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AUSTRO-ARAB TRADE DIRECTORY 2011 A-1010 Vienna, Lobkowitzplatz 1/15 Tel.: +43 /513 39 65 Fax: +43 /513 85 59 E-Mail: [email protected] www.aacc.at Acknowledgement The AACC would like to acknowledge the patronage and support of its Vice-President KommR Nabil Kuzbari, who did not give up on the idea of this Trade Directory and kept motivating the AACC to finalize it. The AACC would also like to extend its very special appreciation to the Arab German Chamber of Commerce and Industry “GHORFA” and its Secretary General Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi, whose continued support and cooperation are highly valued. IMPRINT Owner & Editor Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Lobkowitzplatz 1/15 A-1010 Vienna T: +43 (0)1 513 39 65 F: +43 (0)1 513 85 59 E: [email protected] W: www.aacc.at Responsible for the content DI Mouddar KHOUJA, Secretary General AACC Design Bernsteiner Design Department Print Bernsteiner Druckservice Ges.m.b.H Copyright of Images AACC, IStock, Fotolia, Getty Images The information in this publication is based on carefully selected and public sources considered as reliable. The AACC does not make any representation as to its accuracy or completeness. The AACC does not assume liability for the use of this publication or its contents. CONTENT PREAMBLES Foreword 5 MEMBER DIRECTORY Addresses of Members Chemical Products Culture and Art Drinks and Tobacco Engines / Vehicles Fuel and Energy Manufactured Goods Nutrition Other Manufactured Goods Raw Materials Services Members A-Z Members/Countries 7 8 12 13 14 19 20 24 26 32 33 52 56 INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS List of Arab Embassies in Austria List of Austrian Embassies in Arab Countries Austrian Trade Commissions in Arab Countries Addresses of Joint Arab-Foreign Chambers Addresses of Federations & Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in the Arab Countries Index 67 69 70 73 77 80 COUNTRY PROFILES Algeria Bahrain Comoros Djibouti Egypt Iraq Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya Mauritania Morocco Oman Palestine Qatar Saudi Arabia Somalia Sudan Syria Tunisia United Arab Emirates Yemen 94 98 102 106 110 114 118 122 126 130 134 140 144 148 152 156 160 164 168 172 176 180 AUSTRO-ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (AACC) ÖSTERREICHISCH-ARABISCHE HANDELSKAMMER SERVICE – INFORMATION – NETWORKING AACC – YOUR STRATEGIC BUSINESS PARTNER FOR AUSTRO-ARAB ECONOMY & TRADE! SERVICE /HJDOLVDWLRQVDQGWUDQVODWLRQVRIWUDGHGRFXPHQWVDQGRWKHUV 6SHFLDOLVHGEDFNJURXQGLQVLGHULQIRUPDWLRQRQ$XVWUR$UDEWUDGH &RQWDFWUHODWLRQVWRRYHU$$&&PHPEHUVFRRSHUDWLRQSDUWQHUVDQGSDUWQHULQVWLWXWLRQV INFORMATION (1HZVOHWWHU $$&&(FRQRPLF0DJD]LQHÅ6KDUDND´ 7HQGHUVDFWLYLWLHVHYHQWV NETWORKING ,QLWLDWLRQHVWDEOLVKPHQWRIFRQWDFWWRNH\SHUVRQVDQGSOD\HUV 6XSSRUWOREE\LQJDWRIILFLDOLQVWLWXWLRQV 1HWZRUNLQJWKURXJKHYHQWVDFWLYLWLHV &RRSHUDWLRQZLWK$UDE(PEDVVLHVLQ$XVWULD*HQHUDO8QLRQRI$UDE&KDPEHUVRI&RPPHUFH,QGXVWU\ Arab Joint Chambers, WKO/AWO, OPEC, OFID and many more… COUNTRIES $XVWULD$OJHULD%DKUDLQ&RPRURV'MLERXWL(J\SW,UDT-RUGDQ.XZDLW/HEDQRQ/LE\D0DXULWDQLD Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen &RXQWULHVRIWKH$UDE-RLQW&KDPEHUV CONTACT Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) / Österreichisch-Arabische Handelskammer Lobkowitzplatz 1/15, Postfach 181, A-1015 Vienna T: +43 (0)1 513 39 65 ; F: +43 (0)1 513 85 59 E: [email protected] ; W: www.aacc.at FOREWORD It is with great pleasure that the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce presents its first issue of the Trade Directory. As a service provider with special focus on small and medium sized companies and with the experience of over 20 years in the economies of both, Austria and the Arab World, we have decided to create one more tool for our members and other interested partners within our network. The conceptual design of the directory is to provide an overview on relevant facts and information in a literally handy format. In a brief, yet comprehensive form the directory contains company profiles including contact data of our members, as well as all Arab joint and regional chambers. Since business can never be isolated from regional conditions, country profiles of all 22 Arab countries are included. Covering basic information as well as more specific aspects of each respective country they represent a vital part of the directory. We hope that this directory serves your needs and aspirations in doing business with the Arab countries and vice versa. Dkfm. Dr. Herbert STEPIC KommR. Nabil Kuzbari President Vice President Dipl.