Arab British Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 7

Arab-British Business Volume 36 Issue 3 March 2013 Monthly bulletin of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce

Chamber in visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Page 4

Pic: The Al Faisaliyah Centre Tower, in the heart of the business district of Riyadh

CHAMBER NEWS

CONTENTS

Monthly bulletin of the A-BCC

Chamber News

3

Arab Women in the Global Economy

8

Outlook for Algeria

10

Business & Project News

12

UAE Ports

16

Libya Economy

18

Law Reports

20

Reports in Arabic

22

Tenders

26

Business Events & Trade Fairs

31

Editorial Team Abdeslam El-Idrissi Cliff Lawrence David Morgan Dr Yasmin Husein Arab-British Chamber of Commerce 43 Upper Grosvenor Street London W1K 2NJ Tel: +44 (0) 20 7235 4363 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7245 6688 d.morgan@abcc.org.uk (English Editorial) y.husein@abcc.org.uk (Arabic Editorial) www.abcc.org.uk

Production & Design Distinctive Publishing 6th Floor Aidan House Sunderland Road Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2343 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Advertising Distinctive Publishing Tel: 0845 884 2343 john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

Disclaimer Distinctive Publishing or Arab-British Chamber of Commerce cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Arab-British Chamber of Commerce.

ISSN No: ISSN 0958-8116

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MEMBERS’ NEWS

ABCC SECRETARY GENERAL AND CHAIRMAN VISIT TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA The Chamber has taken part in a highly productive visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia whose aims were twofold: To attend and participate in the Best of Britain Trade exhibition and to engage and strengthen relations with senior decision makers from the local Chambers, government bodies and leading Ministers from the key Ministries in the Kingdom.

Ministry of Finance In a busy and productive series of meetings, the ABCC delegation led by Dr Afnan Al Shuaiby, Secretary General & Chief Executive and Baroness Symons, Chairman, met with HE Dr Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, the Minister of Finance, on 10th March.

Talks focused on the Chamber’s activities programme including a possible Saudi finance conference in the near future. The Minister commented on his office’s steps to introduce new laws to accommodate the servicing of mortgages and also explained that his ministry was keen to expand the insurance market, the capital markets, IPOs and Islamic finance or Sharia compliant products.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs The delegation was warmly received by His Highness Prince Turki bin Mohamed bin Saud Al Kabeer, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Multi-Relations Affairs, where discussions were held on the ABCC’s planned events and activities programme.

HRH Ahmad Al Saud HRH Ahmad Al Saud, a prominent business man and lawyer, welcomed Baroness Symons and Dr Al Shuaiby and held a discussion on the merits of setting up an arbitration centre that uses both UK law and sharia law.

Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry On Sunday 11th the delegation met with Mr Hussein Al-Adel, Secretary-General, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and his senior team. Mr Hussein Al-Adel welcomed Dr Afnan and Baroness Symons and commended Dr Al Shuaiby, for all the good that she had achieved. Mr Hussein Al-Adel said that he would welcome an ABCC trade mission to meet key members from the Saudi chambers, an offer that was welcomed.

Ministry of Economy and Planning Dr Al Shuaiby and Baroness Symons were warmly received by H E Dr Mohammad Al Jaser, the Minister of Economy, who was given a full briefing of the chamber’s activities and future events. The minister said that Saudi Arabia is presently seeking value added possibilities to meet an urgent need to provide opportunities to its very young population. To this end the minister stressed that the Saudi market is not just a consumer market but an investment one that requires added value in it economy.

SAGIA Dr Al Shuaiby was warmly received by HE Abdullatif A Al-Othman, Governor and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SAGIA, and his team to whom Dr Afnan conveyed Baroness Symons’s apologies who was at another meeting. The discussions with SAGIA explored areas of joint co-operation between the organisation and the ABCC.

Minister of Justice The delegation met His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkareem Al-Issa, Minister of Justice, who welcomed the initiatives that the Chamber was taking to enhance cooperation between the UK and Saudi Arabia.

The Chamber was commended for organising the Saudi Law & Justice Forum in London last year at which the minister spoke.

Other Meetings & Events The Chamber delegation also attended the opening of the Best of Britain exhibition and the workshops that took place at the Nayyara Banqueting and Convention Centre in Riyadh. They also attended the Best of Britain Fashion Show reception at the British Embassy, which formed a part of the Best of Britain Saudi Arabia 2013.

Dr Afnan Al Shuaiby and Baroness Symons were accompanied on the visit by Mr Abdeslam El Idrissi, Director of Trade Services at the ABCC.

TRADE SERVICES

ARAB BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.abcc.org.uk

FOREIGN OFFICE SERVICE

5

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LIBYA VISA SERVICE

ARAB BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LIBYA Business Visa Service

For visa enquiries please email Therese on t.bebawi@abcc.org.uk or call 0 20 7659 4861

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We are pleased to announce that the Arab British Chamber of Commerce has now reinstated the BUSINESS VISA SERVICE to

LIBYA

If you are traveling on business or taking a trade delegation to the Arab world and need your visa secured quickly and efficiently, the Arab British Chamber of Chamber's Visa Section is the ideal point of contact.

This service is available only to companies based, or with offices, in the UK. The Arab British Chamber of Commerce, 43 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1K 2NJ founded in 1975, is a membership organisation that exists to promote trade and economic activity between the United Kingdom and the 22 member states of the Arab League. Over the past four decades the Chamber, building on its experience, has developed a range of services which are proved invaluable to Arab and British companies. With the assistance and expertise of our organization, British companies are now able to achieve their international business aspiration.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Arab Women in the Global Economy The Arab British Chamber of Commerce was delighted to host the Arab Women in the Global Economy Forum on 21 March which attracted leading businesswomen from around the Arab world.

The forum which adopted as its theme, “Building the Future Together”, acted as a bridge for fostering dialogue between Arab women and their counterparts in the UK. Welcoming the delegates, Dr Afnan Al Shuaiby, ABCC Secretary General and Chief Executive, pledged the Chamber’s strong support for the aims of the seminar and welcomed the theme as vital and topical.

The event saw the participation of businesswomen from the Gulf and other Arab countries, Europe and Britain.

The forum, under the patronage of H E Dr Shaikha Hind Abdulaziz Al Qassimi, attracted a large attendance comprising delegations of business women from several Arab states including Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and the UAE. The initiative was supported by the Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce, the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, the Council of Arab Economic Unity, the Arab International Women’s Forum and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

The forum proved extremely effective in ensuring that the vital issues concerning

H E Badria Almulla, President of International Emirates Group

women’s participation in the economy were brought into focus and their potential contribution to creating a secure and prosperous future was appreciated much more widely.

The organisers succeeded in putting together an impressive programme of speakers who delivered some fascinating presentations.

Particularly interesting were those that recounted personal experiences of breaking through in the business world and their success stories of building a business acted as role models to inspire others.

As Dr Al Shuaiby told the forum, “Enhancing women’s prospects, through encouraging entrepreneurship and improving access to the labour market, is an essential part of the process of establishing an inclusive, strong and sustainable economy in the 21st century.”

She expressed the hope that the ideas elaborated in the discussion would be taken forward in other forums.

The ABCC Chairman Baroness Symons announced plans for a major conference on the achievements of Arab women in business that the Chamber was planning with the

Dr Afnan Al Shuaiby, ABCC Secretary General & Chief Executive

support of the Foreign Office to coincide with the UK’s hosting of the G8 summit in June.

This prestigious event would be held on 2627 June and had attracted the support of the main international institutions.

Other speakers during the opening of the forum included Ms Sara Al Mahri, Third Secretary/Deputy Manager of the Political Affairs Dept, the UAE Embassy, who brought greetings on behalf of the UAE Ambassador.

Her own experience was a reflection of the progress that the UAE has been making on gender equality by giving Emirati women the confidence to succeed.

H E Abdulrahim Hassan Naqi, Secretary General of the GCC Chambers, lauded the proud record of the private sector in the Gulf for pioneering the opening up of opportunities for women’s participation.

He stressed the important part played by the chambers in assisting businesswomen in the Gulf and looked forward to more women taking the initiative to exercise their creativity.

Mrs Khoulood Al Qattan, General Secretary, Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, described the many reform initiatives that Bahrain had taken to empower women economically and socially.

The forum was divided into several sessions on key themes such as “Empowering Women in the National Economy: Women Leaders of Tomorrow”, “Women’s Role in Economic Development: Women and Leadership” and “Arab Women in the Global Economy: Business and Financial Services”.

Badria Al Mulla, President of International Emirates Business Group (IEBG), spoke about her strategy for business success through establishing a trusted brand at the global level.

She described the business vision which had enabled a small local consulting firm to expand into an international group of companies with branches in oil and gas, integrated management technology, leadership programmes, real estate

Mrs Zainab AlFarhan Al-Iman, Director of A&Z Traders Ltd

CHAMBER NEWS

Baroness Symons, ABCC Chairman

investment and the fashion industry and which serves clients in the Middle East, Europe and the United States.

The account of IEBG’s success story was intended inspire future businesswomen to emulate the achievement.

Mrs Afnan Al Zayani, Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, described the increasing number of women entering the private sector in Bahrain and the extensive support system in place to assist them.

She pointed to the key role of education and training as part of Bahrain’s national strategy for the advancement of women. Mrs Al Zayani stated that empowering women was now an economic necessity and looked forward to seeing more women joining the board of major companies.

Mrs Nada Al Hashimi, Director Investment Management, UAE Ministry of Economy, addressed the contribution of Emirati women to economic development of their country and pointed to the growing numbers of women graduates and women in top executive positions.

H E Abdulrahim Naqi, Secretary General of the Federation of GCC Chambers

she attributed to the perception of the high risks involved.

Mr Hassan Al Swaidi, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), praised the contributions of Arab women to their countries and said that he felt Arab women to be as empowered as women anywhere in the world.

He said that the leaders of the UAE had long encouraged women and that they were taught to believe that it was their right to occupy high positions.

Other speakers in this session were Mrs Kamila Al Aufi, President, Business Women Forum of the Oman Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about the position of women in Oman, and Mr Kadhim Al Saeed, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, who noted the changing role of women from consumers to pro-active business leaders.

In the concluding session, Ms Azeemeh Zaheer, Vice President, Gatehouse Bank, stated that for modern businesses women were now a strategic issue in the modern economy.

H E Shaikha Dr Hind Al Qasimmi

Describing the 21st century as the “generation of the female,” Ms Zaheer stressed the need for women to become more financially literate because more of them were taking on the responsibility for making investment decisions.

There were still as yet too few women involved in global investment decisions, she declared, pointing out that only 1% of all global real estate was at present owned by women.

The final speaker, Ms Vikeka Anderton, Owner/Principal Consultant, Vita Consulting Services Ltd, urged more research into Arab women’s participation in business.

She also reflected on some of the cross cultural challenges of working as a woman in the field of mergers, acquisitions and outsourcing in the Middle East.

The AWGE was organised by A&Z Traders Ltd, a London-based event and promotion company with associates in Dubai, and Sharjah-based Middle East Gate Investment.

The event was sponsored by the Gatehouse Bank, the Design Resource Centre, Gold AE, Arbuthnot Latham & Co, and Sun Capital.

In the second session on women and leadership, Dr Florence Eid, former head of MENA research at JP Morgan and the founder of Arabia Monitor, focused on the impact of education in inspiring women with the confidence to succeed as entrepreneurs.

She reflected on the changes in women’s role that had taken place over the past decade.

She described how she had encouraged students at Beirut university to draw up their own business plans to give them the confidence to participate in business.

Dr Eid maintained that despite the great progress for Arab women, there was still a gap in terms of a lack of financial support to enable women to startup in business which

Mrs Afnan Al Zayani, Bahrain Business Women’s Society

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ALGERIA

OUTLOOK FOR ALGERIA The latest country profile from Oxford Business Group covers the years 1962 to 2012, which represent 50 years of Algeria’s independence.

Assessing the latest economic developments in Algeria, this comprehensive volume from OBG covers every sector of the country’s economy and outlines its growth trajectory.

It describes efforts to expand the nonhydrocarbons sector as ongoing in an economy where oil and gas still account for around a third of GDP. Algeria boasts a large and strong economy with plentiful resources particularly of oil and gas. It is ranked the fourth-largest oil producer in Africa and had an estimated 12.2 billion barrels of proven reserves as of January 2012.

State spending on infrastructure will support growth in the near term, with the IMF forecasting expansion of 2.6% in 2012 and 3.4% in 2013, OBG says, although in the longer run much will depend on the price of oil. Additional opportunities for growth and

investment are rich in energy, insurance, small and medium-sized enterprises and in transport.

Algeria’s natural resources are also providing a boost for the development of domestic industry and shale gas reserves could conceivably put the country among the top 10 producers of unconventional energy soon.

Numerous opportunities are emerging in the construction sector driven by some major public works projects in the public works ranging from roads to low-cost housing. Local firms are looking to gain advantage from ventures with foreign partners to fulfil contracts.

Major building is taking place in the education sector with the implementation of plans to construct some 3,000 new primary schools, 1,000 high schools and 850 high schools by 2014.

The expansion and modernisation of the transport network is a major objective under Algeria’s current five-year plan, OBG points out. With some €229 billion set aside for investing in the development of new railways, airports, public transport, roads and ports, significant projects are now under way to facilitate mobility, reduce congestion and encourage more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Meanwhile, efforts to diversify the economy include fostering non-hydrocarbons industries. As part of this drive, SMEs are being supported by the creation of industrial technical centres, OBG explains.

Tax breaks on real estate, customs duties and company registration fees are among some of the incentives that Algeria has started to introduce to give a stimulus to economic development.

The implementation of institutional and legal reforms is supported by a growing focus on making the most of Algeria’s location and climate.

Turning to agriculture, efforts to increase domestic output and reduce dependence on food imports are taking shape through a stronger government commitment to invest in machinery and emulate the successful agricultural reforms of neighbouring countries.

New investments in healthcare features are part of the current five-year plan which envisages spending of €5.94bn by 2014.

With total land surface of 2.38 million sq km, Algeria is the largest country on the African continent in terms of geography now that Sudan has become two countries. A notable feature of the country however is the concentration of the population in a relatively small part of the territory with around 91% living in less than 13% of the land that makes up Algeria.

Economic success in recent years has been achieved by seeing the unemployment rate falling below 10% for the first time in 30 years and the success in paying the country’s foreign debt.

Among efforts to boost growth and improve the business environment, Algeria has eased access to credit and begun restructuring debt repayment schemes for business.

ALGERIA

Close relations exist between Algeria and the European Union. Algeria is seen as a “strategic partner” by the EU while the EU is the country’s most important trading partner.

It has become a crucial supplier of energy, particularly in the form of natural gas, to the European markets.

Confronted with a slowdown in demand in the European markets in recent years, Algeria has been expanding ties with emerging markets such as the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China). For example, its bilateral trade with China grew significantly in 2011: products worth $4.74bn were imported from China while $2.18bn in Algerian goods were exported during that year.

Regarding the energy sector, OBG explains how renewables are looking promising for investors with the use of solar power set to expand rapidly in the future.

The country is seeking to make renewables an integral part of its national energy plans and has set a target of supplying 40% of power from renewables by 2030.

Algeria has been successful in attempts to reduce gas flaring and since 2005 it has been able to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a volume equivalent to that emitted by some 16 million cars.

A major development in the gas sector is the Southwest Gas Project which is opening up gas fields in this part of the country.

Meanwhile, improvements in technology like better seismic surveying techniques have opened up the possibility of exploring for oil in ever deeper waters. Offshore drilling however remains costly.

