Belgium targets trade cooperation with Arab world

Belgian foreign and external trade minister Didier Reynders said that the effect of the Arab Spring on bilateral economic links between Belgium and the Arab world had "by and large been a negative one." "Against the background to economic adjustments linked to political and social unrest, trade flows with countries like Egypt or Tunisia, or Syria have remained well below par," he told a seminar held to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Arab-Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC) in Brussels last night. He added that his two main priorities are the promotion of human rights and the strengthening of economic diplomacy. Furthermore, he explained that during his visit last year to Arab countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon and Jordan he found "vibrant business communities". Belgium is ready to help in overcoming any hurdles to trade and economic cooperation by forming partnerships with private companies in the Arab world, he stressed. He noted that Arab countries "are major trade and investment partners for Belgium." Reynders, who was the guest speaker at the event, said Belgium is also willing to help the regional integration process in the Arab world.

(KUNA)