-Ing. Mouddar Khouja Secretary General 5 6 MEMBER DIRECTORY MEMBERS OF THE AUSTRO-ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Abiothrin HandelsgmbH AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GMBH Activities: Insecticide products & researchRare Earths Activities: Chemical productions Special Products: Persalts, bleach for detergents a) Sodium Perborates (monohydrate and tetrahydrate) b) Sodium Percarbonate (crystallized and spray granulated) Arabic Countries where active: Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya Details: Josef-Mayburger Kai 36 / A-5020 Saltburg Tel.: 0043 (0)662 / 629462 Fax: 0043 (0)662 / 629462 - 50 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.abiothrin.at Contact: Mr. Martin Mörth Details: Auer von Welsbachstr. 1 / A-9330 Althofen Tel.: 0043 (0)4262 / 505 - 585 Fax: 0043 (0)4262 / 505 - 406 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.treibacher.com Contact: Mr. Alois Wachmann (Managing Director) 7 CHEMICAL PRODUCTS ALPHA – Aleppo Pharmaceutical Industries Borealis AG Activities: Manufacturing and producing human pharmaceutical specialitities Arabic Countries where active: Syria Activities: Provides plastic materials for the infrastructure, automotive and advanced packaging industries, markets Special Products: Borstar technology Details: PO Box 517 Baron Str. 6 / Aleppo, Syria Tel.: 00963 / 21 / 212 2525 Fax: 00963 / 21 / 212 2626 E-Mail: [email protected] – [email protected] Internet: www.alpha-syria.com Contact: Mr. Ahmad Al-Chihabi Details: Wagramer Str. 17-19 / A-1220 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 22 400 300 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 22 400 333 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.borealisgroup.com Contact: Mr. Henry Sperle Al Matin Group for trade and industry Chemson Polymere-Additive AG Activities: Manufacturing polypropylene and polyethy-lene packaging and building products Special Products: P.P woven sacks, P.P jumbo bags, P.E sheets, striping tapes, P.E films, Pipes, GRP, P.E pipes, aluminium composite panels Arabic Countries where active: Syria Activities: Manufacture and distribution of additives for various industries Special Products: PVC and glass additives, PVC tube systems, boards, cables, lubricants, metal carboxylate and lead oxid Details: PO Box 1191 / Homs, Syria 00963 / 31 / 21 33 092 / 3 / 4 / 5 Tel.: Fax: 00963 / 31 / 21 33 091 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.almatin.com Contact: Ms. Nahla Hazim 8 Details: Industriestr. 19 / A-9601 Arnoldstein 0043 / 4255 / 2226 Tel.: Fax: 0043 / 4255 / 42040 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.chemson.com Contact: Mr. Alexander Peyker Members of AACC CHEMICAL PRODUCTS EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG GABRIEL CHEMIE GmbH Activities: Production of medical & pharmaceutical products Special Products: Oncology (cancer treatment), immunology. Alexan, calciumfolinat, epirubicin Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Yemen, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq Activities: Colouring and refining of plastics Special Products: Colouring food packaging, cosmetics packaging, agriculture & construction, lifestyle Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and UAE Details: Industriestr. 1 / A-2352 Gumpoldskirchen 0043 (0)2252 / 636-30 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)2252 / 636-60 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.gabriel-chemie.com Contact: Mr. Haygaser Apkan EVER Neuro Pharma GmbH G.L. Pharma Activities: Development, production, marketing & sales of innovative, safe and effective drug products for the treatment of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases Arabic Countries where active: Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria Activities: Production of medical & pharmaceutical products Special Products: Tablets, capsules, syrups, creams, suppositories, X-ray, MRI Details: Oberburgau 3 / A-4866 Unterach 0043 (0)7665 / 20 555-0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)7665 / 20 555-910 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.everneuropharma.com Contact: Mr. Michael Marijadi Details: Arnethstr. 3 / A-1160 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 485 35 05 191 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 485 77 73 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.gerot.co.at Contact: Mr. Andreas Vogelsinger Members Details: Mondseestr. 