The country also believes that there is a profitable future in the exploration of shale gas. After initial tests in three provinces the national oil corporation, Sonatrach, estimated that Algeria had shale gas reserves of 600tcf, of which 20% is recoverable.

If these initial forecasts prove correct this will mean that Algeria will be among the top ten producers of shale gas in the world, OBG says.

Adding greater value to oil and gas resources, the petrochemicals industry is being expanded and there are also plans to boost the country’s refining capacity.

Recognising that water is a scarce commodity, Algeria is investing to improve the infrastructure aiming to secure a sustainable supply of water, reduce waste and improve water quality.

Despite the fact that Algeria has water reserves inland, the concentration of the population centres along the coast means that transportation is an issue.

A number of new dams are under construction in the effort to improve per capita water availability.

The policy of better management of water resources consists of improving mobilisation, the protection of existing resources and ensuring sustainable water governance.

Algeria is interested in desalination as a means enhancing supplies and has commissioned several new desalination plants. It has consulted with neighbouring countries on the most efficient technologies available. It has been seeking foreign partners to develop desalination, the OBG book points out.

Significant proven deposits of valuable minerals such as gold, zinc, copper, uranium and phosphates also exist under Algerian soil, but so far these have largely been unexplored. But under its current diversification plans, it is now seeking to establish joint ventures with international mining companies to better exploit the potential of these mineral reserves.

Incentives are offered to investors in mining in the form of tax breaks in order to attract the foreign expertise required to develop the sector.

Agriculture has a growing potential with the government investing to increase domestic food production, improve food security and reduce imports.

Algeria is seeking to boost fruit and vegetable production by making use of new technologies and has achieved some successes so far. For example, it saw citrus output rise from 788,000 tonnes in 2010 to 1.1mn tonnes in 2011.

Improved production technology is helping to boost cereal output and reduce the reliance on imports of this staple crop. Better training for those engaged in agricultural production is also having an impact on improving efficiency in the sector.

Algeria is seeking to upgrade its tourism sector which has been far less developed as a sector than that of neighbouring countries.

Incentives are offered to attract potential investors such as easing access to land for tourism projects. In specially designation parts of the country investment zones solely designated for tourism-related projects have been created.

Finally, apart from the detailed overviews of all the main industry sectors, the book also contains a viewpoint with President H E Abdelaziz Bouteflika and interviews with key government ministers and leading figures in industry.

For further information: http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/ country/Algeria

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BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

Consumer confidence in UAE on the rise

UK mining and construction firms visit Jeddah

Consumer confidence in the UAE shows a steady increase, with a latest survey revealing that consumers are “extremely optimistic” this year.

A UK mining and construction (skills and equipment) companies trade networking event has been organised by the British consulate at its premises in Jeddah.

MasterCard announced the results of the latest Index of Consumer Confidence, which indicates that consumer confidence in the UAE is steadily rising, with a score of 91.4 compared to 86 in the previous edition of the index released six months ago.

Around 14 UK companies exhibited their products and some 90 local companies attended the event among which were high-net-worth individuals, executives and businessmen, automobile professionals, corporate buyers, CEOs, decision makers, engineers, and technicians from different companies.

Consumers in the UAE are “extremely optimistic” in their overall consumer confidence score, and are positive about all five indicators measured in the index.

Michael Cockle, head of Trade and Investment Section at the British Consulate in Jeddah, said “construction equipment association is here to introduce companies from UK, which are specialised and experienced in products and services in the construction industry, particularly in equipment and in mining, so it’s a joint construction and mining event. With the view to help Saudi companies accomplish

When compared to the previous edition of the survey, consumers are more optimistic about quality of life (95.6 vs 88.6), employment (95.2 vs 88.9), economy (94.6 vs 89.1) and the stock market (86.9 vs 77). Consumers also remain very optimistic about regular income (84.7 vs 86.2).

Consumer confidence remains the highest in Qatar, with a score of 96.5, followed by Kuwait (95.8), Oman (95.6), Saudi Arabia (95.2) the UAE (91.4), Egypt (66.6) and Lebanon (26.8).

The MasterCard Index is based on a survey conducted between November 7 to December 23, 2012, on 11,339 respondents aged 18-64 in 25 countries within the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

their objectives, it’s about helping the Saudi economy to diversify.”

“When companies come here, they are here to form partnership and with the very strong focus on quality and after-sales services as well and we have a very positive response from local market,” he said.

Three universities represented in the event were looking at training Saudi nationals in working in construction and mining, particularly post-graduate training and professional development.

Companies that participated in the event were ATG Access Ltd, BSP International Foundations, University of Exeter, Construction Equipment Association (CEA), Firetrace, Gomaco International Ltd, Institute of Quarrying, JCB, Miller International, Niftylift, La Roche, Railweight, Terex, and University of Wolverhampton.

Saudi Gazette, 20/03/2013

Middle East tablet market rises 90% in 2012 The overall MEA tablet market in 2012 grew by 90% year-on-year, according to the latest figures from International Data Corporation (IDC).

This surge is the result of a number of factors, including cheaper tablet entrants, reduced prices by vendors, and overall rising consumer demand for these devices.

Khaleej Times, 13/03/2013

“Currently, tablets are used predominantly as entertainment devices,” said Victoria Mendes, a research analyst with Personal Computing, Systems and Infrastructure Solutions at IDC. “However, we expect to see bigger demand for tablets in the corporate segment,” she added.

Arabian Business, 07/03/2013

Egypt Develops Five-Year Plan for Industry Egypt is currently preparing a five-year plan for the country’s manufacturing and industry with the intention of ensuring that goods meet international standards and the domestic market is protected from poor quality goods.

ready for adoption in April and will cover the 2013-2017 period. It is being prepared in cooperation with relevant stakeholders including regulatory agencies, chambers of commerce and industry, consumer protection associations, and other business groups.

This is considered essential for improving Egypt’s trade position, according to Dr Hassan Abdel Meguid, head of the Egyptian General Authority for Standardisation and Quality.

The five-year plan attempts to achieve its goals through a variety of measures.

Dr Abdel Meguid told national daily, Al Ahram, that the five-year plan should be

Egyptian standards and compatibility will be updated to meet international ISO standards, which will help facilitate trade by removing technical barriers.

The standards authority is in the process of establishing new technical units to help companies, including SMEs, increase their production efficiency and rationalise energy consumption.

The General Authority for Standardisation and Quality recently approved 91 new standards for the food and chemical industries, the textile industry, and engineering, and documentation standards.

Nuqudy, 11/03/2013

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

London Stock Exchange eyes IPOs from Gulf The London Stock Exchange is expecting to see “a couple” of initial public offerings (IPOs) on the bourse from companies based in the Gulf this year, a senior executive said.

The stock exchange’s manager of primary markets for Middle East and Africa said firms in the region were once again examining the prospect of share listing in the UK capital amid improving economic sentiment.

The last IPO on London’s main market to come out of the GCC was Abu Dhabi-based private healthcare provider NMC Health in 2012, with the company raising £117m ($187m).

“There’s confidence returning in a number of sectors, be that property, tourism, leisure, and general market confidence returning globally is leading to a number of other opportunities for us for listings from the region,” Richard Webster-Smith said in an interview in Dubai.

Webster-Smith said that listing in London to compliment a share offering on a Middle East market offered regional companies two main benefits. “These types of transactions are looking for greater access to institutional investment funds, maybe an increased international profile... and maybe gain the benefits of credibility and status in addition to becoming a locally-listed business,” he added.

A partial rebound in the property market, a resurgence in consumer confidence and an improved performance in the banking sector helped the Dubai stock market reach a 39month high last month, while other bourses across the Gulf have hit similar highs already this year.

Webster-Smith said that listings by Gulf firms on the bourse typically had a market capitalisation $200m to $400m. He said the LSE saw opportunities for IPOs by companies in the GCC in sectors including oil and gas, retail, leisure, financial services, healthcare and “maybe property”.

Hotel chain has big plans for Iraq Abu Dhabi’s Cristal Group, which plans to open its first Baghdad hotel, the Cristal Grand Ishtar, at the start of May, says it wants to expand beyond Baghdad to Erbil, Karbala, Basra and Suleimanya in the next two years.

The Group has spent $50 million refurbishing an existing hotel property, which it recently purchased, and expects to spend another $4m to open a seafood restaurant, a gym and a spa in the 307-room facility.

Cristal Group has also signed two deals in Erbil; the $13m Cristal Hotel Erbil is set to open in October, while the slightly larger Cristal Grand Erbil should open next year at a cost of $25m.

Iraq Business News, 22/03/2013

Kuwait budget surplus to top $50bn in 2012-13 An oil price of between $101 and $118 per barrel in 2013-14 could generate a budget surplus for Kuwait of up to KD16 billion ($56 billion) next fiscal year, following a surplus of KD14 billion ($50.4 billion) in 2012-13, a report said.

Crude oil prices continued to rally in the first half of February on increased optimism over the global economic outlook, but these gains were subsequently reversed, helped by a stronger US dollar, added the latest Kuwait Economic Brief released by the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK).

Forecasts for oil demand growth in 2013 have edged higher as a result of better-than-expected 2012 data.

Companies that have taken advantage of dual-listing across two exchanges include Dubai-based ports operator DP World, which complimented its share offering on the NASDAQ Dubai with an IPO on the London Stock Exchange in 2011.

With just one month remaining in the current fiscal year, the price of Kuwait Export Crude (KEC) is expected to end up at $107 per barrel. If the spending comes in 10-15% below the government forecast, this year’s budget surplus could end up between KD13 billion and KD14.4 billion before allocations to the Reserve Fund for Future Generations (RFFG).

There are currently 33 companies from the MENA region listed on London’s main market, 25 of which are dual listings.

Budgeted spending for the next fiscal year is set at KD21 billion, the report said.

Arabian Business, 18/03/2013

Trade Arabia, 22/03/2013

UK’s House of Fraser to anchor Abu Dhabi’s latest mall A community mall that will be anchored by the British high street department store House of Fraser is on track to open this year in the capital.

The Mall at World Trade Centre, which is attached to the Central Market souq in Abu Dhabi, is expected to be completed early in the third quarter of the year.

House of Fraser, the development’s anchor tenant, will occupy three levels and this will be the first outlet that the store has opened outside the UK and Ireland.

Patrick Bell, the director of development for World Trade Centre at Aldar, said House of Fraser complemented the mall’s target

audience and would introduce luxury brands to the capital.

The shopping centre is built in the same architectural style as the souq, but at 60,000 square metres of leasable space, it is significantly larger, with room for about 160 shops It is part of the wider World Trade Centre development, which includes offices and apartments. Featuring rooftop gardens and linking to Central Market via a bridge, the mall will have anchor stores on each of its four levels.

The National, 25/03/2013

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14

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

Abu Dhabi seeks 25% boost in gas production from Bab Field by 2018 Abu Dhabi is seeking to increase natural gas output by 25% from its largest onshore oil field by 2018 to help meet burgeoning domestic demand.

State-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil (Adnoc) plans to produce 1.8 billion standard cubic feet a day of gas condensate from the Bab field once it starts operating a compression plant it inaugurated last week, the company’s onshore production unit told local newspapers.

Crude oil and gas are typically found together in underground reservoirs, along with condensate, a light liquid that can be processed to yield additional fuel.

Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations, the unit known as Adco that runs the emirate’s land-based fields, plans to add compression stations in two building phases at the Bab field by 2018, the company said.

The second compression facility will boost gas production to 2.1 billion standard cubic feet a day by the third quarter of 2015, with a maximum capacity of 2.4 billion feet a day, Adco said.

The company said it was seeking engineering and construction bids for this project.

Bloomberg, 06/03/2013

London to bolster Islamic finance credentials The UK launched a new campaign to promote London as a centre for Islamic finance, seeking to counter growing competition in that industry from rising centres such as Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.

A task force including Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Greg Clark, ministers of state and private sector executives will advertise London around the world, the British Foreign Office said.

The group will try to attract foreign investment by facilitating the Islamic

financial business, including investment in British infrastructure by Islamic sovereign wealth funds, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Because of its status as a top global financial centre, London has attracted a large amount of Islamic business; more than $34 billion worth of sukuk, Islamic bonds which are structured under religious principles such as a ban on interest payments, have been issued through the London Stock Exchange.

Reuters, 11/03/2013

Oman’s grand vision for tourism Oman is making significant efforts to develop its tourism sector and as part of its Vision Oman 2020 tourism will contribute 9.2% to the economy, up from 6.7% in 2010.

Muriya Tourism Development, a joint venture between Orascom Development Holdings and Omran, the national tourism investment agency, is developing four tourism complexes.

One of these is Jebel Sifah, a 6.2 million square metre complex located 45 minutes from Muscat, looking out on to the Gulf of Oman and flanked by the Hijjar mountains.

The development includes four fivestar hotels (Missoni, Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, Angasana), Sifawy Boutique Hotel, a 100-berth marina and marina town, and an 18-hole golf course.

The marina has numerous shops and restaurants. Water-based recreation includes diving, snorkelling and dolphin-watching.

The town’s beaches are sandy white.

There are also plenty of options for those who are looking to buy homes and to make it easier for foreigners, the ministry of tourism will give a residency permit to those who buy homes - and their immediate family - in Jebel Sifah.

The National, 22/03/2013

UK and Qatar discuss investment in key projects Top level discussions have recently been held between UK and Qatar officials with a view to Qatar investing up to £10 billion ($15bn) in key infrastructure projects in Britain.

Officials from both countries have reportedly entered into discussions over what schemes Qatar could invest in and whether a specific fund should be established.

It is reported that potential projects include energy plants, road and rail projects and even the Thames “super-sewer” under London.

Qatar is already a prolific investor in Britain with a portfolio of assets from the Harrods Store and the Shard skyscraper to Heathrow airport.

Qatar made a string of high-profile acquisitions in recent years including stakes in VW-Porsche, LVMH, Credit Suisse, J Sainsbury and Barclays. Last year one of its funds, Qatar Holding, bought 20 per cent of BAA, the owner of Heathrow.

Nevertheless, a dedicated fund to finance government-backed schemes would take Qatar’s investment in the UK to a new level.

Among schemes reportedly discussed is the new £14bn nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point in Somerset planned by EDF, the French energy giant.

The UK is also keen to encourage investment into new gas plants and wind farms as it

closes coal-fired power stations.

At present discussions are still proceeding over how any fund would be structured and although a figure of £10bn has been cited no timescale for the expenditure has been agreed.

Infrastructure UK, a unit of the Treasury, has been working closely with UK Trade & Investment to attract overseas institutional investors.

Furthermore, Chancellor George Osborne has indicated that Britain is open to overseas investment in ‘’strategic industries’’.

Sources: FT, 13/03/2013; BBC, 22/03/2013

BUSINESS & PROJECT NEWS

Saudi emerging as regional auto hub With more and more trucking firms including Jaguar/Land Rover and Isuzu of Japan entering Saudi Arabia in a big way due to its low energy costs, a pro-business environment, and availability of raw material, the country is fast becoming the region’s automobile hub, said an expert.

The Saudi Government has taken a number of steps to build an automotive cluster in the country, said a statement from the US-Saudi Arabian Business Council (USSABC), which is seeking to highlight the advantages of doing business in the kingdom.

Isuzu of Japan is already assembling light trucks in Saudi Arabia and Jaguar/Land Rover has recently signed a letter of intent to build a manufacturing plant as well, said experts at the business council.

Saudi Arabia boasts several key advantages as it is home to the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), a world leader in automotive plastics technology, and also one of the world’s largest integrated aluminium production facilities, a joint venture of Alcoa and Ma’aden, Saudi Arabia’s leading mining corporation.

