feature of the market that Bahraini citizens were active at all levels of business. The Minister said that Bahrain aimed to become a strategic hub for manufacturing industries in the Gulf and furthermore it
The Minister delivered a detailed briefing on the potential for deepening Britain’s involvement in Bahrain and outlined the priorities that the Kingdom had set itself as it sought to ensure its continued economic prosperity. He emphasised that the UK was only Bahrain’s 9th largest trade partner but hoped to see the value of bilateral trade increase in future. Despite the global fall in oil prices, Bahrain had achieved growth of 3.2 percent last year. Bahrain aims to become more attractive to investors and visitors, the Minister stated, describing the diverse responsibilities of the ministry that he leads. H E Mr Al Zayani said the legal reforms adopted by Bahrain in 2015 were aimed at
H E Mr Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani Minister of Industry Commerce & Tourism, of the Kingdom of Bahrain, addressing the roundtable at the chamber.
CHAMBER NEWS
had identified priority areas for development including transport and logistics, ICT, tourism and leisure and education.
Dr Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist, Economic Development Board of Bahrain
Some new industrial estates were under construction and the regulations on acquiring land for industrial activities had been revised. Bahrain saw that SMEs had potential for future growth and young Bahrainis were encouraged to set up businesses for themselves. The Ministry was now responsible for oversight of the Bahrain Bourse which meant that companies would be able to access funding more easily. In addition, there was a planned launch of an AIMS market for SMEs. A new tourism strategy had been adopted with the objective of doubling the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP by 2018. Bahrain was also seeking to expand its Meetings, Conference, Exhibition and Events (MICE) sector by constructing a new convention centre. A new ‘’brand Bahrain’’ to be unveiled soon would encourage investors and tourists. The minister concluded by urging UK firms to look more seriously at what Bahrain has to offer. Dr Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist, Economic Development Board of Bahrain, contributed to the discussion by focusing on how the EDB can assist investors and the factors that make Bahrain distinctive as a business location in the Gulf. The EDB executive stated that Bahrain had long recognised that developing entrepreneurship is essential for the country’s prosperity and as such its economy’s strengths were not tied to fluctuating oil prices. He said that the EDB had been established by the government in Manama with a dual function of supporting investors operating in the market and to encourage new investors to set up. The agency worked closely with Bahrain’s ministries on the implementation of sector initiatives. He listed three key assets that made Bahrain unique: its human capital and diverse labour force; its prime location in the centre of the Gulf; and the quality of its market regulation which was internationally respected. These factors ensure that Bahrain has the most liberal economy in the Gulf and offers a transparent, unified jurisdiction for investors. Dr Kotilaine explained that the EBD was focusing its work on several key sectors, which included financial services, tourism, ICT, logistics services and manufacturing. Infrastructure spending was supported by the economic success enabling ambitious projects to be funded almost entirely from
non-government sources. His key message to potential UK investors was that Bahrain offered a secure platform to achieve sustainable long-term results. Questions from delegates following the presentations covered various issues such as the impact of recent ministerial mergers, whether Bahrain could be compared with Dubai, the maturity of the banking sector, investment in the culture industries and impact of the possible introduction of a GCC-wide VAT. In conclusion, Dr Al-Shuaiby invited the guest speakers to explain Bahrain’s main expectations of UK businesses. In response, the Minister stated that he would like to see the UK become one of Bahrain’s top three trade partners.
Urging UK investors to take a closer looks at Bahrain, he said that joint ventures were one option available along with 100 percent ownership. Investors could also take advantage of Bahrain’s Free Trade Agreement with the US. He wanted to see more tourists from Britain visiting Bahrain and expected to see a drive to achieve this when the new Bahrain brand identity is launched. The Minister expected that Bahrain’s exports to the UK market would increase as trade between the two countries was strengthened. He expressed thanks to the Chamber for organising the meeting.
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MARKET VISIT TO DUBAI LYNX FESTIVAL 2016: PRE-MISSION BRIEFING A pre-mission briefing for delegates preparing to embark on the UKTI organised trade visit to the Dubai Lynx Festival was hosted at the Chamber on 24 February. Those attending the meeting were members of companies involved in various business activities associated with the ‘’cultural industries’’ such as advertising, design, animation, film production, marketing and promotion, branding and exhibiting. The Lynx Festival, for which they were preparing to embark, is a major business event for the creative and media industries, which are dynamic and innovative sectors within the modern UK economy. Representatives of the 15 British companies who had signed up for the trade mission joined the meeting in order to familiarise themselves with the potential opportunities that could follow from attending the festival. The briefing enabled the delegates to share their expectations of the forthcoming visit and to learn more about the creative industry sector in the Gulf from a number of experts. In welcoming the delegates, Mr Abdeslam El Idrissi, ABCC Director of Trade Services, explained how the Chamber could assist them in their future business activities in the Arab markets.
A insightful overview of the UAE market was given by Ms Karen Williams, Deputy Director, UKTI in the UAE, in the course of which she touched on the main features of the UAE economy. Stressing the significance of the UAE to Britain, she said it was the only country in the world where the UK was represented two embassies. Ms Williams urged delegates to make the most of the visit by doing their homework and by making use of the services that were available. She pointed to the important role played by smaller enterprises in the UAE stating that 95% of companies operating in Dubai were considered to be SMEs. Investment in new cultural projects such as museums and entertainment venues in the emirates were opening up more opportunities for UK firms at various levels, she said. Anna Jones, Language and Culture Advisor, UKTI, in explaining the prevailing business culture and etiquette in the UAE, offered some useful tips on how delegates should conduct
their meetings in order to get the best results. David Moody, International Trade Advisor, UKTI, stated that there would be visits to the Dubai Media City and Studio City complexes as part of the trade mission’s programme of activities. Finally, Ian Silverstein, Founder, Creative Action, gave delegates the benefit of his extensive experience of working in the Gulf’s creative and media sector. Dubai’s Lynx Festival is where the MENA region’s creative industry gathers for a focus on creativity in the communications sector. The three-day event consists of seminars by some of the industry’s most influential figures to networking events and exhibitions from regional and global creative companies. In 2016 the festival celebrated its 10th anniversary and was an opportunity to anticipate the challenges over the next decade. To find out more about the Lynx Festival see the website: http://www.dubailynx.com/home/
CHAMBER NEWS
PALESTINE SPRING FAIR The Arab British Chamber of Commerce was delighted to host a Palestine Spring Fair at its premises on 5th to 7th March.
The fair was opened by His Excellency Professor Manuel Hassassian, the Palestinian Ambassador in London, on 5th March at an evening reception hosted by Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, ABCC Secretary General & CEO. Dr Al-Shuaiby pledged the Chamber’s support for the deserving cause and warmly welcomed all the visitors, in particular the stallholders who had brought their goods and produce from Palestine. Traditional products such as handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, dates and spices, artwork, paintings, ceramics and organic olive oil on display provided a rich and colourful backdrop to the opening event.
Palestinian products are always very popular with the British public who want to show their support for the people of Palestine. The proceeds raised from the weekend fair were going to contribute vital funds towards the construction of the first Cancer Department for Children in Gaza by the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). Dr Al-Shuaiby remarked that the initiative deserved everyone’s full and wholehearted support. The fair was organised by the Palestinian Mission to the UK and the Association of the Palestinian Community in the UK. Images by Sana Kular 2016
His Excellency Professor Manuel Hassassian, the Palestinian Ambassador in London, opening the trade fair
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SHARJAH UPDATE
GROWTH IN INDUSTRIAL SECTOR Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) is targeting new growth from Sharjah’s manufacturing and industry and aims to provide even higher levels of support to the sector The Industrial Affairs Department, which was established in 2014, estimates that the contribution from the industrial sector to Sharjah’s GDP (gross domestic product) may grow from its current 14 percent to as high as 25 percent by the year 2025. Meanwhile, SEDD estimates the emirate’s 2015 economic growth to be more than 8 percent. Sharjah began zoning areas for industry more than forty years ago and now has about 20 designated industrial areas. The emirate’s main economic zones have experienced growth during the past year, while the two largest free zones, Free Zone Authority and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), host some 13,500 companies from 157 countries across multiple industrial sectors.
Expansion projects being commissioned at both free zones. In October 2015, government-owned Sharjah Asset Management (SAM) launched Al Saja’a Industrial Oasis, a future 14 million square foot industrial estate near Sharjah International Airport that is expected to create as many as 20,000 jobs. SAM began selling the first phase of plots for the estate to investors last year, which are available on a freehold or leasehold basis. According to global credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, Sharjah’s non-oil economy has a diverse production base with the four largest sectors being real estate and business services (about 20%);
manufacturing (16%); mining, quarrying, and energy (13%); and wholesale and retail trade (12%). In 2014, SEDD launched a new onestop-shop for investors setting up new businesses in a move to significantly reduce the amount of time taken to complete government paperwork and procedures. A range of e-government and m-government services have also been introduced to make the department’s services more accessible. The Department works closely together with the Sharjah Exports Development Center of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
NEW INITIATIVE SEEKS TO PROMOTE START-UPS Sharjah is set to be the cradle of entrepreneurship in the region as the government seeks to encourage young entrepreneurs to pursue their passion and open businesses. Speaking at the launch of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre initiative (Sheraa) in Sharjah, Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said there are a lot of opportunities to be found in various sectors across Sharjah, and that with the right guidance, many young entrepreneurs can achieve their vision of starting and operating an SME. Developed with the support of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheraa aims to support young people to enter the world of business, with the appropriate environment and conditions. It also aims to establish an efficient environment for incubation of entrepreneurship focusing on innovation, creativity and development. The centre will help young graduates to make informed career choices, as well as attract innovative entrepreneurs who can start their own enterprises in the emirate. The centre will operate as an initiative of Shurooq, under the chairmanship of
Shaikha Bodour, and will be headquartered in the American University of Sharjah. It will encourage an entrepreneurial attitude among young people by creating partnerships with universities, colleges, research centres, students, alumni and faculty on one hand, and the business sector and investors on the other. “Our long-term vision for Sheraa is to promote the culture of innovation in entrepreneurship among young people by guiding them through the process of ideation, implementation, development and continuity. We want to motivate the younger generation in the world of business and investment and help them reach new heights in this field. We want to transform Sharjah into an influential entrepreneurial destination where people come to drive their ideas into reality,” Shaikha Bodour said. “I believe that great talent can come from anywhere,” said Iba Masood, co-founder and CEO of Gradberry.com, at the launch event. “I believe that young entrepreneurs can achieve a lot more today if they can utilise an early adopter system, since companies are a lot more receptive of start-ups if an idea is new.” Fadi Ghandour, founder of Aramex and CEO of Wamda Capital, also highlighted the role that SMEs play in the economy. “SMEs are at the core of the economy. People who are actually creating jobs are SMEs. It is
entrepreneurs who run businesses, that employ less than 10 people, and this is where there should be a focus. Over 70 per cent of jobs created in the Arab world today are created by SMEs, yet they are not nurtured enough.” Najla Al Midfa, general manager of Sheraa, called for entrepreneurs in the region to embrace risk taking. “Creating a business is a journey and it won’t happen overnight. Along every journey, there are challenges and risks, but these are experiences that help you learn.”
SHUROOQ SECRETARIAT The Arab British Chamber of Commerce and the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, otherwise known as Shurooq, have joined forces to establish a UK secretariat office for Shurooq at the Chamber’s Mayfair premises. To find out how the Shurooq Secretariat can help your business contact: Dr Yasmin Husein Tel: 0207 659 4866 Email: Shurooq@abcc.org.uk http://shurooq.gov.ae/setup-abusiness/
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MEMBERS NEWS
BUILDING ON SUCCESS MCC is a leading turnkey, modular hospital construction group, and recently attended the principal international healthcare conference in Dubai. The UK government is strongly promoting healthcare services overseas, and invited MCC to become a founder member of their new international healthcare organisation, UKIHMA, which was launched from the UK’s stand at the exhibition. It will showcase the expertise and excellence developed throughout Britain’s healthcare private and public sectors, part of which is resilient and sustainable infrastructure is part of UKIHMA’s responsibility. MCC’s modular constructed hospitals are designed to provide leading healthcare solutions for both the patient and
practitioner. Healthcare solutions for communities can be either permanent, attractively designed steel structures, 10-200 bed facilities, as constructed for Venezuela, or mobile field hospital units, such as the UN relief agency requested to be installed in Darfur.
Trevor Gee
These are particularly useful where rural communities rely on clinical and surgical assistance being delivered in remote areas. Increasingly, private sponsors are building small hospitals as commercial operations in areas where public facilities may be overwhelmed or limited.
Direct: +44 (0)20 3786 7076
trevor.gee@mccgrouplondon.com www.mccgrouplondon.com 4 Devonshire Street London, W1W 5DT, UK Office: +44 (0)20 7096 0446
MEMBERS NEWS
GUIDING LIGHTS The event is organised by Jersey Finance, a not-for-profit making organisation formed in 2001 to represent and promote Jersey as an international financial centre of excellence ANNUAL PRIVATE WEALTH CONFERENCE Wednesday 27 Apr 2016, 12.30pm – 7.00pm 8 Northumberland Avenue, London (a minute’s walk from Trafalgar Square) Speakers: n Geoff Cook, Chief Executive, Jersey Finance n Stephanie Flanders, Chief Market Strategist for the UK and Europe for J P Morgan Asset Management n Steve Meiklejohn, Partner, Ogier
LIGHTING THE WAY: PANEL DISCUSSION ON WEALTH MANAGEMENT An expert panel will address the question of the role of social responsibility in wealth management. The discussion will look at the responsibilities that come with wealth,
what advisers must do to ensure clients understand their obligations and what action should be taken if and when errors occur. Panellists will also discuss the key trends affecting the private wealth arena and what these might mean for future generations.
ILLUMINATING THE LANDSCAPE: PANEL DISCUSSION ON TRUST LEGISLATION A panel of professionals will tackle trust legislation, questioning whether, 30 years since its inception, it is still fit for purpose considering the significant changes the private wealth environment has undergone in that time. This will include debates over beneficiaries’ rights to information, the variation of trusts by the court and consideration of arbitration provisions in trust disputes.