11 / A-4866 Unterach am Attersee Tel.: 0043 (0)7665 / 8123 101 Fax: 0043 (0)7665 / 8132 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.ebewe.at Contact: Mr. Salim Sabbagh 9 CHEMICAL PRODUCTS GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH IASON GmbH Activities: Producer of medical commodities Special Products: Vacuette® evacuated blood collection tubes, Vacuette® blood collection accessories, Vacuette® blood collection safety products, as well pipette tips, petri dishes, test tubes … Arabic Countries where active: All Activities: Production of radioactive pharmaceuticals, delivers products to the nuclear and labour medicine markets Special Products: IASON Gladiator, EIASON Tg Ca Details: Bad Haller Strawe 32 / A-4550 Kremsmünster Tel.: 0043 (0)7583 / 67 91 139 Fax: 0043 (0)7583 / 63 18 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.gbo.com Contact: Mr. Thomas Gotthartsleitner Mag. Hoeveler & Co GmbH Katharina Hallal GmbH Activities: Production and sale of pharmaceutical, dietetic and dental products Special Products: Planta lax tea; fittydent (adhesive cream) Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and UAE Activities: Plastics production Special Products: PVC compounds, PVC fittings, EPS expandable Arabic Countries where active: Egypt Details: Moosham 40 / A-4943 Geinberg 0043 (0)7723 / 423 05 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)7723 / 423 05 -15 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.mag-hoeveler.at Contact: Mr. Robert von Nagy 10 Details: Feldkirchnerstr. 4 / A-8054 Graz-Seiersberg 0043 (0)316 / 284 300 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)316 / 284 300 - 14 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.iason.eu Contact: Mr. Christoph Artner Details: Ungargasse 71/2/2 / A-1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)718 / 4182 Fax: 0043 (0)718 / 4182-18 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.hallal.net Contact: Ms. Katharina Hallal Members of AACC CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Onkotec GmbH Activities: Manufacturer of Pharmaceutical products Special Products: Monoclonal Antibody Erbitux®, Rebif, Seven Seas, JointCare, Kytta, RonaCare® Ectoin Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia Ativities: Biotechnology and mobile diagnostic systems Special Products: Noninvasive diagnostics and gadgets for research and development Mikro-Mineral GMBH Sandoz GmbH Activities: Production of fertilizers Special Products: Herbagreen, Herbaland, Animamineral, Phosgrow, Phosphocal Activities: Manufacturer of pharmaceutical and biotechnological substances Special Products: Noninvasive diagnostics and gadgets for research and development Details: Bahnhofstr. 53 / A-7471 Rechnitz 0043 (0)3363 / 79 238 21 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)3363 / 79 238 22 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: http://www.mikro-mineral.com Contact: Dr. Peter Ost Details: Biochemiestr. 10 / A-6250 Kundl 0043 (0)5338 / 200 642 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)5338 / 200 450 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.sandoz.at Contact: Mr. Harald Pöll Members Details: Hösslgasse 20 / A-9800 Spittal/Drau Tel.: 0043 (0)4762 / 5151 146 Fax: 0043 (0)4762 / 5151 22 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.merck.at Contact: Ms. Sonja Holzer Details: Vestenötting 1 / A-3830 Waidhofen/Thaya Tel.: 0043 (0)676 / 836 25 300 Fax: 0043 (0)2842 / 533 19 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.onkotec.eu Contact: Mr. Alex Chiari (CEO) 11 CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH Activities: Manufacturer of medical and pharmaceutical products Special Products: Eucarbon, Biocarbon, Migradon, Eucarvet Arabic Countries where active: Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Mauritania Activities: Manufacturer of medical and pharmaceutical products Special Products: Fel-O-Vax FIV (Immunodeficiency Virus), Robitussin Flu Alert, Advil Arabic Countries where active: Egypt, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen Details: Goldegggasse 5 / A-1040 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 505 0341 (0)11 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 505 03 41 31 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.eucarbon.at Contact: Ms. Ursula Duschanek Details: Storchengasse 1 / A-1150 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 89 114 -0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 89 114 -600 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.wyeth.com Contact: Mr. Luciano De Portu CULTURE AND ART Traude Fritz Ing. Pablo Spitzer Activities: Music, Singing Special Products: Religious and baroque music, aria, antique, Mozart, Schubert, chants Activities: Painting Special Products: Airbrush paintings Details: Wiedner Hauptstr. 61/6 / A-1040 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 767 31 70 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 767 31 70 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.traudl.com Contact: Ms. Traudl Fritz Atelier Mag. Art. Herger Helga Activities: Painting Special Products: Oil portraits (plants, eyes) Details: PO Box 24, Lindauergasse 36 / A-1238 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 888 20 23 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 888 20 23 Internet: www.helga-herger.com Contact: Ms. Helga Herger 12 Details: Gudrunstr. 