Riyadh to launch water projects Riyadh Governor Prince Khaled bin Bandar is launching projects costing SR1.6 billion on 6 April to add 200,000 cubic meters of water per day for Riyadh.

The National Water Company (NWC) will drill 43 wells, and build 27 water desalination plants, in addition to tanks and pumps, at different locations in Riyadh.

A spokesman for the NWC announced that the urgent projects were aimed at improving water sources and filling the gap in water volumes allocated for the city.

strategies and plans for implementing the projects. They have been won by three local and international companies, namely Korean Saudi Dingo Ltd., Nisma Global Water and Energy Technologies International in alliance with Water and Environment Technology and Tiko, and the Saudi Electrical and Mechanical Works Ltd., in partnership with Daijerimont (France) and the National Water Works Company.

In addition, Icom (US), Argon (UK) and HGBD Arabia are assisting in the management and supervision of the project.

The company announced that it has reduced implementation period from 18 months (the time required for the implementation of similar projects) to only six months. NWC started implementation in October 2012.

NWC stated that the projects come at a time when the Saudi capital is experiencing rapid growth in population, urban and economic sectors. Population of Riyadh reached 5.2 million in 2012.

NWC said its team of engineers had designed

Arab News, 18/03/2013

UK firms ‘to gain from major Bahrain projects’ UK companies stand to benefit from £1 billion ($1.52 billion) worth of business from five major projects in Bahrain, the British Ambassador to Bahrain, Iain Lindsay, has said.

on the basis of historical evidence, British companies should be able to pick up at least GBP1 billion worth of business here over the next five to 10 years and that’s just from these major projects.

“We are doing a lot of work to try to encourage more British companies to look at the real opportunities that exist here,” he was quoted as saying.

“That’s on the basis that they would get their traditional share of major contracts,” Lindsay added.

“By our calculation, if you were to take the five biggest capital projects that are in the pipeline for Bahrain - whether it be infrastructure or major investments being made by companies like Alba and Bapco -

The ambassador said expansions at Alba, GPIC and Bapco all offered potentially lucrative contracts, along with construction of a bigger pipeline from Saudi Arabia.

Trade Arabia, 25/03/2013

Rising auto sales in Saudi Arabia and other emerging markets in the region has also put the country on the map for OEMs looking to tap into new growth opportunities, the experts added.

The country also has tariff free access to the 1.2 million annual auto market of the GCC nations and has rapid access to more than 400 million consumers in the Mena region.

Saudi Arabia’s vehicle sales totalled 759,000 in 2011 and are expected to pass the one million per year mark by 2018.

Trade Arabia, 15/03/2013

Morocco economy more competitive Thanks to recent economic reforms, Morocco has improved its overall competitiveness, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum. The Genevabased organisation ranked Morocco 70th in a list of 140 countries, an improvement from 75th place in 2010.

The report indicates that Morocco improved its business climate, standard of living, sustainable economic growth, and foreign investment. In addition to being ranked 70th globally, it was ranked 9th in the MENA region and 2nd in the Southern Mediterranean.

Morocco performed especially well in the area of tourism, ranking 26th globally due to its impressive investment plans to expand the sector. The Forum believes that Morocco could achieve its goal of becoming a top 20 tourist destination.

The country ranked 54th in terms of sovereign institutions, 61st in infrastructure, transportation and ports, 63rd in banking, 69th in customs standards and company creation, 75th in modern technologies, 81st in health, 97th in scientific research, and 101st in public education.

The World Economic Forum’s rankings cover 12 indicators in the areas of development, education, infrastructure and investment, governance, and the potential for economic growth.

Nuqudy, 19/03/2013

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16

UAE PORTS

PORTS BOOST UAE’S TRADE LINKS The UAE’s trade policy had helped it emerge from the global economic downturn and, as a result of its ports investments, it is now the world’s third largest re-export market.

It has nine working seaports, and its flagship, Jebel Ali, is the largest container terminal between Rotterdam and Singapore.

The country is now the leading shipping and ports player in the Middle East and North Africa, and fifth in the world, according to this year’s Doing Business Report from the World Bank. ‘’Abu Dhabi is now poised to further increase trade ties with emerging economies,’’ Sultan Al Mansouri, the Minister of Economy, has said.

“We have built a world-class infrastructure in ports and logistics,” Mr Al Mansouri told a recent World Ports & Trade Summit. “By increasing the capacities of our ports, the UAE is now in a position to handle the rapidly increasing trade levels from the emerging markets.

“By 2050 four of the top five economies will come from the developing world - China, India, Brazil and Russia. These markets are projected to account for 45% of global output by 2025, according to IMF estimates. With its strategic geographical location between East and West, the UAE is a hub for global trade and a vital gateway to those emerging markets.”

“We have managed to weather the challenges of the global downturn and our economy is on course,” he said. “Trade routes are the global economy’s circulatory system and a well-oiled maritime industry keeps the circulation smooth and efficient”.

He urged the ports and shipping industry to invest in more innovative technology.

More than 150,000 jobs could be created thanks to a deal signed between KIZAD and 50 local and international companies, Arabian Business (20/03/2013) reported.

Part of Abu Dhabi Ports Company’s (ADPC) AED26.5 billion ($7.2bn) Khalifa Port project, KIZAD has agreed deals with 50 companies, which will not only provide this huge number of jobs, but also potentially contribute to about 15% of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP by 2030.

Located next to the Khalifa Port in Taweelah, KIZAD covers 417 sq km and targets the aluminium, steel, trade and petrochemical industries among others.Meanwhile, the opening of terminal 3 at Jebel Ali sea port towards the end of 2014 will enable the port to handle 10 ultra large container carriers simultaneously and take its overall capacity to 19 million TEUs a year from 14 million at present, a top DP World official has said.

DP World is investing $850 million towards the construction of terminal 3 at Jebel Ali. The UAE’s ports are also serving to boost tourism with the development of new cruise liner terminals, which in turn will attract more jobs to the region.

“I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction that we have one of the best port infrastructures in the world, capable of accommodating the most modern mega-ships,” the minister stated.

Abu Dhabi Ports Company recently launched a new marine services company to provide ship handling across the emirate’s ports, The National (20/03/2013) reported.

As well as trade, the UAE’s ports policy had also helped to foster its growing industrial base, as demonstrated by Abu Dhabi’s new Khalifa Port, and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), the giant industrial zone it will serve.

Despite the slowdown elsewhere, Middle East ports should continue to be on the growth path over the next 10 years given the massive investment which has been pumped into building the infrastructure in the region, estimates Jamal Majid bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, DP World.

KIZAD is set to become one of the world’s largest industrial zones by 2030, according to an official of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED).

The new unit, to be called ADPC Marine Services will provide pilotage; tugs and harbour towage; mooring services; vessel traffic services; and aids to navigation.

“With an ever-increasing rise in maritime trade, into and from Abu Dhabi, it was clear that a professional marine services company would add value to the emirate’s growing list of shipping lines,” said Hamad Al Maghrabi, the general manager of ADPC Marine Services.

The new company will offer a 24-hour, sevenday-a-week, pilotage service and a fleet of six tugs, four pilot boats, six speedboats and a buoy maintenance boat.

Sources: The National, 20/03/2013; Arabian Business, 20/03/2013

BAHRAIN

BAHRAIN TRANS-SHIPMENT SET FOR GROWTH Bahrain is strengthening its role as a hub for trans-shipment services in the Gulf, buoyed by Saudi Arabia’s growing market.

Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation, His Excellency Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed along with senior officials from the Ports and Maritime Affairs (PMA) recently met Marco Neelsen, Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Bahrain, operators of the stateof-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) to review the overall performance of the Port for 2012.

During the meeting, Neelsen presented the 2012 Performance Review of KBSP, stating, “The Port saw record volumes of transhipment cargo pass through our facilities last year.

Despite the slowdown in the global economy of 2012, KBSP demonstrated a marked development in our overall competence and we achieved an outstanding performance in commercial and operational activities”. In addition, he briefed the Minister on some of the projects which would take top priority this year.

Mr Hassan Al Majed, Director General of Ports and Maritime Affairs, stressed that “As regulators of one of the key assets of the Kingdom of Bahrain, we are pleased with the overall performance for 2012 at the stateof-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP).

A remarkable increase was recorded in the import of vehicles alone which doubled in the last three years, despite the global economic downturn over the last few years. At PMA, our strategic objective is to continue to develop and grow the maritime industry ultimately contributing to the Kingdom’s economic prosperity.

“We appreciate the commitment, hard work and dedicated efforts of the APM Terminals team in attracting traffic and achieving such significant growth in volumes which is in line with PMA’s strategic objectives of achieving its vision and mission for the Port,” he said.

continued to maintain consistent growth in volumes throughout recording more than ½ million TEU by end of year 2012, which is 40% increase when compared with year 2011.

Though Gross Crane Productivity dropped from September 2012, the port managed to maintain consistent Berth Productivity due to improved resource planning.

The Minister thanked Hassan Al Majed and his team at PMA for their commitment in supervising and regulating the activities of the Port in line with the PMA’s strategic objectives.

He also thanked Marco Neelsen and his team at APM Terminals Bahrain for their dedication in operating and handling the day-to-day activities of the Port efficiently and achieving such good results over the past four years.

The Khalifa Bin Salman Port occupies an area of 110 hectares of reclaimed land and is located on the north-east of the Kingdom of Bahrain, only 13 kilometres away from Bahrain International Airport, and it is also linked to the road leading to the King Fahd Causeway.

According to the latest statistics, transhipment volumes have increased substantially by 149 per cent contributing significantly to this surge.

Local container volumes increased by 11 per cent with local general cargo volumes moving up by 13 per cent when compared to the same period last year.

With a total quayside of 1800 metres, it is designed to accommodate a container capacity, measured as twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), of more than 1.1 million TEUs annually, as well as passengers, general break-bulk and roll-on/roll-off cargo. The port provides sea freight, shipping, and logistic services in accordance with the highest international specifications and standards in the industry.

In November 2012, the port achieved record throughput volumes since it commenced operations recording 66,247 TEU, and

Strategically located in the Kingdom of Bahrain, KBSP offers world-class facilities, efficient operations, fast turn-around times for

vessels and short transit times which makes the country the most cost effective location for carriers to tranship containers to the rapidly expanding Upper Gulf region.

Its direct overland links to Saudi Arabia, further positions the port as a major regional distribution centre. The port is considered to be the most modern in terms of the cutting-edge infrastructure and equipment as well as in its operations.

Industry players are upbeat about the growing number of opportunities becoming available to Bahrain’s shipping lines from the move to feed more traffic into Jubail in Saudi Arabia. “The sheer volume of Saudi trade is enormous,” Agility Logistics’ CEO, Vivek Nambiar, told OBG, “so even if a new Damman port arises, Bahrain will always continue to have a role in serving the Saudi market.”

Bahrain’s maritime regulatory environment also gives the country a competitive edge, particularly its port-clearing time, which, at 24 hours, is two days’ faster than clearance at Damman, according to Nambiar.

Infrastructure spending from the Bahrain government and wider GCC programmes should pave the way for further growth in both the trans-shipment and general cargo segments.

Sources: Bahrain Ministry of Transportation; OBG, 01/03/2013 For further information see http://www.gop.bh/en/press-centre/pressreleases/khalifa-bin-salman-port-achievesrecord-transhipment-volume-in-2012

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18

LIBYA

LIBYA ENJOYS STRONG RECOVERY Libya’s economic growth in 2012 exceeded 100%, according to the IMF following a recent visit to the country.

The IMF is also predicting that Libya’s nonhydrocarbon growth is expected to average 15% during 2013–18.

The IMF mission visited the capital Tripoli during 20 February –7 March, for discussions with the Libyan authorities in the context of the annual Article IV consultations.

Talks focused on measures to improve the business environment to foster inclusive growth based on diversification of the economy underpinned by private sector–led growth, develop the financial sector, and control government spending including through subsidy reform.

The IMF met with Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, Finance Minister Haithem Jalgham, Central Bank Governor Saddek Elkabeer, General National Congress Chairman Mohammed Magariaf, and other government and central bank officials, as well as members of the General National Congress and representatives of civil society.

“Economic growth in 2012 exceeded 100%, reflecting a strong recovery from its collapse during the revolution. Latest indicators are pointing to a restoration of hydrocarbon output later this year and a full recovery of growth in the non-hydrocarbon sector in 2014”, IMF mission leader Ralph Chami in a statement.

Inflation fell to 6% in 2012, and a further decline is expected this year. With a considerable pickup in reconstruction expenditure and private demand, nonhydrocarbon growth is expected to average 15% during 2013–18.

The financial situation began to normalise after most of the UN sanctions that had frozen Libya’s foreign assets were lifted on December 16, 2011, allowing the central bank to provide foreign exchange liquidity to banks and help normalize commercial banking operations.

In 2012, broad money grew by 11.5% with a shift from currency into deposits reflecting increased confidence in the banking system.

The banking sector appears well capitalised, but it may be vulnerable to asset quality deterioration.

“The pegged exchange rate regime will remain the policy anchor, thanks to ample foreign exchange reserves that preserve confidence in the currency, and fiscal and monetary policies need to be supportive of the peg.

“The short-term challenges are to manage the political transition, normalise the security situation, address severe institutional capacity constraints to ensure the timely compilation and dissemination of key statistics, and exercise budget discipline while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

“Efforts are needed to develop a vibrant financial sector that caters to the needs of the economy. Structural reforms are required for the development of a growth-enhancing financial system, particularly reforms to the operation of state owned institutions and a winding down of non-commercial activities.

The streamlining of regulation while strengthening the supervisory framework will be important to promote financial intermediation.

“Over the medium term, the authorities should address a range of issues including institutional capacity building, improving the quality of education, rebuilding infrastructure, putting in place an efficient social safety net, developing the financial market, improving the management of the country’s resource wealth and associated financial flows with an efficient and transparent system, and reducing hydrocarbon dependency through private sector–led growth,” Chami said.

Sustainable, employment-generating growth will require a business environment that is conducive to private-sector development with a focus on diversification of the economy to create employment opportunities in the private sector, the IMF said.

“Libya’s public finances and external current account remain vulnerable to a sustained decline in oil prices. Increases in recurrent expenditures pose risks to fiscal sustainability and is causing appreciation of the real exchange rate. In the medium term, necessary reconstruction and development spending will push the budget into deficit in the absence of a curb on current spending.

“With fiscal sustainability in mind, the government is seeking to contain current expenditures in the 2013 budget, but further steps are needed to limit current expenditure, in particular to contain increases in salaries and the number of public employees, as well as streamlining generalised subsidies. Plans are under elaboration for a subsidy reform strategy,” the IMF said.

“A comprehensive reform strategy to improve the public financial management (PFM) system will be critical to improve accountability and transparency. The thrust of PFM measures in the near term should be to address key priorities with a view to building the institutional capacity for more fundamental reforms.

“In this connection, Libya’s sovereign wealth fund system, operating through the Libya Investment Authority, the budget reserve account at the central bank and other funds, should be fully integrated into the fiscal framework, with well-defined and transparent rules.

“To help build capacity, the authorities and the IMF have agreed on a comprehensive technical assistance programme.

Data compilation remains weak and responsibilities are spread over several agencies. The authorities are keen to improve data compilation and transparency, but they need international assistance to formulate and implement a comprehensive strategy,” the IMF concluded.