4th Floor, 2 Queen Anne’s Gate Building Dartmouth Street London SW1H 9BP Tel: +44 (0)7908 274694 Email: london@jerseyfinance.je https://www.jerseyfinance.je/contact
Contact Jersey Finance Limited (London Office)
Jersey Finance Limited is a member of the ABCC
IRAQ PETROLEUM 2016 Now in its 10th year, Iraq Petroleum is an established strategic event that brings together Iraqi industry leaders with key international players to discuss the role of Iraq as a major oil & gas player. PREMIER MEETING PLACE FOR IRAQ’S OIL & GAS INDUSTRY LEADERS 23 - 25 May 2016 Hilton Park Lane, London Closely working with the Iraqi Government, the event organised by CWC Group is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand the development and expansion strategy for the country’s energy sector. With participation year-on-year from senior government representatives, this event presents a unique opportunity to meet, network and receive the latest
updates surrounding the country’s vast oil & gas reserves. The conference is a strategic meeting point that should attract any company seeking successful involvement in Iraq’s hydrocarbon’s sector. Speakers will include n H E Haider Al Abadi, Prime Minister of Iraq n Dr Falah Jassim Alamri, Director General of SOMO, Ministry of Oil, Federal Government of Iraq, n Sadik Al- Yassiri, Director General, Training & Development Directorate,
Ministry of Oil, Federal Government of Iraq n Farhad Alaaldin, Political Advisor to the President of Iraq n Dr Mowaffak Al Rubaie, MP, Former Advisor for National Security, Iraq Federal Parliament Contact Mohamad Kantar CWC Group Tel: +44 20 7978 0781 Email: iraqpetroleum@thecwcgroup.com www.CWCIraqPetroleum.com
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BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS
ABU DHABI GROUP PLANS FOR NEW SCOTLAND YARD REDEVELOPMENT Abu Dhabi Financial Group, ADFG, unveiled its stunning plans for the redevelopment of New Scotland Yard, known as “Ten Broadway”, following approval from the Planning Committee of Westminster City Council. Northacre London will manage and develop the one million square feet project, creating a contemporary destination, comprising residential, office and retail space, in the prime Central London area. Set to complete in 2021, the project consists of impressive six building site designed to reflect and embrace existing themes common to the local area. Jassim Alseddiqi, CEO of ADFG, said, “The objective has been to create a modern and luxury mixed-use real estate, which complements and adheres to Westminster’s world-famous aesthetics. The architects
have achieved this delicate balance and we look forward to supporting Northacre to create an exceptional new landmark for London. With the Ten Broadway and 1 Palace Street projects in development, ADFG is behind some of London’s most desirable new addresses and the largest projects undertaken in Central London this decade.” In a landmark deal, ADFG acquired New Scotland Yard from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) for £370 million (AED2.1bn) in December 2014. WAM, 29/02/2016
BRITISH LUXURY CAR MAKER POSTS RECORD MIDEAST SALES Rolls-Royce Motor Cars posted another record breaking year of sales in the Middle East last year, with a 4 per cent growth in overall sales. The luxury car maker sold 12 per cent more cars in 2014 than it did in 2013, its fifth successive global sales record and the highest annual figure in the company’s 111year history. The region maintained its position as the second largest in the world for the brand, representing around a quarter of its worldwide volumes. Brett Soso, regional director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Middle East, Africa, Central
Asia and South America, said: “The Middle East region hosts four of the world’s most successful dealerships, the world’s biggest Rolls-Royce showroom in Abu Dhabi, the brand’s most advanced Aftersales Centre in Dubai, and has the highest bespoke content globally. We remain confident in the growth and potential of the region and look forward to adding further benchmarks in the coming year.” Autocar, 06/01/2016
JORDAN TO ALLOW TRADING UNLISTED SECURITIES ON AMMAN BOURSE The Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) has prepared draft new instructions that allow trading unlisted securities on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). The listing instructions to the stock exchange have been amended in accordance with the new draft, prepared in cooperation with the ASE and the Securities Depository Centre (SDC), and the instructions to issue and register securities have been amended as well. Under the draft, a special market to trade securities unlisted on the ASE will be established, JSC Chief Commissioner Mohammad Hourani said. He added that all shares of public shareholding companies registered at the JSC and SDC and not listed or traded at the ASE can be traded in this market, stressing that the companies will still be committed to disclose financial statements in accordance with the law. Establishing this market will provide an opportunity for shareholders of companies whose listings were annulled or whose share trading was suspended to sell their shares through brokerages based on market supply and demand. Jordan Times, 28/02/2016
BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS
SHARJAH’S ECONOMIC GROWTH REMAINS STRONG Global credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s has affirmed its ‘A/A-1’ long-and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on the Emirate of Sharjah. The agency also reaffirmed the stable outlook for Sharjah based on a low government debt burden, a diversified industrial base and continued robust economic growth. S&P began assigning sovereign credit ratings for the Emirate of Sharjah in 2014. The strong market response to the Government of Sharjah’s issuance of its second US dollar Islamic bond in January underscored market confidence in its economy and fiscal management. The $500 million (AED 1.8b) 5-year sukuk, which was the emirate’s second, was the first sovereign sukuk to be issued in 2016. S&P forecasts that Sharjah’s real economic growth will remain relatively robust, although slowing against previous expectations in line with the agency’s changing oil price assumptions. The rating agency now expects economic growth to average 2.8 percent in 2016-2018 compared with the 3.5 percent forecast in its November 2015 review. S&P reports that the four largest sectors in Sharjah’s economy are real estate and business services (accounting for about 21 percent); manufacturing (16 percent); mining, quarrying, and energy (12 percent); and wholesale and retail trade (12 percent). Despite a slowdown in the mining and energy sector, the agency expects to see continued growth across all other economic sectors in the emirate. Sharjah has rolled out a wide range of initiatives to help develop the local economy and encourage inward investment. The government allocated 45 percent of its 2015 budget to the economic development and has backed new schemes to help encourage start-ups and SMEs in the past few months. In January, Sharjah announced its third economic free zone with a royal decree ordering the establishment of Sharjah Media City. About 13,500 companies are already registered in the emirate’s two existing free zones, Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone). Sharjah Update, 10/02/2016
SAUDI ARABIA ‘CAN UNLEASH A NEW ERA OF INDUSTRIALISATION’ Saudi Arabia must unleash a new era of industrial diversification, anchored by specialty chemicals. Underpinned by rapid expansion of small to medium enterprises that produce high-value finished and semi-finished products in the petrochemicals conversion sector, Saudi Aramco president and CEO Amin H Nasser has urged. This will unlock opportunities for the kingdom’s economic diversification, job creation and innovation potential, and create a world-leading downstream industry, he said. Speaking at the 4th Saudi Downstream Forum, in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, Nasser said: “Saudi Arabia is already a global leader in petroleum and petrochemical commodities, but today we have a tremendous opportunity to also become
a leader in downstream conversion.” With most of the kingdom’s petrochemicals presently being exported as commodities, major opportunities exist to add value by turning them into high-value, semi-finished and finished products. Diversification into specialty chemicals is expected to increase returns from the current level of about $500 per tonne to about $2,000 per tonne by 2040. Nasser called on the industrial sector to do much more to support the development of home-grown downstream technologies - an area in which the kingdom can make major advances - such as breakthrough crude oil-to-chemicals technologies that will make oil a viable petrochemical feedstock. Saudi Aramco is currently developing and testing highly advanced oil-to-chemicals technologies, he said. Trade Arabia News Service, 09/03/2016
MOROCCO, EUROPE’S MAIN NON-EU SUPPLIER OF VEGETABLES IN 2015 Morocco has become the biggest single non-EU supplier of vegetables to Europe in 2015, in terms of both value and volume of goods exported. The statistics were published by the Directorate General of the European Commission (Eurostat) and the Spanish Federation of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables (FEPEX). They show that between January and October 2015, there was a 15% increase in Moroccan exports to the EU, valued at €630 million. In terms of volume, this amounted to 504,000 tons of goods. Morocco’s main exported goods were tomatoes, which saw a 25% increase in value, bringing in €295.7 million worth of sales. Israel, which is Europe’s second supplier exported potato,
Last year’s good weather conditions aided this healthy economic growth in Morocco, but forecasts suggest that 2016 may not yield as many vegetables for export. Warm weather and a lack of rain has heavily affected agriculture leading to a below average crop yield already. These high temperatures have led to a double-edged blow to Moroccan trade, as the warmer European climate has allowed for greater agricultural activity in European countries, especially in Spain and France. According to a study by Morocco’s Direction des Etudes et des Prévisions Financières (Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts), 91% of Morocco’s food exports go to EU countries. MWN, 11 February 2016
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BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS
OMAN RAIL PROJECTS ON TRACK Oman Rail is pressing ahead with its rail project, although it could take another four years before the first line is operational, the national company’s chief commercial officer John Lesniewski revealed. The company was refocusing its priorities on using rail in non-coastal areas to transport tonnes of materials such as dolomite, gypsum and marble to its three major ports at Sohar, Duqm and Salalah, The National said in a report on a Middle East Rail conference which took place in Dubai.
Oman was sitting on huge mineral deposits that can be transported more efficiently to its ports through rail.
Oman Rail had already significantly advanced plans for its $11 billion rail network, which was due to be built in four segments.
Tendering is likely to come next year followed by a two-and-a-half year construction period.
The first of these phases was meant to comprise 207 kilometres of track running from the sultanate’s border with the UAE at Buraimi to Sohar Industrial Port. Tenders were floated in September 2014 and an award was expected to be made last year. Oman Rail is currently developing business cases for each of the other sections, but could not say which would be brought forward first. Lines could be run from mineral areas in the north and south through existing oil and gas fields in Oman’s central spine so that the railway can also be used to deliver pipelines, equipment, food and other supplies.
Lesniewski said that it could take a further four years until the country’s first rail line is operational.
Meanwhile, ambitious $250bn rail project linking all six Gulf states will go ahead despite spending cutbacks due to declining oil prices, local authorities have affirmed. The GCC railway network will connect the UAE with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman and is projected to be part of a wider $100bn rail programme in the region. Twelve hundred kilometres of railway will be established. Oman Observer, 09/03/2016
UK FIRM TO EXECUTE ENGINEERING STUDIES FOR THREE ALGERIAN REFINERIES Sonatrach and British firm Amec Foster Wheeler signed in Algiers an agreement on the execution of engineering studies relating to three refinery projects in Hassi Messaoud, Biskra and Tiaret, estimated at EUR17.28 million.
The three refineries, to be operational between 2019 and 2020, are part of a petrochemical programme meant to raise national production of fuel and oil products to 60 million tonnes per year by 2019, against 27 million tonnes now.
The agreement provides for the execution of FEED type studies, or basic engineering studies, for the future refinery units in Hassi Messaoud, Biskra and Tiaret.
APS, 08/03/2016
Iraq infrastructure projects top $358bn Iraq remains the Gulf’s third-largest project market, with $358 billion in active infrastructure projects, according to reports. More than $90 billion of these are in the gas, oil, and power sectors. Ahead of the Meed Iraq Energy Projects conference taking place on March 21 in Dubai, Meed Projects said ongoing infrastructure projects could possibly see Iraqi oil exports exceed 4 million barrels a day over 2016. Iraq Business News, 11/03/2016
QATAR CONSTRUCTION MARKET TO REMAIN ROBUST Qatar’s construction market is expected to be the most robust among the GCC in 2016, as it continues to award major contracts for new infrastructure to be used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar’s preparations are entering a new phase, with some contracts already awarded for the construction of the planned facilities, such as the Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor and the upgrade of the existing Khalifa Stadium which will increase its seating capacity to 60,000. Another stadium is up for bid in Education City. Lusail Stadium, the largest of the stadiums that will be built, is in its early stages. Meanwhile, the major contracts for Doha’s metro network and the expressway programme are also progressing. Another huge project that will be tendered soon is the regional rail network that will link Doha and other centres in Qatar to the GCC rail network at the Saudi border. Project client Qatar Rail prequalified 15 consortiums in late July to bid for the designand-build contract. The tender is expected by the first quarter of 2016. The Peninsula, 22/01/2016
BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS
PLANS UNVEILED FOR BAHRAIN-SAUDI CAUSEWAY EXPANSION A significant expansion of the King Fahd Causeway linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is expected to start within six months and increase the number of lanes from 17 to 45, officials have announced.
The project will increase capacity by up to 132 percent, according to state news agency BNA, and there will be two lanes for each entrance to the causeway leading to eight checkpoints to reduce waiting times and traffic congestion. The number of checkpoints could be increased further in the coming years to further improve the flow of traffic onto the causeway, it was said. Interior minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa reportedly met with the director-
UAE AND UK SEEK TO WIDEN TRADE COOPERATION UAE Minister of Economy discussed ways to boost UK relations with the new Lord Mayor of the City of London, Lord Mountevans. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy and Lord Mountevans discussed the excellent relations binding the UAE and Britain. The meeting, held at the offices of the Ministry in Dubai, was attended by H E Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, and H E Philip Parham, Ambassador of the UK. The two sides welcomed the strengthening of cooperation in new areas with the aim of widening horizons of joint investment. They emphasised the importance of speeding up
negotiations on the signing of an MoU to support innovation between the two countries. The minister said the UAE’s economic diversification policy helped reduce the impact of falling oil prices on the country’s economy. The country is planning to revitalise non-oil economic sectors, which currently account for 70 per cent of the state’s GDP compared to only 30 per cent contributed by the oil industry. The meeting touched on the value-added tax under consideration by the Gulf Cooperation Council with Lord Mountevans stating that the British side was ready to provide technical cooperation in support, training and consulting in the field of tax regulations. Lord Mountevans said economic relations between the two countries have witnessed remarkable growth over the past years reflected in the trade volume, which touched £12 billion in 2014. UAE investments in Britain are also witnessing a steady increase. WAM, 27/01/2016
general of the King Fahd Causeway Authority (KFCA), Abdulrahman bin Saad Al Yahya, to discuss the plans. Arabian Business, 11/03/2016
HYUNDAI-LED CONSORTIUM BAGS $3BN KUWAIT LNG DEAL A South Korean consortium led by Hyundai Engineering and Construction has reportedly been awarded a $2.93bn deal in Kuwait. The consortium will build liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in the country. Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) awarded the deal to the consortium, which also includes stateowned Korea Gas Corporation. Contract scope includes the construction of re-gasification facilities and LNG tanks at Al Zour. Korea Gas accounts for $120m of the deal, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency. Hyundai Engineering will be in charge of the re-gasification plants, while the construction firm will build the LNG tanks and coastal facilities. The consortium said the project will be completed in 2020. Construction Week, 07/03/2016
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GULF PROJECTS
GCC PROJECTS ROUNDUP GCC needs extra $270bn to fund projects over next 3 years, says S&P S&P’s Ratings Services estimates that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’s overall capital spending over the next four years will be $480bn. Government spending on projects, including infrastructure contracts awarded between 2016 and 2019, will be $330bn. S&P’s estimate for required overall funding through to 2019 is $604bn, of which $100bn will be needed for infrastructure projects. Currently, only $50bn of the total $330bn is estimated to be allocated for infrastructure projects, including transport developments. The difference between S&P’s estimates of capital spending on projects, and project contracts awarded, is $270bn through to 2019. Source: Arabian Business, 15/02/2016
GCC building materials industry witnesses 14% growth to more than $37bn in investment The GCC building materials industry has witnessed 14% average growth to more than $37bn in investments, thus ranking it third in cumulative investments in the manufacturing sector 2014, according to a study by Gulf Industrial Organisation for Industrial Consulting (GOIC). This sector was the target of more than $37bn, about 9.8% of the total cumulative investments in the manufacturing industries valued at approximately $380bn, Goic said. Source: Gulf Times, 18/01/2016
BAHRAIN Key Projects n Gulf rail line development n Public transport network (due in 2030) n Bahrain International Airport Expansion n Investment in power and water projects n Construction of infrastructure for three planned cities n New state-of-the-art Exhibition Centre
KUWAIT Key Projects n AL-ZOUR NEW REFINERY PROJECT The $15bn contract has been split into five packages with a combined value of over $11bn. n CLEAN FUELS PROJECT UK’s Petrofac won a contract worth $3.5bn to carry out work at the Mina Abdullah refinery as part of this $15bn project. n OLEFINS 3 PETROCHEMICALS PLANT PROJECT UK-based consultancy KBC Advanced Technologies completed a detailed feasibility study for the $10bn project in 2011. Start-up is estimated to be in 2017 or 2018. n LOWER FARS HEAVY OIL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - PHASE 1 Lower Fars field is located about 80km northwest of Kuwait City. UK based Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) overcame competition from 19 international contractors to bag the EPC contract in January 2015. n BUBIYAN PORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Bubiyan is Kuwait’s largest island separated from the mainland by the Subbiya Channel. Phase 1 of the $1.2bn project is expected to be completed by 2018. Source: ME Construction News, 27/03/2015
OMAN Key Projects n KHAZZAN & MAKAREM GAS FIELDS DEVELOPMENT The $16bn Khazzan Project being undertaken by BP has the potential to deliver up to 30% of Oman’s gas supply in 2020. n OMAN NATIONAL RAILWAY PROJECT The $15.5bn national railway network project will connect the ports of Sohar, Duqm and Salalah, with a double nonelectrified track carrying both freight and passengers. n BATINAH EXPRESSWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT The $3.9bn Batinah Expressway project is one of the biggest road projects in Oman. It will act as an extension of the Muscat Expressway and run for 265km to the Oman-UAE border on completion in 2018.
n MUSCAT - SOHAR PRODUCT PIPELINE The project involves building a new 280km product pipeline to connect refineries in Sohar and Muscat. It is due to be commissioned in the second quarter of 2017.