9/1-6 / A-1100 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 602 5292 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 602 5292 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.pablo-spitzer.com Contact: Mr. Pablo Spitzer Members of AACC DRINKS AND TOBACCO POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Red Bull GmbH Activities: Producer of energy drinks Special Products: Power Horse Bottle Energy Drink, Power Horse Sugarfree, Power Horse Energy Drink Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, Yemen Activities: Drinks producer Special Products: Energy Drink Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and UAE Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Ybbstaler Fruit Austria GmbH Activities: Drinks producer Special Products: Juices (grape, passionfruit, mango, pear, apple, orange, rhubarb, 100% lemon), ice teas, iIsotonic sports drinks, apple vinegar, RTD iced coffees (Cafemio Cappuccino, Cafemio Macchiato) Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen Activities: Drinks producer Special Products: Fruit juice concentrate, beverage compounds Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE Details: Langgasse 1 / A-6830 Rankweil 0043 (0)5522 / 401 - 0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)5522 / 401 - 3 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.rauch.cc Contact: Mr. Harald Tschemernjak Details: Kroellendorf 45 / A-3365 Allhartsberg Tel.: 0043 (0)7448 / 2304 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)7448 / 2304 - 900 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ybbstaler.at Contact: Mr. Franz Kapshammer Members Details: Fiedlerstr. 10 / A-4041 Linz Tel.: 0043 (0)732 / 7097 - 180 Fax: 0043 (0)732 / 738 107 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.power-horse.com Contact: Mr. Thomas Königsbauer Details: Am Brunnen 1 / A-5330 Fuschl am See Tel.: 0043 (0)662 / 6582 7595 Fax: 0043 (0)662 / 6580 7040 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.redbull.com Contact: Mr. Rejane Hervy 13 ENGINES, VEHICLES 14 DCC – Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH & Co KG Fritz Baumaschinen GmbH & Co KG Activities: Supplies cable propelled transit (CPT) systems Special Products: 5 possible train set system configurations: Single Shuttle, Double Shuttle, Bypass, Pinched Loop, Circular Loop Arabic Countries where active: Qatar Activities: Machinery – producer & trader Special Products: Motors, hydraulic machines, axes, spare parts, gearboxes, compressor, construction vehicles and machinery Arabic Countries where active: Syria Details: P.O.Box 6 Holzriedstr. 29 / A-6961 Wolfurt Tel.: 0043 (0)5574 / 604 -1245 Fax: 0043 (0)5574 / 604 -1231 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.dcc.at Contact: Mr. Stephan Wabnegger Details: Bahnhofstr. 29a/25 / A-4481 Asten Tel.: 0043 (0)7224 / 672 82 Fax: 0043 (0)7224 / 672 86 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.fritz-baumaschinen.at Contact: Mr. Gerhard Fritz Elin Wasserwerkstechnik Gesellschaft m.b.H. GE. Energy Jenbacher GmbH & Co OHG Activities: Water pumps, meters, tools and other water related machines – Producer & Trader Special Products: Watermeters for flats, houses and big water meters, heat detecting meter, magnetic inductive meter, ultrasound meter Activities: Leading edge energy systems, consulting, maintenance and upgrade services Special Products: Gas engine based generator sets and CHP plants, driven by natural gas or bio and special gases Details: Hainburgerstr. 33 / A-1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 716 70 - 28 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 716 70 - 99 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ewt.at Contact: Mr. Michael Schwarzmann Details: Achenseestr. 1-3 / A-6200 Jenbach 0043 (0)1 / 5244 600 - 0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 5244 600 - 527 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ge.com/at Contact: Mr. Wolfgang Berger Members of AACC ENGINES, VEHICLES Hörbiger Kompressortechnik GmbH ISAB Industrieanlagenbau Ges.m.b.H. Activities: Compressor and pump solutions, engine solutions, integrated service solutions, drive technology Activities: Supply as well as import/export of various types of industrial equipment Special Products: Casting plants, electric motors, generators and converters, power generators for tractors, railway track machinery, equipment and tools, equipment for scrap industry, scrap shear, scrap press Arabic Countries where active: Egypt, Syria, Yemen Details: Karl Borromäusplatz 1/3-4 / A-1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 713 39 39 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 713 39 39 - 31 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: N/A Contact: Mr. Ivan Sandurkov Innovation und Technik GmbH Khwanda Group Activities: Planning, construction and operation of landfill sites and waste recycling facilities, Creation of waste management concepts, management of waste recycling facilities Special Products: Remediation of existing landfill sites, landfill sites with/without gas extraction, refuse derived fuel production (RDF), biological treatment of organic waste, production of alternative, renewable energy Arabic Countries where active: UAE Activities: Distributor of cars and spare parts and maintenance, car rental, distributor of agricultural products, storage of fruit crops, olive derivatives producer, restaurants, money transfers Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, UAE Details: Werksstr. 