Statement at the Conclusion of IMF Mission to Libya (Extracts), 08/03/2013

DEVELOPMENT

Saudi Arabia Western Region

GREAT British Road Show UKTI is touring the Western Region of Saudia Arabia this spring, let us introduce your business to the many and varied opportunities available in:

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28-29 April 2013 13-14 May 2013 26-27 May 2013 Spring event in the commercial hub of Saudi Arabia.

GREAT British Road Show UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Jeddah in partnership with the British Council and Visit Britain is putting together a GREAT British Road Show to demonstrate the many opportunities open to British companies in Western Saudi Arabia. The roadshow will showcase British excellence and promote the UK as the best partner for business, study or leisure. It will serve to introduce UK companies to new markets, customers, distributors and agents.

In collaboration with Chambers of Commerce in the Western Region, the following sectors have been identiďŹ ed as priorities for their Municipalities:

and training, ÂŁ16bn for healthcare and ÂŁ6bn for municipalities, so the government commitment is there. There is also an anticipated requirement for 50,000 more hotel rooms and 74,000 furnished apartments by 2020 to handle the growth in religious tourism.

Events and activities The cities of Madinah, Yanbu and Makkah will host a range of events and activities to promote British business, including:

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19

20

LAW REPORTS

QATAR- IMPORTANCE OF PATENT PROTECTION The Qatari Patent Office started accepting both local and national phase Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications for the first time in the country in August 2012. This is a clear recognition by Qatar of the growing importance of patent protection in the country.

The patent framework had been idle for a long time in the absence of a pertinent registration system.

The information required at the time of filing is as follows: 1. Name, address and nationality of the applicant.

2. Name, address and nationality of each of the inventors.

3. Title of the invention.

4. A simple copy of the priority application.

5. One set of formal drawings 6. One copy of the specifications, claims and abstract of the invention in English with an Arabic translation (the Arabic translation may be submitted at a later stage).

As background, the Qatari Patent Law was issued almost six years ago by virtue of Decree no. 30/2006. The law was introduced in compliance with the WTO agreement and mirrors the provisions of the patents section of the TRIPS agreement. For a long time before the promulgation of Law no. 30/2006 and in the absence of a pertinent local legislation, protection was sought through the Gulf Cooperation Council unified patent registration system.

Some sort of protection was also obtained through the publication of cautionary notices at regular intervals in local newspapers.

In contrast to the GCC, Qatar is a member of both the Paris Convention and the PCT. While the GCC respects the 12 month priority convention, applicants seeking more time before going national or regional can add Qatar to the list of GCC member countries who are also PCT members.

The other countries in that group are Bahrain, Oman and the UAE. This is certainly good news given the growth Qatar is experiencing and the country’s determination to create non-oil based industries.

Key Features Type of Patents: Patents shall be available for all inventions, whether products or processes, in all fields of technology; Opposition: Opposition may be filed within 60 days of publication date of the patent in the Official Gazette; Protection Period: Once granted, a patent will be protected for twenty years from the date of grant; Compulsory Licensing: If the patent is not exploited within three years from the date of grant, it will be subject to compulsory licensing; Penalties: Patent owners have the right to initiate legal actions against anyone committing an infringement.

YEMEN The Yemen Ministry of Trade and Industry recently launched a new system to file trademark applications electronically on the following website: www.yipo.gov.ye The new system allows applicants to complete an electronic registration form along with all the required details, check and review it for accuracy before submitting it directly through the internet to the country’s Intellectual Property Office.

Original copies of required documents should still be submitted to the Trademark Office.

Saba & Co IP Bulletin, March 2013

UAE - NEW COMPANIES LAW LIKELY IN Q2 The UAE’s new companies law is expected to be unveiled in the next quarter, the country’s Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of a recent conference in Dubai.

The current companies law dates back to around 30 years while the new draft law is under discussion for more than 10 years. The new draft law is under discussion at the Federal National Council (FNC). There were total 383 articles in the law and came down to 377 articles, the minister said, adding: “They want to discuss one or two additional articles.”

“There is one article, which is dealing with some identification of certain companies and that will work out,” he added. “I do hope we will have it [companies law] by the end of the first half,” the minister replied when asked for any expected date for the new law to be announced.

Mansouri mentioned that the government wants to upgrade major economic-development related laws in the country to better address investment and regulate the relationship between all stakeholders to boost economic activities.

The draft law aims to protect businessmen and their investments and is also tipped to help upgrade the UAE’s status from a frontier market to an emerging market.

The new companies law will help boost businesses and economic activities in the country. In addition to the companies law, two more laws — FDI Law and Bankruptcy Law — are expected to be enacted in 2013.

Khaleej Times, 14/03/2013

DOING BUSINESS

FESTIV ARABIA LONDON 2013

Bringing Arabia to the heart of London 3-day Festival 30 August - 1 September 2013 Acton Park London

TRADE EXHIBITIONS LIVE PERFORMANCE FASHION SHOWS

CHILDREN ENTERTAINMENT

"FestivArabia London 2013 - Business Through Cultural Celebration" is a unique event which will provide an unrivalled opportunity for Arab-British business to engage and interact with the general public from London, United Kingdom and the Arab World. The festival will be staged in London’s Acton Park which has been a home to a number of key recreational, ecological and horticultural features since its opening to the public in 1888.

FestivArabia will consist of exhibitors promoting Arab-British manufacture including arts and crafts, fashion and textiles, luxury goods and food and drinks from different parts of the region. There will also be a stage featuring Arabian entertainment including a catwalk showcasing Arab and British fashion designs, live cooking with celebrity chefs, singing and dance and much more.

FestivArabia will be open to the general public free of charge and approximately 40,000 visitors are anticipated to attend over the three days of celebrations.

For more information visit www.festivarabia.com

21

‫‪ARABIC SECTION‬‬

‫ﻣﺳﺎﻋﺩﺓ ﻟﻸﻋﻣﺎﻝ‬ ‫ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺓ ﺗﺧﻔﻳﺽ ﺿﺭﻳﺑﺔ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﺑﻧﺳﺑﺔ ‪ %1‬ﻟﺗﺻﻝ ﺇﻟﻰ‬‫‪ %20‬ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ‪2015‬؛‬ ‫ﺗﺧﻔﻳﺽ ﻓﻭﺍﺗﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﺗﺄﻣﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻭﻁﻧﻲ ﺑﻧﺣﻭ ‪ 2،000‬ﺟﻧﻳﻪ‬ ‫ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ ﺳﻧﻭﻳﺎ ً ﻭﻟﻛﻝ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ؛‬ ‫ﻋﺩﺩ ‪ 450‬ﺃﻟﻑ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺻﻐﻳﺭﺓ ﻻ ﺗﺩﻓﻊ ﺍﻟﺗﺄﻣﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻭﻁﻧﻲ ﻟﻠﻣﻭﻅﻔﻳﻥ؛‬ ‫ ﺳﻳﺭﺗﻔﻊ ﻣﻌﺩﻝ ﺗﺷﻐﻳﻝ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺻﻐﻳﺭﺓ ﻣﻥ ﻗﺑﻝ ﺍﻟﺣﻛﻭﻣﺔ‬‫ﺇﻟﻰ ﺣﻣﺱ ﻣﺭﺍﺕ ﺿﻌﻑ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﺩﻝ؛‬ ‫ ﺳﻳﻛﻭﻥ ﻫﻧﺎﻙ ﺗﺧﻔﻳﻑ ﺍﻟﺿﺭﺍﺋﺏ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﺛﻣﺎﺭ ﻓﻲ‬‫ﺍﻟﻣﺷﺎﺭﻳﻊ ﺍﻻﺟﺗﻣﺎﻋﻳﺔ ؛‬ ‫ ﺇﻟﻐﺎء ﺭﺳﻡ ﺍﻟﻁﺎﺑﻊ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻷﺳﻬﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺩﺍﻭﻟﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺃﺳﻭﺍﻕ ﺍﻟﻧﻣﻭ‬‫ﻣﺛﻝ ﺳﻭﻕ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﺛﻣﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﺑﺩﻳﻝ‪.‬‬ ‫ ﺳﺗﻧﻅﺭ ﺍﻟﺣﻛﻭﻣﺔ ﺑﺧﺻﻭﺹ ﺍﺳﺗﺭﺟﺎﻉ ﻣﺑﺎﻟﻎ ﺍﻟﺿﺭﺍﺋﺏ‬‫ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻬﺭﺏ ﺍﻟﺿﺭﻳﺑﻲ ﻭﺫﻟﻙ ﺑﺎﻹﺗﻔﺎﻕ ﻣﻊ ﺟﺯﻳﺭﺓ ﻣﺎﻥ‪ ،‬ﻭﺟﺯﺭ‬ ‫ﻏﻳﺭﻧﺳﻲ ﻭﺟﻳﺭﺳﻲ‪ ،‬ﺑﺎﺳﺗﺭﺩﺍﺩ ‪ 3‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺿﺭﺍﺋﺏ ﻏﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻓﻭﻋﺔ‪.‬‬

‫ﻁﺎﻗﺔ‬

‫ﺣﻭﺍﻓﺯ ﺿﺭﻳﺑﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺫﺍﺕ ﺍﻻﻧﺑﻌﺎﺛﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺧﻔﺿﺔ ﺟﺩﺍً؛‬ ‫ﻭﺳﻳﺗﻡ ﺇﻋﻔﺎء ﺻﻧﺎﻋﺔ ﺍﻟﻔﺧﺎﺭ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻧﻁﻘﺔ ﻣﻳﺩﻻﻧﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺿﺭﻳﺑﺔ ﺗﻐﻳﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺎﺥ؛‬ ‫ﻭﺳﻳﺗﻡ ﻋﺭﺽ ﺍﻟﺑﺩﻻﺕ ﺍﻟﺿﺭﻳﺑﻳﺔ ﻟﺗﺷﺟﻳﻊ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﺛﻣﺎﺭ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻐﺎﺯ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺻﺧﺭﻱ‪ ،‬ﻣﺛﻝ ﺑﺩﻻﺕ ﺣﻘﻝ ﻏﺎﺯ "ﺍﻟﺳﺟﻳﻝ" ﺍﻟﺟﺩﻳﺩ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺗﻣﻭﻳﻝ ﺍﻹﺳﻛﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﺗﺳﻬﻳﻝ ﺷﺭﺍء ﺳﻬﻡ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻌﻘﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺣﺩﻳﺛﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﻧﺎء ﻭﺫﻟﻙ ﻋﻥ ﻁﺭﻳﻕ‬ ‫ﺗﺳﻬﻳﻝ ﻣﻧﺢ ﻗﺭﻭﺽ ﺩﻭﻥ ﻓﻭﺍﺋﺩ ﺗﺻﻝ ﺇﻟﻰ ‪ %20‬ﻣﻥ ﻗﻳﻣﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﻘﺎﺭﺍﺕ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﺑﻧﻳﺔ ﺣﺩﻳﺛﺎ ً ﻁﺎﻟﻣﺎ ﺃﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺷﺗﺭﻱ ﻟﺩﻳﻪ ﺧﻣﺳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺋﺔ ﻣﻥ ﻗﻳﻣﺔ ﺩﻓﻌﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﻘﺩﻡ )ﺍﻹﻳﺩﺍﻉ ﺍﻷﻭﻝ(؛‬ ‫ﺃﻋﻁﺎء ﺍﻟﺿﻣﺎﻧﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﺻﺭﻓﻳﺔ ﻟﺩﻋﻡ ﻣﺑﻠﻎ ‪ 130‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ‬ ‫ﻣﻥ ﻗﺭﻭﺽ ﺍﻟﺭﻫﻥ ﺍﻟﻌﻘﺎﺭﻱ ﺍﻟﺟﺩﻳﺩﺓ ﻟﻣﺩﺓ ﺛﻼﺙ ﺳﻧﻭﺍﺕ ﻭﺫﻟﻙ ﻣﻥ ﻏﺎﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﻋﺎﻡ ‪.2014‬‬

‫ﺟﻭﺭﺝ ﺃﺯﺑﻭﺭﻥ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻲ‬

‫ﻭﻗﺩ ﺗﻅﺎﻫﺭ ﻣﺋﺎﺕ ﺍﻷﺷﺧﺎﺹ ﻛﺎﻧﻭﺍ ﻗﺩ ﺗﺟﻣﻌﻭﺍ ﺃﻣﺎﻡ ﻣﺑﻧﻰ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻟﻣﺎﻥ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺻﻣﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ ﻟﻧﺩﻥ ﺍﺣﺗﺟﺎﺟﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻻﺟﺭﺍءﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻘﺷﻔﻳﺔ ﺍﻹﺿﺎﻓﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﻳﺯﺍﻧﻳﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﺟﺎء ﻫﺫﺍ ﻗﺑﻝ ﻳﻭﻡ ﻭﺍﺣﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺇﻋﻼﻥ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻲ ﺟﻭﺭﺝ ﺍﺯﺑﻭﺭﻥ ﻟﻘﺎﻧﻭﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﻳﺯﺍﻧﻳﺔ ‪.2014 /2013‬‬ ‫ﻭﺻﺭﺡ ﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻣﻧﻅﻣﺔ ﺃﻛﺳﻔﺎﻡ ﻣﺎﻛﺱ ﻻﻭﺳﻭﻥ ﻗﺎﺋﻼ”‪ :‬ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ‪،‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺣﻛﻭﻣﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ ﻫﻲ ﺭﺋﻳﺳﺔ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﺩﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﺛﻣﺎﻧﻳﺔ‪ ،‬ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻝ ﺍﻷﻛﺛﺭ‬ ‫ﻧﻔﻭﺫﺍً ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ‪ ،‬ﻟﺫﻟﻙ ﺑﺈﻣﻛﺎﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﻣﻌﺎ ً ﻟﺧﻠﻕ ﻗﻭﺍﻋﺩ‬ ‫ﻋﺎﻟﻣﻳﺔ ﺟﺩﻳﺩﺓ ﺗﺗﻌﻠﻕ ﺑﺎﻟﺿﺭﺍﺋﺏ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺣﺎﺳﺑﺔ‪ ،‬ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻳﻣﻛﻥ ﺃﻥ ﺗﺳﺗﻔﻳﺩ ﻣﻧﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺎ‪ ،‬ﻛﻣﺎ ﺃﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﻔﻘﻳﺭﺓ ﺑﺈﻣﻛﺎﻧﻬﺎ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﻔﺎﺩﺓ ﺃﻳﺿﺎ ً ﻣﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ‬ ‫ﺍﻹﺟﺭﺍءﺍﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﻫﻲ ﺇﺟﺭﺍءﺍﺕ ﻧﺗﺄﻛﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺧﻼﻟﻬﺎ ﺃﻥ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﺗﺩﻓﻊ‬ ‫ﺿﺭﺍﺋﺑﻬﺎ‪ ،‬ﻟﺫﻟﻙ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺎ ﺃﻥ ﺗﻔﻌﻝ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺃﻳﺿﺎ"‪.‬‬ ‫ﻭﻳﺗﻭﻗﻊ ﺃﻥ ﺗﻅﻬﺭ ﻣﺧﺎﻁﺭ ﺍﻟﺭﻛﻭﺩ ﺑﺳﺑﺏ ﺍﻹﺟﺭﺍءﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻘﺷﻔﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺟﺩﻳﺩﺓ‪،‬‬ ‫ﺇﻻ ﺃﻥ ﺣﻛﻭﻣﺔ ﺩﻳﻔﻳﺩ ﻛﺎﻣﻳﺭﻭﻥ ﺳﺗﻣﺿﻲ ﻗﺩﻣﺎ ً ﻓﻲ ﺇﺟﺎء ﺗﺧﻔﻳﺿﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﺟﺩﻳﺩﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﻳﺯﺍﻧﻳﺔ ﺗﺻﻝ ﻗﻳﻣﺗﻬﺎ ﺇﻟﻰ ‪ 2.9‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﻳﻭﺭﻭ ﻣﺎ ﺳﻳﺅﺛﺭ ﻋﻠﻰ‬ ‫ﻗﻁﺎﻋﺎﺕ ﺣﻳﻭﻳﺔ ﻛﺎﻟﺻﺣﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻌﻠﻳﻡ ﻓﻲ ﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺎ‪.‬‬

