ABCC E-bulletin Issue 1 New Series June 2023

Head of International Trade

Sustaining an Emerging Vision

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023 (08:30 - 18:00 ) (GMT+0 )

Hilton London Metropole, London

The ABCC is proud to launch ABES2023, the third such Summit that follows on from the successes of previous years. We anticipate that around 1,000 delegates will attend the event this year when it assembles on 20th November. We will be hosting leading figures from government and the private sector plus experts from the UK and all over the Arab world.

His Excellency Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi Secretary General at The Cooperation Council

His Excellency Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi commenced his duties as Secretary General of the GCC on 1st February 2023.

His Excellency Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi Secretary General at The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) https://www.gcc-sg.org

His Excellency has a distinguished diplomatic career serving as Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States from 2022 to 2023, Head of Mission of Kuwait to the European Union, 2017 to 2022, Head of Mission of Kuwait to NATO, 2016 to 2022, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Belgium, 2016 to 2022, Kuwait’s Ambassador to South Korea, 2013 to 2016, Deputy Director, Department of the Undersecretary of the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2012 to 2013, among his various other posts.

Simon Penney

HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and HM Consul General for Dubai, Department for Business & Trade

Simon Penney, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HTMC) for the Middle East and Pakistan, was appointed in May 2018. Simon is also His Majesty’s Consul General (HMCG) to Dubai, appointed in January 2021. Simon has spent the majority of his career in the banking sector with extensive experience leading corporate and financial institution groups and teams across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Simon Penney HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and HM Consul General for Dubai at DBT

A few of the confirmed speakers so far:

http://uac-org.org/en

H.E. Dr. Khaled Hanafy

Secretary General at Union Of Arab Chambers

Dr Khaled Hanafy is the “Secretary General of the Union of Arab Chambers” and Professor of Economics and International Business. He held several Governmental, academic, business and consultancy positions, most recent of “Minister of Supply and Internal Trade in Egypt”, “Chairman of Internal Trade Development Authority” and “Dean of College of International Transport & Logistics” in the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport.

https://www.londonchamber.co.uk/

ABES2023 is the only show in town where you will be able to meet such a distinguished gathering of leading business figures, thought leaders and policy experts representing the UK and Arab communities.

More speakers are to be announced. Watch this space.

Early bird ticket discount now applies.

Special rates for ABCC members. https://abcc.glueup.com/ event/3rd-arab-british-economicsummit-2023-68972/tickets.

html#tickets

Sponsorship opportunities

The Arab British Chamber of Commerce has long been the platform of choice for

Lord Edward Udny-Lister

Co-Chair at the UAE-UK Business Council

Lord Udny-Lister has been UK Co-Chair of the UAE-UK Business Council since 2020.

Prior to this he was Chief Strategic Advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the Gulf Region.

Richard Burge

CEO, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Richard Burge joined the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) as Chief Executive in February 2020. Prior to this, Richard was an independent advisor on international affairs focusing on trade, conflict, and development with a portfolio of advisory and consultancy work. Richard’s varied career has seen him lead four multi-million pound organisations as Chief Executive over a total of 18 years.

both British and Arab businesses and is strategically placed to help firms meet and expand their networks.

As a trusted champion of the Arab-British partnership and an influential voice for business within the UK and the Arab World, the ABCC is the organiser of ABES 2023.

Networking

ABES 2023, the ABCC’s flagship event of 2023, will bring together senior government officials, ministers, diplomats, executives, investors and decision makers in the business sector. We anticipate upwards of 800 delegates and participants.

Branding Awareness

Maximise your company’s brand recognition with our packages designed

to provide exposure and awareness. ABES 2023 will provide your brand with targeted visibility in the months leading up to the event, during as well as afterwards.

Promotion

Choosing to become a sponsor or an exhibitor will allow you to take advantage of the extensive publicity campaign in the British and Arab media carried out during the run up to ABES 2023, along with exposure for your business on the day of the Summit. Sign up early for maximum advantage.

https://abcc.glueup.com/ event/3rd-arab-british-economicsummit-2023-68972/sponsorshippackages.html#sponsorship-packages

H.E Dr. Khaled Hanafy Secretary General at Union Of Arab Chambers

Lord Edward Udny-Lister Co-Chair at UAE-UK Business Council

Richard Burge CEO of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

1st Members’ Networking Event

8 FEBRUARY 2023

The ABCC held its first members’ networking event of the year on 8 February.

This extremely well attended event saw eight members from various sectors making their pitches and promoting their businesses to our audience of executives, diplomats and potential investors drawn from our membership and beyond.

Hosted by Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, ABCC Deputy CEO & Secretary General, the event attracted about 100 people and opened with some welcoming remarks from the Rt Hon Baroness Symons, the ABCC Chairman. The event held a minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, which occurred within a few hours of the event. A networking reception followed the presentations.

Diana Arama, Founder & MD, Mayfair Networking Events

Hanan Ashegh, Founder & Executive Director, Goodwill Caravan

Dominic Jennings, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Deep Knowledge Group

Gonzalo Butori, Partner, Giambrone & Partners LLP

Lei Yan, CEO, XOR UK Corporation Limited

Hutch Hutchison, Co-founder & Head of Design at XOR

James Henson, Client Director, Partners& Raj Pahuja, Partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ltd

Rt Hon Baroness Symons

Abdeslam El-Idrissi, ABCC Deputy CEO & Secretary General Minutes silence for earthquake victims Dr Houda Ounnas, CEO and founder, Dr Houda 360

Abu Dhabi Trade Forum

Top executives from Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), part of AD Ports Group, visited the ABCC on 28 February to meet UK executives and promote the advantages of doing business in Abu Dhabi’s exceptional infrastructure and strategic location in the Gulf.

An audience of upwards of a hundred senior executives, investors, exporters, media and diplomats were in attendance to listen to the formal presentations made by Mr Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones (KEZAD Group), and Mr Khalid Al Marzooqi, VP International Business Development, KEZAD Group.

AD Ports Group was born out of a merger of Abu Dhabi’s existing economic zones in 2022 and was embarked on a new effort to develop diverse sectors.

Abu Dhabi was keen to welcome more British involvement in its

economic zones, ports, warehousing and infrastructure.

The Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, ABCC Chairman, and Mr Bandar Reda, ABCC CEO & Secretary General, delivered welcoming remarks where they expressed the expectation of growing UAE-UK economic partnership and pledged the

Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, ABCC Deputy CEO & Secretary General, outlined the programme of activities planned by the Chamber this year which will culminate in the third Arab British Economic Summit, ABES2023, to be held in November.

Individuals could now register for ABES2023 and to take advantage of a special Platinum membership offer.

Delegates were witness to the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ABCC and AD Ports Company.

The two organisations committed to working together to develop mutual opportunities particularly in exports, industrial zones, logistics, supply chains and digital technologies, reflecting the five clusters that were the Abu Dhabi company’s expertise.

Mr Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones (KEZAD Group)

Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi

Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Mr Bandar Reda

Chamber’s support to strengthen these relations.

The Power of Authenticity –Book Launch

7 MARCH 2023

The ABCC was delighted to host a special meeting to mark the launch of the latest book by Dr Raja Al Gurg, who is one of the most prominent businesswomen in the Arab World being the managing director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, a leading UAE conglomerate.

Dr Al Gurg spoke eloquently about her successful career first in education and in leading the family business founded by her late father, H E Easa Saleh Al Gurg, who for many years served as the UAE Ambassador to the UK.

Her book, The Power of Authenticity: Three

Principles of Leadership Success, had been written with the intention of inspiring a younger generation of entrepreneurs, both men and women, to learn from her example and to emulate her achievements.

In conversation with the Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, the ABCC

Chairman, Dr Al Gurg ranged widely over her early career and history of the family business. She explained the principles that have guided her thinking as a business leader such as the need to fully understand all the activities of the company and to be involved on the shop floor.

Dr Raja Al Gurg with Abdeslam El-Idrissi

Dr Raja Al Gurg with Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Dr Raja Al Gurg with Bandar Reda

Sustainable TourismABES2023 Introductory Forum

15 MARCH 2023

The ABCC hosted the first of its introductory forums held in the run up to ABES2023 on the afternoon of 15 March. The event providing a platform for various companies and investors to discuss and share their opinions on the issue of sustainable tourism.

The discussion opened up a discussion on themes to be addressed in more detail at ABES2023 in November.

Speakers from the Embassies of Bahrain and Algeria explained the ambitious tourism developments in

their respective countries and the tremendous investment opportunities available to UK firms in numerous projects at various planning stages. The speakers were joined by UK experts on sustainability and climate change who were eager to share their

insights into the expanding ecotourism market and its great potential for growth.

The event was chaired by Mr Abdeslam El Idrissi, ABCC Deputy CEO & Secretary General.

Richard Williamson

Miss Hajer Mohamed Ameen

From left: Gregory Baker, CEO & Founder, ESE Capital, Mr Mohamed Khelifi, Minister Plenipotentiary, Algerian Embassy, Miss Hajer Mohamed Ameen, Second Secretary, Embassy of Bahrain and Richard Williamson, COO, Considerate Group Mr Mohamed Khelifi

Financial Markets: Drivers for the Development of the Arab Economies

27 APRIL 2023

The ABCC hosted a roundtable on Financial Markets: Drivers for the Development of the Arab Economies at its Mayfair premises on 27 April, organised in cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco Embassy in London.