21 / A-2824 Seebenstein Tel.: 0043 (0)2627 / 83 111 Fax: 0043 (0)2627 / 83 111 - 4 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.theiutgroup.com Contact: Mr. Reinhard Göschl Details: PO Box 4844 / Damascus, Syria 00963 / 11 / 33 11 902 Tel.: Fax: 00963 / 11 / 33 11 903 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.khwandagroup.com Contact: Mr. Karim Khwanda Members Details: Donau City Str. 1 / A-1220 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 22440-370 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 2240991 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.hoerbiger.com Contact: Mr. Gerhard Hemetsberger 15 ENGINES, VEHICLES Leitz GesmbH & Co KG Omicron Electronics GmbH Activities: Tools used in wood and plastics processing, consulting, engineering, wood building, furniture production, board processing, machine manufacturers, window & door products, interior engineering Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, UAE Activities: Electronics, measuring, testing and inspection equipment – Producer & Traders Special Products: Power system testing, creative software solutions for automated testing and documentation capabilities, protection relays, energy meters, transducers, PQ analyzers Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, Yemen Details: Leitzstr. 80 / A-4752 Riedau 0043 (0)7764 / 8200 - 0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)7764 / 8200 - 111 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.leitz.org Contact: Mr. Thomas Höchtel LIEBHERR-Werk Nenzing GmbH Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH Activities: Manufacturer of lifting cranes and cargo handling equipment for the maritime industry, the extracting and transhipment industry, in the fields of demolition and recycling as well as for foundation and special deep foundation works Special Products: Ship cranes, offshore cranes, mobile harbour cranes and reachstackers, universal duty cycle crawler cranes, lift cranes, foundation equipment Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE Activities: Manufacturer Special Products: Permanent way machinery Arabic Countries where active: All Details: Dr. Hans Liebherr Str. 1 / A-6710 Nenzing 0043 (0)50809 / 41-0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)50809 / 41-500 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.liebherr.com Contact: Mr. Kurt Rudigier 16 Details: Oberes Ried 1 / A-6833 Klaus Tel.: 0043 (0)5523 / 507 - 141 Fax: 0043 (0)5523 / 507 - 9999 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.omicron.at Contact: Mr. Peter Hosp Details: Johannesgasse 3 / A-1010 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 515720 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 5131801 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.plassertheurer.com Contact: Mr. Gerhard Moor Members of AACC ENGINES, VEHICLES Spitzwieser Sport & Sondermotoren e.U. Ti-Tella Handelsgesellschaft mbH Activities: High performance sports cars and components, high performance internal combustion engine components, significant contemporary technologies – producer & trader Special Products: Development, manufacture, distribution and service of high performance sports cars, SSS sports cars from the bare chassis, refinement and performance upgrades, preparation for racing purposes, development, manufacture, distribution and service of high performance internal combustion engines, engine performance upgrades for road cars, prototype engines, preparation of racing engines, recreation of rare engine components, surface treatments and coatings Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE Activities: Production and installation of vacuum units and systems Special Products: Industrial vacuum cleaners, central vacuum installation, mobile suction devices, dust collectors, oil mist separators, crushing units, splinter management Arabic Countries where active: Syria Trade Line Machinery Tiger 1 Co. Activities: Consultancy services and supplying heavy machinery such as cranes Arabic Countries where active: Syria Details: Akram Str. 21 / Mazah, Damascus Tel.: 00963 / 11 / 6110488 Fax: 00963 / 11 / 