QATAR FIFA World Cup 2022 International focus on Qatar has increased in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and the scaling up of its investments to deliver the Qatar National Vision 2030. Key Projects n Airport City Project (New Doha International Airport City) $10000 mn n New Doha Port (New Port Project Steering Committee) $7000 n Msheireb Downtown Doha (Msheireb Properties) $5500 n Valley City (SAK Holding Group) $4800 n Doha Metro - Gold Line (Qatar Railways Development Company) $4400 n Long Distance Passenger and Freight Rail Network - Phase 1 (Qatar Railways Development Company) $3500 n Energy City Project - Phase 1 (Energy City) $3000 n The Inner Doha Resewerage Implementation Strategy (IDRIS) (Public Works Authority Ashghal) $2500 Doha Metro - Red Line North (Qatar Railways Development Company) $2300 Doha Metro - Green Line (Qatar Railways Development Company) $2200 Doha Metro - Red Line South (Qatar Railways Development Company) $2200
SAUDI ARABIA Major Projects n Fadhili Gas Processing Plant - Package 4 n Master Gas System Expansion (MGSE) Phase 2 - Main File n Master Gas System Expansion (MGSE) Phase 2 - Packages 1-4 n Household Pipelines in Ahd Rafidah n Shaybah NGL Recovery Program Shaybah - Abqaiq Pipeline n Transmission Pipeline for Dawadmi - Afif Water Project - Phase 1 n Water Pipelines from Hali, Yubah and Al Laith Dams to Shouaiba Plant n MGSE - Phase 1 - Compressor Booster Station
GULF PROJECTS
n Gas Pipeline for Western Region Package 1 n MGSE Phase 2 - Compressor Booster Station
Rail Project Updates from around the Gulf
n Arabiyah and Hasbah Oilfield Khursaniyah-Berri Pipeline
UAE
n Al Muajjiz Crude Oil Terminal Rehabilitation - Pipeline n MGSE Phase 1 - EWG 2 Loop 2 Pipeline n Yanbu - Madina Water Transmission Phase 3 n Water Distribution Khamis Mushait n Shaybah to Abqaiq Pipeline Expansion n MGSE Phase 1 - EWG2 Loop1 Pipeline n Shaybah Gas Development - Shaybah to Abqaiq Pipeline n Arabiyah and Hasbah Oilfield - Subsea Pipeline n Water Transmission System for Riyadh City n Construction of Pumping Stations and Expulsion Lines in Al-Mahail n Pumping Station and Pipelines for the Shroura Sewage Network Source: Ventures Onsite
https://www.venturesonsite.com/ projects/2-saudi-arabia-/2-pipeline
UAE Dubai Expo 2020 Major construction projects are taking place in advance of the Dubai Expo 2020 with a number currently being built and expected to complete much earlier than 2020. MEED Projects has identified more than 2,700 UAE projects worth over $840 billion in construction, oil, gas, power, water and other sectors which are currently at various stages from design through to completion. Key Projects n Mohammed Bin Rashid City. Estimated value: $64 billion. Projected completion: Q4, 2023 n Abu Dhabi Airport Expansion - Midfield Terminal. Estimated value: $2.94 billion. Projected completion: Q2, 2017 n Dubai Parks and Resorts. Estimated value: $3 billion. Projected completion: Q4 2023 n Dubai Town Square by Nshama. Estimated value: $3 billion. Projected completion: Q2, 2022 n Akoya by Damac. Estimated value: $6 billion. Projected completion: Q3, 2017
Etihad Rail stage 1 moved from test running in to commercial operations on 10th December 2015. They have announced the suspension of tendering on stage 2 and laid-off a significant number of their (mostly expat) workforce during January 2016. Etihad Rail has indicated that they are keen to speak to UK Companies regarding rail concession arrangements and management. They are also interesting in train leasing. Proposals were submitted to the RTA in December 2015 for the design and build of ‘Route 2020’, which is a 15km extension to the Dubai Metro Red Line. Tenders from the following are currently being evaluated: n Siemens-Orascom-Yapi Consortium Germany n Alstom Transport Sa - France n Gunal MAPA MAPA-CREGC ConsortiumTurkey n Nurol-Astaldi JV - UAE n Salini Impregilo S.p.A - Italy n Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Dubai Rapid Link 2020 Consortium - Japan The design and build is expected to take 4-years and is planned to commence operation in December 2019. The Route 2020 terminus station will integrate with the EXPO masterplan transit plans and include park and ride facilities. The RTA is looking at a number of new bus routes and are interesting in talking with UK suppliers with experience in bus privatisation and concession management. The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT) is intending to procure services of a contractor to purchase, own, maintain and operate public bus services in Al Gharbia (the large western region of Abu Dhabi Emirate) for an initial period of 5 years, with a provision to extend for a further period of 3 years. They have requested responses by 14th February 2016. Abu Dhabi has plans to expand its public transport bus network from the current 520 to over 2000 vehicles. They also have plans for a metro system of 20km with 12 stations that will connect with the airport. They also plan an extensive LRT systems of 55kms with 77 stations. Tender documents for the LRT lines 1-3 are under preparation. Saudi Arabia The Ministry of Finance announced on 28th December 2015 that the infrastructure and transportation budget for 2016 will see a more than 50 per cent reduction in its budgeted allocation as the Kingdom cuts spending on the sector from SR63bn in 2015 to SR23.9bn in 2016. The reduction in spending could impact upon plans for some of the kingdom’s largest projects including new metro lines for Makkah, Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam, as well as main-line rail projects such as the
Saudi Landbridge. UKTI will get an update on the actual impact upon Projects first-hand from Clients during the February 2016 Rail Mission. The Riyadh Metro Consortia teams have as one stated that it is business as usual and they are proceeding with the aggressive timescales for the delivery of the Riyadh Metro. There are current station opportunities for architectural finishes and MEP equipment suppliers. Please find below the link to the excellent video (Property of ADA) highlighting the current progress of construction works for the Riyadh Metro Project: http://www.constructionweekonline. com/article-36876-video-riyadh-metroconstruction-saudi-arabia/ Oman Oman Rail have asked Consortia bidding on segment 1 of the national rail network to extend their bid bonds by 6 months, due to finance not being in place. They are also looking at different financing models for the project. Italian firms Saipam and Salini Impregilo are understood to be the lead Companies of the two preferred consortia competing to build the 207km line that will connect Sohar and Buraimi. Kuwait The Kuwait Authority for Public Private Partnership (KAPP) has appointed a Consortia led by Arup and including Ashursts and EY to provide transaction advisory services for their K-Metro and National Rail network plans. KAPPP has indicated that the tender for the Kuwait leg of the GCC rail project is likely to be issued towards the end of March 2016. Qatar Qatar Rail has announced that they are to put their long-distance rail plans on hold for the present. However, the delivery of the Doha Metro continues as planned. There are currently opportunities with the Doha Metro design and build consortia for station fit-out and MEP equipment supply and installation, also real estate and station area development including landscaping. The Project Management Contract (PMC) for the Doha Metro is currently being retendered. Thales is undertaking systems work on both the Doha Metro and Lusail LRT. They have indicated they will commence installation on the Doha Metro from September 2016. Bahrain The MoTT is planning for the Manama Light Rail Transit (LRT) to be up and running by 2023. The track will consist of a route length of 84km and be built in a number of phases; Phase 1 - northern part of Bahrain, from airport in the north heading to Zallaq in the south, Phase 2 will focus on the educational area (Isa Town) and Phase 3 will focus on the Riffa area.
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LEBANON
LEBANON’S FAST GROWING IT SECTOR The Lebanese Information Technology (ICT) sector is fast growing with an estimated market size of $381 million in 2014 and projected to reach $530 million by 2017 The market has been growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% over the period 2009 –2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.24% from 2015 to 2018. Its impact on GDP, whether direct or indirect, is forecasted to be greater than $6bn by 2017. According to Business Monitor International, Lebanon’s ICT market is forecasted to be a “regional outperformer over the medium term as strong economic growth strengthens market expansion”. Some elements contributing to the market’s expansion include rising income, declining device prices and modernization initiatives takes by enterprises and the public sector, as well as improvements in the telecom infrastructure.
HARDWARE Hardware sales reached $235m in 2014 (accounting for 62% of total market size) and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.63% over the 2015 - 2018 period. The market is still far from saturated, demand for computers remaining on a steady rise among the various industries and household levels and booming tablet sales.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT The software market value reached $34m in 2014 (accounting for only 9% of total market size) and expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.12% over the 2015 to 2018 period. Software development activities have grown steadily in Lebanon in the past few years with the enforcement of intellectual property rights, the reduction of software piracy and the upgrade of the ICT infrastructure.
ICT SERVICES The size of the Lebanese ICT services market reached a value of $112m in 2014 accounting for 29% of total ICT spending. The pickup in ICT services is forecasted to continue with a CAGR of 7.9% during 2015 - 2018, as spending on e-services by governments, businesses and telecom companies is continuously increasing. At present, support and maintenance constitute the largest share of spending on ICT services; however, demand for more
complex services such as managed services, value added services and outsourcing and cloud services are expected to increase.
COMPANIES PROFILING The local ICT sector comprises around 800 companies; mostly small and medium-sized businesses. The majority of these companies remain distributors and sellers, given that the market is still dominated by major international ICT hardware manufacturers, represented in the country through local agents and distributors.
Key exported products include vertical software applications and mobile applications. The Gulf region is the primary export destination for Lebanese products while other Middle Eastern countries rank second. European markets rank third, with France at the top of the list. African countries are currently emerging as a new important export destination, being increasingly targeted by Lebanese firms.
STRONG HUMAN CAPITAL BASE
The sector has, however, been progressively moving from retail and wholesale activities into innovation and content generation with the share of companies involved in the creation of Software Products & Services currently standing at around 30% of total enterprises.
Lebanon’s solid educational system is at the basis of the country’s highly qualified labour force and ranks 28th worldwide for the Quality of its education.
EXPORT ACTIVITY
Skills Index (IDI), which measures ICT capabilities and skills.
Lebanon is emerging as a leading exporter of software products and services in the region. Exports of ICT services related activities account for an estimated 34.8% of total service exports in 2013. More than 60% of firms engaged in ICT activities are export oriented, with the majority of their revenues stemming from their activities outside Lebanon.
Lebanon also occupies the 5th position in the MENA region in 2013 on the ICT Development
More than 30% of the country’s workforce is employed in knowledge intensive activities. Around 2000 university graduates specialized in ICT related activities join the sector every year. These are spread over the fields of engineering, computer science, applied informatics and media. The majority of the labour force is tri-lingual, and possesses one of the most competitive technical skills in the region.
LEBANON
ACCESS TO GROWING REGIONAL MARKETS Lebanon’s access to expanding emerging markets presents significant opportunities for ICT companies to serve the region. The ICT market in the MENA is rapidly growing. ICT spending is projected to total $211bn in 2014 and $242.8bn by 2018, accounting for 5.6% of worldwide ICT spending. n Number of Internet users in the Arab world is expected to reach 197 million by 2017. n The value of the Middle East mobile sector was estimated at $15.65bn in 2013.
ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE Companies operating out of Lebanon can also benefit from an effective infrastructure and an enabling business environment. The growth of the ICT sector is among the government top priorities leading to increased investments in upgrading the existing telecom infrastructure. Lebanon’s bandwidth has increased tenfold since 2011. The average speed of mobile broadband has increased 18 times and prices have declined by 40% during the same period.
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS
Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL): www.investinlebanon.gov.lb Kafalat: www.kafalat.com.lb Ministry of Economy and Trade: www.economy.gov.lb Ministry of Telecommunications: www.mpt.gov.lb MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab Region: www.mitefarab.org Office of the Minster of State for Administrative Reform: www.omsar.gov.lb
Altcity: www.altcity.me
OGERO: www.ogero.gov.lb
n The digital Arabic content market is predicted to hit $28bn in 2015.
Association of the Lebanese Software Industry (ALSI): www.alsionline.org
n In addition, a wave of e-government initiatives will result in a significant increase in regional ICT spending.
Bader: www.baderlebanon.com
Presidency of the Council of Ministers, National ICT coordinating office: ict.pcm.gov.lb
Berytech: www.berytech.org
Professional Computer Association of Lebanon (PCA): www.pca.org.lb
Various advantages allow businesses to capture these opportunities, especially given the Lebanese business culture and wide exposure to the Arab region, Africa, and Europe as well as the worldwide diaspora network which provides investment and business linkages.
Beirut Creative Cluster: www.beirutcreativecluster.org
South Business Innovation Center (SOUTH BIC): www.southbic.org
Beirut Digital District (BDD): www.beirutdigitaldistrict.com
Telecommunications regulatory authority: www.tra.gov.lb
Business Incubation Association in Tripoli (BIAT): www.biatcenter.org
Information Technology Fact Book 2015, IDAL
Endeavor: www.endeavor.org
Profit Profit from from knowledge knowledge We’ve been We’ve atbeen the forefront at the forefront of business of business education education since 1966. sinceOur 1966. MBA Our and MBA Masters and Masters programmes programmes are are consistently consistently ranked ranked among among the best: thewith best: a decade with a decade of tripleofaccreditation triple accreditation and ourand research our research excellence excellence (1st in Scotland, (1st in Scotland, top 10 UK: top REF 10 UK: 2014), REF perhaps 2014), perhaps that’s that’s no surprise. no surprise. Whether Whether you study youinstudy Scotland in Scotland or in one or in one of our four of our centres four centres in UAE, in Bahrain UAE, Bahrain and Oman, and you Oman, canyou can be assured be assured of a quality of a quality education education from one from of the onebest of the best business business schoolsschools in the world. in the world. Excellence Excellence is our bottom is our bottom line. line.
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For further information about the Lebanese IT sector contact IDAL: www.investinlebanon.gov.lb
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Fifth Floor 37 Esplanade JERSEY JE1 2TR Contact : Mr Trevor Norman Tel: +44(0)1534 500400 Email: tnorman@volaw.com Website: www.volaw.com Fiduciary services for individual, family, corporate and institutional clients in eight core service areas: Wealth Structuring, Family Office Services, Corporate Services, Employee Benefit Solutions, Listing Services, Shari’a-compliant Services, Fund Services, Structured Finance
A London law firm with an international mindset Farrer & Co is an independent law firm with a long tradition of advising private families, individuals and charitable institutions which is complemented by our work with businesses and entrepreneurs, from asset managers and sports bodies to banks and international mining companies. We offer our clients a seamless service across a range of jurisdictions and in particular the Middle East. A number of our lawyers dedicate their practices to clients connected with the Middle East region, with whom we work on a broad and diverse range of legal, family and business issues. We have acted for clients from the Middle East region for many years and advise on both their onshore and offshore requirements, frequently meeting them in the region. Many of our clients from the region have complicated business interests with assets held all over the world and they will often make use of trusts, foundations or family offices.