Mr Bandar Reda, ABCC Secretary General & CEO, welcomed a high-powered delegation from Morocco headed by Mr Tarik Senhaji, CEO, Casablanca Stock Exchange, who was accompanied by Mr Sekkat Younes, President, Moroccan Stockbrokers Association and Mr Nasser Seddiqi, Director of Corporate Finance & Markets, Moroccan Capital Markets Authority.

The discussion, chaired by Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, ABCC Deputy CEO & Secretary General, focused on the achievements of Morocco in developing its financial market and brought together experts,

investors and executives from the UK financial services industry.

Mr Reda stressed the purpose of the roundtable which was to identify new opportunities emerging from the financial markets for closer collaboration between the UK and Morocco and the broader Arab region.

The guest speakers explained from their various perspectives how the experience of Morocco in adopting reforms to its financial sector over the last three decades could be seen as a model to be emulated by other African and Arab countries.

Their observations ranged over Morocco’s response to challenges posed by the 2008 global financial crash and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Senhaji stated that the main lesson to be learned from the Moroccan experience was that financial sector reforms should be introduced when a country’s economy was strong and not as an emergency response in a period of crisis. The financial markets should be viewed as part of the wider economy and as contributing to the prosperity of the country.

From left (front): Mr Sekkat Younes, Mr Nasser Seddiqi, Mr Tarik Senhaji, and Mr Bandar Reda.

Back: Mr Marouan Abousif, Morocco 1st Secretary (Economic Affairs) and Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi.

Mr Tarik Senhaji, CEO, Casablanca Stock Exchange

Growth of E-Commerce in the Arab World

27 APRIL 2023

The second ABES2023 introductory forum was on the growth of e-commerce in the Arab world and was hosted by the ABCC on the afternoon of 27 April.

Welcoming speakers and delegates, Mr Bandar Reda, ABCC Secretary General & CEO, spoke of the rapid growth of e-commerce in the Arab world where the adoption of new technologies was high.

Opening the discussion, Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, ABCC Deputy CEO & Secretary General, stated that there were many definitions of what e-commerce actually entailed and it was the aim of the forum to explore the wider issues as well as the opportunities that the growth of technology created.

Mr El-Idrissi highlighted the success of ABES2022 which he described as “the only show in town” that brings together businesses from all over the UK and throughout the Arab world.

Speakers at the forum delivered insightful and engaging presentations on the many aspects of e-commerce and how it was dramatically transforming the retail sector in particular.

While global corporates such as Amazon were strong across the Middle East, homegrown brands were increasingly emerging, Dr Imran Zawwar, CEO, London Strategy Centre, observed.

Dr Zawwar described how e-commerce was now pivotal in the Arab region with more than 60% of shoppers now sourcing products from outside their countries.

The Arab population of 456 million people presented a growing and dynamic market for e-commerce, he said.

Andrew Elia, Managing Partner, Arishi, shared his insights as a technology expert observing that the rapid growth in e-commerce in the Arab region was creating major opportunities for investors. He saw adoption of new online payments systems as an important area of growth in the regional markets.

Mr Ralph Nehme, Economic Attache, Lebanese Embassy, London, provided details of the strength of the technology and innovation sector in his country.

He welcomed the strong bilateral ties between the UK and Lebanon which

was helping to build new relationships within the tech sector, including in e-commerce.

The final speaker, Marwan Gedeon, contributed to the discussion by delivering an online presentation from his office in Beirut.

Mr Gedeon was the founding partner of a successful tech company in Lebanon called CME Offshore sal, which was providing high quality professional services to clients worldwide.

The event concluded with a range of questions from the audience, including valuable remarks on the maturity of the Arab e-commerce sector, from the Libyan representatives, and ended with a networking reception.

From left: Mr Ralph Nehme, Economic Attache, Lebanese Embassy, Dr Imran Zawwar, CEO, London Strategy Centre, and Mr Andrew Elia, Managing Partner, Arishi. Mr Bandar Reda.

Connect & Grow in Dubai DMCC Business Reception

DMCC – the world’s flagship free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – has concluded its “Made For Trade Live” global roadshow in London, its eighth in the British capital, hosting business leaders from across the United Kingdom to showcase Dubai’s unique business environment to companies looking to expand internationally.

The business reception held at the ABCC Mayfair offices was titled “Connect & Grow in Dubai”. While the huge opportunities for doing business in Dubai are very familiar to the UK investors, the emirate continues to expand at a rapid rate which means there are always some new developments that need to be disclosed.

Held in partnership with the ABCC, the event saw senior DMCC executives brief around 150 business leaders from various sectors on the ease of doing business in Dubai through DMCC, one of the world’s most interconnected business districts. The discussion shed light on opportunities to strengthen trade relations between the UAE and the UK, in light of the ongoing free trade agreement discussions.

Speakers highlighted Dubai’s resilience to global economic headwinds, its low inflationary

environment, and its business-friendly policies, which have cemented its reputation as an international business and trade hub.

Mr Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

of DMCC, told the gathering, “Total trade in goods and services between the UK and UAE increased by 56.7% to US$23.5 billion in the 12 months leading up to Q3 2022, further highlighting DMCC’s ongoing role as a key strategic partner and why we are home to roughly 40% of British businesses in the UAE.”

Over the years, DMCC has been instrumental in developing and elevating the UAE-UK bilateral trade. It currently houses over 2,000 British companies, equivalent to around 8% of its member company base, acting as a conduit to British businesses looking to tap into regional and international markets

The event ended with a networking reception.

https://www.wam.ae/en/ details/1395303153962

Mr Mohammed Mohammed, Regional Representative (Americas & Oceana), DMCC

Mr Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC

Forthcoming ABCC Events

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023

(15:00 - 18:00) (GMT+1) // LONDON

Energy, Water & Food Security

ABES2023 Introductory Forum

In the run up to the 3rd Arab British Economic Summit 2023 , the ABCC will be holding a series of Forums on dedicated topics that will feature in the full summit programme. During this event, we will be holding a session with a panel of experts from public and private industry to address questions related to franchising.

The speakers will address how countries across the MENA region are intensifying their efforts towards food security, improved management of scarce water resources and the adoption of green energy leading to an increased emphasis on innovation in these sectors that are vital for economic development and sustainability. The fragility of global supply chains was exposed in the wake of the pandemic and compounded by the long war in Europe. To mitigate further disruptions agricultural self-sufficiency, energy supply and water security are increasing strategic priorities. There is a growing recognition of the potential solutions offered by tech and innovation in all these vital interlinked areas, with new opportunities emerging for agri-tech and vertical farming.

Speaker

CHARLIE PATON

FOUNDER OF SEAWATER GREENHOUSE LTD.

Charlie Paton is a design engineer with a passion for growing things. He owns and manages an ancient woodland and designs greenhouses for applications in the most

unlikely places, such as urban rooftops and the hottest and most arid deserts.

His team at Seawater Greenhouse Ltd has just been selected by the Elon Musk XPRIZE competition as one of the top 60 approved teams. The US$100 Million prize purse is to be awarded over the next three years to teams that can demonstrate solutions to pull carbon from our oceans and atmosphere. Follow the link for more speakers as they are announced.

Join us for what promises to be a unique and informative business networking experience.

Register https://abcc.glueup.com/event/68970/ register/

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2023 (15:00 - 18:00) (GMT+1) // LONDON

The Evolution of Banking, Finance & Insurance

ABES2023 Introductory Forum

In the run up to the 3rd Arab British Economic Summit 2023 , the ABCC will be holding a series of Forums on dedicated topics that will feature in the full summit programme. During this event, we will be holding a session with a panel of experts from public and private industry to address questions related to banking, finance and insurance.

As the banking and financial services industry continues to respond to rising consumer expectations and new technologies such as cloud and AI, banks are harnessing the potential of digital

to improve service delivery and achieve competitive edge. The speakers will look at the regulatory frameworks, legal measures and best practise needed to ensure data protection and counter the risks posed by cyber and financial misdemeanours. Watch out for speaker announcements

Register https://abcc.glueup.com/event/ the-evolution-of-banking-financeinsurance-68973/

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 (15:00 - 18:00) (GMT+1) // LONDON

Entrepreneurs of the Future

ABES2023 Introductory Forum

In the run up to the 3rd Arab British Economic Summit 2023 , the ABCC will be holding a series of Forums on dedicated topics that will feature in the full summit programme. During this event, we will be holding a session with a panel of experts from public and private industry to address questions related to entrepreneurship and health.

The session will also consider how education working in partnership with business can develop the appropriate skillsets required to achieve commercial advantage and market success. The ability of entrepreneurs to inspire others and lead successful team of innovators will be examined with reference to various examples of entrepreneurial excellence. Watch out for speaker announcements

Register

https://abcc.glueup.com/event/ entrepreneurs-of-the-future-68974/

Executive Course: Strategy in the Digital Landscape

2 DAY COURSE

JULY 19 & 20, 2023 (GMT+1) // LONDON

Venue: ABCC Premises, 43 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair W1K 2NJ

Digitization is revolutionizing markets and redefining the rules of competition; it is transforming the way business is being performed today. Although the longterm impact of digital revolution promises a bright future, the process is far from being linear and many businesses are at risk of falling behind. This situation poses a challenge for executives who need to carefully plan their strategic response to digital disruption. The question then is: If competitive advantage requires crafting a winning strategy, why do we spend so little time strategizing and all the time talking about the technology?