6130414 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.tiger1me.com Contact: Mr. Ziad Tayara Members Details: Industriezeile 54 / A-5280 Braunau am Inn Tel.: 0043 (0)7722 / 64 368 Fax: 0043 (0)7722 / 64 368 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.spitzwieser.com Contact: Mr. Wolfgang Spitzwieser Details: Linzer Str. 1 / A-3003 Gablitz Tel.: 0043 (0)2231 / 6644 – 6 Fax: 0043 (0)2231 / 6644 – 750 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ti-tella.at Contact: Mr. Johannes Mayrl Activities: Machinery trader, surplus & second hand equipment for pulp & paper industry Special Products: Pulper and slushing machine cleaner, refiner and deflaker screen and coarse screen, thickener and washer pumps and vacuum pumps, paper machines, board machines, parts of paper and board machines, various converting machines, laboratory equipment dewatering machines, boiler and turbines valves, slitter rewinder sheet cutter; Hermas International Trading(Jordan), Oubary (Lebanon) Details: Bahnhofstr. 29a/25 / A-4810 Gmunden Tel.: 0043 (0)7612 / 715 08 Fax: 0043 (0)7612 / 711 36 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.tradelinemachinery.com Contact: Mr. Christian Gruber 17 ENGINES, VEHICLES TUMA PUMPENSYSTEME GMBH UNTHA shredding technology Activities: Water pumps and related engineering; producer & trader Special Products: Lobe pump unit, custom made units, vacuum drying unit, vacuum degassing unit, oil drying unit, vacuum fish unloading unit, boiler feed unit, vacuum unit with frequency controller, central vacuum SPECK, septic tank suction, vacuum sewage collection container Activities: Shredding technology – producer & trader Special Products: Four-shaft shredders, two-shaft shredders, single-shaft shredders Arabic Countries where active: Lebanon, Syria Details: Eitnergasse 12 / A-1230 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 914 9340 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 914 1446 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.tumapumpen.at Contact: Ms. Caroline Tuma 18 Details: Moldanstr. 141 / A-5431 Kuchl/Saltburg 0043 (0)6244 / 7016 - 537 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)6244 / 7016 - 1 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.untha.com Contact: Mr. Daniel Wresnik Members of AACC FUEL AND ENERGY AGT Management & Engineering AG OMV Aktiengesellschaft Activities: Converting waste materials into electricity or synthetic gas, fuels and constructing the conversion plants Special Products: Electricity produced from used tyres, industrial waste, sewage sludge, solid waste, biomass Arabic Countries where active: Saudi Arabia Activities: Crude oil and products; producer & trader Special Products: Exploration & production, gas & power, refining & marketing, petroleum, hydrogen, sulphur Arabic Countries where active: Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen Geosat Technology Limited Activities: Oil and natural gas exploration Details: Leobersdorferstr. 42 / A-2560 Berndorf Tel.: 0043 (0)2672 / 819 759 - 60 Fax: 0043 (0)40 440 / 6 21 664 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.geosat.info Contact: Mr. Michael Mumelter Details: Trabrennstr. 6-8 / A-1020 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)40 440 / 21 664 Fax: 0043 (0)40 440 / 6 21 664 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.omv.com Contact: Ms. Daniela Auer Members Details: Lederergasse 3 / A-4861 Schöfling 0043 (0)7662 / 48 48 - 16 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)7662 / 48 48 - 12 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.agt-world.com Contact: Mr. Manfred Lenzi 19 MANUFACTURED GOODS Böhler International GmbH F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Activities: Export sales of high grade special steel products from Bohler Edelstahl GmbH Special Products: Tool steels, high speed steel, powder material etc. Arabic Countries where active: Businesses in Bahrain, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Yemen; also active in: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE Activities: Trading of steel and all kinds of steel-products, chemicals, paper & agro-commodities Special Products: Plastics and industrial chemicals, newsprint paper, grains Arabic Countries where active: All Details: Norwestbahnstr. 