“Their practice is truly international and they have a very good and deep team. A delightful firm to deal with.” Chambers Global
For further information please contact Alison Springett Tel: 020 3375 7369 Email: alison.springett@farrer.co.uk www.farrer.co.uk
ENTERPRISE ARAB CHAMBER EUROPEOF NETWORK COMMERCE 23
ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make the most of business opportunities within the European Union and beyond. The EEN is a key instrument in the EU’s 2020 strategy to boost growth and jobs. Bringing together around 600 business support organisations in 61 countries, the Network is designed to encourage cross-border collaboration, helping mainly SMEs to make the most of the European marketplace and fostering international business, technology and research collaboration. We advise companies and research driven organisations on: n Going international – finding and connecting with international potential partners for business, technology and research cooperation n Access to European and UK grant funding for research, development and innovation purposes (RD&I) n Access to finance through business angels, venture capital and loans n Intellectual property and patents – how to get your ideas and innovations to market n European legislation and regulation – advice and how to influence upcoming legislation n Intensive coaching - to develop innovation management capacity within high growth SMEs and commercialising innovative products and services n Entrepreneurial skills training Enterprise Europe Network in London is run by Greater London Enterprise (GLE), University College London (UCL) and the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI). London is a hive of innovation, and the London partners work together to boost the innovation and international business potential of London’s SMEs. We have the reach, expertise and tailor-made services to find the right international partners for your business.
ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK ADVISORS IN LONDON The EEN’s advisor team is part of a network of 3,000 staff across Europe with the mission to help SMEs to innovate, grow and prosper in international markets. Enterprise Europe Network has a proven track record in assisting businesses navigate the complex European landscape, helping
businesses commercialise their innovations through funding, finance and international partnerships. EEN advisors have years of experience in business and innovation support and are committed to giving 1-on-1 tailored support to bring the best out of SME businesses.
SUPPORT IN 17 KEY SECTORS The EEN provides support in 17 key sectors. The Network’s Sector Groups have teamed up to provide companies with customised support by combining international business expertise with local knowledge. EEN can help your business grow through tailored support and new partnerships. EEN can also advise you on how to find partners to apply for EUfunded joint research projects. n The EEN mission offers support to the business development of women entrepreneurs. n A Sector Group brings together Network experts in the sector of tourism and cultural heritage. n A Sector Group is the Network’s expert platform for textile and fashion. n One Sector Group is the Network’s centre of knowledge and expertise for sustainable construction. n A Sector Group is the Network’s expert platform for services and retail industries. n A Sector Group is the Network’s expert platform for nano and micro technologies n Experts combine expertise in materials with knowledge of regional businesses and research centres.
n Business expertise with local contacts and knowledge of the ICT industry n Cooperation between potential partners in the medical sector n A mission is to help SMEs in the environmental sector innovate n A mission is to help creative companies grow faster through sector-specific tailored support. n Biotechnology and chemistry is one of Europe’s most important industries n Sector Group brings together technological and business experts from Europe’s leading automotive, transport and logistics regions. n Sector Group brings together business experts from regions with a high number of AgroFood companies. n Sector Group brings together business experts from Europe’s top aeronautics and space regions. The Enterprise Europe Network in England, Northern Ireland and Wales is funded by the European Commission through the EU programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME), and Innovate UK. For more information, please contact EENNationalGateway@bradford.co.uk. www.enterprise-europe.co.uk Twitter: @EEN_London LinkedIn: Enterprise Europe London / Enterprise Europe Network London
n A Sector Group is the Network’s expert platform for maritime industries
For Partnering Opportunities flagged up by EEN see:
n One Group is the Network’s expert platform for renewable energies and energy efficiency
http://een.ec.europa.eu/
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ECONOMICLAW FOCUS SYRIA BID TO WOO INVESTORS
THE START OF A NEW ERA – GCC TRADE MARK LAW IMPLEMENTED IN KUWAIT By Rob Deans and Saba Al Sultani, Clyde & Co After almost 30 years of waiting, the GCC Trade Mark Law has been implemented, and is now in force in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states – Kuwait. Further news is awaited in the other GCC states of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The trigger for the implementation of the GCC Trade Mark Law in Kuwait has been the publication of Ministerial Decision No. 500 of 2015 which approved the Implementing Regulations for Law No. 13 of 2015 and which, in turn, ratified the GCC Trade Mark Law. Ministerial Decision No. 500 of 2015
was published on 27 December 2015, with the effect that the Implementing Regulations came into force in Kuwait on 28 December 2015.
THE IMPACT OF THE IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS Until now, the Implementing Regulations to the GCC Trade Mark Law have not been publically available. These Implementing Regulations will have an impact in all the GCC states including, most immediately, in Kuwait. Some of the key changes under the Implementing Regulations are as follows: n AN INCREASE IN OFFICIAL FEES Under Ministerial Decision No. 500 of 2015,
the official fees for trade mark applications (from filing through to registration) in Kuwait are increased to approximately $1,035 from approximately $80 (ie to KD310 from KD24). This is part of an increase in official fees for a number of activities before the Kuwait Trade Mark Office, with the fees for renewals, oppositions and assignments also increasing. n A
CHANGE IN THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS
The documents that are now required to support a trade mark application in Kuwait under the Implementing Regulations are: n a notarised and legalised Power of Attorney; continued page 25
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY UPDATE A prior trademark clearance search is now a prerequisite for every trademark application submitted at the TMO before the filing particulars are issued. IRAQ Search Before You File This new line of practice could at some point cut down the backlog of work by essentially reducing the time it takes to perform examination on relative grounds at a later stage. If the proposed trademark is found to be available following the clearance search, the application will then follow the standard registration procedure. This revised practice will not apply to Paris convention applications in order to safeguard the priority period. SABA IP, 11 March 2016
KUWAIT Procedural Changes The Kuwaiti TMO has introduced a number of substantial procedural changes pursuant to Ministerial Decree No. 500 of 2015 published on December 27, 2015 (approving the Implementing Regulations of the GCC trademark law). n The opposition period has been modified. The period will no longer end 30 days from the third publication in the Official
Gazette. The opposition period will now be 60 days from publication date, according to Article 12 of the regulations, bringing the procedure more in line with international standards. n Based on Article 4 of the regulations, a legalized Certificate of Incorporation or an Extract from the commercial Register must be submitted in support of a trademark application. A certificate of home or foreign registration/application is no longer a requirement. The Certificate of Incorporation or an Extract from the Commercial Register may be used for subsequent filings. n Notices for renewal, as well as notices for the recordal of assignment, change of name, change of address, and change of local agent will be published in the Official Gazette. This was not the case in the past. n Counterstatements in response to an opposition can now be submitted within 60 days from receipt of notification, instead of 30 days. Also, the deadline to appeal the Registrar’s decision in an opposition has been extended. It is now 30 days from notification date instead of 10 days
SABA Bulletin, March 2016
SAUDI ARABIA eCosma Registration for Cosmetics Products The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that all beauty products must be registered with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) through the eCosma portal for free until the end of 2016. eCosma is an electronic system that allows importers and manufacturers of cosmetic products marketed in the country to register their cosmetic products with SFDA and ensure that their products are compatible with Saudi standards. It is yet unclear if the registration requirements will be including a trademark application or registration for securing an eCosma registration. SABA Bulletin, January 2016 http://www.sabaip.com/en
LAW
n a copy of a Certificate of Incorporation or Commercial Licence for the applicant; and n a legal translation of the trade mark, if it includes any words which are not in Arabic. In relation to the first of these requirements, many brand owners will be accustomed, when filing a trade mark application in a GCC country, to submitting a Power of Attorney legalised for use in the country where the application is being filed. However, the Implementing Regulations do not specify that the Power of Attorney must be legalised for use in the specific country where the application is being filed. This may potentially be interpreted as allowing applicants to rely on a Power of Attorney which has been legalised for use in any GCC country (rather than in the specific country where the application is being filed). This is important for brand owners seeking to file applications in more than one GCC country. If this interpretation is adopted to allow a single Power of Attorney legalised for use in any GCC country, then this could give rise to considerable cost savings. The second and third requirements are new for Kuwait. Previously, it was not necessary to submit a copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Incorporation or Commercial Licence. Also, until now, it was sufficient for the applicant to prepare its own translation of a non-Arabic language trade mark. However, a translation prepared by a licensed legal translator is now required. In addition, it is worth noting that the Implementing Regulations to the GCC Trade Mark Law require all supporting documents to be submitted at the time the application is filed.
FASTER EXAMINATION TIMES, WITH THE EXAMINATION OF TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 90 DAYS Typically, it has been taking approximately six to eight months for examination reports to be issued by the Kuwait Trade Mark Office. The Implementing Regulations impose a requirement for an initial examination report to be issued within 90 days of the filing date, which should result in applications being processed more quickly than has previously been the case.
A LONGER OPPOSITION PERIOD The opposition deadline has been increased to 60 days (from the current 30 days in Kuwait). However, the deadline remains nonextendable.
A LONGER GRACE PERIOD FOR LATE RENEWALS
THE IMPACT OF THE GCC TRADE MARK LAW
This has been increased to six months (from the current three months in Kuwait).
The points set out above summarise the key changes which are being introduced by the Implementing Regulations to the GCC Trade Mark Law. The law itself introduces a host of changes, from the definition of a trade mark through to what constitutes a trade mark infringement.
Equally important are the issues which the Implementing Regulations do not deal with. These include: n The absence of a procedure for a unified interpretation of the GCC Trade Mark Law to be adopted in all GCC member states n The GCC Trade Mark Law is structured on the basis that the same law, with the same provisions, is to be enacted in each member state so that a unified law applies across all six GCC member states. Now that the GCC Trade Mark Law has been enacted in Kuwait, the Trade Mark Office and the Courts in Kuwait are empowered to interpret and apply the provisions of the GCC Trade Mark Law in Kuwait. n In due course, when the GCC Trade Mark Law is enacted in the other GCC member states, the Trade Mark Offices and Courts in those member states will also have the power to interpret and apply the provisions of the GCC Trade Mark Law in those countries. This raises a concern that the Law will be subject to different interpretations in each of the GCC states. n This potential problem appears to be anticipated by the GCC Trade Mark Law in that it provides that the GCC Trade Cooperation Committee has the power to interpret the Law. However, there is nothing in either the Law or the Implementing Regulations to suggest how this might work in practice. n In the absence of any process for bringing matters of interpretation to the GCC Trade Cooperation Committee, it is difficult to see how a unified position under the GCC Trade Mark Law will be maintained across all six member states. n The absence of a local address for service to be maintained for the proprietor of a registered trade mark n The Implementing Regulations to the GCC Trade Mark Law maintain the current position that an applicant must provide the Trade Mark Office with its address. However, for overseas applicants, there is no requirement to provide a local address for service, such as the address of the applicant’s filing agent. n As a result, if an action is brought against the proprietor of a trade mark registration (such as, for example, an action before the Court to cancel a trade mark registration), it is necessary to effect service directly upon the proprietor. Where the proprietor’s address is outside the country, this means effecting service through diplomatic channels which can be a lengthy and expensive process.
THE STATUS OF THE LAW IN THE OTHER GCC COUNTRIES The Supreme Council of the GCC issued a Resolution in December 2012 requiring all member states to implement the GCC Trade Mark Law into their respective national laws within six months from the date on which Implementing Regulations for the Law are approved by the GCC Trade Cooperation Committee. The publication of the Implementing Regulations in Kuwait indicates that the Implementing Regulations have been approved. If this is the case, then the GCC Trade Mark Law should come into force in the other GCC member states by early July 2016. However, at present, the position in the other GCC member states is as follows: n Bahrain and Qatar: We are waiting for the Implementing Regulations to be published in these countries. The GCC Trade Mark Law will come into force automatically six months after the Implementing Regulations have been published. n Saudi Arabia: We are waiting for further legislation to be passed in order to bring the GCC Trade Mark Law into force and to repeal the current Saudi Trade Mark Law. The Saudi Cabinet agreed in May 2014 to ratify the GCC Trade Mark Law. However, this ratification has not yet taken place and legislation is still required to bring the Law into force in Saudi Arabia. n Oman and the UAE: We have not yet seen any legislation published with regard to the 2013 version of the GCC Trade Mark Law. It therefore remains to be seen how or when the GCC Trade Mark Law will be implemented in these member states. n It will therefore be interesting to see what steps are taken in each of these GCC member states over the coming months, and the speed at which the GCC Trade Mark Law comes into force across the GCC region. Intellectual Property Newsletter, Clyde & Co, 15/02/2016 Clyde & Co is a member of the ABCC.