This programme rebalances these priorities and enables the participants to develop robust and meaningful technology-centered strategies. This programme is not about why you should digitally transform, it is about how you should transform and become more strategic. New practices and technologies continue to upend traditional business models, and this programme is designed to help executives understand this rapidly changing environment and make strategic choices. This programme offers tools and concepts that will help the participants to develop a strategic response which can turn digital threats into opportunities. It will enable participants to leverage digital opportunities to create competitive advantage and improve performance.

Participants on this programme will be led, not lectured, through a combination of presentations, facilitated discussion, and activity-based learning.

EXECUTIVES (INCLUDING POLICY MAKERS, CEOs AND DIRECTORS) WHO:

• are responsible for defining and implementing the strategic direction of an organisation

• are impacted by digital disruption

• want to gain competitive advantage and transform their organisation

SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS PROGRAMME

Adapt to changing market conditions: The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and organizations that fail to adapt risk falling behind their competitors. Digital transformation can help organizations stay ahead of the curve by enabling them to embrace new technologies and respond quickly to changing market conditions.

Improve operational efficiency:Digital transformation can help organizations streamline processes, automate tasks, and eliminate manual work, which can lead to improved operational efficiency and cost savings.

Enhance customer experience:Digital transformation can help organizations provide a seamless, personalized customer experience across multiple channels, which can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Unlock new revenue streams: Digital transformation can enable organizations to offer new products and services, reach new customers, and tap into new markets, which can unlock new revenue

streams and drive growth.

Gain a competitive advantage: Digital transformation can help organizations differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering innovative products and services, improving customer experience, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Future-proof the organization:Digital transformation can help organizations prepare for the future by building a culture of innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and staying agile and adaptable.

About the Speaker

Dr Imran Zawwar is an executive development strategist with experience in Asia, Middle East, Europe, and Australia. He is a former Naval officer, and prior to his role with London Strategy Centre (LSC) he was working at Cranfield as Regional Director Executive Development Programmes and Asst. Professor Strategic Management. He has led several executive and corporate development engagements/programmes.

He is an accomplished executive with a proven track record of leading complex portfolios and diverse teams with a vision to transform the learning experience using immersive, experiential and authentic learning opportunities working collaboratively to implement evidencebased change, underpinned by rigorous scholarly analysis.

Imran holds an MBA with two Academic Gold Medals; MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University with Highest Academic Distinction and a PhD in Entrepreneurial Economics from Cranfield School of Management.

Dr Imran Zawwar, AFHEA CEO, London Strategy Centre, UK

To register and to find out more https://abcc.glueup.com/event/ executive-course-strategy-in-thedigital-landscape-75375/

Dr Imran Zawwar

INTRODUCTION TO EXPORT ONLINE TRAINING

FRIDAY JULY 14, 2023 (GMT+1) 10:00 - 12:30

Overview

This introductory course covers all the key elements of international trade. The content provides an excellent platform for delegates to continue their own learning path on to more specialist courses. The course will deliver a complete understanding of the export process, the export documents required and will answer many of the questions raised whilst preparing and progressing export orders for customer overseas.

Areas covered:

The Export Process

• The different stages of exporting goods

• Overview of the customs process

• Customs Entries

Tariff Codes

• What is a Tariff Code

• What a Tariff Code is used for

• How to classify a product

Basic Export Documents

• Invoices

• Packing Lists

• Shipping Documents

Country of Origin – Non-Preferential Origin

• Why is Country of Origin

• When is a Country of Origin Certificate required?

• How to determine the origin of a product?

Preferential Origin

• Trade Agreements – Rules of Origin

• Overview of the different Trade Documents

• How to comply with the Trade Agreements

Incoterms – Shipping Risks

• An overview the terms

• How to use the terms

• Common Misunderstandings

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for companies new to international trade as well as experienced companies who may want to refresh and update their knowledge. It is especially beneficial for staff who work in export sales, purchasing, logistics, accountancy, import and export shipping departments, customer services, import and export administration. Register https://abcc.glueup.com/event/introduction-toexport-73823/

IMPORT PROCEDURES ONLINE TRAINING

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15 (GMT+1) 10:00 - 12:30

Follow the link for further information and to register https://abcc.glueup.com/event/import-procedures-73822/

UNDERSTANDING COMMODITY CODES

ONLINE TRAINING

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24 (GMT+0) 10:00 - 12:30 GMT+0

Follow the link for further information and to register https://abcc.glueup.com/event/understanding-commodity-codes-73820/

Located

Al Akeel & Partners

Inspired by the need to offer comprehensive legal solutions in the Middle East, Al Akeel & Partners was established by Dr Meshal Al Akeel in 2007. With foundational values of ethics, service, and trust, our firm has been operational in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the past 15 years and has worked with numerous local, regional, and international clients with integrity and dedication.

We possess a deep understanding of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region, offering clients access to trusted advisors who guide across opaque processes utilising an extensive government and business community network, as well as technical, commercial, and cultural capabilities acquired over years of onthe-ground experience.

Our teams comprise some of the most experienced and talented legal consultants in the region, proficient in navigating the fluid regulatory landscape in Saudi Arabia through leading corporate/commercial expertise and outstanding litigation knowledge. With a full-service office in Riyadh, we tailor to your interests and work with you to surpass your legal service expectations through strategic advice and an intrinsic understanding of both business and legal matters.

We offer day-to-day corporate/ commercial legal advice, along with services on more complex transactions, wherein we leverage the skills of our experts (many of whom are fluent in English, Arabic, and French) in order to integrate international best practices within a local law context. Our practices range from Dispute Resolution, Litigation & Arbitration, Banking & Finance, Real Estate, Foreign Investment Licensing, Bankruptcy & Insolvency, Technology,

Media & Telecom, Family Governance & Restructurings, Franchising & Agencies, Employment, Intellectual Property, Joint Ventures, and Mergers & Acquisitions.

Vision

To effectively guide clients through legal processes and assist in the implementation of their commercial goals. We seek to offer comprehensive solutions covering all aspects of corporate/commercial transactions and complex litigation cases.

Mission

To encourage fair, transparent, and ethical legal practices in the Middle East and help clients overcome legal challenges with innovative and ethics-inspired solutions. Our mission is to create a compassionate environment where justice prevails and legal processes are empowering and seamless.

Clients

Our diverse international, regional, and national client base range from leading companies, high-net-worth individuals, and government agencies to exchangelisted conglomerates and family groups, operating across a wide spectrum of industries in Saudi Arabia and globally. Leading Corporate Expertise

The firm’s multi-lingual corporate team provides legal advice and services on a wide spectrum of transactions in the corporate/commercial fields, including those involving the Capital Market Authority, joint ventures, M&A, rights issues, private placements, bankruptcy, franchising, agencies/distributions, intellectual property, construction, real estate investment, employment, multiple types of regulatory work, to name a select few. We also handle the licensing and qualification of foreign and GCC companies wishing to participate in and/or conduct business independently or through joint venture partnerships in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Outstanding Litigation Knowledge

Our team of expert litigators possess the knowledge and skill-set required to handle difficult and complex litigation and arbitration cases. We successfully raised claims for our clients at various venues including the Committee for the Settlement of Banking Disputes, Shari’a courts, the Saudi Board of Grievances, the Saudi Arabian Commercial Court, Labour Courts, Execution Courts, the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority, and the Insurance Committee.

alakeellaw.com.sa

AlSahl Group

Unlocking the Potential of Trade in Libya: Opportunities & Future Prospects

Trade in Libya is a crucial component of the country’s economy, with the country heavily reliant on imports for vital goods such as food, machinery, and consumer products. Given its advantageous positioning, abundant natural resources, and a young population, Libya is an attractive destination for foreign businesses and investors looking to invest into the North African market.

In this article, we will offer an overview of Libya’s economy, delve into the country’s principal trading partners, and explore the opportunities available to businesses seeking to establish a presence in Libya.

Overview of Libya’s Economy

Libya’s economy is heavily dependent on the oil and gas sector, which accounts for approximately 60% of the country’s GDP and 73% of its exports. Libya has the largest proven oil reserves in Africa and is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Apart from the oil and gas sector, the country’s economy also relies on the agriculture and construction sectors, which provides job opportunities and employment for the majority of the workforce.

Despite the political challenges, the Libyan government and the private sector have put in the effort and investment to improve the country’s economic situation. This can be noticed through the thriving of industrial complexes, introducing economic reforms and attempting to attract foreign investment.

To mitigate the impact of fluctuating oil prices and improve the country’s economic prospects, the Libyan government has been working towards diversifying its export portfolio beyond oil and gas. This includes developing new industries and strengthening trade relationships with other countries.

Major trading partners

Italy, Spain and China are among Libya’s major trading partners, with significant volumes of trade in sectors such as machinery, food, and textiles. Libya also has trade relationships with other African countries, such as South Africa and Egypt. The Libyan government has actively sought to expand its trade relationships beyond its current partners. These efforts have been supported by the country’s strategic location, which allows for easy access to major shipping routes and transport links.