‫ﻛﻣﺎ ﺃﻅﻬﺭ ﻣﺳﺢ ﻗﺩ ﺃﺟﺭﻱ ﻓﻲ ﻧﻬﺎﻳﺔ ﻋﺎﻡ ‪ ،2012‬ﺃﻥ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻭﻗﻭﺩ ﻭﺍﻟﺷﺭﺍﺏ ﻭﺍﻟﺳﺟﺎﺋﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻲ ﻟﻥ ﻳﺣﻘﻕ ﻧﻣﻭﺍً ﻳُﺫﻛﺭ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺭﺑﻊ ﺍﻷﺧﻳﺭ ﻣﻥ ﻋﺎﻡ ‪،2012‬‬ ‫ﺃﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﻘﺭﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﻛﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻲ‬ ‫)ﻓﻠﺱ(‬ ‫ﺑﻳﻧﻲ‬ ‫‪3‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺑﺎﻟﻐﺔ‬ ‫ﺳﺗﻠﻐﻰ ﺿﺭﻳﺑﺔ ﺍﻟﻭﻗﻭﺩ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ﻭﺳﻳﺳﺟﻝ ﻧﻣﻭﺍ ﻣﺗﻭﺍﺿ ًﻌﺎ ﻳﺯﻳﺩ ﻗﻠﻳﻼ ﻋﻥ ‪ % 1‬ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻘﺑﻝ‪ ،‬ﻭﻫﻭ‬ ‫ﻳﺑﺩﺃ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﺑﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻥ ﻏﺎﻳﺔ ﺃﻳﻠﻭﻝ )ﺳﺑﺗﻣﺑﺭ(؛‬ ‫ﻧﺻﻑ ﻣﻌﺩﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﺿﺧﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﻭﻗﻊ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﻛﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻲ‬ ‫)ﺍﻟﻌﺟﺔ(‬ ‫ﺳﺗﻠﻐﻰ ﺿﺭﻳﺑﺔ ‪ 3‬ﺑﻳﻧﻲ )ﻓﻠﺱ( ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺑﻳﺭﺓ‬ ‫ﻭﻳﻌﻧﻲ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺃﻳﺿﺎ ً ﺯﻳﺎﺩﺓ ﻣﺗﺳﺎﺭﻋﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺃﺳﻌﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺗﻬﻠﻛﻳﻥ‪ ،‬ﺗﻘﻭﺽ ﻗﺩﺭﺓ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﻘﺭﺭ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﺑﻬﺎ ﻣﻥ ﻏﺎﻳﺔ ﻧﻳﺳﺎﻥ )ﺃﺑﺭﻳﻝ(‪ .‬ﻭﺑﺩﻻ ﻣﻥ ﺫﻟﻙ‪ ،‬ﺳﺗﺧﻔﻳﺽ‬ ‫ﻣﻌﻅﻡ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﻳﻥ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻹﻧﻔﺎﻕ‪ ،‬ﻷﻥ ﺍﻷﺳﻌﺎﺭ ﺗﺭﺗﻔﻊ ﺑﻭﺗﻳﺭﺓ ﺃﺳﺭﻉ ﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺭﺳﻭﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻔﺭﻭﺿﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺑﻳﺭﺓ ﺑﻧﺣﻭ ‪ 1‬ﺑﻳﺗﻲ )ﻓﻠﺳﺎ ً ﻭﺍﺣﺩﺍً(؛‬ ‫ﺍﻷﺟﻭﺭ‪ ،‬ﻛﻣﺎ ﺃﻥ ﺑﻧﻙ ﺇﻧﺟﻠﺗﺭﺍ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﻛﺯﻱ ﺟﻣﺩ ﺣﻣﻠﺔ ﻟﻁﺑﻊ ﺍﻟﻧﻘﻭﺩ ﻋﻧﺩ‬ ‫ﺳﻳﻧﺗﻬﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﺑﺎﻻﺭﺗﻔﺎﻉ ﺍﻟﺗﺿﺧﻣﻲ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﻭﻱ ‪ %2+‬ﻋﻠﻰ ﺃﺳﻌﺎﺭ‬ ‫‪ 375‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ )‪ 594‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺩﻭﻻﺭ(‪.‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺑﻳﺭﺓ‪ .‬ﻭﻟﻛﻥ ﺳﻳﺳﺗﻣﺭ ﺑﻘﺎء ﺿﺭﻳﺑﺔ "ﺍﻟﺳﻼﻟﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺭﻛﺔ" ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﺍﺏ‬ ‫)ﺳﺎﻳﺩﺭ ﻋﺻﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﺗﻔﺎﺡ( ﻭﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻧﺑﻳﺫ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺭﻭﺣﻳﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻭﻛﺎﻧﺕ ﺃﺣﺩﺙ ﺍﺳﺗﻁﻼﻋﺎﺕ ﻟﻭﻛﺎﻟﺔ ﺭﻭﻳﺗﺭﺯ ﻗﺩ ﻧﺷﺭﺕ ﺑﻌﺩ ﻳﻭﻡ ﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﺇﺻﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﻟﺑﻧﻙ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﻛﺯﻱ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻲ ﺑﻌﺿﺎ ً ﻣﻥ ﺃﻛﺛﺭ ﺗﻭﻗﻌﺎﺗﻪ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﺿﺭﻳﺑﺔ ﺍﻟﺩﺧﻝ‬ ‫ﺗﺷﺎﺅﻣًﺎ‪ ،‬ﻣﻧﺫ ﺃﻥ ﺣﺻﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﻘﻼﻝ ﺍﻟﻧﻘﺩﻱ ﻓﻲ ‪.1997‬‬ ‫ﺳﻳﺗﻡ ﺭﻓﻊ ﺍﻟﺣ ّﺩ ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﻳﺑﺩﺃ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻣﻠﻳﻥ ﻓﻳﻪ ﺑﺩﻓﻊ ﻟﺩﻓﻊ ﺍﻟﺿﺭﺍﺋﺏ ﺇﻟﻰ‬ ‫‪ 10،000‬ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ ﻣﻥ ‪ 9،414‬ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ ﻭﺫﻟﻙ ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ﻭﺃﺿﺎﻑ ﺃﻭﺯﺑﻭﺭﻥ ﺃﻥ ﺍﻟﺣﻛﻭﻣﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ ﻧﺟﺣﺕ ﻓﻲ ﺗﺣﻘﻳﻕ ﺃﻫﺩﺍﻓﻬﺎ‬ ‫‪ – 2014‬ﻭﺫﻟﻙ ﻗﺑﻝ ﻋﺎﻡ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﻭﻋﺩ ﺍﻟﻣﻘﺭﺭ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﺗﻌﻠﻘﺔ ﺑﺧﻔﺽ ﺍﺳﺗﺩﺍﻧﺗﻬﺎ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻷﺳﻭﺍﻕ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻳﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻗﺎﻝ ﺃﻭﺯﺑﻭﺭﻥ ﺇﻥ‬ ‫ﺳﻳﺎﺳﺗﻪ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺔ ﺗﺅﺗﻲ ﺃﻛﻠﻬﺎ ﺭﻏﻡ ﺍﺿﻁﺭﺍﺭﻩ ﻟﺧﻔﺽ ﺗﻭﻗﻌﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻧﻣﻭ‬ ‫ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻘﺑﻝ‪.‬‬

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‫ ‪ARABIC SECTION‬‬

‫‪2013 Budget: Main Measures‬‬ ‫ﻣﻳﺯﺍﻧﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻣﻠﻛﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺩﺓ ﻟﻠﻌﺎﻡ ‪ :2013‬ﺍﻟﺗﺩﺍﺑﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺳﻳﺔ‬

‫ﺗﻭﻗﻌﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻧﻣﻭ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻱ‬ ‫ ﺃﺷﺎﺭﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻭﻗﻌﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺭﺳﻣﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻧﻣﻭ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻱ ﻟﻼﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩ‬‫ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻲ ﺑﺄﻧﻬﺎ ﺍﻧﺧﻔﺿﺕ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﻧﺻﻑ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ‪ :‬ﻣﻌﺩﻝ‬ ‫‬‫ﺍﻟﻧﻣﻭ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻱ ‪ %0.6‬ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ‪ ،2013‬ﻗﺩ ُﺧﻔﺿﺕ ﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﻣﻌﺩﻝ ‪ %1.2‬ﻭﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﺗﻭﻗﻊ ﻓﻲ ﺷﻬﺭ ﻛﺎﻧﻭﻥ ﺍﻷﻭﻝ‬ ‫)ﺩﻳﺳﻣﺑﺭ(؛‬ ‫ ﻣﻛﺗﺏ ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺅﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻳﺯﺍﻧﻳﺔ )‪ (OBR‬ﻳﺗﻭﻗﻊ ﺃﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﻣﻠﻛﺔ‬‫ﺍﻟﺗﺿﺧﻡ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺩﺓ ﻟﻥ ﺗﻧﺟﻭﺍ ﺍﻟﺭﻛﻭﺩ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻱ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ‪:‬‬ ‫ ﻭﺗﻭﻗﻊ ﺃﻥ ﻳﻛﻭﻥ ﻣﻌﺩﻝ ﺍﻟﻧﻣﻭ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻱ ﺇﻟﻰ ‪ %1.8‬ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ﻣﻌﺩﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﺿﺧﻡ ﺍﻟﻬﺩﻑ ‪ %2‬ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﺃﻋﻠﻧﻪ ﺑﻧﻙ ﺇﻧﺟﻠﺗﺭﺍ ﺑﻘﻲ ﻛﻣﺎ ﻫﻭ‬‫ﺣﺳﺏ ﻣﺎ ﺗﻭﻗﻌﻪ ﺍﻟﺑﻧﻙ؛‬ ‫‪2014‬؛ ﻭﻣﻌﺩﻝ ‪ %2.3‬ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ‪ ،2015‬ﻭﻣﻌﺩﻝ ‪%2.7‬‬ ‫ ﺗﻐﻳﻳﺭ ﺗﺭﻛﻳﺯ ﺗﺣﻭﻳﻼﺕ ﺍﻟﺑﻧﻙ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﻧﻣﻭ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻱ‪ ،‬ﻓﺿﻼً‬‫ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ‪ 2016‬ﻭﻣﻌﺩﻝ ‪ %2.8‬ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻡ ‪.2017‬‬ ‫ﻋﻥ ﻣﻌﺩﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﺿﺧﻡ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻗﺎﻝ ﻭﺯﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﺧﺯﺍﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻲ ﺟﻭﺭﺝ ﺃﻭﺯﺑﻭﺭﻥ ﺇﻥ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩ ﺑﻼﺩﻩ ﻟﻥ‬ ‫‪-‬‬

‫ﺣﺟﻡ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺭﺍﺽ ﻛﻧﺳﺑﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻧﺎﺗﺞ ﺍﻟﻣﺣﻠﻲ ﺍﻹﺟﻣﺎﻟﻲ‬ ‫ﺳﻳﻧﺧﻔﺽ ﻣﻥ ‪%7.4‬ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ‪ 14-2013‬ﻟﻳﺻﻝ‬ ‫ﺇﻟﻰ ‪ %5‬ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ‪16-2015‬؛‬ ‫ﻭﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﻭﻗﻊ ﺃﻥ ﺗﺭﺗﻔﻊ ﺍﻟﺩﻳﻭﻥ ﻛﻧﺳﺑﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻧﺎﺗﺞ ﺍﻟﻣﺣﻠﻲ‬ ‫ﺍﻹﺟﻣﺎﻟﻲ ﻣﻥ ‪ %75.9‬ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ‪ 13-2012‬ﺇﻟﻰ‬ ‫‪ %85.6‬ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ‪.17-2016‬‬

‫ﻳﻧﻣﻭ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﻟﻲ ﺑﻣﻌﺩﻝ ﻭﺍﺣﺩ ﻭﺍﺛﻧﻳﻥ ﻣﻥ ﻋﺷﺭﺓ ‪ 1,2‬ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺋﺔ‬ ‫ﻛﻣﺎ ﻛﺎﻥ ﻣﺗﻭﻗﻌﺎ ﻣﻥ ﻗﺑﻝ ﺑﻝ ﺑﻧﺻﻑ ﺫﻟﻙ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﺩﻝ‪.‬ﻭﺃﻛﺩ ﺃﻭﺯﺑﻭﺭﻥ ﻟﺩﻯ ﺍﻹﻧﻔﺎﻕ ﺍﻟﺣﻛﻭﻣﻲ‬ ‫ﻛﺷﻔﻪ ﻋﻥ ﻣﻳﺯﺍﻧﻳﺗﻪ ﺍﻟﺟﺩﻳﺩﺓ ﻋﺯﻣﻪ ﺍﻗﺗﻁﺎﻉ ﻣﺑﺎﻟﻎ ﺇﺿﺎﻓﻳﺔ ﻣﻥ ﻧﻔﻘﺎﺕ ﻣﻌﻅﻡ ﺩﻭﺍﺋﺭ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﺔ ﺳﺗﺷﻬﺩ ﺗﺧﻔﻳﺽ ﻟﻣﻳﺯﺍﻧﻳﺎﺗﻬﺎ ﺑﻧﺳﺑﺔ ‪ %1‬ﻓﻲ ﻛﻝ ﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻭﺯﺍﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﺧﺗﻠﻔﺔ ﻭﺗﻛﺭﻳﺱ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﺑﺎﻟﻎ ﻟﺗﻧﻔﻳﺫ ﻋﺩﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺷﺭﻭﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻣﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﻘﺑﻠﻳﻥ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺿﺧﻣﺔ ﺍﻟﻼﺯﻣﺔ ﻟﺗﻌﺯﻳﺯ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺍﻓﻕ ﺍﻷﺳﺎﺳﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﺑﻼﺩ‪.‬‬

‫ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺭﺍﺽ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ﺣﺟﻡ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺭﺍﺽ ‪ 114‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ‪ ،‬ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ‪ ،‬ﺍﺭﺗﻔﺎﻋﺎ ﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﺗﻭﻗﻌﺎﺕ ﺳﺎﺑﻘﺔ ﺑﻧﺣﻭ ‪ 108‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ؛‬ ‫ ﺣﺟﻡ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺭﺍﺽ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﻭﻗﻊ ﺃﻥ ﻳﻧﺧﻔﺽ ﺇﻟﻰ ‪ 108‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ‬‫ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺇﻟﻰ ‪ 97‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺇﻟﻰ ‪87‬‬ ‫ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺇﻟﻰ ‪ 61‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺇﻟﻰ‬ ‫‪ 42‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ‪ ،‬ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺗﻭﺍﻟﻲ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﻭﺍﺕ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻼﺣﻘﺔ؛‬