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ً ً غريبين عنها ،واقتصاديا نظرا ملنافستهم للبريطانيين على الوظائف ،ورفعهم ّ ألسعار العقارات والسلع ،لذلك ،التخلص من هؤالء ،أو الحد من وفودهم على ً ً األقلُ ،ي َعد هدفا رئيسيا من الخروج من االتحاد بالنسبة لحزب مثل استقالل ُ قلق كافة الشركات ورواد األعمال الذين يعتمدون على بريطانيا ،وهو إجراء سي ِ تلك العمالة الرخيصة في تخفيض التكاليف. باملثل ،سيصبح البريطانيون املوجودون في بلدان أوروبا في ليلة وضحاها مهاجرين غير شرعيين ،وستصبح صادرات بريطانيا ُعرضة لقيود السوق األوروبية باعتبارها دولة خارج االتحاد ،حيث يمكن فرض ضرائب عليها ،كما سيكون دخول رأس املال األوروبي إلى السوق البريطاني أصعب من ذي قبل ،وهو ما ً سيؤثر بالطبع على االقتصاد وقد يزيد األوضاع املالية تدهورا ،السيما وأن القطاع املالي البريطاني لم يتعاف بالكامل من أزمة .2008 ً على صعيد آخر ،ال يبدو أن بريطانيا ستتراجع بالكامل كدولة هامشية نظرا لقوتها كاتحاد منفصل ،فلندن هي واحدة من أبرز املراكز املالية واالقتصادية في ً العالم ،كما أنها ستوفر بخروجها 8مليارات إسترليني تدفعها سنويا لالتحاد األوروبي لتمويل ميزانيته ،وستستطيع إنفاق تلك األموال في الداخل ،أضف إلى ذلك أن بريطانيا تملك القدرة على تعزيز الروابط مع دول الكومنوولث ،والتي سترحب بالدور البريطاني ،السيما كندا وأستراليا والهند ،كما تملك تحويل قبلتها االقتصادية والسياسية نحو الواليات املتحدة األمريكية بشكل أكبر. ً ومع ذلك ،وعلى عكس ما يعتقد كثيرونُ ، وبحكم وجودها جغرافيا في القارة األوروبية في نهاية األمر ،ستبدأ بريطانيا مفاوضات طويلة إليجاد صيغة جديدة للتعايش مع بروكسل،
ً ُ والحل املتاح واألبرز حاليا هو الخروج من االتحاد مع البقاء داخل املنطقة ً َ االقتصادية األوروبية ،والتي تضم النرويج ،وهي ُمهن َدسة خصيصا للدول التي رفضت عضوية االتحاد واليورو ،ولكن ال تريد أن يتم معاملتها ومواطنيها وشركاتها كبلد أجنبي مثله مثل الصين أو الهند يخضع للجمارك ،وهو ما سيعطي ّ املال البريطاني سهولة التواجد في سوق أوروبا دون التقيد بسياساتها ،أما الحل الثاني فهو بلورة اتفاقية ثنائية بين لندن وبروكسل مثل تلك التي تملكها سويسرا غير العضوة هي األخرى. ويبقى األمر في طي االنتظار ما إذا كانت بريطانيا ستخرج من االتحاد أم ال ،فهي ً مسألة ستكشف عنها السنوات القليلة املقبلة ،ولكنه يبدو سيناريو مرجحا بقوة ً نظرا لتزايد رواج الفكرة بين البريطانيين ،وعدم وجود أي رغبة في بروكسل أو برلين في منح بريطانيا املزيد من املرونة في عضويتها األوروبية. أخذ بتصرف من املصادر التالية-: ً * عبد االمير رويح :هل ستخرج بريطانيا من االتحاد األوروبي قريبا؟ http://annabaa.org/arabic/reports/4621/prin ٔ * د .فهد إبراهيم الشثري :بريطانيا واالتحاد االوروبي ..طلقة واحدة أو ثالث؟ http://www.startimes.com/f.aspx?t=32075611 * نقاش 'بال محظورات' في محادثات إبقاء بريطانيا باالتحاد األوروبي ميدل ايست أونالين http://www.middle-east-online.com/?id=213537
ً وقال جونسون أن "أضرارا" ستلحق بقطاعات العمل والعلم والشركات والجامعات التي وصفها بأنها "ستتقلص" في بريطانيا في حال الخروج من االتحاد األوروبي. من جانب آخر أظهر استطالع للرأي نشرته صحيفة إندبندنت وأجري بعد الهجمات التي تعرضت لها العاصمة الفرنسية باريس أن أكثر من نصف البريطانيين يريدون اآلن االنسحاب من االتحاد األوروبي .وشمل استطالع أو.آر.بي 2000شخص وأظهر أن %52من الناخبين البريطانيين يريدون الخروج من االتحاد األوروبي بينما يريد %48البقاء فيه. وفي استطالعات مماثلة أجريت في شهر حزيران وتموز وأيلول ،2015كانت الغالبية فيها تريد البقاء في التكتل األوروبي على اعتقاد بأن انسحاب بريطانيا من االتحاد األوروبي سيهز االتحاد بشدة ويحرمه من ثاني أكبر اقتصاد فيه وواحدة من أكبر قوتين عسكريتين به .ويحذر املؤيدون ألوروبا من أن االنسحاب سيضر االقتصاد البريطاني وقد يؤدي لتفكك اململكة املتحدة وتصويت اإلسكتلنديين لصالح االستقالل ،وأظهرت استطالعات أخرى للرأي ان تأييد البريطانيين للبقاء في االتحاد االوروبي تراجع هذا العام مع توافد املهاجرين على أوروبا مما أثار مخاوف بشأن العضوية. من ناحية أخرى أظهر استطالع للرأي أجري في بداية شهر كانون األول 2015أن نسبة البريطانيين الراغبين في الخروج من االتحاد األوروبي ارتفعت إلى %51في حين يؤيد %49يريدون البقاء باالتحاد. وقالت شركة سيرفيشن التي أجرت االستطالع إنه يظهر ارتفاع نسبة الراغبين في االنسحاب من االتحاد األوروبي ثالث نقاط مئوية مقارنة مع االستطالع السابق الذي أجري في 17تشرين الثاني .2015 وأجري استطالع شمل أكثر من عشرة آالف شخص عبر اإلنترنت في الفترة من 30 تشرين الثاني إلى الثالث من كانون األول ويحمل هامش خطأ يبلغ 1باملئة. وأجرت سيرفيشن االستطالع لصالح تحالف الديمقراطية املباشرة في أوروبا وهو تجمع ألحزاب سياسية أوروبية تشكك في االتحاد األوروبي من بينها حزب استقالل اململكة املتحدة. بين االقتصاد والثقافة :بريطانيون ال أوربيون ً يعرف كثيرون أن الثقافة االقتصادية والسياسية في لندن أقرب كثيرا لنظيرتها في واشنطن منها إلى برلين أو باريس ،فالثقافات والفلسفات األنجلوساكسونية ً ً ً ً َ تفضل هامشا واسعا من الحرية وتدخال ضئيال من املؤسسات ،في مقابل ثقافة ً أوروبية ّ تحبذ التركيز على حماية الفرد وتزويده بحقوقه أكثر منها اهتماما بحريته أو إبداعه ،وبينما يركز شعب مثل األملان على فكرة النظام والتناغم في العمل، فإن اإلنجليز واألمريكيين يهمهم النتيجة في النهاية ،ولذلك تتسم فلسفتهم ،كما هي طريقة لعبهم لكرة القدم ،بالبراجماتية ،مقابل ميكانيكية األملان. بالطبع هناك خالفات بين دول أوروبا وبعضها ،خاصة بين دول الشمال ودول املتوسط ،وهو ما يجعل ُحجة اتحاد اقتصادي قوي دون أي وحدة سياسية أو ثقافية فكرة مناسبة ،بيد أن بروكسل منذ سنوات طويلة تحاول بث نوع من ً الثقافة األوروبية املشتركة ،وشد حبال السلطة السياسية بشكل أكبر نظرا لألزمة َ التي تعصف باليورو وازدياد ِثقل أملانيا ،وهو أمر بالطبع ال يعجب البريطانيين.
على املستوى الرمزي ،حاول البرملان األوروبي إجبار أندية كرة القدم على وضع نجوم االتحاد األوروبي إلى جانب شعارها على الفانالت التي يرتديها الالعبون، وهي محاولة فشلت في نهاية املطاف ،أضف إلى ذلك محاولة "الركوب" على أوملبياد لندن ،2012أو هكذا يراها البريطانيون ،عبر طلب تعليق علم االتحاد األوروبي في كافة املناسبات الرياضية أثناء استضافة لندن لأللعاب باعتبارها ً ً بلدا أوروبيا ،وباعتبار االستضافة البريطانية تلك أوروبية في نفس الوقت. بالنسبة للثقافة والتعليم ،قامت بروكسل بتطوير ّ كتيب "لنكتشف أوروبا" لطالب املدارس ،والذي يحاول رسم صورة مختلفة لهويتهم من سن مبكرة ،كما قال مدير املطبوعات في املفوضية األوروبية صراحة ،حيث أكد على ضرورة ّ تعرض األطفال للدعايا األوروبية قبل أن تسيطر عليهم رؤى أخرى ،وهو يقصد ً طبعا الرؤى الثقافية والقومية العادية التي تتسم بها أوروبا منذ قرون ،مما يعني ببساطة محاولة تغيير الطابع الثقافي الخاص لكل بلد لصالح هوية أوروبية ملساء بال ُعمق أو معنى ،كما يقول منتقدي االتحاد في بريطانيا ،وفي دول كثيرة أخرى مثل فرنسا. ً هذه إذا هي بعض أسباب عدم التوافق املتزايد بين لندن وبروكسل ،ولكن ً السؤال التالي اآلن هو :ماذا يحدث إذا ما خرجت بريطانيا فعال من االتحاد؟ بريطانيا ما بعد خروجها من االتحاد األوروبي: إذا ما ّ صوت البريطانيون لصالح الخروج بالفعل عام ،2017فإن لندن ستحتاج إلى اتخاذ إجراءات الستيعاب الكثير من التحوالت في الداخل ،والوصول لترتيبات جديدة بديلة للقوانين األوروبية مع قطاعات بريطانية واسعة كانت تستفيد منها، وأبرز مثال هنا هو واليتي ِوست ويلز West Walesوكورنوول ،Cornwallواللتان تستفيدان من تمويل االتحاد األوروبي لصالح التنمية واملشاريع املجتمعية ً وغيرها ،وهو تمويل وصل لحوالي 4.5مليار جنيه إسترليني سنويا. باإلضافة لذلك ،سيحتاج فالحو بريطانيا إلى بديل عن الدعم الذي كانوا يحصلون عليه بموجب السياسة األوروبية الزراعية املشتركة ،وهو ما يعني أنهم سيواجهون منافسة عنيفة في السوق من نظرائهم داخل أوروبا إذا ما لم تعطهم ً بريطانيا بديال للدعم األوروبي ،وهو بديل ال يبدو أنه سيمر بسهولة إذ تعترض ً ً عليه بعض أحزاب اليمين التي ترى في ذلك تدخال من الدولة في االقتصاد .أيضا، ّ موحد للمعايير مع السوق سيحتاج أصحاب املصانع إلى االحتفاظ بنظام األوروبية حتى بعد خروج بالدهم من االتحاد ليستطيعوا الحفاظ على نفس مستوى الجودة ،ويتمكنوا من تصدير منتجاتهم إلى بلدان أوروبا بسهولة كما يفعلون اآلن.
أبرز مثال على ذلك هو محاوالت خلق هوية أوروبية غير موجودة على األرض، فاالتحاد األوروبي اآلن أصبح له نشيد (وهو عبارة عن مقطع موسيقي لبيتهوفن بدون ً كلمات نظرا لتعدد اللغات األوروبية!) ومحكمة وبنك مركزي ،وتجري محاوالت النقطة األبرز واألكثر سخونة ستكون في العمالة األجنبية القادمة من شرق لتوحيد كافة البنوك املوجودة في بلدانه ،بل ودمج ميزانيات الدول مجتمعة أوروبا ،والتي تنتقل إلى بريطانيا بسهولة نتيجة وجودها في االتحاد ،حيث يقول ّ ً لتجنب -أو هكذا يعتقد األملان على األقل -سوء إدارة األموال في دول عدة. معارض االتحاد األوروبي في بريطانيا إن لها أثر سلبي على البالد ،ثقافيا بكونهم
في السياق ذاته هدد وزير الخارجية األملاني فرانك فالتر شتاينماير بإتخاذ إجراء قانوني ضد دول االتحاد األوروبي التي ترفض قبول الجئين بموجب برنامج الحصص الذي وضعه االتحاد .وقال الوزير في مقابلة مع صحيفة دير شبيغل األملانية "إذا لم يتسن حل املشاكل بطرق أخرى ،فستحل ً من خالل القنوات القانونية املالئمة" ،مضيفا أن أوروبا هي مجتمع قانون. وأوضحت النقاشات أنه ال أحد ،بمن في ذلك كاميرون ،مستعد لقبول تمييز ،حيث قال رئيس املجلس األوروبي "هذا غير مقبول واملؤكد أن هذه ليست نية شريكنا البريطاني" ،بينما قالت املستشارة األملانية أنجيال ميركل التي تتزعم أكثر ً دول االتحاد نفوذا "إن هناك إرادة على نطاق واسع للتوصل إلى اتفاق إلبقاء بريطانيا في االتحاد األوروبي" .وأضافت "أوضحنا أننا مستعدون للوصول لحل وسط لكن على أساس يضمن املبادئ األوروبية األساسية التي تشمل عدم التمييز وحرية الحركة". من جانب آخر قال رئيس الوزراء البلجيكي شارل ميشيل أن رئيس الوزراء البريطاني ديفيد كاميرون أبدى استعداده لتحقيق توازن في مطالب بالده إلصالح االتحاد األوروبي .وقال ميشيل "خلصت إلى أن كاميرون مستعد للوصول إلى حلول وأبدى استعداده لبذل جهد إليجاد توازن جيد بشأن النقاط األربع قيد البحث" .من جانب آخر قال ً رئيس الوزراء اإلستوني تافي رويفاس إن تقدما ً جيدا قد تحقق في محادثات القمة بشأن مطالب اإلصالح البريطانية وعبر عن اعتقاده باحتمال التوصل إلتفاق ،وقال رويفاسن "ما زال أمامنا الكثير من العمل لكنني أعتقد أنه سيتم التوصل إلى اتفاق". وفي رسالة موجهة لرئيس املجلس األوروبي دونالد توسك ،كشف الوزير األول البريطاني أن بالده ترفض أن يتعامل االتحاد األوروبي بمنطق التمييز مع الدول الغير عضوة في منطقة اليورو ،وأن يركز على تنافسية السوق ويمنحها صالحيات واسعة ملراقبة الهجرة .إلى جانب ذلك ،حذر رئيس مجلس أوروبا دونالد توسك من ان بعض اإلصالحات التي طالب بها رئيس الوزراء البريطاني ديفيد كاميرون قبل االستفتاء حول إبقاء بريطانيا في االتحاد االوروبي "غير مقبولة" .وقال توسك ان املشاورات قبل القمة االوروبية "أظهرت حسن نية كافة األطراف املعنيين لكن هذا ال يغير كون بعض املقترحات البريطانية غير مقبولة".
في السياق ذاته أطلق حزب العمال البريطاني حملته لبقاء بريطانيا في االتحاد ً االوروبي ،وقال ان اعتداءات باريس اإلرهابية تظهر ضرورة "الوقوف جنبا إلى جنب" مع الشركاء األوروبيين .وكانت حكومة املحافظين البريطانية وعدت بإجراء استفتاء على البقاء أو الخروج من االتحاد االوروبي بنهاية ،2017وأظهرت استطالعات الراي األخيرة انقسام البريطانيين بشان هذه املسالة رغم أن جميع األحزاب الرئيسية تقوم بحمالت للدعوة إلى البقاء في االتحاد.
وقال رئيس املجلس األوروبي ،دونالد توسك ،الذي يرأس املفاوضات التي يجريها االتحاد األوروبي مع لندن بهدف إبقاء بريطانيا في االتحاد بعد إجراء بعض ً اإلصالحات "إن الخالفات مازالت كبيرة في بضع نقاط" ،مطالبا بأن يكون النقاش في هذا الشأن أثناء قمة االتحاد األوروبي التي ُعقدت في منتصف شهر كانون األول " ،2015بال محظورات".
وأطلق وزير الداخلية السابق آالن جونسون حملة حزبه املؤيدة للبقاء في االتحاد الذي يضم 28عضوا ،في مدينة برمنغهام وسط إنجلترا ،وقال أن بريطانيا ً ستكون أقل آمانا في حال خروجها من االتحاد .وأضاف أن "الواجب األول ألية حكومة هو الحفاظ على أمن البالد ،وأنا اعتقد ان الخروج من االتحاد األوروبي سيكون عكس ذلك".
انقسام املجتمع:
وحسب القادة األوروبيين ،فإن اإلصالحات التي تنتظرها لندن من االتحاد وأضاف "أن الدرس من (اعتداءات باريس) واضح وهو انه ملواجهة اإلرهاب يجب ً ً تقدما حصل خالل املشاورات الثنائية حول هذا أن نقف جنبا إلى جنب مع شركائنا في أوروبا, .إن أمن بريطانيا مرتبط بشكل األوروبي تبدو "صعبة" ،غير أن وثيق بالبقاء في أوروبا". املوضوع مع الدول األعضاء.