AlSahl Group Holding

AlSahl Group Holding is actively contributing to trade in Libya by investing in various sectors and partnering with international companies to bring new technologies and expertise to the country.

By investing in businesses that generate jobs and contribute to economic growth, AlSahl is supporting trade in Libya and helping to diversify the country’s economy beyond its traditional dependence on oil and gas.

With a focus on sustainability and innovation, AlSahl is helping to develop new industries such as agribusiness, consumer goods and build partnerships with other countries to expand trade opportunities for Libya.

Partnering with International Companies

AlSahl Group Holding established solid partnerships with international brands and companies and acts as the exclusive agents of:

• Coca-Cola in Libya

• Seara frozen chicken belonging to JBS international group

The group is also the official distributor of Haval in Libya and one of the largest distributors in the field of medicines.

Growth Opportunities for Trade in Libya

Libya’s wealth of natural resources, which include oil and gas, coupled with its young and expanding population, make it a promising destination for foreign businesses and investors seeking to penetrate the North African market.

By fostering new industries and cultivating stronger trade ties with other nations, Libya is positioning itself as a favourable business environment. Furthermore, the country’s advantageous location and rising domestic demand create opportunities for companies eager to establish a presence in the area.

Private companies such as AlSahl regularly organize and participate in international trade fairs which also offer opportunities for growth in trade.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Libya’s potential for economic growth remains undeniable. The government and private sector have made commendable efforts to diversify the country’s economy beyond its reliance on the oil and gas sector.

The government has also attempted to forge new trade relationships and strengthen existing ones with other countries. AlSahl Group Holding’s investment in various sectors and partnerships with international companies have further contributed to Libya’s economic growth and diversification.

As Libya continues to improve its business environment and expand its trade ties, the potential for growth in the Libyan trade sector is significant, making it a promising destination for those seeking to invest in the region.

https://alsahlgroup.com/trade-in-libyagrowth-opportunities/

Arishi

At Arishi, we’re collaborative, consultative and will help you identify the right solution to your technology needs. We’ve worked with many organisations, agencies and start ups, always keen to find the right, most technically straightforward and robust way to support your operation.

Whether you’re creating a technology strategy for your organisation, working on a tech start up – or seeking to turn an exciting creative idea into an immersive digital experience, we can support you with a robust and adaptable solution.

Expert Development

Arishi has been at the forefront of digital since its inception. We continually research new ways to deliver amazing experiences for the creative and business communities, founded on the principles of quality, performance and security.

Our experience of working with the creative sector means that our custom software does not just run smoothly but is visually striking and a joy to use.

Creativity – Tech

We help agencies take amazing ideas and turn them into technology that works perfectly in demanding environments such as stores, exhibitions and outdoors.

As the first company in the UK to deliver astonishing augmented reality campaigns in 2010, we’re still supporting agency clients with incredible interactive experiences.

Our clients in non creative sectors enjoy the inspiration we gain from the creative sector, delivering software that’s enjoyable to use, simple, high performing – and just a little bit different.#

Technical Expertise

Are you working on a creative idea where the technology needs some heavy lifting? Are you interested in delivering an AR or VR solution that’s not only stunning visually but can be edited to continually update the content?

Unsure how to use technology to enhance your business? Concerned about making the right long term decisions? Tell us your commercial objectives and we’ll help you navigate

the decision making process to the best technical solution.

Do you have a business that uses a variety of different systems? Are you concerned about the robustness of the technology and its ability to scale?

Is there a system that’s vital to your operation that doesn’t do everything you need? Does it look and feel out of date?

Our Partner

Including advertising, marketing, media, ecommerce and finance. Whatever the brief and whoever the client, we specialise in technically robust, creative and cost-effective solutions delivered on time and within budget.

Our Team

Arishi is led by a strong team with backgrounds in technology, enterprise and finance headed by Andrew Elia, Managing Director, Pierre Suhrcke, Chairman and Bhupesh Belchandan, Head of Development.

https://www.arishi.agency/about-us

Deep Knowledge Group

Deep Knowledge Group is a data-driven consortium of commercial and nonprofit organizations active on many fronts in the realm of DeepTech and Frontier Technologies (AI, Longevity, BioTech, Pharma, FinTech, GovTech, SpaceTech, FemTech, Data Science, InvestTech), ranging from scientific research to investment, entrepreneurship, analytics, consulting, media, philanthropy and more.

As a mathematical corporation focused on building the bridge to the 5th Industrial Revolution, Deep Knowledge Group is decisively committed to DeepTech for Social Good, Techno-Philanthropy and DeepTech and Longevity Industry Financial Commoditization (establishing the core investment and financial industry infrastructure needed for the emergence of DeepTech and Longevity as fundamentally new asset classes).

Deep Knowledge Group has been committed since 2014 to the corporate thesis of DeepTech for social impact, techno-ethical business for social good, and the continual reinvestment of profits into the expansion of our core Data Science, AI and analytics assets and the refinement of our financialecosystemic development projects (which we see as the major tool driving our Group’s further growth as a Data Science driven financial corporation with focus on Longevity and DeepTech). Our unique approach lies in combining ecosystemic financial innovations with sophisticated AI and Data Science technology development for DeepTech and Longevity Industry analysis, benchmarking and forecasting.

We remain committed as always to developing and deploying reliably sophisticated and multidimensional Big

Data analytics and AI driven technological forecasting and benchmarking of DeepTech, Longevity and related industries, pioneering the fundamental tools required for strategic decision making in these unprecedentedly complex and innovation-driven sectors, laying the foundation and basis for defining, thinking about and understanding the coming DeepTech Revolution.

However, more than this, the Group remains just as decisively committed to the practical execution of many of these forecasted developments by establishing the core investment and financial industry infrastructure (platforms, indices, exchanges, financial instruments and derivatives) needed for accelerated and de-risked DeepTech and Longevity Industrialization, and their emergence as fundamentally new asset classes.

Deep Knowledge Ventures

Deep Knowledge Ventures is a datadriven investment fund focused on the synergetic convergence of DeepTech, frontier technologies at the nexus of technological megatrends, renowned for its use of sophisticated analytical systems for investment target identification and due-diligence. Major investment sectors include AI, Precision Medicine, Longevity,

Blockchain and InvestTech. While it’s major short-term interests are AI and DeepTech, it’s long term vision is focused on Longevity and Precision Health.

Longevity Capital Fund

Longevity Capital is Deep Knowledge Group’s Investment Platform. We offer direct investment opportunities, tradable certificates and investment funds focused on the Longevity Industry.

Longevity.Capital offers investment opportunities specifically focused on the Longevity Industry, backed by seasoned professionals who have been active in both the Capital Markets and Longevity industries for 25+ years, long before the sector emerged as a new asset class for experienced and qualified investors. Our certificate and fund range structures its portfolios based on sophisticated industry intelligence and comparative analytics provided by the world-leading Longevity Analytics entity Aging Analytics Agency, which uses hundreds of quantitative and fact-based parameters to identify prospective investment targets for the fund, utilizing multidimensional analytical frameworks as complex as the industry itself.

https://www.dkv.global/

Giambrone & Partners LLP

Giambrone is an award-winning full-service law firm operating through a network of offices in Barcelona, Glasgow, Gran Canaria, London, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Naples, Palermo, Porto, Rome, Tunis with plans to expand further over the coming years. Main practise area: Real Estate, Tax, Corporate Acquisitions, Corporate & Commercial, Private Client, Litigation & ADR, Banking & Finance, EU Law, Family Law, Employment Law, Sports and Fashion, Criminal Law, Personal Injury, International Law, Italian Law, Spanish Law, Tunisian Law.

The firm was founded in 2005 by Gabriele Giambrone with the opening of two offices, one in Palermo, Sicily and one in Greater London Gabriele’s vision, from the onset, was to provide both private clients and commercial clients with exceptional client-focused legal advice across a range of jurisdictions with a focus on cross-border contentious and noncontentious matters, delivered in their own language.

Within 18 months, following a resolute determination to build the firm’s capacity, saw the London headquarters expand and relocate to offices directly opposite the Royal Courts of Justice. Similarly, new offices were opened in Rome and Milan in Italy, swiftly followed by offices in Turin and Munich. Over the next five years Giambrone gained, not only additional offices in Italy but also opened offices in Spain and Tunisia.

Our expansion programme is ongoing and the present day sees the firm with six offices in Italy, three offices in Spain, three offices in the United Kingdom, an office in Tunisia, an office in France, an office in Sao Paolo and an office

in Portugal. Our lawyers speak an extensive variety of languages, enabling them to advise our clients in their own language providing clarity and avoiding misunderstandings.

Giambrone & Partners continues to focus on building teams with the expertise to address our clients’ worldwide requirements, enabling our astute, well-regarded cross-border lawyers to provide our clients with exceptional legal advice and bring a commercial advantage to achieve their objectives. The commercial insight and progressive thinking the lawyers at Giambrone & Partners bring when assisting our clients to maximise their opportunities and defeat their challenges is second to none. We always strive to exceed the expectations of our clients

Giambrone & Partners addresses the unique factors that impact on crossborder matters and to further assist our clients in navigating the internacional legal landscape, our lawyers are encouraged to acquire legal capacity in additional jurisdictions as well as the ability to appear before higher courts, as part of a continuous programme of

investment to enhance our legal expertise by expanding the firm’s jurisdictional capacity to address our clients’ highstakes and often complex legal issues.