‫ﺍﻟﻧﻘﻝ ﻭﺍﻟﺑﻧﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺣﺗﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﺳﻳﻛﻭﻥ ﻫﻧﺎﻙ ‪ 3‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ ﻟﻺﻧﻔﺎﻕ ﺍﻹﺿﺎﻓﻲ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻣﺷﺎﺭﻳﻊ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺟﺩﻳﺩﺓ ﻓﻲ ﻛﻝ ﻋﺎﻡ‬ ‫ ﺍﺑﺗﺩﺍءﺍً ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ‪ 16-2015‬ﺣﺗﻰ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ‪،2020‬‬‫ﻭﺳﻳﺑﻠﻎ ﺍﻟﻣﺟﻣﻭﻉ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﻹﻧﻔﺎﻕ ﺍﻹﺿﺎﻓﻲ ﻟﻠﻣﺷﺎﺭﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﺟﺩﻳﺔ‬ ‫‪ 15‬ﻣﻠﻳﺎﺭ ﺟﻧﻳﻪ ﺇﺳﺗﺭﻟﻳﻧﻲ‪.‬‬

‫‪ARABIC SECTION‬‬

‫ﻭﺗﺣﺩﺛﺕ ﺍﻟﺑﺎﺭﻭﻧﺔ ﺳﻣﻳﻭﻧﺯ‪ ،‬ﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻣﺟﻠﺱ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻐﺭﻓﺔ ﻋﻥ ﻣﺩﻯ ﺍﻫﺗﻣﺎﻡ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺣﻛﻭﻣﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ ﻟﺩﻋﻡ ﻭﻣﺳﺎﻧﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻻﺳﻳﻣﺎ ﺍﻟﻧﺳﺎء ﺍﻟﻼﺗﻲ‬ ‫ﻳﺳﻌﻳﻥ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻻﻧﺧﺭﺍﻁ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻻﺳﺗﺛﻣﺎﺭ ﺳﻭﺍء ﻓﻲ ﺑﻠﺩﺍﻧﻬﻥ ﺃﻭ ﺧﺎﺭﺟﻬﺎ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻭﺃﺷﺎﺭﺕ ﻓﻲ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﺻﺩﺩ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺎﻋﻲ ﺍﻟﺣﺛﻳﺛﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺑﺫﻟﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﺣﻛﻭﻣﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ ﻟﺗﻧﻅﻳﻡ ﻣﺅﺗﻣﺭﺍً ﻋﺎﻟﻣﻳﺎ ً ﺑﺩﻋﻡ ﻣﻥ ﺩﻭﻝ ‪ G8‬ﻭﺩﻭﻝ ‪ G20‬ﻳﺧﺻﺹ‬ ‫ﻟﺩﻋﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ‪ ،‬ﺣﻳﺙ ﺳﻳﺣﺿﺭﻩ ﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﺍﻟﻭﺯﺭﺍء ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻲ ﻭﻫﻳﺋﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﻭﻣﺅﺳﺳﺎﺕ ﻭﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ ﻭﻋﺭﺑﻳﺔ‪ ،‬ﺇﻟﻰ ﺟﺎﻧﺏ ﺷﺧﺻﻳﺎﺕ ﺭﺳﻣﻳﺔ ﻋﺭﺑﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﻣﻥ ﺩﻭﻝ ﻣﺟﻠﺱ ﺍﻟﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﻭﺑﺎﻗﻲ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ‪ ،‬ﺇﺿﺎﻓﺔ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻣﺩﻳﺭﻱ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﻭﺃﺻﺣﺎﺏ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ‪ .‬ﻭﻗﺎﻟﺕ ﺍﻟﺑﺎﺭﻭﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﻣﻭﻧﺯ ﺑﺄﻥ "ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻣﺅﺗﻣﺭ ﺳﻳﻛﻭﻥ ﺫﺍ‬ ‫ﻭﻗﻊ ﻋﻅﻳﻡ ﻭﺗﺄﺛﻳﺭ ﻛﺑﻳﺭ ﻟﺩﻓﻊ ﺍﻟﻧﺳﺎء ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻁﻣﻭﺣﺎﺕ ﻧﺣﻭ ﺍﻟﻧﺟﺎﺡ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻔﻭﻕ ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻟﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻝ ﻭﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ‪ ،‬ﺣﻳﺙ ﺳﻳﺗﺧﻠﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺅﺗﻣﺭ ﻭﺭﺵ ﻋﻣﻝ ﺗﺟﻣﻊ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻧﺳﺎء ﻣﻊ ﺃﺻﺣﺎﺏ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﻭﺻﻧﺎﻉ ﺍﻟﻘﺭﺍﺭ ﻣﻥ ﺃﺟﻝ ﺗﺳﻬﻳﻝ ﻋﻣﻠﻳﺔ ﺩﺧﻭﻝ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺃﻭﺳﺎﻁ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻻﺳﺗﺛﻣﺎﺭ ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻧﻣﻳﺔ ﺑﺷﻛﻝ ﻋﺎﻡ"‪.‬‬ ‫ﻳﺫﻛﺭ ﺃﻥ ﺗﻘﺎﺭﻳﺭ ﺩﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﻭﺇﻗﻠﻳﻣﻳﺔ ﻣﺗﺗﺎﻟﻳﺔ ﻗﺩ ﺃﻛﺩﺕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﺳﻡ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﻬﻡ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﻳﻣﻛﻥ ﺃﻥ ﺗﺿﻁﻠﻊ ﺑﻪ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺗﻧﻣﻳﺔ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻛﺎﻥ ﻗﺩ‬ ‫ﺻﺩﺭ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻵﻭﻧﺔ ﺍﻷﺧﻳﺭﺓ )ﻓﻲ ‪ 14‬ﺁﺫﺍﺭ( ﺗﻘﺭﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﺗﻧﻣﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺷﺭﻳﺔ ‪2013‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺻﺎﺩﺭ ﻋﻥ ﺑﺭﻧﺎﻣﺞ ﺍﻷﻣﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺩﺓ ﺍﻹﻧﻣﺎﺋﻲ‪ ،‬ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﺃﻟﻘﻰ ﺍﻟﺿﻭء ﻭﻟﻣﺭﺓ‬ ‫ﺃﺧﺭﻯ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻔﻭﺍﺋﺩ ﺍﻻﺟﺗﻣﺎﻋﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺔ ﻟﺗﺷﺟﻳﻊ ﺍﻹﻣﻛﺎﻧﺎﺕ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﻟﻠﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻧﺎﺷﺋﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻭﻳﻧﻅﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﺗﻌﻠﻳﻡ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻧﻁﺎﻕ ﻭﺍﺳﻊ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻷﻣﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﺟﻭﻫﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺅﺛﺭﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺯﻳﺎﺩﺓ‬ ‫ﻣﺷﺎﺭﻛﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺣﻳﺎﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻣﺔ ﻭﻓﻲ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﻳﺔ‪ .‬ﻛﻣﺎ ﻭﻳﻧﻅﺭ‬ ‫ﺇﻟﻰ ﺗﻬﻳﺋﺔ ﻓﺭﺹ ﺍﻟﺗﻌﻠﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﺟﻳﺩ ﻛﺷﺭﻁ ﺃﺳﺎﺳﻲ ﻟﻠﻧﺟﺎﺡ‪ ،‬ﺧﺎﺻﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻧﺳﺑﺔ ﻟﻠﻧﺳﺎء ﺍﻟﻼﺗﻲ ﻳﻁﻣﺣﻥ ﻟﺗﺳﻧﻡ ﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﻳﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻛﺎﻧﺕ ﻣﻭﺿﻭﻋﺔ "ﺑﻧﺎء‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﻣﻌﺎ" ﻣﻥ ﺑﻳﻥ ﺃﻫﻡ ﺍﻟﻘﺿﺎﻳﺎ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻧﻭﻗﺷﺕ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﻳﻌﺗﺑﺭ ﺑﻣﺛﺎﺑﺔ ﺟﺳﺭ ﻟﺗﻌﺯﻳﺯ ﺍﻟﺣﻭﺍﺭ ﺑﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻭﻧﻅﻳﺭﺍﺗﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﻣﻠﻛﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺩﺓ‪ .‬ﻫﺫﺍ ﻭﻗﺩ ﺍﻁﻠﻊ ﺍﻟﺣﺿﻭﺭ ﻭﺑﺎﻫﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﻛﺑﻳﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺏ ﺑﻌﺽ ﺍﻟﻧﺳﺎء ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺻﺎﻋﺩﺍﺕ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻱ ﻭﻓﻲ ﻁﻠﻳﻌﺗﻬﻥ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺩﺓ‬ ‫ﺑﺩﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻼ‪ ،‬ﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﺍﻹﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻳﺔ‪ ،‬ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻁﺭﻗﺕ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺗﺟﺭﺑﺗﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺑﺎﺭﻭﻧﺔ ﺳﻣﻳﻭﻧﺯ ﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻣﺟﻠﺱ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﻟﻐﺭﻓﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ‬

‫ﺍﻟﻔﺭﻳﺩﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻧﺎﺟﺣﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻝ ﻭﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﻓﻲ ﺩﻭﻟﺔ ﺍﻹﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﻭﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻧﻁﺎﻕ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺳﻳﺩﺓ ﺧﻠﻭﺩ ﺍﻟﻛﺗﺎﻥ‪ ،‬ﺍﻷﻣﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﻟﻣﺟﺗﻣﻊ ﺳﻳﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺑﺣﺭﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺣﺩﺛﺕ ﻋﻥ ﺗﺟﺭﺑﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﺑﺣﺭﻳﻧﻳﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺳﻳﺩﺓ ﺃﻓﻧﺎﻥ ﺍﻟﺯﻳﺎﻧﻲ‪،‬‬ ‫ﻋﺿﻭ ﻣﺟﻠﻲ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﻏﺭﻓﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺑﺣﺭﻳﻧﻳﺔ‪ .‬ﻛﻣﺎ ﺗﺧﻠﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺅﺗﻣﺭ ﻛﻠﻣﺎﺕ ﻗﻳﻣﺔ‬ ‫ﻟﻧﺧﺑﺔ ﻣﺗﻔﻭﻗﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻧﺳﺎء ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻼﺗﻲ ﺗﺣﺩﺛﻥ ﻋﻥ ﺗﺟﺎﺭﺑﻬﻥ ﻭﺍﻟﺗﺣﺩﻳﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﺻﻌﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻭﺍﺟﻪ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻧﺎﺥ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻝ ﻭﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ‪.‬‬

‫ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺩﺓ ﺑﺩﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻼ ﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ﺍﻹﻣﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻳﺔ‬

‫ﻭﺃﺛﺑﺕ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ ﻓﻌﺎﻟﻳﺗﻪ ﺧﺻﻭﺻﺎ ً ﻓﻲ ﺿﻣﺎﻥ ﻭﺟﻌﻝ ﺍﻟﻘﺿﺎﻳﺎ ﺍﻟﺣﻳﻭﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﺗﻌﻠﻘﺔ ﺑﻣﺷﺎﺭﻛﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩ ﻭﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺣﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﺗﺭﻛﻳﺯ‬ ‫ﻭﺇﻟﻘﺎء ﺍﻟﺿﻭء ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺳﺎﻫﻣﺗﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﺣﺎﻟﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺣﺗﻣﻠﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺧﻠﻕ ﻭﺇﺩﺍﻣﺔ‬ ‫ﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻝ ﺁﻣﻥ ﻭﻣﺯﺩﻫﺭ ﺃﻛﺛﺭ ﻭﻋﻠﻰ ﻧﻁﺎﻕ ﻭﺍﺳﻊ‪.‬‬

‫ﻭﻗﺩ ﺑﺩﺍ ﺑﻭﺿﻭﺡ ﻣﺩﻯ ﻧﺟﺎﺡ ﺗﻧﻅﻳﻡ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻣﺅﺗﻣﺭ ﻣﻥ ﺣﻳﺙ ﺍﻟﺣﺿﻭﺭ ﻭﺃﻭﺭﺍﻕ ﻋﻣﻝ‬ ‫ﻟﻧﺧﺑﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺩﺛﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ ﻗﺩﻣﻭﺍ ﺑﻌﺽ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﻭﺽ ﺍﻟﺭﺍﺋﻌﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻌﺎﻟﺞ ﺍﻟﺗﺣﺩﻳﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺳﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻔﺭﺹ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺎﺣﺔ ﻟﻠﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻳﻭﻡ‪ .‬ﻭﻛﺎﻧﺕ ﺍﻷﻛﺛﺭ‬ ‫ﻣﺛﻳﺭﺍً ﻟﻼﻫﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﻣﺎﻉ ﻟﻠﺗﺟﺎﺭﺏ ﺍﻟﺷﺧﺻﻳﺔ ﻟﺑﻌﺽ ﻣﻥ ﺳﻳﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﻣﻭﺍﺟﻬﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺣﺩﻳﺎﺕ ﻭﺍﻟﺻﻌﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻭﺍﺟﻬﺗﻬﻥ ﻓﻲ ﻋﺎﻟﻡ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﻭﻗﺻﺹ ﻧﺟﺎﺣﻬﻡ‬ ‫ﻓﻲ ﺑﻧﺎء ﺃﻋﻣﺎﻟﻬﻥ ﻭﺗﺣﻭﻟﻬﻥ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻗﺩﻭﺓ ﻹﻟﻬﺎﻡ ﺍﻵﺧﺭﻳﻥ‪ .‬ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻳﻊ ﺃﻧﺣﺎء ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻲ‪،‬‬

‫ﺗﻘﻭﻡ ﺳﻳﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﺑﺩﻭﺭ ﻓﻌﺎﻝ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻁﻭﻳﺭ ﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﺩﻭﻟﻬﻥ ﻭﺍﻏﺗﻧﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﻔﺭﺹ ﺍﻟﺟﺩﻳﺩﺓ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻔﺗﺢ ﻟﻬﻥ ﻓﻲ ﺇﻧﺷﺎء ﻣﺷﺎﺭﻳﻌﻬﻥ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺻﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺣﺗﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺍﻵﻥ ﻣﻧﺎﺻﺏ ﻋﻠﻳﺎ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﺟﻣﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﻘﻁﺎﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺳﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻭﻁﻧﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﺩﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺑﻣﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺫﻟﻙ ﺗﻛﻧﻭﻟﻭﺟﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﻭﺳﺎﺋﻝ ﺍﻹﻋﻼﻡ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺗﺳﻭﻳﻕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺧﺩﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﺻﺭﻓﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻳﺔ؛ ﺍﻟﺑﻧﺎء ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺩﺓ ﺯﻳﻧﺏ ﺍﻟﻔﺭﺣﺎﻥ ﻣﺩﻳﺭ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﻭﺳﻳﺩﺓ ﺃﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﻭﻣﻧﻅﻣﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﻌﻘﺎﺭﺍﺕ؛ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺯﺋﺔ ﻭﺍﻷﺯﻳﺎء ﻭﺍﻟﺗﺻﻣﻳﻡ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻘﺎﻧﻭﻥ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺻﻧﺎﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﺣﻭﻳﻠﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻬﻧﺩﺳﻳﺔ؛‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﻁﺏ ﻭ ﻗﻁﺎﻉ ﺍﻟﺗﻌﻠﻳﻡ‪.‬‬