على سبيل املثال تمثل الرباعية الدولية التي تتشكل من الواليات املتحدة وروسيا واالتحاد األوروبي واألمم املتحدة أهم تجمع سياس ي ملناقشة قضايا الشرق األوسط ،خصوصا الصراع العربي -اإلسرائيلي ،وخروج بريطانيا من ً دائرة االتحاد األوروبي يعني تقريبا انعدام تأثيرها في املنطقة. ً ً الثمن االقتصادي أيضا سيكون كبيرا حيث سيكون نتيجة ذلك خسارة كبيرة في حرية النفاذ إلى األسواق األوروبية ،على الرغم من محاولة البريطانيين املعارضين لالتحاد األوروبي التقليل من ذلك .وإن بريطانيا ستجد نفسها مرغمة على إعادة التفاوض حول العديد من االتفاقيات الثنائية مع الدول األخرى ،كما ستضطر إلى مراجعة الكثير من التشريعات التي أقرتها لتنفيذ قرارات على ً ً ً مستوى االتحاد األوروبي ،وهو ما سيشكل عبئا اقتصاديا كبيرا يصعب التكهن بتكاليفه .ويعتقد كثيرون أن مجرد حالة عدم اليقين التي فرضها رئيس الوزراء ً البريطاني ديفيد كاميرون بطرح فكرة إعادة التفاوض أو االنسحاب ستترك آثارا اقتصادية كبيرة في االقتصاد البريطاني ،وفي االتحاد األوروبي ككل.
مطالب غير مقبولة:
ً قال رئيس الوزراء البريطاني ديفيد كاميرون إنه يستطيع أن يري طريقا إلى اتفاق تبقى بريطانيا بمقتضاه في االتحاد األوروبي ،وقال كاميرون "ال ش يء مضمون في ً الحياة وال في بروكسل لكن ما سأقوله هو أن هناك طريقا إلى اتفاق سيتخذ في شهر سباط ،"2016وعقد كاميرون املؤتمر الصحفي بعد مناقشة مهمة ملطالب يضاف إلى ذلك مشكلة الهجرة ،حيث ترى بريطانيا أن ًقوانين االتحاد األوروبي بريطانيا بإعادة التفاوض حول شروط عضوية االتحاد وذلك قبل استفتاء حول هي السبب في تدفق املهاجرين إليها ،وهو ما أثر سلبا على مستوى املعيشة ما إذا كانت ستبقى فيه. والنسيج االجتماعي ،وطالبت بريطانيا بوضع آلية للتحكم في حركة املهاجرين ويدور نقاش منذ أن قدم كاميرون مطالبه لالتحاد األوروبي ،حول أربعة مواضيع الوافدين إلى اململكة املتحدة من بلدان أوروبا والسيطرة على الحدود إال أن ً رئيسية تمهيدا الستفتاء حول إبقاء بالده في االتحاد بحلول نهاية العام ،2017 مطالبها لم تنفذ .ويعارض هذا القرار عدة أحزاب ومؤسسات بريطانية ،أبرزها ً واحد املواضيع األكثر جدال يتعلق بهجرة املواطنين األوروبيين الذين تريد لندن حزب الديمقراطيين األحرار املعارض ،حيث نقل عن زعيمه نيك كليج القول حرمانهم من املساعدات االجتماعية خالل السنوات األربع األولى من إقامتهم في "االقتصاد البريطاني قد يؤذي نفسه إذا انفصلت بريطانيا عن االتحاد األوروبي، بريطانيا .وقال توسك "إذا اقنع رئيس الوزراء كاميرون القادة بانه يمكننا العمل وأن الخطوة قد تهدد تعافي االقتصاد". معا إليجاد حلول حول امللفات األربعة عندها سيكون أمامنا فرصة حقيقية واتهم كليج بأن الكثير من أعضاء حزب املحافظين وحزب االستقالل البريطاني للتوصل إلى إتفاق". يسعون إلى فصل إنجلترا عن أكبر سوق في العالم ،وفي ظل إصرار بريطانيا على ويأمل ديفيد كاميرون استرجاع بعض السلطات من بروكسل ،وتشديد شروط انتزاع ضمانات بعدم ّ تغول سلطة االتحاد األوروبي في الشؤون البريطانية ،يبقى الولوج للمساعدات االجتماعية ملهاجري االتحاد األوروبي ،خاصة القادمين من األوروبيين غير مستعدين للتوصل إلى تسوية حول كل املطالب البريطانية، ً أوروبا الشرقية .كما تطمح بريطانيا أيضا إلى الحد من الهجرة األوروبية نحو خاصة املعاهدات األوروبية املتعلقة بحرية الحركة التي تعتبر واحدة من أهم اململكة ،لكنها تصطدم بحرية التنقل التي تعتمدها أوروبا في هذا املجال. ركائز االتحاد. وفي أطول خطاب له خالل خمس سنوات من حضور مؤتمرات قمة االتحاد مخاوف: ً األوروبي قال كاميرون للزعماء السبعة والعشرين اآلخرين الذين اجتمعوا على يؤثر املستقبل الغامض لبريطانيا في االتحاد االوروبي كثيرا على ثقة رجال مأدبة عشاء ،في بداية شهر كانون األول ،2015إنهم إذا كانوا يريدون بقاء بريطانيا األعمال وقد يؤخر بعض االستثمارات. في االتحاد فعليهم أن يزيلوا مخاوف ناخبيه بالنسبة للهجرة التي يريدون الحد منها. ً ن وحسب الخبراء ،فإن الخروج من االتحاد األوروبي سيكو مكلفا للمقاوالت ً البريطانية والتي يمكن أن يتراجع رقم أعمالها إلى النصف بسبب الخسائر قال رئيس املجلس األوروبي دونالد توسك الذي رأس الجلسة إنه أكثر تفاؤال بعد املناقشة بإمكانية التوصل إلى اتفاق في شباط 2016بشأن كل املطالب البريطانية املباشرة املرتبطة بالصادرات. ً كما أن املوظفين البريطانيين في املقاوالت األوروبية قلقون أيضا بشأن فقدانهم األربعة الرئيسية ألن كاميرون يتطلع إلى "حل وسط عادل" ،وأضاف أن مساعي ملناصبهم .ويتساءل املقاولون حول تقييد محتمل للعمليات التجارية وامللكية بريطانيا لحرمان مهاجري االتحاد األوروبي من الحصول على مزايا العمل ،وهي دخل إضافي ملن يتقاضون أجورا منخفضة ،ملدة أربع سنوات يمثل أكبر صعوبة العقارية ويتخوفون من فرض ضرائب جديدة على األجانب. من جهة أخرى ،يؤكد املعارضون ألوروبا على ضرورة التحرر من القيود التي تواجه االتفاق. تفرضها بروكسل ،مشددين على أنهم ال يخشون خروج بالدهم من االتحاد من جهته دعا الرئيس الفرنس ي فرانسوا هوالند إلى احترام مبادئ االتحاد األوروبي األوروبي ،حيث أن لندن يمكنها استبدال بسهولة السوق األوروبية بدول املتعلقة بحركة التنقل وطالب الدول غير األعضاء في منطقة اليورو بأال تحول الكومنويلث التي تجمعها معها عالقات وثيقة في جميع امليادين. دون مزيد من التكامل بين بلدان املنطقة .وقال هوالند عن مطالب كاميرون ويعتمد املتخوفون من أوروبا في حملتهم على إشكاليتين أساسيتين ،الهجرة واإلرهاب ،حيث يعتبرون أن الهجرة هي مصدر التهديد اإلرهابي ،ويتهمون الحكومة بالفشل في تدبير هذا امللف ،كما يدل على ذلك التدفق املتزايد لالجئين على الرغم من تشديد قوانين الهجرة ،في وقت وعد فيه كاميرون خالل حملته ً االنتخابية تقليص عدد املهاجرين إلى حوالي عشرة آالف سنويا .ويشكل ضغط الالجئين على االقتصاد ،والخدمات االجتماعية للمهاجرين في صلب االستفتاء الذي تعتزم بريطانيا تنظيمه حول البقاء أو الخروج من االتحاد األوروبي.
األربعة "القضايا األصعب هي تلك املتعلقة بمنطقة اليورو ومزايا الرعاية االجتماعية لعمال االتحاد األوروبي" ،وأضاف "قد تكون هناك تعديالت وتوافق لكن يجب احترام اللوائح واملبادئ األوروبية". ً ً وقال الرئيس الفرنس ي "كان النقاش صريحا ومفتوحا" .وشهدت بروكسل مواجهة بين القادة األوروبيين وديفيد كاميرون حول مسألة خروج بريطانيا من االتحاد ً األوروبي ،التي تشكل تحديا يهدد وحدة أوروبا ،حيث قال رئيس الوزراء البريطاني إنه مستعد للنضال من أجل اتفاق جيد يبقي على بالده داخل االتحاد.
ً في الحقيقة ،كان تشرشل واحدا من أبرز املتحمسين ملشروع االتحاد األوروبي ،السؤال الذي يطرح نفسه اآلن :ماذا سيحدث إذن إذا ترك البريطانيون االتحاد بل ودعا إلى واليات متحدة أوروبية "دون أية حواجز بين سكانها ،وبدون أي قيود األوروبي؟ ً على السفر بين ربوعها" ،كما قال ذات مرة ،ولكنه في مرة ثالثة كان حريصا في ن ل يقو املتشائمو إنها ستصبح مثل كوريا الشمالية في املنظومة األسيوية ،جزيرة خطاب له بالبرملان على توضيح املسافة بين الجزر البريطانية وبقية القارة بعيدة ومعزولة وغير قادرة على لعب دورها العاملي املعتاد ،في حين يقول األوروبية" ،نحن مع أوروبا ،ولكننا لسنا فيها ،مهتمون ومرتبطون بها ولكننا غير املتفائلون إنها ستصبح مثل هونج كونج ،مركز ثقل قائم بنفسه ،كما كانت على َ ُمستوعبين فيها". مدار قرون قبل ظهور فكرة االتحاد. يحار املرء إذن في موقف تشرشل من املشروع األوروبي ،والذي يستخدمه أنصار ً "بركزيت" في الحقيقة ،سيكون خروج بريطانيا ،املعروف في وسائل اإلعالم حاليا بـ ِ وأعداء البقاء في االتحاد داخل بريطانيا على السواء هذه األيام ،حيث يحتدم ً ( ،)BritishEXIT — BREXITمزيجا بين هذا وذاك. النقاش بخصوص سياسات االتحاد األوروبي التي ّ توسعت على مدار العقد ً املاض ي ،وأصبحت ُتلزم الدول األعضاء بالكثير من القوانين بدءا من القطاع انتقادات: املالي والبنوك ،وحتى الزراعة والصيد ،وهي قوانين يضعها االتحاد دون أن فكرة بقاء بريطانيا أو خروجها من عضوية االتحاد األوروبي ،التي أعلنت عنها ً انتخابات مباشرة ملؤسساته ،فيما يراه البعض تقويضا لألسس الديمقراطية. حكومة رئيس الوزراء ديفيد كاميرون من خالل منح البريطانيين حق التصويت ً في هذا السياق ،خرج رئيس الوزراء البريطاني ديفيد كاميرون عن صمته عام على عضوية البالد .التزال محط اهتمام واسع ،خصوصا وأن هذا األمر وكما ً 2013بمواجهة أوروبا في سابقة لم تحدث ربما منذ خمسين عاما ،حين قال بأنه يقول بعض املراقبين ،قد أثار قلق العديد من الدول االعضاء حول مستقبل يتفاوض مع بروكسل إلعادة صياغة االتفاقيات التي تربط لندن باالتحاد ،وأنه االتحاد ،وأظهرت انقسام الرأي العام في بريطانيا حول هذه الفكرة. سيطرح عضوية بريطانيا في االتحاد لالستفتاء عام ( 2017حال استمر في ويواجه كاميرون انتقادات داخلية وخارجية لعدم توضيحه تفاصيل التنازالت التي ُ السلطة بعد انتخابات ،)2015وهو استفتاء يبدو أنه قد يخرج بريطانيا بالفعل يسعى للحصول عليها من الزعماء األوروبيين اآلخرين مع توقع تسارع مباحثات من أوروبا على عكس ما أراد تشرشل ،كما يقول أنصار االتحاد ،أو يحقق ما كان مفصلة قبل اجتماع القمة املرتقبة .ومن ضمن مطالب بريطانيا للبقاء في االتحاد ليفعله في الواقع لو عاصر املستشارة األملانية أنجيال ِم ِ يركل ،والتي ال تقل عالقتها األوروبي ،حظر مزايا الرعاية االجتماعية في العمل ملهاجري االتحاد األوروبي ملدة 4 ً بكاميرون سوءا عن عالقة تشرشل بديجول. سنوات وإعفاء من أي تكامل أوثق لالتحاد األوروبي ومنح سلطات أكبر لحكومات على الناحية األخرى ،أنه بظهور حزب استقالل بريطانيا UKIPوزعيمه نايجل الدول لوقف قوانين االتحاد األوروبي. فاراج بقوة ،وتصدره النتخابات البرملان األوروبي ،يبدو أن املعادلة البريطانية ويتوقع بعض املحللين أن البريطانيين اآلن أمام معضلة كبيرة وثمن سياس ي نفسها قد تتغير بعد أن ظلت لحوالي قرن مقتصرة على تبادل السلطة بين واقتصادي كبير في حال مغادرتهم االتحاد األوروبي .فالشريك األهم اآلن في أوروبا ّ ُ املحافظين والعمال ،وهو تغير أقل ما يقال عنه إنه سيزيد الهوة بين لندن هو االتحاد األوروبي وليس بريطانيا ،واألمريكيون سيحرصون على استمرار وبروكسل ،السيما وأن الحزب ال يخفي هدفه األساس ي في إخراج بريطانيا من الشراكة مع االتحاد األوروبي في مواجهة قضايا سياسية كبيرة كقضية الشرق ً االتحاد وتخليصها من أفواج املهاجرين التي تغمرها سنويا. األوسط ،بينما سينعدم تقريبا دور البريطانيين فيها في حال خروجهم من االتحاد.
ويرى كاميرون أن هذه األهمية ترتكز على ما يضيفه هذا االتحاد لألوروبيين من قيمة تتمثل في رفع مستوى معيشتهم ورخائهم .ويرى كاميرون أن االتحاد أصبح أكثر ً ً ً تدخال وتقييدا لحياة األوروبيين مما كان متوقعا ،أو ً ً بمعنى آخر أصبح عبئا كبيرا عليهم ،ما يستوجب إعادة التفاوض حول شروطه .كاميرون بالتحديد يريد استعادة بعض السلطات التي تخلت عنها بريطانيا لالتحاد األوروبي ،بما في ذلك تحديد ساعات العمل، واالتفاقيات املتعلقة بالجوانب األمنية وتبادل املجرمين، ً وأخيرا وهو األهم هو خوف بريطانيا من سيطرة دول منطقة اليورو الـ 17على مجريات اتخاذ القرار في االتحاد األوروبي.