We can, when required, draw together cross-jurisdictional teams of lawyers from our European offices in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France and nonEuropean offices in Tunisia and the United Kingdom, enabling the lawyers to orchestrate and coordinate complex cross-border proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. All of which assists the firm’s commitment to excellence by delivering, perceptive legal expertise our clients in their own language and removing the potential for the misunderstandings that can arise when separate law firms in different countries are instructed.

Our clients value the firm’s extensive legal capacity and international scope, together with our local cultural knowledge and insight, all found under one roof. We are immensely proud of Giambrone & Partners’ progress and aim to continue to maintain the firm’s initial vision in the future.

https://www.giambronelaw.com

The Liverpool City Region Freeport

Liverpool City Region (LCR) Freeport is one of only eight freeports in England. After working in partnership with ports, businesses, local authorities, trade unions and wider stakeholders, its Full Business Case (FBC) was approved by the UK Government in December 2022.

Designated areas within the freeport zone will benefit from incentives to encourage economic activity. Freeports operate with both ‘tax’ and ‘customs’ sites. Tax sites offer occupiers business rates relief and other incentives to support capital investment, skills and employment. Business rates generated at the tax sites will be retained locally for 25 years and reinvested in the area. Customs sites help enable the tariff-free movement of goods for both export and import through simplified customs procedures.

The Liverpool City Region, home to the country’s leading transatlantic port, is a natural freeport location. With the UK’s biggest western facing port, handling 45% of the UK’s trade from the United States, the Freeport area takes in a 45km diameter from the western point of Wirral Waters to the eastern point of Port Salford and includes all six of the city region’s local authorities.

The LCR Freeport is a multi-gateway, multi-modal zone covering 300 hectares of land and the freeport sites, which include several existing rail terminals and water-accessible locations, are located within areas of logistics and manufacturing capability.

The freeport has been shaped to support the delivery of the Liverpool City Region’s vision outlined in its Plan for Prosperity and Economic Recovery Plan.

Its overarching aim will be to ensure that the freeport contributes to the city region’s ambitions to create a fairer, stronger, cleaner city region, where noone is left behind.

Tax sites

Tax sites provide a range of benefits and are designed to attract new business operations and generate additional, added value investment. LCR Freeport’s designated tax sites are:

Parkside, St Helens: the largest strategic employment site in the City Region, it is located in St Helens close to the M6 and M62. The site includes the former Parkside Colliery and hopes to attract advanced manufacturing and logistics businesses.

3MG, Widnes: offers direct connections to the UK motorway network and rail access from the West Coast Main Line. 3MG is already involved in the hydrogen economy supporting capital investment in low carbon fuels and infrastructure.

Wirral Waters: located around the Birkenhead Docks, it has port connectivity, direct access to the M53 motorway and is located within the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone. It comprises significant areas of dockside land capable of attracting a range of port-centric businesses, advanced manufacturing, innovation and research and development activities.

Eligible businesses in freeport tax sites will enjoy a range of tax incentives:

• Stamp Duty Land Tax relief

• Enhanced capital allowances for investment in plant and machinery and structures and buildings

• Business rates relief

• Employer National Insurance contributions relief

Customs Site Operators

There are a range of proposed customs zones to be located within the LCR Freeport, across a number of industries that may benefit, from advanced and biomanufacturing, to logistics and ports. These sites will undergo an approval process with Government/HMRC as part of the development of the outline business case.

Access to duty suspension, duty exemption on re-exports and flexibility on how duty is calculated through duty inversion.

Allows storage and processing activities in a freeport customs site under one combined Freeport customs special procedure, instead of multiple authorisations.

Streamlining the processes for bringing goods into freeport customs sites, as well as between customs sites, and reexport.

Allowing the movement of goods by conduct between other UK customs sites and into other special procedures to fit the needs of business.

In December 2022, HMRC approved SSO International Freight Forwarding as the freeport’s first Customs Site Operator meaning the LCR Freeport was officially operational.

https://www.liverpoolcityregionca.gov.uk/growing-our-economy/ liverpool-city-region-freeport/

MadfooatCom is an acclaimed leader in financial services technology based in Amman, Jordan. Established in 2011, our solutions make it possible for people in the MENA region and beyond to view and pay their bills with the greatest ease, comfort, and speed.

Our team of financial technology specialists is committed to continuous quality and innovation in electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP).

Our mission is to deliver world-class payment and support services for our clients and their customers.

Our main platform, eFAWATEERcom, established in partnership with the Central Bank of Jordan, has processed over 84 million invoices valued at 30 billion JOD (as of November 2021) and growing rapidly.

At MadfooatCom, our Goal is clear: to build and support solutions with purpose and excellence, always earning the trust of our clients and their customers.

At MadfooatCom, we created a next generation, real-time electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP) solution that enables customers to make payments seamlessly and securely, online and via mobile.

We partner with most banks and billers in Jordan to provide friction-free customer experiences, shortened collection cycles and the industry’s highest level of control.

Our state-of-the-art platform, called eFAWATEERcom, established in partnership with the Central Bank of Jordan, has processed over 84 million invoices valued at more than 30 billion JOD (as of November 2021).

Financial institutions, utilities, telecoms, government agencies, non-profits and trade organizations all use our solution. We can accommodate any kind of billing

transaction regardless of industry or market.

Find out how we’re unlocking opportunities in the new digital economy for consumers, billers, and financial institutions across the region.

We are a proven financial technology leader with best-in-class EBPP delivered by a team of highly dedicated payments professionals. We enable clients of all sizes and categories to replace paper statements and payments with seamless digital alternatives that customers demand.

More than a technology provider, we are a full-service business partner handling all aspects of electronic billing and payment. We’re committed to the continuous innovation and improvement of our products and services.

MadfooatCom is the MENA region’s most trusted name in electronic billing and payments.

Wherever your business is based, your customers want to make payments in the most convenient way. Through our innovative solutions and expertise, we’re driving the adoption of seamless digital billing and payment to meet evolving needs and expectations in new markets. Now, you can partner with one of the most accomplished financial technology services team.

What Clients Gain

Convenience – Enabling customers to view and pay bills seamlessly, safely and quickly when and how they choose to.

Cost savings – Cut out billing costs of the printing, collating, and mailing process while reducing payment cycles and improving cash flow.

Unmatched service – Our dedicated team helps organizations harness the power of EBPP to make their business more productive and profitable.

CEO & Founder

As CEO & Founder, Nasser Saleh brings over two decades of top-tier entrepreneurial experience in the banking and IT sectors in the MENA. Before launching MadfooatCom, he was CIO of Jordan’s second fiscal reform program. Previously, he worked at the Al Rajhi, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest banks, where he managed programmes for retail, commercial and corporate banking divisions, as well as e-trading and payments programmes.

Previously, he worked as senior advisor at Accenture in Saudi Arabia and was a senior engineer at Microsoft in the USA. He’s led numerous strategic initiatives to develop and modernize electronic payment processes that promote safe, reliable and efficient e-commerce in the region.

In 2017, Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein awarded Nasser with the distinguished Medal of Excellence for establishing the country’s acclaimed electronic billing and payment gateway with the support of the Central Bank of Jordan. He holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Jordan.

https://madfooat.com/team/

By paying our local drivers and fleets fairly and providing them with training, we ensure that our drivers are treated with the respect they deserve. So when you need a local ride-hailing service, simply open the UVA app and book a minicab in a flash, knowing that you are helping the local community. From Land’s End to John O’ Groats, we are here to help.

Life moves fast in the business world, and you don’t want to have to slow down. That’s where we come in. UVA is the new way to book a ride on the fly and for when you and your team really

need them. Through our intelligent systems, we tap into fleets across the UK in order to provide you with a ride when you need it.

With UVA we can save you precious time. Instead of having to wait for a ride to come and pick up your team from the office to get to that expo, we can do it in a few simple taps. What’s even better, is when you open a business account you can see all your bookings and payments in one place! One less thing for the finance team to hassle you for!

We are founded on the guiding principle of customer and community focus, with this in mind UVA rapport partners with businesses to build long-term mutually beneficial relationships.

At UVA we value our partnerships with organisations who have big teams whether that be customers, clients, members, employees, associates, tenants, suppliers or contractors. So that is why we are offering 5% off UVA rides for employees and customers of the UVA Business Scheme.

UVA Business offers first class, customer centric service to our commercial clients. Working directly and through our

network we are synonymous with quality, reliability and value for money.

It’s no longer enough to be a fantastic UK-wide ride-hailing service, we need to do more. Here at UVA, we want to help support everyone. From working with local communities to ensuring that we fully support all of our drivers across the country, our mission is to serve you.

We aim to go above and beyond when supporting local communities. From book donations all the way to praising local heroes. We are always looking to do more, as we believe companies should look to better communities, not just take!

Booking a UVA local driver is easy. Firstly, you will need to download our app, and fill in a few details. Once done, all you need to do is ping where you want to go, and the closest driver will arrive at your door in no time.

It’s that simple, and once you have the UVA app downloaded, you can book a ride with ease. What’s even better is that you will be supporting a local driver and their family!

https://www.uva.uk

UVA is a ride-hailing service that puts people first. We know that there are loads of ways you can book a ride today, but we stand out through our support of local communities and our passion for change.