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‫ ‪ARABIC SECTION‬‬

‫ﻏﺮﻓﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﺠﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺒﺮﻳﻄﺎﻧﻴﺔ ﺗﺴﺘﻀﻴﻒ "ﺍﻟﻤﻨﺘﺪﻯ ﺍﻻﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩﻱ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺜﺎﻧﻲ ﻟﻠﻤﺮﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺮﺑﻴﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻤﻲ" ﻓﻲ ﻟﻨﺪﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﺳﺗﺿﺎﻓﺕ ﻏﺭﻓﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ ﻳﻭﻡ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺧﻣﻳﺱ ﺍﻟﻣﺻﺎﺩﻑ ‪ 21‬ﻣﻥ ﺷﻬﺭ ﺁﺫﺍﺭ )ﻣﺎﺭﺱ( ﺃﻋﻣﺎﻝ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻱ ﺍﻟﺛﺎﻧﻲ ﻟﻠﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻲ‪ .‬ﻭﺳﺑﻕ ﻟﻠﻐﺭﻓﺔ ﺃﻥ ﺍﺳﺗﺿﺎﻓﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﻭﻟﻰ‬ ‫ﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ ﺃﻳﺿﺎ ً ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ‪.2012‬‬ ‫ﺣﺿﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺅﺗﻣﺭ ﺣﺷﺩﺍً ﻛﺑﻳﺭﺍً ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺩﻋﻭﻳﻥ ﻭﺍﻟﻭﻓﻭﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻭﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺎ‪ ،‬ﻣﻥ ﺑﻳﻧﻬﻡ ﺳﻣﻭ ﺍﻟﺷﻳﺧﺔ ﻫﻧﺩ ﻋﺑﺩ ﺍﻟﻌﺯﻳﺯ ﺣﻣﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﺳﻣﻲ‪ ،‬ﺭﺋﻳﺳﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ‪ ،‬ﻭﺳﻌﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺩﺓ ﺃﻟﻳﺱ ﺳﻣﻌﺎﻥ ﺳﻔﻳﺭﺓ ﺩﻭﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺣﺭﻳﻥ ﻟﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﻣﻣﻠﻛﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﺗﺣﺩﺓ‪ ،‬ﻭﺳﻌﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺩ ﻋﺑﺩ ﺍﻟﺭﺣﻳﻡ ﺣﺳﻥ ﻧﻘﻲ‪ ،‬ﺍﻷﻣﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﻻﺗﺣﺎﺩ ﻟﻐﺭﻑ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺩﻭﻝ ﻣﺟﻠﺱ ﺍﻟﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ‪ .‬ﻛﻣﺎ ﺍﺳﺗﻘﻁﺏ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ ﻛﺑﺎﺭ ﺳﻳﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﻋﻣﺎﻝ‬ ‫ﻣﻥ ﻣﺧﺗﻠﻑ ﺃﻧﺣﺎء ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻡ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻲ‪.‬‬

‫ﺍﻓﺗﺗﺣﺕ ﺃﻋﻣﺎﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ ﺳﻣﻭ ﺍﻟﺷﻳﺧﺔ ﻫﻧﺩ ﻋﺑﺩ ﺍﻟﻌﺯﻳﺯ ﺣﻣﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﺳﻣﻲ‪ ،‬ﺣﻳﺙ‬ ‫ﺭﺣﺑﺕ ﺳﻣﻭﻫﺎ ﺑﺣﺭﺍﺭﺓ ﺑﺎﻟﺣﺿﻭﺭ ﻭﺃﺷﺎﺩﺕ ﺑﺣﺿﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﺣﺷﺩ ﺍﻟﻛﺑﻳﺭ ﻣﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻭﻓﻭﺩ ﺍﻟﻧﺳﻭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻣﻥ ﺩﻭﻝ ﻣﺟﻠﺱ ﺍﻟﺗﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﺍﻟﺧﻠﻳﺟﻲ ﻭﺧﺎﺭﺟﺔ‪ .‬ﻛﻣﺎ‬ ‫ﺃﺷﺎﺩﺕ ﺳﻌﺎﺩﺗﻬﺎ ﺑﺎﻟﺩﻋﻡ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺅﺍﺯﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻘﺩﻣﻪ ﻏﺭﻓﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ ﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻲ ﻭﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺩﻭﺭ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺳﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﺣﻭﺭﻱ ﻭﺍﻟﻣﻬﻡ ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﺗﻠﻌﺑﻪ ﺍﻟﺩﻛﺗﻭﺭﺓ ﺃﻓﻧﺎﻥ ﺍﻟ ُ‬ ‫ﺷﻌﻳﺑﻲ‪ ،‬ﺍﻷﻣﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﻭﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﺍﻟﺗﻧﻔﻳﺫﻱ ﻟﻠﻐﺭﻓﺔ‪.‬‬

‫ﺳﻣﻭ ﺍﻟﺷﻳﺧﺔ ﻫﻧﺩ ﻋﺑﺩ ﺍﻟﻌﺯﻳﺯ ﺣﻣﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﺳﻣﻲ ﺭﺋﻳﺳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺗﺩﻯ‬

‫ﻭﺭﺣﺑﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﻛﺗﻭﺭﺓ ﺃﻓﻧﺎﻥ ﺍﻟ ُ‬ ‫ﺷﻌﻳﺑﻲ ﺑﻛﻠﻣﺗﻬﺎ ﺍﻻﻓﺗﺗﺎﺣﻳﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﺣﺿﻭﺭ ﻭﺃﺷﺎﺩﺕ ﺑﺎﻟﺩﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﻧﺎﻣﻲ ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﺗﻠﻌﺑﻪ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩ ﺣﻳﺙ ﻗﺎﻟﺕ "ﺑﺄﻥ‬ ‫ﻏﺭﻓﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ ﺗﻘﻑ ﺩﺍﺋﻣﺎ ً ﺇﻟﻰ ﺟﻧﺏ ﺩﻋﻡ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻧﺷﺎﻁﺎﺕ ﻭﺧﺎﺻﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻬﺩﻑ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻣﺳﺎﻧﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻭﺗﻔﻌﻳﻝ ﺩﻭﺭﻫﺎ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﺣﻭﺭﻱ ﻓﻲ ﻋﻣﻠﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻧﻣﻳﺔ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻻﺟﺗﻣﺎﻋﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻭﻁﻥ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻲ"‪ .‬ﻛﻣﺎ ﺃﺷﺎﺭﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﻛﺗﻭﺭﺓ ﺍﻟ ُ‬ ‫ﺷﻌﻳﺑﻲ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺃﺣﺩﺙ ﺍﻟﺑﻳﺎﻧﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺗﺣﺩﺙ ﻋﻥ‬ ‫ﺩﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻻﺳﺗﺛﻣﺎﺭ ﻭﺇﻟﻰ ﺗﻌﺎﻅﻡ ﺩﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﺍﻟﺧﻠﻳﺟﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻠﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻧﻣﻭﻳﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺻﻌﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﻁﻘﺔ ﺑﺷﻛﻝ ﺧﺎﺹ ﻭﻋﻠﻰ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺻﻌﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻲ ﻋﻣﻭﻣﺎً‪.‬‬ ‫ﻭﺃﺷﺎﺩ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺩ ﻋﺑﺩ ﺍﻟﺭﺣﻣﻥ ﺣﺳﻥ ﻧﻘﻲ ﺑﻛﻠﻣﺗﻪ ﺑﺩﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﺍﺓ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻻﺳﻳﻣﺎ ﺍﻟﺧﻠﻳﺟﻳﺔ ﺣﻳﺙ ﺃﺷﺎﺭ ﻭﺑﻔﺧﺭ ﻭﺍﻋﺗﺯﺍﺯ ﻛﺑﻳﺭﻳﻥ‬ ‫ﺇﻟﻰ ﺩﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﺩﻛﺗﻭﺭﺓ ﺃﻓﻧﺎﻥ ﺍﻟ ُ‬ ‫ﺷﻌﻳﺑﻲ‪ ،‬ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺗﺳﻧﻡ ﻭﺑﻧﺟﺎﺡ ﻣﻧﻘﻁﻊ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻧﻅﻳﺭ ﻟﺳﻧﻭﺍﺕ ﻋﺩﺓ ﻣﻧﺻﺏ ﺍﻷﻣﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﻭﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﺍﻟﺗﻧﻔﻳﺫﻱ‬ ‫ﻟﻐﺭﻓﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ‪ ،‬ﺃﺣﺩﻯ ﺃﻫﻡ ﺍﻟﻐﺭﻑ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﺷﺗﺭﻛﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺻﻌﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻣﻲ‪ .‬ﻭﻗﺎﻝ ﺃﻥ‬ ‫"ﺍﻟﺩﻛﺗﻭﺭﺓ ﺍﻟ ُ‬ ‫ﺷﻌﻳﺑﻲ ﻫﻲ ﺃﻭﻝ ﺃﻣﺭﺃﺓ ﻋﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺗﺗﻭﻟﻰ ﻣﺛﻝ ﻫﺫﺍ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻣﻧﺻﺏ ‪ ،‬ﻭﻫﻲ ﺛﺑﺗﺕ ﻭﺗﺛﺑﺕ ﻛﻝ ﻳﻭﻡ ﻗﺩﺭﺗﻬﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻣﻬﻣﺔ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻔﻭﻕ ﺑﻬﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﻋﻠﻰ ﻗﺎﺑﻠﻳﺗﻬﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﻔﺎﺩﻱ ﺍﻟﺻﻌﻭﺑﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﻣﻌﻭﻗﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻭﺍﺟﻬﺗﻬﺎ ﻭﺑﺟﺩﺍﺭﺓ"‪.‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺩﻛﺗﻭﺭﺓ ﺃﻓﻧﺎﻥ ﺍﻟ ُ‬ ‫ﺷﻌﻳﺑﻲ ﺍﻷﻣﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﻭﺍﻟﺭﺋﻳﺱ ﺍﻟﺗﻧﻔﻳﺫﻱ ﻟﻐﺭﻓﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﺟﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﻁﺎﻧﻳﺔ‬

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TENDERS

TENDERS EGYPT Supply & erection of an industrial waste water treatment plant to serve units 1, 2 & 3 at Ataqa power station, also rehabilitation of a similar existing plant serving unit No.4 at the same station Document Cost: LE2,000 Bid Bond: LE 200,000 Contact East Delta Electricity Production Co (EDEPC) Shebin El Kom St., Behind the Agricultural Directorate Building, Ismailiya, Egypt Tel: 064 - 3371906 Fax: 064 - 3371906 Deadline: 14/04/2013

OMAN Design and construction of road connecting zumrudah and rahat al niffous farms at wilayat barka Tender No: 18/2013 Document Cost: RO920 Contact Oman Tender Board Muscat Oman PO Box 787/133 Al Khuwair Tel: (968) 24602652 Tenderom@Omantel.net.om Deadline: 06/05/2013

Design, Supply, Installation Integration, Configuration, Testing & Commissioning of Oman Unified Customer Management Portal for Oman Telecommunications Company (SAOC) Tender No: 16/2013 Document Cost: RO900 Contact Oman Tender Board Muscat Oman PO Box 787/133 Al Khuwair Tel: (968) 24602652 Tenderom@Omantel.net.om Deadline: 22/04/2013

Supply, Installation, Integration, Testing & Commissioning of Real Time Charging Solution for Oman Telecommunications Company (SAOC) Tender No: 15/2013 Document Cost: RO2000 Contact Oman Tender Board Muscat Oman PO Box 787/133 Al Khuwair Tel: (968) 24602652 Tenderom@Omantel.net.om Deadline: 22/04/2013

Supply, Installation, Integration, Testing & Commissioning of Omantel Billing & Invoicing Solution for Oman Telecommunications Company (SAOC) Tender No: 14/2013 Document Cost: RO500 Contact Oman Tender Board Muscat Oman PO Box 787/133 Al Khuwair Tel: (968) 24602652 Tenderom@Omantel.net.om Deadline: 22/04/2013

Engineering, Procurement & Construction of Second Over Head Line to Fahud Compressor Station Tender No: 12/2013 Document Cost: RO800 Contact Oman Tender Board Muscat Oman PO Box 787/133 Al Khuwair Tel: (968) 24602652 Tenderom@Omantel.net.om Deadline: 22/04/2013

QATAR Turnaround maintenance works within dukhan fields (fahahil plants and fsp) Tender No: GT13103400 Scope of Work Execution of Turnaround maintenance works as follows: Section A: FAHAHIL planned shutdown in January 2014. Section B: FSP planned shutdown in January 2014. The scope includes providing Project Management services, mobilization of resources, temporary site facilities, assisting shutting down & decontamination of the plant, carrying out all specified maintenance work, assisting commissioning & start-up, demobilisation Document Cost: QR500 Bid Bond: QR500,000 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212, Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000; Fax: (974) 4483 1125 www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 28/04/2013

Supply of ball valves (various sizes) for tie-in project Tender No: STC/ST13MT0066 Document Cost: QR100 Bid Bond: QR10,000 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212, Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000; Fax: (974) 4483 1125 www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 15/04/2013

Maintenance, upgrade and support of pipeline studio software Tender No: ST13101600 Scope of Work Maintenance, Upgrade and Support of Two (2) Gas + Two (2) Liquid Licenses of PIPELINE STUDIO SOFTWARE for five (5) years from the Effective date of the Contract Bid Bond: QR11,000 Contact Qatar Petroleum PO Box 3212, Doha, Qatar Tel: (974) 4440 2000; Fax: (974) 4483 1125 www.qp.com.qa Deadline: 15/04/2013

TENDERS

SAUDI ARABIA Neighbourhood centres in jalmudah, phase 2 Tender No: 750-C01 Scope of Work The scope of work of this project includes the procurement and construction of the following works in Jalmudah, Jubail Industrial City: Site preparation, earthworks, infrastructure, hardscape and landscaping of nine sites for construction of six neighbourhood centre mosque buildings with capacity of 320 prayers and three neighbourhood centre mosque buildings with capacity of 450 prayers . The scope of work shall include parking, sidewalks, site utilities, electricity, telecommunications, HVAC, Building Management System (BMS), fire detection and fire protection, and other related works.

Contact Royal Commission in Jubail and Yanbu Tel: (03) 341-4127/4163; Fax: (03) 341-2201 Deadline: 22/04/2013

UAE Supply of Pre-Filters, Pulse-Type Self-Cleaning Inlet Air Filters and Fine Filters for “L” Station Gas Turbines at Jebel Ali Tender No: 2051300011 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 07/04/2013

Civil Works for Installation and Commissioning of 11/33 KV Cables Tender No: 2131300014 Document Cost: AED1000 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 18/04/2013

Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of IT Network, Fiber Optic Cables and Accessories for Structured Cabling Works Tender No: 2121300018 Document Cost: AED200 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 18/04/2013

Supply, Installation and Commissioning of Mobile Oil Treatment Plant Tender No: 2211300012 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 21/04/2013

Supply and Commissioning of 2 X 1500KVA Diesel Generator Sets with Enclosure and All Wheel Drive Trucks Tender No: 2131300015 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 22/04/2013

Purchase of Heavy Vehicles and Vehicular Equipment Tender No: 2211300011 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 23/04/2013

Supply of Mini Distribution Pillars Tender No: 2051300009 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 24/04/2013

Supply, Install, Test & Commissioning of 200KVA Diesel Generator Sets including Accessories and Associated Civil and Electromechanical Works for Habab Pumping Station Phase Nos H5, H6 and Whoosh Well Field Power House No. W6, W7, W8, Nazwa & Margham Area Tender No: 2131200086 Document Cost: AED1000 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 29/04/2013

Consultancy Services for Reviewing & Upgrading Fire Protection Design Specification Tender No: 2421300012 Document Cost: AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 07/05/2013

Consultancy Services for DEWA R &D Centre’s Strategy and Implementation Roadmap Tender No: 2131300016 Document Cost; AED500 Contact Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Office of the Contracts Manager, Zabeel East, PO Box 564, Dubai Tel: (9714) 3244444 Fax: (9714) 3248111 Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae www.dewa.gov.ae Deadline: 20/05/2013

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28

ABU DHABI

ABU DHABI CITY LAUNCHES INVESTMENT, RECREATIONAL AND SERVICE PROJECTS The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City is braced for launching a host of property developments and service projects capable of bolstering the municipal assets in tourist, recreational and business fields.