ً ً ً قانون االستفتاء حول بقاء بريطانيا باالتحاد األوروبي وتاريخيا أيضا كان التساؤل املطروح والنقاش الدائر سياسيا بين املحافظين أعلنت الحكومة البريطانية ،في منتصف شهر آيار ،2015عن مشروع قانون حول والعمال ،وبين الجميع داخل بريطانيا هو ما إذا كان على بريطانيا العظمى أن تنظيم استفتاء قبل نهاية 2017في شأن بقاء بريطانيا في االتحاد األوروبي .وجاء تكون داخل االتحاد األوروبي أم خارجه .حتى أصبح املجتمع السياس ي وداعموه اإلعالن على لسان امللكة إليزابيث الثانية ،أمام برملان وستمنستر ،في الخطاب منقسمين حول هذه القضية بالتحديد. ً التقليدي للملكة ،وطرح النص رسميا في مجلس العموم للنقاش. والبد من اإلشارة إلى ان االتحاد النقدي الذي رفضت بريطانيا الدخول فيه، ً قانونا من أجل تنظيم أصبح بعد األزمة األخيرة محور إتخاذ القرار في االتحاد األوروبي ،وأصبحت جميع وقالت امللكة ،أمام النواب وأعضاء الحكومة" :سنطرح ً استفتاء حول بقاء بريطانيا أم ال في االتحاد األوروبي قبل نهاية عام ."2017القرارات تتطلب تفاوضا من قبل أعضائه في البداية ،ثم يتم عرضها بعد اتفاق وطرحت تفاصيل مشروع القانون بصورة رسمية على مجلس النواب (مجلس األعضاء في منطقة اليورو على دول االتحاد األوروبي مجتمعة .وهذا أصبح يشكل العموم البريطاني) .وسيحصل هذا االستفتاء بعد مرحلة إعادة التفاوض على حساسية كبيرة لدى الدول غير األعضاء في منطقة اليورو ،وعلى رأسهم بريطانيا، شروط بقاء بريطانيا في االتحاد األوروبي .وأضافت امللكة ،أن "الحكومة ستعيد وقد برز ذلك بشكل واضح خالل مناقشة اتفاقية االتحاد املالي التي كانت ضرورة بالنسبة لدول االتحاد النقدي ،لكنها لم تكن بهذه األولوية نفسها بالنسبة للدول التفاوض حول عالقة بريطانيا مع االتحاد ،وستواصل إصالحه". ً غير األعضاء في االتحاد ،بل إنها في نظرهم تمثل تقييدا غير مبرر ،ما دفع برئيس ارتباط بريطانيا باالتحاد األوروبي :نبذة تاريخية الوزراء البريطاني ديفيد كاميرون إلى االعتراض عليها .النتيجة أن االتفاق كان ً ً تاريخيا ،لم تكن بريطانيا داعمة لقيام االتحاد األوروبي الذي بدأ باتفاقية روما محدودا فقط بدول االتحاد النقدي الـ ،17مع إتاحة الفرصة للدول األخرى ً ً التي تأسست بموجبها الجماعة االقتصادية األوروبية في عام ،1957لكنها حاولت الراغبة في الدخول فيه .يجدر اإلشارة إلى أن اململكة املتحدة كانت دائما عضوا ً ل االنضمام في عامي 1963و ،1967لكن الفرنسيين بقيادة شارل ديجو كانوا ضد متفردا في النادي األوروبي ،وهي ليست عضوا بفضاء شنغن وال في منطقة انضمام بري طانيا لالتحاد .وتحقق لبريطانيا االنضمام في وقت متأخر في عام اليورو ،مفضلة الحفاظ على عملتها الوطنية .ويعتقد الكثير من املحللين أن ّ ً ،1973لكن بعد عامين فقط من ذلك ،تم طرح فكرة االنضمام على استفتاء عام مشكلة البريطانيين مع االتحاد األوروبي أنهم يريدون أن يضعوا قدما في الداخل ً انتهى باستمرار بريطانيا في االتحاد األوروبي .ففي عام 1973أصبحت بريطانيا وأخرى في الخارج ،بينما الدول األخرى في أوروبا ،خصوصا فرنسا وأملانيا يرون أن ً ل وكما تنقل بعض املصادر عضوا في االتحاد األوروبي وأهم دولة بين الدو االتحاد األوروبي ضرورة حتمية ملا بعد الحرب العاملية الثانية التي كانت نتائجها األعضاء البالغ عددهم 28دولة. مدمرة بالنسبة ألوروبا .الواليات املتحدة هي األخرى أيضا ترى أهمية ومحورية االتحاد األوروبي ملرحلة ما بعد الحرب العاملية الثانية ،ولذلك وجهت رسالة قوية لحليفها الهام في أوروبا للبقاء في االتحاد األوروبي .بمعنى آخر ،الواليات املتحدة ترى أن دور بريطانيا داخل االتحاد األوروبي أهم بالنسبة لها من دورها خارجه، ّ وهو بالتالي ما يعقد األمور بالنسبة للبريطانيين أنفسهم. ً ويقرأ تاريخيا أنه أثناء معارك الحرب العاملية الثانية ،قال رئيس الوزراء البريطاني السابق وينستون تشرشل ذات مرة للرئيس الفرنس ي السابق تشارل ديجول" :في ً كل مرة يجب علينا االختيار بين أوروبا والبحار املفتوحة ،فإننا سنختار دوما البحار املفتوحة" .وهي ُجملة لطاملا استغلها أعداء االتحاد األوروبي في بريطانيا للترويج لخروج بالدهم من املشروع األوروبي ،حيث كانت كلمات تشرشل خاصة بأولويات الحرب على األرض آنذاك ،والتي اختلف فيها الزعيمان املعروفان ليس ً إال ،نظرا لتوتر عالقتهما.
Britain and the European Union
بريطانيا واالتحاد األوروبي
ً تضع بريطانيا أوروبا أمام مفترق طرق صعب جدا ،حيث أعلن رئيس الوزراء البريطاني في عام ،2015في خطاب موجه لألوروبيين رغبته في إعادة التفاوض على شروط ووضع بريطانيا في االتحاد األوروبي ،وطرح نتائج هذا التفاوض في استفتاء عام ،في عام .2017يعتقد الكثيرون أن هذا األمر يأتي في وقت غير مناسب على اإلطالق ،حيث بدأت مالمح استقرار في منطقة اليورو ،ما يعني أن ن آخر ما يحتاج إليه األوروبيو اآلن هو أن يأتي ما يكدر هذا االستقرار من داخل وقبيل أن يحقق ديفيد كاميرون الفوز تأخير ومجيئه كرئيس وزراء بانتخابات االتحاد األوروبي. ،2015وهو يعد بالتفاوض على شروط عضوية بريطانيا في االتحاد أو الخروج وقال رئيس الوزراء البريطاني ديفيد كاميرون في شهر تشرين الثاني 2015إنه جاد منه .وحدد عام 2017إلجراء استفتاء حول هذا الخروج من عدمه ،حيث يرى بشأن الحصول على إصالحات من االتحاد األوروبي ،مؤكدا أنه إذا فشل في الخبراء أن تحركات كاميرون هي ورقة ضغط مهمة في سبيل إعادة التفاوض حول ً الحصول عليها ،فإن سؤاال يثار بشأن مدى صالحية هذا التكتل لبريطانيا .شروطه وبتالي الحصول على امتيازات جديدة تمكنه من استعادة بعض ً ويطالب كاميرون بإعادة التفاوض حول شروط بالده بشأن عضويتها في االتحاد السلطات التي تخلت عنها بريطانيا لالتحاد األوروبي ،خصوصا وان رئيس الوزراء ً ً األوروبي ،وحدد تلك الشروط في رسالة بعث بها إلى رئيس املجلس األوروبي دونالد البريطاني يرى ان االتحاد أصبح أكثر تدخال وتقييدا لحياة األوروبيين مما كان ً توسك. متوقعا.
أوثق" و "الحد من ضغوط الهجرة" تغييرات كبيرة ومهمة ال بد من تحقيقها". ً ووفقا لرئيس الوزراء البريطاني فإنه "إذا لم نستطع التوصل ملثل هذا االتفاق، ً وإذا لم تلق مخاوف بريطانيا آذانا صاغية ،وهو ماال أعتقد أنه سيحدث ،فإنه سيتعين علينا حينئذ التفكير من جديد فيما إذا كان هذا االتحاد األوروبي صوابا بالنسبة لنا".
وأضاف أنه لن "يتظاهر ثانية بأن بريطانيا ال يمكنها النجاة خارج االتحاد" ،لكن ماذا يريد كاميرون بالتحديد من هذا االستفتاء؟ وملاذا في هذا الوقت ً مشددا على أن الهدف الرئيس ي هو ضمان تنظيم "أكثر مرونة" .واعتبر أن بالتحديد؟ في حين يرى ديفيد كاميرون وحزبه أهمية االتحاد األوروبي بالنسبة ً "الوضع الراهن ليس جيدا بما فيه الكفاية لبريطانيا" وأن "التخلص من اتحاد للبريطانيين،
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ECONOMICTOURISM FOCUS SYRIA BID TO WOO INVESTORS
DJIBOUTI TOURISM DRIVE Djibouti is looking to tap into rising demand for niche getaways as part of a broader bid to develop its tourism industry over the next two decades. On the coast of the Red Sea and home to a range of unique landscapes, Djibouti is particularly keen to focus on the adventure and ecotourism segments. Business travel is also being targeted, with the country looking to bolster its role as a gateway to the neighbouring 94m-person Ethiopian economy through improved infrastructure and commercial links. Developments over the next decade, including two new luxury hotels and two planned airports, indicate that the national drive to boost visitor numbers is already advancing, though concerns over infrastructure shortfalls remain.
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL The potential for growth in Djibouti’s nascent tourism sector has been highlighted by the World Bank as well, which in its most recent study on Djibouti’s tourism industry, carried out in 2013, cited opportunities for expansion across the business and cruise segments in particular. The bank also noted the interest generated by Djibouti City thanks to its existing military and commercial links. According to World Bank estimates, the sector has the potential to directly employ 30,000 people by 2030, should growth forecasts hold, up from 4500 in 2013, while its contribution to GDP could rise from 3% to 10%. However, the bank also noted barriers to industry growth, including limited capacity due to under-investment, the lack of an overall strategy for developing the sector, weak transport connectivity and poor visibility as a destination.
SECTOR ROADMAP Following the World Bank study, the country rolled out a long-term vision for the sector, part of the Vision Djibouti 2035 plan released in 2014. Under the initiative, Djibouti’s tourism development will be broken down into three areas: business and leisure in the capital, beach resorts and diving, and ecotourism. The government hopes to attract 500,000 tourist arrivals by 2030, up from 72,915 visitors in 2014. As of 2013, the top source markets were France and the UK, though arrivals from China, Russia and the US were on the rise, according to Euromonitor International.
Neighbouring countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia, the UAE and Eritrea, made up around 40% of arrivals. “We have started laying the groundwork to further develop the tourism sector, including roads, new hotels and the planned construction of additional airports,” Mohamed Abdillahi Waiss, director of the National Tourism Office of Djibouti (Office National de Tourisme de Djibouti, ONTD), told OBG. Improving accessibility and connectivity would also be a priority, he added.
CAPACITY BUILD OUT The country is already home to two luxury hotels – the Sheraton Djibouti, with 180 rooms, and the 200-room Djibouti Palace Kempinski – with two new five-star hotels planned as part of two new shopping mall projects currently under development. The new hotels should help alleviate pressure on existing facilities, where occupancy rates averaged over 80% in the first 10 months of 2015, according to the ONTD. One of the projects is being developed by Nael & Bin Harmal Investment, a Dubaibased investment group focused on property development and hospitality, while Djibouti’s HALT Group, in conjunction with Shanghaibased Touchroad International Holdings Group and Shanghai Electric, is developing the other. Transport connectivity is also expected to see an improvement as Djibouti increases its road and aviation capacity. The country has expanded the national road network from 700 km to 1100 km since 2010, and is currently constructing two new airports with $599m worth of financing from China. In particular, Djibouti will be looking for capacity upgrades to foster less costly flights, helping to make the country a more affordable destination for regional and international tourism. The first airport, Hassan Gouled Aptidon Airport, will be located in Ali Sabieh, 25 km south of Djibouti City, and is being developed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. When the facility opens in 2018, it will be able to handle 1.5m passengers and 100,000 tonnes of cargo per year, allowing Djibouti to develop its position as a regional air traffic hub. Meanwhile, the second airport, Ahmed Dini Ahmed International, is being built in
the north of the country, near the Seven Brothers Islands. The airport will be able to accommodate 350,000 passengers per annum when it opens in 2016, scalable up to 767,000 by 2021.