WHY JOIN THE ABCC?

The ABCC is dedicated to serving businesses whether they are located in the UK or operating from any Arab country. With decades of experience, the chamber offers expert advice on how to do business in the Arab markets.

Joining the ABCC is a strategic decision which helps corporate entities gain solid foothold in the Arab region and United Kingdom with minimum time and effort.

The Chamber is very widely recognised at the highest levels in government and business for its work and achievements. In the delivery of its professional services, it cooperates closely on a daily basis with official organisations, the Arab Embassies in London and with key government institutions in Britain such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and official trade bodies such as The Department for International Trade (DIT).

As they increasingly come to realise the value of what the Chamber can do for them, new companies are joining our membership and making use of our set of bespoke benefits and valuable services, such as:

• Discounted rates on document services

• Free access to our updated insights and publications

• Venue hire at preferential rates

• Visa, translation services and research at preferential rates

• Business networking opportunities

• Discounted fees for ABCC’s events

New ABCC Member Companies

(Joining 2023)

AH&Z Associates Ltd

Al Khaleej Travel Ltd

Arab Entrepreneurs Board

Baker Tilly Isle of Man

BCS VISAS LTD

CBH Education

Credit Financier Invest Limited

Cruxton Travel

French Connection UK Limited

GGS Global Geo Services (UK) Ltd

Hield Brothers Limited

Kinerva Ltd

LCR Freeport Leizur

LG H&H UK

London Strategy Centre

Matrixport Advisors Ltd

MNE

Moorfields Private Eye Hospital

Newgate Labs

One1Star Solutions

PANGEA WORLDWIDE

Silkroot Trading Company Limited

StoneX Financial Ltd

Taki Tax and Finance Ltd

The Idea Road Limited

TTT Moneycorp Ltd

Waltons Publications Ltd

Worldwide Corporate Advisors LLP

Investment Opportunities in Saudi

A selection of opportunities available in the Kingdom across sectors as announced by Invest Saudi, Saudi Arabia’s national investment promotion platform supporting global business expansion into the Kingdom.

Digital Twins for Industry

Attracting foreign and local investors specialized in the development of software and hardware for the implementation of Digital Twins for Industry in KSA (e.g., platforms to recreate real simulation and organization of factories, production lines and manufacturing facilities).

Many mega projects, such as Saudi’s NEOM city, are driving digital twins implementation in infrastructure development.

IRR of up to 30% is expected from digital twin tech implementation in tourism, a similar rate of return is estimated for the industrial sector.

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/information-technology/ Digital-Twins-for-Industry

Private Aircraft Hangars

Establishment and operation of hangars for private aircraft at major airports across the Kingdom to address current lack of options.

Expected investment size: $250m. Capacity: 170K m2 of hangar space with a capacity for 270 aircrafts

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/transport-logistics/ Private-aircraft-hangars

Autonomous Rail Track Maintenance

Deployment of autonomous vehicles for cleaning and maintenance of rail track to eliminate existing manual, employeedriven processes.

Expected investment size: $13m.

Expected IRR: 11%

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/transport-logistics/ Autonomous-rail-track-maintenance

Light Industrial Park Development In Riyadh

Opportunity to develop a mix use residential and industrial zone in Riyadh. The development consists of a logistics park and storage units targeting light manufacturers, residential and retail spaces.

Expected Investment size $69.8 m.

Investment model options: leasing, shared revenue model or shared revenue model + fixed amount

Estimated Project IRR (25-year lease term): 11.14%

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/real-estate/LIGHTINDUSTRIAL-PARK-DEVELOPMENT

Establishing Finance Companies

Establishing financing companies with various specializations (for example: Micro, or Small And Medium Enterprises Financing), in addition, establishing a company to ReFinance small and medium enterprises.

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/financial/FinancingCompanies

Arabia

Digital Twins For Tourism, Heritage and Events

Attracting foreign and local investors specialized in the development of software and hardware for the implementation of Digital Twins for Tourism, Heritage and Events in KSA (e.g., platforms to recreate real simulation and organization of events and tourist attractions, crowd management, and 3D VR/AR experiences).

Opportunity for offering a comprehensive digital twin technology stack for a local KSA beneficiary to recreate real environments for simulation and organization of events, heritage and tourist attractions, crowd management etc.

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/information-technology/ Digital-Twins-Tourism-Heritage-Events

Securities Business Fintech

Launching a financial technology (FinTech) platform in the financial securities business in KSA, the security activities are defined under many business models including Equity Crowd Funding, Robo-advisory, security tokens offering (STO).

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/financial/SecuritiesBusiness-fintech

Sulphamic Acid production

Opportunity to develop Sulphamic Acid production facility of 35 KTA in KSA to cater regional and global demand.

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/chemicals/SulphamicAcid

Citric Acid Production

Opportunity to develop Citric Acid production facility in KSA to cater regional and global demand.

Development Of Cloud Storage And Computing Solutions

Potential to meet majority of KSA demand from cloud service providers offering IaaS solutions through facilities based in KSA.

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/information-technology/ Development-of-Cloud-Storage-andComputing-Solutions

Smart Mining

Attracting local mining companies and foreign providers of “Smart Mining” solutions to increase efficiency and safety of KSA mining operations (creating local smart mining R&D & Operations Hub and development of fully automated mines).

Opportunity for tech provider to offer a comprehensive smart mining solution for local KSA mining companies to drive digitization

Make contact https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/information-technology/ Smart-Mining

Silicone Fluids

Opportunity to develop Silicone Fluids production facility of ~100 KTA in KSA to cater regional and global demand. Expected investment size of $150$200mn.

Make contact https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/chemicals/Silicone-Fluids

Expected investment size of $40mn.

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/chemicals/Citric-Acid

Calcium Chloride Production

Opportunity to develop Calcium Chloride production facility of ~150 KTA in KSA to cater regional and global demand.

Expected investment size of $80-90mn.

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/chemicals/Calciumchloride

Copper

Sulphate Production

Opportunity to develop Copper Sulphate production facility in KSA to cater regional and global demand. Expected investment size of $30mn.

Make contact

https://www.investsaudi.sa/en/sectorsopportunities/chemicals/CopperSulphate

About Invest Saudi

INVEST SAUDI is Saudi Arabia’s nation-wide investment attraction and promotion brand. Overseen by the Ministry of Investment (MISA), INVEST SAUDI facilitates investments in Saudi Arabia that support the kingdom’s economic growth and position it at the forefront of global business.

COP28: Call for new green deal

Companies in Middle East call for new green deal ahead of COP28

Companies in the Middle East are transitioning from an environmental, social and governance (ESG) “start-up” to a more sustainable “scale-up” mode, driven by climate risk awareness and regulatory compliance, PwC Middle East said in its latest report.

A survey of business leaders that was conducted by the auditing firm revealed that 64 per cent of companies in the region adopted a formal ESG strategy last year and the number of entities with no ESG strategy has halved.

PwC said businesses are increasingly transparent about their environmental impact, with 70 per cent reporting on their ESG impact and 59 per cent having their reporting formally audited or assured. PwC ESG Middle East report reflects the region’s growing emphasis on sustainability and accountability.

Yahya Anouti, PwC Middle East’s ESG leader said that along with an increased appetite and progress seen on ESG in the Middle East, companies are developing a stronger sense of what is needed to further progress on their ESG agenda.

“Businesses expect governments in the region to step up and develop policy frameworks similar to the Green New Deal in Europe for the Middle East region ahead of COP28. We strongly believe that with the right coordinated response from governments, 2023 could be the region’s most environmentally transformative year yet,” said Anouti.

PwC said companies in the region are taking practical steps towards ESG, with 60 per cent of respondents in the survey calling for increased time allocation by the authorities to address ESGrelated issues such as risk management, compliance and circular economy.

The Middle East is also witnessing a

growing sustainability mandate at the executive level, with over a quarter of respondents stating they now have a chief sustainability officer (CSO), as the responsibility of implementing ESG strategy is shifting from CEOs to CSOs.

Green finance

PwC identified a lack of internal skills and expertise in sustainability as the top barrier to advancing the ESG agenda, according to 41 per cent of companies surveyed.

The auditing firm said despite the Middle East’s active participation in the green finance market, a significant funding gap still exists, with almost one-third of respondents citing funding constraints as a major barrier to ESG implementation.

“ESG transformation requires a joint effort between businesses and government bodies. To accelerate progress, companies must prioritise ESG imperatives, while policymakers should continue to develop clear policies and regulations to support their ambitions,” said Stephen Anderson, PwC Middle East’s strategy and markets leader.

“Green standards improved circular infrastructure and tangible incentives for green growth are becoming increasingly important for companies in the region. The three most desired ESG-related government policies are clear policies and regulations, certification

mechanisms, and tangible incentives for green growth, which businesses hope to see announced at COP28.”

The report also highlighted that there is a lack of awareness and access to green finance, with nearly half of the organisations surveyed relying on selffunding for ESG activities and only 13 per cent accessing sustainable finance. This is despite the region’s active participation in raising green finance.

Making Progress

PwC said the report details four critical areas that need to be addressed to further drive ESG transformation in the region including ensuring policy coherence, integrating ESG thinking throughout the organisation’s operations and strategy, building sustainability skills and boosting access and clarity on green financing.