The projects are set to be undertaken in partnership, cooperation and integration with the private sector under the Build, Operate & Transfer (BOT) model, without involving the allocation of any public funding for the implementation of these projects.

The projects comprise two parts: the first is related to the rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing municipal assets and examining the strategy of managing them; and the second is related to the launch of new investment projects as well as entertainment and service facilities.

The drive embodies the vision of Abu Dhabi Government aimed at supporting the comprehensive development drive, upgrading public facilities, and introducing new projects needed by the community in order to provide integrated modern services conforming to the highest international standards, besides bolstering the cooperation and integration links with the private sector.

The initiative has received support and patronage culminated in an endorsement accorded by the Executive Council of a number of submitted projects; which augers well for the start of a new era featuring the provision of modern services, and worldclass facilities in a hospitable investment environment capable of leveraging the development rates, and realising the vision of Abu Dhabi Government and its comprehensive future plan Abu Dhabi 2030.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City stated that it is aspiring to build a network of communal markets based on 3 in 1 concept through the private sector. These centres encompass three key elements i.e. Community Service Centre, Customers Service Centre, and suitable Retail Outlets.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has outlined a detailed plan identifying the social and economic benefits accruing from the instant development of retail, recreational and community service outlets in Abu Dhabi such that the project will encompass the construction of sports, educational and public service facilities geared to the communities within the Community Service Centre. Moreover, restaurants, cafes, and high-class recreational outlets are crucial components for the lifestyle of living residents, and the provision of integrated services linked to the community services.

A Master Plan has been developed for the Communal Markets throughout Abu Dhabi city and these projects have been divided into Community Centre and District Centre, depending on the population density as well as the scope and nature of services needed by residents. The Community Centre will serve around 6 to 10 thousand persons and the total floor area might hit 7,000 square meters. The District Centre will serve 30 to 40 thousand persons with a total floor area of up to 21 thousand square meters.

The Municipal Markets initiative illustrates the commitment of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City to improve the calibre of communal services and provide all he means enabling decent life to residents at the highest international standards.

Office spaces will be provided at some of these centres where possible targeting SMEs, startup companies and other creative concepts.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City stated that the plan envisaged the construction of 40 Communal Markets mostly located in the Mainland of Abu Dhabi city, and 8 projects have actually been tendered out of a targeted 40 projects and ready construction agreements have been submitted for six out of the eight projects.

The Municipality indicated that as part of projects endorsed by the Municipal Council is a service-investment project the first of its kind encompassing the construction of a series of rest houses on highways at worldclass standards and fitting them with superb services. Some of these rest house projects have been put out to auction and others will be auctioned off to investors from the private sector during this year.

The Rest Houses project involves multiple benefits in terms of serving the needs of road users, and easing the existing traffic issues through relocating the existing restaurants, which constitute a threat to the traffic safety, to the new project site when completed.

It will also provide attractive investment opportunities for a number of small enterprises which are privileged by the support of Khalifa Fund, generating a sustainable long-term income, and serving the Municipality’s objectives of improving highway services level.

The project will also enhance the standards of safety, health and quality of services, provide ample space for parking vehicles without impacting the traffic safety, improve the appearance of the public road and accordingly the city, enhance the shopping experience and consuming food in a healthy and safe environment, which in addition with create more job opportunities.

Emirates News Agency, WAM, 25/03/2013

GCC BANKS

GCC BANKING ASSETS AT $1.4 TRILLION The GCC banking sector continues to remain robust with assets increasing by 11% in 2012 to $1.47 trillion.

Higher energy prices and increased hydrocarbons production have provided for large public spending programmes, which, coupled with a pickup in construction and real estate activities, have driven growth in credit facilities. This has resulted in overall asset gains, according to QNB Group.

Credit facilities form the largest component of overall GCC banking sector assets and accounted for 58% of overall assets in 2012.

They alone grew by 14% in 2012 to $859 billion.

The GCC banking sector is characterised by a high concentration of local banks with the top 20 banks making up 66% of overall banking sector assets in 2012. QNB is the largest bank in the GCC with assets at $101 billion as at year-end 2012.

Among the GCC countries, Qatar, which accounted for 15% of total GCC banking assets in 2012, stood at the forefront of growth.

Credit facilities increased by 26% in 2012, pushing up banking sector assets by 18%. The public sector has been the key contributor to credit growth in Qatar.

Credit facilities to the public sector increased by an average of 43% over the past three years, which can mainly be attributed to bank financed public spending on infrastructure projects.

The real estate and construction sector was the second largest recipient of credit facilities in Qatar and grew by 10.5% in 2012 as growth in those sectors picked up.

The UAE still has the largest banking sector in the Gulf, accounting for 33% of overall GCC banking assets, with total assets at $489 billion as of November 2012. Credit facilities went up by 12% in 2012, supporting the expansion in total banking assets by 8%.

Loans to the construction sector form the largest portion of credit facilities in the UAE and after declining in 2010-11, started to pick up in 2012. Additionally, credit facilities to other major sectors, such as the public sector and wholesale trade, also increased.

Saudi Arabia has the second largest banking assets in the GCC at $462 billion. Credit facilities went up by 17% in 2012 as loans for trade and manufacturing grew.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s credit facilities grew by 4% in 2012, driven mainly by the increase in loans to the construction and real estate sector. Oman experienced strong growth in bank financing which went up by 14% in 2012 as personal and public sector loans increased.

The banking systems in the GCC region have remained relatively sound even with strong growth in the balance sheet of banks. This is mainly due to the good asset quality of GCC banks as the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio has remained low for the GCC region.

The NPL ratio for GCC banks stood at 4.5% for 2012, based on Bloomberg data.

Apart from traditional bank financing, corporate debt capital markets have also emerged as a good funding option for governments and corporates in the region.

While bank financing has traditionally been the preferred source of funding for GCC government and institutional borrowers, they have in recent years started to diversify their funding sources, through access to the capital/bond market.

In 2012, a total of 919 bonds were issued in the GCC amounting to $111 billion, according to data from Bloomberg. This is in comparison to the $107 billion in credit facilities that were granted by GCC banks. Even as bonds have emerged as an alternative, bank financing will remain as the primary source of funding for institutional and corporate borrowers, according to the QNB Group.

Islamic banking assets with commercial banks in the GCC reached $445 billion at the end of 2012, up from $390 billion in 2011, with the outlook for the industry remaining relatively positive in 2013, according to estimates by Ernst & Young’s Global Islamic Banking Centre.

The increase represents a 14% year-on-year growth, which is considerably lower than the five-year average of 19%. Qatar was the fastest growing market where Islamic banking assets are expected to have grown by more than 23% during 2012.

The news website Arabian Business has published a list of the top 50 banks in the GCC which can be found at: http://www.arabianbusiness.com/photos/ revealed-top-50-banks-in-gcc-487398. html?img=0 Sources: Arab News, 11/03/2013; 21/03/2013

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INSURANCE

STRONG OUTLOOK FOR MENA INSURANCE SECTOR Confidence in the future of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s insurance sector remains strong, according to a new report.

The first annual MENA Insurance Barometer published by Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority builds on the GCC Insurance Barometer, first released in 2012.

Thirty-five senior executives from international and regional insurers, reinsurers and brokers operating in the MENA region participated in the survey. Some 68% said that they expect MENA insurance premiums to grow faster than the region’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The MENA Insurance Barometer surveyed the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Levant and North Africa. The region has a population of more than 360 million people and generates a combined GDP of about $3.3 trillion, close to 5% of the world’s total. As an economic block the region ranks as the world’s fifth largest economy, almost matching Germany.

Between 2007 and 2011 real GDP grew at 4.2% per annum, well above the global average of 3.3%.

In 2011, the MENA insurance market was worth about $42 billion in annual premiums, up from $26 billion in 2007. Non-life markets, which accounted for $35 billion in 2011, grew at an average annual growth rate of 7.5%, while the life markets, accounting for $6.6 billion, expanded by 10.1% per annum, adjusted for inflation.

Insurance markets in the MENA region mirror the macroeconomic dynamics of the region as well as the market’s low insurance penetration - premiums account for just 1.3% of GDP, a fifth of the global average. However, this gap is narrowing as MENA insurance markets have outpaced GDP growth recently.

“In light of these strong economic fundamentals, it comes as no surprise that interviewees consider economic growth as the main strength of the MENA region. In addition, the young, growing and increasingly more affluent population is viewed as another key strength, along with the region’s low

catastrophe exposure, which contributes to risk diversification strategies pursued by international insurers and reinsurers,” the study noted.

In terms of weaknesses, the barometer confirms that the MENA insurance markets are characterised by fierce competition and an abundance of reinsurance capacity, putting pressure on technical results and driving up acquisition costs.

Furthermore, insurance regulations are still perceived as inadequate by the majority of survey participants (56%). In particular, a lack of consistency in supervisory oversight across the region is criticized.

The MENA region’s low insurance penetration is perceived as a major opportunity. Given the average GDP per capita the region’s penetration levels should be significantly higher. Therefore, personal lines are expected to benefit most from the rising affluence of the population, supported by compulsory schemes, for example in medical insurance. In terms of threats, geopolitical risks rank highest with the barometer’s interviewees, followed by continued pressure on rates and a further erosion of profitability.

The barometer also found that only a minority (36%) of respondents expects the MENA insurance market to consolidate over the next 12 months as average levels of capitalisation are solid and cultural reasons remain a major obstacle to mergers and acquisitions.

Further, some 50% of interviewees expect that foreign insurers will gain market share over the next two years, on the back of superior customer focus, distribution know-how and technical skills.

The prospects of takaful insurance are viewed critically. Only 38% of respondents expect this market segment to outgrow total insurance premiums. Business models for Takaful insurance are believed to be in need of a thorough review.

Shashank Srivastava, CEO and Board Member of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority, commented: “The MENA region exhibits above average GDP growth, even faster insurance premium growth, a young and rising population, low levels of insurance penetration and, in most countries, a rather limited natural catastrophe exposure. In sum, the MENA region is an attractive emerging insurance market which any aspiring international or regional insurer and reinsurer should have on its strategic agenda.”

Akshay Randeva, Director Strategic Development of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority, added: “The MENA Insurance Barometer is our fourth regular survey of the insurance and reinsurance markets, first covering the Gulf countries and now the wider MENA region.

“The study highlights the tremendous growth dynamics as well as the multi-faceted opportunities and challenges presented by MENA insurance markets. It provides some key market data and intelligence and is designed to help improve the transparency of the sector and facilitate more robust decision-making.”

The full report can be found in the Qatar Financial Centre Authority website: http://www.qfc.com.qa/en-US/Media-center/ Publications/Reports.aspx

BUSINESS EVENTS

BUSINESS EVENTS, TRADE FAIRS AND CONFERENCES Libya Trade Day: New Economic Landscape An exclusive one-day conference hosted by the ABCC, in partnership with the Embassy of Libya, UK Trade & Investment, and the Federation of Libyan Chambers of Commerce

10 April 2013 UKTI headquarters, 1 Victoria Street, Westminster, London Contact Arab-British Chamber of Commerce http://www.abcc.org.uk/Registration-LTD http://www.abcc.org.uk/Events The London Book Fair

15-17 April 2013 Earls Court, London Contact The London Book Fair Team Tel: +44(0)20 8271 2124 Email: lbf.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk www.londonbookfair.co.uk/ The Internet Show 2013

16-17 April 2013 Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE Contact Tel: +971 4 440 2500 Cityscape Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi’s only international real estate event

16-18 April 2013 Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE Contact Iman Eissa, Conference Manager Tel: +971 4 407 2756 Fax: +971 4 335 1891 Email: iman.eissa@informa.com Partnerships and Franchising Madinat Arena

Dubai, United Arab Emirates 17 - 18 April 2013 Contact Terrapinn Middle East Fz Llc P O Box 502685 Dubai Media City Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: + (+971)-(4)-4402518 hwww.terrapinn.com/events/middle-east Cold and Hot Beverage International Exhibition (CHBIX) 2013

17-19 April 2013 Amman Hall, Al-Hussein Youth City, Jordan Contact IP Co PO Box 143657 Amman 11814 Jordan Email:info@promoters-jordan.com Fax: 00 962 6 5824569 http://www.promoters-jordan.com

Middle East Engineering Procurement Construction Conference 2013

22 - 23 April 2013 Le Royal Meridien, Abu Dhabi, UAE Contact Meghana Vyas Email: m.vyas@cerebralbusiness.com Tel: +91 95409 91022 http://www.cerebralbusiness.com/epcmiddleeast/

Project Qatar 2013 10th International construction, building, environmental technology and materials exhibition

6-9 May 2013 Doha Exhibition Centre, Qatar Contact Al Sraiya Group building Ibn Seena Street, Al Muntazah Area, PO Box 22376, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44325693 Email: info@ifpqatar.com www.projectqatar.com Future Bank Middle East 2013 Innovation, Technology and Customer Experience for Retail Banks

24 April 2013 The Ballroom, The Dorchester Hotel, London Contact Will Anderson Tel: 020 7904 9005 Email: wanderson@majoreventsint.com www.bahrainbusinessforum.co.uk

14-15 May 2013 Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE Contact Terrapinn Middle East Fz Llc P O Box 502685 Dubai Media City Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4440 2500 Fax: +971 4445 8475 enquiry.me@terrapinn.com http://www.terrapinn.com/conference/ future-bank-middle-east/contact-us.stm

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The Mobile Show Middle East

24-29 April 2013 ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE Contact KITAB National Library Building, Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 2 6576180 Fax: +971 (0) 2 643 30 17 Email: info@adbookfair.com www.adbookfair.com

14-15 May 2013 DICE, Dubai, UAE Contact Terrapinn Middle East Tel: +971 4440 2500 enquiry.me@terrapinn.com www.terrapinn.com

Bahrain-UK Business Forum

Dubai International Property Show 2013 Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

30 April - 2 May 2013 Contact Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions PO Box 10161 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: + 971 4 39 23232 Fax: + 971 4 39 23332 Email: info@strategic.ae http://www.internationalpropertyshow.ae/ contact.php Arabian Travel Market

6-9 May 2013 Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE Contact Sula Riedlinger Tel: +44 208 271 2158 Fax: +44 208 334 0740 Email: arabian.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk

Solar Maghreb Conference

21-22 May 2013 Casablanca, Morocco Contact Green Power Conferences Email: samantha.coleman@ greenpowerconferences.com www.greenpowerconferences.com/GSEC Putting a Roof over Britain: The Future of Housing in the UK Policy Briefing

Wednesday 22 May 2013 Central London Contact Policy Knowledge Email: info@policy-knowledge.com Tel: 0845 647 7000

Iraq Energy 2013/2014: Opportunities for UAE-Iraq Cooperation

22-24 May 2013 Abu Dhabi, UAE Contact Jinanda Sheth Portfolio Director – Middle East The Energy Exchange World Refining Association Tel: 00 971 4 450 8628 Email: j.sheth@theenergyexchange.co.uk www.theenergyexchange.co.uk/iraqenergy

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