NATURAL ASSETS Efforts are also under way to raise Djibouti’s profile as a holiday destination, which, Waiss acknowledged, is key to extending its reach to new visitors, including short-stay tourists. As part of its marketing campaign, the ONTD teamed up with local industry stakeholders to bring in the 15 largest tour operators in Ethiopia with the aim of showcasing Djibouti’s attractions. Access to the sea is a particularly attractive proposition for visitors from landlocked Ethiopia. “What Djibouti needs right now is more exposure,” Waiss told OBG. “The country holds great potential for regional markets, especially with improvements in transport infrastructure. With better connectivity, visitors from Ethiopia, for example, will be able to visit for a couple of days and enjoy the sea.” Djibouti’s natural attributes, which also include volcanoes and salt lakes, make green tourism a segment ripe for growth, capable of taking on more established destinations, according to Ilyas Dawaleh, the minister of finance. “We have the same advantages as Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt in terms of scuba diving, and we have the salt lake, which is 156 metres below sea level,” he told media in March 2015. Tour operators have started to increase the ecotourism emphasis in their itineraries and offerings. New attractions include whale shark excursions, paddling in the Gulf of Aden, snorkelling in the coral reefs, hiking and lake trips. Oxford Business Group, 27/01/2016 For further information about OBG see: http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/
TENDERS
TENDERS EGYPT MAINTENANCE & REVAMPING/ RAISING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE AIR FIELD OF LUXOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Tender No: 38/ 2015/ 2016 Scope of Work Maintenance & revamping/ raising the efficiency of the air field of Luxor international airport. Bidder need be classified at grade 1 for roads & airports works also disposing on 20 years past experience in airports paving works Document Cost: LE2,000 Bid Bond: LE1,500,000 Contact Egyptian Airports Co Cairo Airport Road, Opposite the Ministry of Civil Aviation Building, Cairo Tel: 02 - 22691021/6/9 Fax: 02 – 22683763 Deadline: 04/04/2016
CONSTRUCTION OF TWO KG BUILDINGS AT MOGAWRA 2 & 4 IN THE BUSINESS ZONE IN THE CITY OF ASSIUT UNDER TWO CONTRACTS Tender No: ME15757796 Document Cost: EGP1000 Deadline: 18/05/2016
IMPLEMENTING WORKS PERTAINING TO A PUBLIC PARK OPPOSITE THE DIFFERENT HOUSING AREAS IN THE CITY OF LUXOR Tender No: ME15758048 Document Cost: EGP2500 Deadline: 17/05/2016
MAINTENANCE & REHABILITATION OF (A) THE DIFFERENT TREATMENT STAGES AT SUBORDINATED FILTRATION STATIONS, (B) A 1,000 MM. DIAMETER SANITARY DRAINAGE WATER PIPELINE EXTENDING SERSEL LAYYAN/ KAFR EL SANABSA, ALSO (C) COMPLETION OF A SANITARY DRAINAGE PROJECT NEXT TO THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE AREA, QEBLY THE RAILWAY LINE, TO SERVE DEPRIVED AREAS IN ASTANHA VILLAGE IN MARKAZ AL BAGOUR & (D) MAINTENANCE
OF THE WASHING & CONTROL VALVES ROOMS AT DIFFERENT SUBORDINATED LOCATIONS Document Costs: LE1,500 & 2,000 & 1,500 & 1,000 Bid Bonds: LE88,000 & 280,000 & 120,000 & 37,800 Contact Menoufiya Potable Water & Sanitary Drainage Co, c/o Menoufiya Housing Directorate, Mahmoud Shahin St, Shebin El Kom, Egypt Tel: 048 - 2223188/ 2223247 Deadline s: 05/04/2016 & 06/04/2016
IMPLEMENTING THE ROADS NETWORKS, THE WATER FEEDING & SANITARY DRAINAGE DISCHARGE NETWORKS, ALSO THE IRRIGATION NETWORKS TO SERVE 120 FEDDANS AREA IN THE CITY OF CAIRO Document Cost: LE5,000 Bid Bond: LE1,000,000 Performance Bond: 5% Contact General Authority for New Urban Societies, 15th May City Development Agency Deadline: 10/04/2016
REQUEST OF OFFERS FROM ELIGIBLE BIDDERS FOR THE REHABILITATION & EXPANSION OF ZAGAZIG & ABBASSA WATER TREATMENT PLANTS AS PART OF THE IWSP1 PROGRAMME FUNDED FROM KFW OF GERMANY, THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK (EIB), EUROPEAN COMMISSION, THE FRENCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY & THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT Scope if Work Request of offers from eligible bidders for the rehabilitation & expansion of Zagazig & Abbassa water treatment plants as part of the IWSP1 programme funded from KfW of Germany, the EIB, the EC, the AFD & the Government of Egypt. Pre-bid meeting set for 3/30/2016. Bidders need be classified by the Contractors Federation not less than grade 1 for water & waste water works. Document Cost: LE10,000 Bid Bond: LE1,500,000 Performance Bond: 10% Potable Water & Sanitary Drainage Co. in Sharkeyya Governorate c/o the Housing Directorate Building, Zagazig Tel: 055 – 2302532 Fax: 055 – 2363792 Deadline: 20/04/2016
CONSTRUCTION OF 2,000 SEMIFINISHED HOUSING UNITS IN DIFFERENT CITIES WITHIN THE GOVERNORATE Document Cost: LE20,000
Bid Bond: LE3,000,000 Performance Bond: 5% Contact Southern Sinai Governorate, the Housing Directorate, Toor Sinia City Tel: 069 - 3771733 Deadline: 29/03/2016
CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS Scope of Work Construction of buildings and establishments pertaining to the company’s operations at the third terminal premises including a double floor building, a central workshop & annexed subsidiary workshops, collectors, an indoors hall annexed thereto, an equipment washing area, an equipment parking area with concrete flooring, a shed (space truss), an area to host a fuelling station with its typical annexes. Document Cost: LE10,000 Bid Bond: LE1,200,000 Performance Bond 5% Contact Egypt Air Co. for Ground Services Div., General Dept. for Purchases & Clearing, 6 Abul Atahya St, Extension of Abbas El Aqqad St., Opposite International Park, Cairo Website: www.egyptair-gs.com Tel: 02 - 22755143 Deadline: 29/03/2016
QATAR SHUTDOWN MAINTENANCE WORKS FOR NGL-4 PLANT, MESAIEED OPERATIONS Tender No: GT16102000 Bid Bond: QR500, 000 Document Cost: QR500 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212 Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000 Fax: (974) 4483 1125 Website: www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 10/04/2016
PROVISION OF TECHNICAL MANPOWER SERVICES FOR DRAWING OFFICE IN QP DUKHAN ON CALLL Tender No: GT16102200 Bid Bond: QR450,000 Document Cost: QR500 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212 Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000 Fax: (974) 4483 1125 Website: www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 24/04/2016
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TENDERS MAINTENANCE, UPGRADE AND SUPPORT OF HALUL PA/GA, PIDS, CCTV AND ACS Tender No: GT16101800 Tender Documents Cost: QR500 Bid Bond: QR300,000 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212 Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000 Fax: (974) 4483 1125 Website: www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 03/04/2016
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF NSS-FMB INCLUDING STP-M1, 3&4 Tender No: GT16102300 Bid Bond: QR300,000 Document Cost: QR500 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212 Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000 Fax: (974) 4483 1125 Website: www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 24/04/2016
EPIC FOR UPGRADE OF CSF SECURITY SYSTEMS AT RLC Tender No: GT16102500 Bid Bond: QR750,000 Document Cost: QR500 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212 Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000 Fax: (974) 4483 1125 Website: www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 08/05/2016
SALE AND REMOVAL OF ACTUATOR, MISCELLANEOUS STOCK ITEMS AND SPAREV PARTS Tender No: LT16MT0019 Bid Bond: QR2000 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212 Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000 Fax: (974) 4483 1125 Website: www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 11/04/2016
UAE DESIGN, SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, TESTING & COMMISSIONING OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE SYSTEM AT HATTA PUMPING STATION PHASE II INCLUDING ALL ASSOCIATED CIVIL & ELECTROMECHANICAL WORKS Tender No: 2421500051 Document Cost: AED200 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website: www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 23/03/2016
ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR SEA WATER REVERSE OSMOSIS (SWRO) PLANT IN JEBEL ALI POWER STATION Tender No: 2121600010 Document Cost: AED2000 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website: www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 27/04/2016
IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM (EACS) IN ICS (INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEM) ROOMS OF D, E, G, K, H, L1, L2 & M STATIONS INCLUDING ENGINEERING, SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, COMMISSIONING AND TESTING IN GENERATION DIVISION (GD) Tender No: 2131600017 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website: www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 26/04/2016
REPLACEMENT OF CORRODED VALVES, TRAY COVERS, IMPULSE TUBE TRAYS, INSTRUMENT SUNSHADES AND DE-RUSTING AND PAINTING OF INSTRUMENT PANELS, TRAYS & MOUNITNG
INCLUDING SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION IN ‘L’ STATION BELNDING, HYPE-CHLORINATION, WASTE WATER & SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AREAS AT JEBEL ALI POWER STATION Tender No: 2131600004 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website: www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 25/04/2016
RENOVATION OF ACW SYSTEM FOR ‘D’ PHASE - II, JEBEL ALI Tender No: 2131600018 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website: www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 24/04/2016
SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, TESTING & COMMISSIONING OF 132 KV CABLE LAYING WORKS FOR MBRBLVRD, CREKHRBR & MUNTAZAH 132/11 KV SUBSTATIONS AND ASSOCIATED WORKS Tender No: 2131600022 Document Cost: AED5000 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website: www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 18/04/2016
ANNUAL RATE CONTRACTS FOR PROVIDING TESTING & PASSING SERVICES FOR DEWA LIGHT & HEAVY VEHICLES Tender No: 2121600021 Document Cost: AED200 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website: www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 17/04/20jjjjjjj16
ARAB-BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TENDERS
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TENDERS SUPPLY OF 1000KVA POCKET SUBSTATIONS
SUPPLY OF OUTDOOR FGRP KIOSKS
Tender No: 2051600006 Document Cost: AED3000 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website: www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 13/04/2016
Tender No: 2051600017 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: + 971 4 3244444 Fax: + 971 4 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae Website: www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 13/04/2016
@SignorSassi priVaTe rooM aVailaBle
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Winner of TWenTy TWo presTigious aWards London_Business_Matters.indd 4
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BUSINESS EVENTS
BUSINESS EVENTS, TRADE FAIRS AND CONFERENCES TA`LEEM 2016 International Exhibition & Conference for Higher Education for the Middle East Under the patronage of H E Prime Minister of Jordan, with official support of the Association of Arab Universities & Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Petra Conferences and Exhibitions a division of Petra Travel & Tourism Co TA’LEEM Spring Event 9-11 April 2016 Amman Grand Hall, Al Hussein Youth City, Jordan For further information, see: Mrs Lina Younis, Event Executive [CIS] Petra Conferences & Exhibitions Tel: +962 6 567 7509 Ext. 198 Mobile: +962 77 99 33 242 Email: lina.younis@petratours.com www.taleem-expo.com ARAB FUTURE CITIES SUMMIT 11 - 12 April, 2016 The Ritz Carlton, Doha, Qatar Contact Expotrade Middle East FZ-LLC Tel: +971 4 454 2135 Fax: +971 4 454 2136 Email: info@expotrade-me.com http://www.arabfuturecities.com OPPORTUNITIES IN QATAR 4pm, 13 April 2016 ABCC, Upper Grosvenor St, London Contact Mr Cliff Lawrence ABCC Trade Services Tel: 020 7659 4881 Email: cliff.lawrence@abcc.org.uk http://www.abcc.org.uk/RegistrationOQatar2016 THE BUSINESS GROWTH SHOW - LONDON Thursday, 21 April 2016 London For further information, see: UKTI Tel: 0843 479 0800 http://thebusinessgrowthshow.com/ ANNUAL IRAQI – EUROPEAN BUSINESS & INVESTMENT FORUM Under the theme “Iraq and Europe: Cooperation and Growth” 21-22 April 2016 Athens, Greece Contact Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Development Tel: +30 210 6711 210, +30 210 6726 882 Email: chamber@arabgreekchamber.gr http://www.arabhellenicchamber.gr LEADERS IN ARCHITECTURE MENA SUMMIT 25 - 26 April 2016 Dubai, UAE For further information, see: Tel: 00420246093271
Email: registration@intlbc.com Website: http://www.archmena.com/Contact/ CITYSCAPE QATAR Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre, Doha, Qatar 26-28 April 2016 For further information, see: http://www.cityscapeqatar.com/forms/registeryour-visit IBBC SPRING CONFERENCE 27-28 April 2016 Mansion House, City of London Contact Iraq Britain Business Council, IBBC Tel: +44 20 7222 7100 Email: London@webuildiraq.org http://www.webuildiraq.org METAL & STEEL SAUDI ARABIA Int’l Exhibition for Steel, Steel Fabrication and Metallurgy Industry 1– 4 May 2016 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center – RICEC For more information see: www.metalsteelsaudi.com AIRPORT MODERNIZATION SUMMIT The Evolution of Smart and Futuristic Airports 8-9 May 2016, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia For more information see: www.nispana.com/ams MIDDLE EAST PETROTECH Middle East Refining & Petrochemicals Conference & Exhibition 16-19 May 2016 Manama, Bahrain For more information see: www.mepetrotech.com PPP INVESTMENT SUMMIT MOROCCO 23-25 May 2016 Rabat, Morocco For further information, see: Mohaned El Mahgoub Conference Director IQPC Middle East Email: enquiry@iqpc.ae Tel: +971 4 364 2975 http://www.pppmorocco.com PROJECT LEBANON 21st International Trade Exhibition for Construction Materials & Equipment 31 May – 3 June 2016 Beirut, Lebanon For further information see: IFP Group PO Box 55576 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961 5 959 111 Email: projectlebanon@ifpexpo.com Website: www.ifpexpo.com
49TH INTERNATIONAL FAIR OF ALGIERS 28 May to 2 June 2016 The exhibition centre of Algiers, SAFEX UK companies wishing to expand their activities in Algeria are invited to attend For further information see: http://www.safex.dz/fr/contact.html IRAQ HVAC EXPO 2016 1-4 June 2016 Erbil International Fairground, Iraq For further information see: Erbil Interantional Fair Tel: +964 66 255 44 55 Email: info@erbilfair.com http://www.erbilfair.com/ ENERGY IRAQ 2016 Baghdad International Fair Grounds 6-8 June 2016 For further information see: International Fairs and Promotion (IFP) PO Box 55576 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961 5 959 111 Email: info@ifpexpo.com Website: http://www.ifpexpo.com/ PROJECT IRAQ 2016 5-8 October 2016 Erbil International Fairground, Iraq For further information see: Erbil International Fairground Tel: +964 66 255 44 55 Email: info@erbilfair.com Website: http://www.erbilfair.com/ TALEEM 2016 International Exhibition & Conference for Higher Education for the Middle East 30 October to 1 November 2016 Amman, Kingdom of Jordan For further information see: http://www.taleem-expo.com/mission-objectives MOROCCO FOODEXPO International Food, Hospitality and Technologies Exhibition 1-3 November 2016 Casablanca, Morocco For further information see: www.moroccoagrofood.com FOODEX SAUDI International Food and Drink Trade Exhibition 21-24 November 2016 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia For more information see: www.foodexsaudi.com
W e lco m e T r a n s l at i o n s Lt d t r a n s l a t i o n
e x p e r t
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TRANSLATION
TRANSCRIPTION
We provide a wide range of translation services to cater to your specific needs. From legal documents to technical translation, from marketing brochures to medical reports, we work with any type and size of documents. We only rely on a network of qualified and experienced translators who combine their language fluency with excellent writing skills, cultural understanding and the technical expertise required to help you convey your message with accuracy – and timeliness.
We offer transcription services of audio/video files in English as well as foreign languages. We accept a variety of formats – including DVD and USB – that will be converted by our team of experts into consistent text. Over the years we have provided time-coded transcriptions of police interviews, immigration tapes, court hearings, documentaries, just to name a few and comparisons of audio and video materials. Our transcription process is meticulous, fast and certified for use in courts.
INTERPRETING
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Professional interpreting is a critical component in ensuring the success of any business working across different languages. We have the capacity to guarantee professional, personalised language service for any setting and all venues, including courts and prisons.
We understand that certain translations have to be formally verified for official uses. We can guide you through the process of certifying your documents, and offer notary translation services according to the nature of each document and their uses.
Whether you require to facilitate multilingual communication simultaneously or consecutively, face-to-face or over the phone, our team will assist you in determining how to best meet your needs.
Should you require a sworn certification, an Apostille legalisation or any other notarisation services please do not hesitate to contact us!
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FREEDOM TO A FUTURE Muslim Aid firmly believes that education is a crucial tool in fighting poverty and endeavours to provide formal and non-formal education to women and children in some of the world’s poorest countries, preparing them for a better future. Our education programmes range from pre-school initiatives to adult and vocational training.
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ABCC Services
The Arab-British Chamber of Commerce offers a wide range of services for companies to help them do business. The services range from documentation for exporters to ease their access to markets, customised research, business briefings, networking opportunities to translation and visa services. Discount rates are available for members of the Chamber.
Trade Services Department The Chamber’s unique Export Documentation service is an important asset to Arab-British trade. With our extensive experience, we are ideally positioned to assist exporters entering the substantial and sophisticated Arab market, encompassing all your certification and legalisation needs. It is essential when exporting to present the correct documentation as errors can be very expensive, leading to costly delays in payment and in clearing the goods, and even to non-payment. The documentation service includes: l Export Documentation Service l Direct Member Documentation l EUR1 (members) l FCO Service l Notary Service l A-Cert Electronic Documentation Process
Training Courses The Chamber also provides various training courses to assist companies with their business. These include cultural awareness, language courses and courses relating to export procedures. l International trade training programmes l Business training programmes l Arabic language training at various levels
Venue Hire The Chamber’s fully equipped venue options are customised to meet all requirements for your AGMs, Board Meetings, Conferences, Presentations, Trade Shows, Exhibitions, Workshops, Lectures, Product Launches and Professional Development Seminars. For venue hire enquiries please contact Omar Bdour email: omar@abcc. org.uk; tel: +44 (0)20 7659 4860.
l Visa Service (A-BCC members’ only) l Express Service for Emergency Documentation. l A daily courier service to other destinations,
Turkey, Egypt, Iran and Argentina.
l Market Entry Report / Research
CONTACT Cliff Lawrence, Deputy Manager, Trade Services Arab-British Chamber of Commerce e: Cliff.lawrence@abcc.org.uk t: +44(0)20-7659-4881
www.abcc.org.uk