With businesses in the Middle East making progress in their ESG journey, PwC said that with the right coordinated response from governments, 2023 could be the region’s most environmentally transformative year yet.

Sources: Gulf Business/ PwC

Qatar emerges as a cleantech industry leader

The global market for major massmanufactured clean energy technologies is projected to exceed $650 billion per year by 2030, which is more than three times the current level, given that countries worldwide are implementing their announced energy and climate change pledges. Investors are increasingly interested in supporting sustainable innovations, leading the average climate tech deal size to quadruple between 2020 and 2021, reaching $96 million.

Globally, over 80% of potential emissions reduction can be attributed to five primary technologies, namely Solar Power, Wind Power, Food Waste Technology, Green Hydrogen Production, and Alternative Foods/Low GHG Proteins. With innovation pushing for a larger share in the energy sector, wind and solar energy constituted a record 12% of global electricity generation last year, up from 10% in 2021. In tandem, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) tech is being developed to capture up to 90% of CO2 emissions from power plants and heavy industries, while IoTconnected devices are expected to reduce food waste by 20% in the next four years. Similarly, the development of green hydrogen can have profound implications for renewables with production costs projected to drop by 50% by 2030, and alternative low greenhouse gas (GHG) protein food sources are predicted to make up 11% of protein consumption by 2035.

Meanwhile, Qatar and the MENA region are both experiencing significant growth opportunities in the cleantech industry, driven by favourable government policies, successful sustainability initiatives and national strategies, and abundant natural resources such as solar energy. Green hydrogen production is an early-mover advantage for Gulf national oil companies while tech-based agricultural practices have revolutionised the region’s agri-food sector.

Key Regional Highlights in Cleantech:

Sectoral Growth: Renewable energy in the MENA region to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 8% from 2010 to 2035.

Exposure to Sunlight: MENA region receives between 22% and 26% of all solar energy striking the earth, which enhances the potential for a vibrant renewable energy sector.

Solar Power: Solar installed capacity in MENA is expected to increase by almost 40 GW by 2025.

Green Sector Jobs: The GCC aims to reduce oil consumption by 23% by 2030, creating over 220,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector.

Qatar, in particular, has a dynamic and integrated cleantech value chain, which presents a plethora of investment opportunities, according to a sectoral study by the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar). Just recently, Qatar’s delegation at Hannover Messe 2023, the world’s leading trade fair for industry, highlighted the country’s potential as an emerging leader in the cleantech industry, driven by a dynamic, integrated value chain encompassing tech development, manufacturing, distribution and project development, and services.

Notably, IPA Qatar has partnered with global energy leaders such as Iberdrola Group to explore and implement clean energy projects in Qatar. The IPA Qatar-Iberdrola partnership entails the establishment of a world-leading centre to advance digital utility in Qatar. It also supports the expansion of the Spanish group’s Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) activities through the Doha-based Iberdrola Innovation Middle East. This hub tackles technology challenges related to innovation and digitalisation of the electrical grid by developing solutions in smart grids, renewable energy integration and energy efficiency.

Push towards a hydrogen-powered future

With its abundant solar energy resources, Qatar is well positioned to take advantage of hydrogen production, which is essential to decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. Moreover, Qatar’s low-cost electricity, rich

natural gas resources and the establishment of a well-connected and efficient electricity grid set a solid foundation for hydrogen production.

The country’s integrated energy company, QatarEnergy, announced the construction of the world’s largest blue ammonia plant, expected to come online by 2026 and to produce 1.2 million tonnes per year. The USD 1 billion project also supports Qatar’s goal to develop its carbon capture and storage facilities to sequester up to 11 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2035.

Qatar strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve land and promote biodiversity to improve indoor air quality based on WHO guidelines. These efforts are reflected in the construction of Lusail City, the country’s flagship sustainable city, and the development of a renewable energypowered metro rail transportation network.

Newly emerging hydrogen and renewable energy sources in the MENA region, along with international partnerships, are fuelling growth potential in the cleantech industry. Qatar’s actions to combat climate change and promote clean technology extend beyond national and regional boundaries. A few years ago, QatarEnergy and Royal Dutch Shell agreed to jointly invest in blue and green hydrogen projects in the UK. Likewise, QatarEnergy’s agreement with Korea’s Hydrogen Convergence Alliance (H2Korea) supports multilateral efforts to accelerate cooperation for hydrogenrelated technologies worldwide.

Qatar’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with its willingness to collaborate and invest in innovative technologies, demonstrates its dedication to building a greener and more sustainable future.

Invest Qatar is the national brand that showcases the Qatar investment destination, connecting international investors to business opportunities in the country.

https://www.invest.qa/en/mediaand-events/news-and-articles/qatarsemergence-as-a-cleantech-industry-leader

The global cleantech industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a pressing demand for sustainable solutions and the need to reduce carbon emissions.

Masdar on track to become one of world’s largest renewable energy companies

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has announced that it has nearly doubled its clean energy capacity and CO2 displacement in just two years and is on track to fulfil its ambition of becoming one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies by 2030.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has announced that it has nearly doubled its clean energy capacity and CO2 displacement in just two years and is on track to fulfil its ambition of becoming one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies by 2030.

According to the company’s Sustainability Report, Masdar achieved a clean energy capacity of 20 gigawatts (GW) in 2022, generated 18,000 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of clean energy and displaced 10 million tonnes of CO2. The report, which covers Masdar’s global operations for 2022, also highlights the launch of a Green Finance Framework, as well as the company’s commitment to health and safety, and the achievements for programmes involving women and young people.

Commitment to climate action

The Sustainability Report provides clear evidence of the UAE’s commitment to climate action and its credentials as a clean energy champion as it prepares to host COP28 later this year. With significant agreements and projects in the pipeline, Masdar is set to play a major role in the overall success of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability in 2023.

In 2022, Masdar signed several significant agreements in new and existing markets including Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tanzania. The Sharjah Waste-to-Energy project, the first commercial scale waste to energy project in the Middle East was inaugurated in partnership with BEEAH, and work continued on the Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Independent Power Producer Project, set to be the world’s largest single-site solar power plant upon completion.

Green Finance Framework

Masdar has developed a Green Finance Framework to guide all future financing activities – including plans to become an issuer of Green Bonds in the debt capital markets – and to highlight Masdar’s significant contribution to sustainability and alignment with best financial industry practices.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 PresidentDesignate, said, “In the past 17 years, Masdar became one of the world’s largest renewable energy investors and drivers of the energy transition. Our momentum will see us accelerate global clean energy growth, expand our renewable energy footprint, and play a vital role in delivering the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”

Al Jaber added, “Our 2022 report shows just what an impactful year it has been for Masdar and our ESG and sustainability ambitions. As the UAE prepares to host COP28, we are keen to collaborate with all parties to help the world triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. As such Masdar will continue to contribute to the advancement of renewable energy and sustainable development around the world.”

Pioneering sustainable change

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said: “2022 was a pivotal year in our legacy of growth. We officially welcomed ADNOC and TAQA as Masdar’s shareholders alongside Mubadala, setting out on an ambitious course to grow our clean energy capacity to 100 GW and 1 million tonnes per year of green hydrogen production by 2030. Throughout our history, Masdar has proven to be a

pioneering force for sustainable change. With a uniquely talented team and a strong network of partners behind us, the future promises to be even brighter for Masdar, the UAE, and the world.”

Niall Hannigan, Chief Financial Officer, Masdar, said, “Sustainable financing is more in demand than ever. Through our work we are creating opportunities for financial institutions to become part of the green financing agenda and to really put sustainable investments at the core of everything they do. Every dollar of debt capital we raise will be deployed into developing green projects across the globe to the highest ESG standards, and a substantial proportion of that deployment will be in developing countries.”

In addition to green financing, Masdar’s Sustainability Report emphasised the company’s commitment to become a global green hydrogen leader with plans to produce up to 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030. Masdar is focused on meeting green hydrogen demand domestically and internationally by targeting key segments, including aviation, ammonia, steel, maritime, power, refining and heavyduty transportation.

Highlighting the increasing role for women in the company, Masdar’s Sustainability Report also revealed nearly 25 percent of all women employed by Masdar are in supervisory roles, and at the youth level, Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) platform is seeking to reach one million young people by 2030 through its blended learning experience.

Masdar is active in more than 40 countries across six continents and has invested, or committed to invest, in worldwide projects with a combined value of more than US$30 billion.

WAM, 18/05/2023

Bahrain Golden License

The initiative aims to attract large-scale investment projects, says Bahrain Economic Development Board.

Bahrain has launched a Golden License, providing incentives and streamlined services to foreign and local businesses with large-scale investment projects in Bahrain, in an important step in the country’s pursuit to incentivise investments and boost job creation under its fiscal and economic reforms.

The move, as reported by Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) on 3 April 2023, builds upon the growing investment attractiveness of Bahrain, which has recently recorded its highest Real GDP growth rate in almost a decade.

Companies with major investment and strategic projects that will create more than 500 jobs in Bahrain, or those with investment value exceeding USD 50 million, will be eligible for the License.

With the License, companies will enjoy a wide range of privileges and benefits, including prioritised allocation of land for investments, infrastructure services and utilities. They will also have streamlined access to government services – including business licensing and building permit approval, as well as support from Bahrain’s Labour Fund, Tamkeen, and Bahrain Development Bank.

Introduced by Bahrain’s Cabinet, which was chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the License aims to attract investments from local and international companies and create jobs locally. These are priorities of the Economic Recovery Plan, the blueprint of Bahrain’s fiscal and economic reforms introduced in 2021 that has been the driving force of the country’s recent robust economic performance.

Further advantages under the License include integrated cooperation with various

government departments, a designated account manager from Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, as well as potential review of existing laws or regulations where necessary and applicable.

Review of Business Legislation

In view of the Bahrain EDB’s mandate to attract investment opportunities and enhance Bahrain’s investment climate; EDB champions regularly reviewing existing business legislation and establishing dynamic business laws, with a particular focus on addressing potential issues in ICT and priority sectors outlined in the Economic Recovery Plan, as this is considered vital to support the development of a business-friendly environment. Moreover, it helps to enhance the ecosystem to attract investment and further diversify the economy, thereby stimulate economic growth and increase high-value opportunities for employment.

To this end on 11 May, Bahrain EDB was host to the second of its Quarterly Business Law Forum for 2023. The forum, held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, aimed to establish a platform to facilitate a space for stakeholders and experts to regularly discuss and debate topical issues, learn about the latest development in the realm of business law and assess the need for improving existing laws or the introduction of new laws to improve the ecosystem for doing business in the kingdom.

This was the second quarterly forum for this year, the first was held on 12 January. Among several other topics discussed, this forum focused on knowledge exchange and discussion of digital markets, digital services, and data governance. This was the subject of a presentation titled “Recent EU Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act and Data Governance Act: Should the GCC be inspired?” delivered by Mr. Dino Wilkinson of Clyde and Co, one of the leading

technology lawyers in the region. Luca Castellani, Legal Officer in the Secretariat of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), discussed the most contentious issues in the international sale of goods. The forum will also discuss recent developments in company law and commerce law together with other topical legal issues.

New Technology Laws

In recent years, in line with increasingly global trends, four technology laws were introduced in the Kingdom with the aim of innovating Bahrain’s legislative ecosystem towards a more sustainable future.

The first law was the Personal Data Protection Law, which was designed to be another catalyst for the development and growth of Bahrain’s digital economy by governing the processing of personal data. The second law was the Electronic Communications and Transactions Law to regulate the recognition of electronic communication, electronic contracts and electronic trust services.

The third law is related to cloud computing services designed to encourage parties located outside Bahrain to use cloud computing data centres located in the Kingdom.

The fourth law gives recognition and regulates electronic transferable records. By virtue of this law, Bahrain was the first country in the world to adopt the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records developed by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Electronic Transferable Records include electronic cheques, bills of exchange, promissory notes, bills of lading, letters of credit and warehouse receipts that are in electronic form.

Source: Bahrain EDB

Tax Seminar Focuses on Cases and Remedies

The ABCC hosted a special tax seminar on the afternoon of Thursday 11 May 2023 which saw detailed presentations by leading consultants from the company 50 International, noted for giving reliable impartial advice to families and individuals with complex assets and cases. The company is based at 43 Upper Grosvenor Street.

The discussion was led by 50 International’s team, namely Alistdair Wilson Gough, Founder Partner, Peter Birgbauer, Head of Business Development and Barry Hart, Consultant Accountant, who were introduced by Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, ABCC Deputy CEO & Secretary General. Mr Bandar Reda, ABCC Secretary General & CEO, warmly welcomed the speakers and delegates.

The experts addressed key matters of direct concern for people who were non-domiciled and newly resident in the

UK and outlined some of the options for protecting assets. The topics were especially relevant for Arab investors in the UK. Practical matters debated included issues such as tainted and clean capital, buying property, inheritance issues and gift giving. These and other issues were all clearly explained in the introductory seminar.

The three speakers more than fulfilled their company’s commitment to offer explanations of even the most complex tax matters in the plainest of English.

Mr Bandar Reda, ABCC Secretary General & CEO

Alistdair Wilson Gough, Founder Partner, 50 International

Barry Hart, Consultant Accountant, 50 International

Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, ABCC Deputy CEO & Secretary General

UK-UAE inaugural Strategic Dialogue 2023

The talks build on the 2021 bilateral meeting when the two countries agreed to establish a partnership for the future. The forthcoming COP28 in the UAE was a high item on the agenda.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, hosted His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, for the inaugural UK-UAE Strategic Dialogue in London on 15 May 2023.

The Strategic Dialogue builds on the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in September 2021, during which both countries’ leaders agreed to establish a Partnership for the Future. The ambitious Partnership set the roadmap for collaboration between the UK and UAE, and it was agreed through it that the Foreign Ministers co-chair the Strategic Dialogue to drive progress under the Partnership for the Future.

The Strategic Dialogue underscored the strength of the bilateral relationship, noting the breadth of the collaboration between the two countries, their shared history, and enduring commitment to deepening ties and enhancing people-to-people relations. The ministers reiterated their commitment to the relationship and welcomed the growing partnership across a range of sectors, welcoming the inaugural Strategic Dialogue as an important moment in the bilateral relationship.

COP28

During their talks, both ministers agreed on the need for cooperation to tackle global challenges. The ministers discussed the importance of an inclusive and ambitious

agenda for the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) to be held at Expo City Dubai in November 2023. Both ministers reiterated the importance of increased ambition and implementation in this critical decade and the need to deliver a robust and unified response to the Global Stocktake to close the ambition gaps in mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, including keeping 1.5C in reach; and to halt and reverse global forest and biodiversity loss. Together they reiterated the need for accelerating climate action and collaborating on long-term projects that enhance cooperation on clean energy, climate finance, adaptation, nature, and food systems, and agreed to further elaborate these partnerships.

Trade and investment links

The two sides also praised the trade and investment links, as well as aviation relations, that exist between the UK and the UAE. They noted the success of increased trade in goods and services between the two countries, currently at an all-time high of £21.6 billion during the 4 quarters to the end of quarter 4 2022. They welcomed the success of the ‘Sovereign Investment Partnership’ signed in 2021 and outlined the UK and the UAE’s support for expanding and deepening trade and investment relations between the two countries in areas of mutual benefit.

The two sides praised the existing partnerships in the fields of energy and clean energy, which complement and strengthen their countries’ ambitious climate goals and transition towards a low-carbon future. Both sides expressed readiness to hold the 8th session of the UAE-UK Joint Economic Committee (JEC) this year, while also welcoming the conclusion of the third round of UK-GCC FTA negotiations that concluded in March and noting that they look forward to the fourth round, which will be hosted by

In this context, the two sides agreed to build on the excellent bilateral trade and investment relationship and continue simultaneous bilateral discussions, in the form of annexes or side agreements to the GCC FTA, to explore ways to agree on UAE-

UK specific matters. Both sides reiterated full commitment in the work towards solidifying the cooperation in the field of illicit finance, under the umbrella of the UAEUK Partnership to Tackle Illicit Financial Flows signed in September 2021.

The ministers also held detailed talks on regional security and stability and emphasised the importance of dialogue and building bridges to achieve regional peace and prosperity, including in their discussions on Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. They agreed on the need to work together, including through the UN, to support diplomatic initiatives and channels aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, in line with the principles of the UN Charter. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across domestic and regional security issues.

Ahead of the meeting of foreign ministers, the Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Lord Tariq Ahmad, and His Excellency Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, met to discuss the progress made towards the Partnership for the Future.

While celebrating the progress in the relationship, both Lord Ahmad and His Excellency Dr Gargash underlined their ambition to deepen cooperation and expand bilateral collaboration. The two sides discussed the importance of collaboration on energy and climate change mitigation, development, science and technology, security, and consular affairs. Moreover, they agreed on the importance of maintaining regular communication to ensure further progress under the pillars of the Partnership.

Source: FCDO (edited)

FCDO Legalisation Service

Business Drop-Off Service Premium Service

The ABCC has secured an exclusive daily appointment at the offices of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for the legalising of urgent commercial and personal documents.

An Apostille will be applied to your document, which is a certificate issued by the FCDO in the UK and authenticate your commercial or personal document for use in another country.

The Chamber provides either a standard service (taking 2-3 working days) via the Milton Keynes FCDO Office, or we can provide a same day premium service for the more urgent time sensitive requirements.

Upon completion by the FCDO, we can further process your documents by way of ABCC Certification and Embassy Legalisation.

Should you require further details, or wish to make use of this service, please contact Randa El-Daouk at randa@abcc.org.uk or on 020 7659 4891.

www.abcc.org.uk

Your guaranteed road

Surrounding the uncertainty of Brexit, the Arab-British Certificate of Origin remains the certain method to trade with the Arab world. There will be no changes to the certificate, and the ABCC’s services will suffer no interruption irrespective of Brexit’s outcome.

The Arab-British Certificate of Origin remains the only certain, secure and reliable means of export documentation for companies trading with the Arab world. There have been no changes to the certificate, and, likewise, the ABCC’s range of trade services remain entirely unaltered in the post-Brexit trading environment.

We at the ABCC remain available to support your exporting and wider business needs.

We at the ABCC remain available to support your exporting and wider business needs.