12-14 / A-1201 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 33 143 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 37 419 00 110 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.bohler-international.com Contact: Mr. Kilian Wagner 20 Details: Am Heumarkt 11 / A-1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 797 36 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 797 36 230 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.elsner.at Contact: Dr. Siegfried Purrer EOOS GmbH IMET Handelsgesellschaft Activities: Insulation company with an entire range of services in the fields of heat, cold, noise and fire protection Arabic Countries where active: UAE Activities: Wholesale of raw materials, fertilizers and agricultural products, sea and river transport services Special Products: Phosphate rock, TSP, SSP, wheat, yellow corn Details: Flossland 38 / A-8720 Knittelfeld Tel.: 0043 (0)3512 / 49 475 Fax: 0043 (0)3512 / 49 642 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.eoosgmbh.com Contact: Mrs. Martina Hartensteiner Details: Börsegasse 11/166 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 513 78 67 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 513 78 67 -92 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: N/A Contact: Mr. Wolfgang Haderer Members of AACC MANUFACTURED GOODS Khalil Sara Establishment OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Activities: Textiles (wool and carpets), wine, spirits, and food products (cheese); producer & trader Arabic Countries where active: Syria Activities: Egg packaging products and egg marketing services Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE Contact: Mr. Khalil Sara Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH Activities: Paper products; producer & trader Special Products: Recycled containerboard, industrial bags, uncoated fine paper Arabic Countries where active: Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen Details: Kelsenstr. 7 / A-1032 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 795 06 5728 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 790 13 74 5728 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.mondigroup.com Contact: Mr. Martin Scheibmeir Details: Ricoweg 28 / A-2351 Wr. Neudorf Tel.: 0043 (0)2236 / 61 928 - 19 Fax: 0043 (0)2236 / 62 741 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ovotherm.com Contact: Ms. Gertraud Vimetal Papierfabrik Wattens GmbH & Co KG Activities: Special paper products Special Products: Cigarette and plug wrap paper Arabic Countries where active: Jordan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen Details: Ludwig-Lassl-Str. 15 / A-6112 Wattens 0043 (0)5224 / 595 - 0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)5224 / 595 - 250 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.delfortgroup.com Contact: Mr. Thomas Janisch Members Details: PO Box 10242 / Damascus, Syria 00963 / 11 / 331 2159 Tel.: Fax: 00963 / 11 / 331 2158 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: N/A 21 MANUFACTURED GOODS Ramses Zwei GmbH ROXCEL HandelsgesmbH Activities: Real Estate, agriculture and wood products (mainly from Romania); producer & trader Activities: Paper and packaging products Special Products: Cigarette paper, grease and waterproof paper, carbonless paper, coated and uncoated wood free paper, aluminium laminated paper, toilet tissue paper white & coloured, MG bleached sulphite/sulphate Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Jordan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen Details: Universitätsstr. 4 TOP 7 / A-1090 Vienna 0043 (0)664 / 5478320 Tel.: E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: N/A Contact: Mr. Bernhard Knorr RHI AG Activities: Refractories from various materials – producer & trader Special Products: Steel, cement, lime, non-ferrous, glass, enviro-energy chemistry, ceramics, raw materials Arabic Countries where active: Jordan, Libya, Oman, Syria, UAE, Yemen Details: Wienerbergstr. 11 / A-1100 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 50 213 - 0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 50 213 - 6213 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.rhi-ag.com Contact: Dr. Dieter Siegel 22 Details: Thurngasse 10 / A-1090 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 401 56 (0)162 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 401 56 / 7100 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.roxcel.com Contact: Ms. Elfriede Mühlhauser Stora Enso Timber AG Activities: Wood and paper products Special Products: Variety of paper (includes office papers and publication papers), packaging, graphic products, market pulp, and wood products Details: Brand 44 / A-3531 Tel.: 0043 (0)2826 / 7001 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)2826 / 7001 - 2390 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.storaenso.com Contact: Dr. Silvio Butalja Members of AACC MANUFACTURED GOODS VA Intertrading AG VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. Activities: Trading in steel products, food products, pharmaceutical products, chemical products, specialized countertrade; transportation & logistics services Activities: Trade & export – paper & board products Special Products: Road marking material, traffic system solutions, traffic lights, highway and tunnel guidance systems, parking guidance, state-of-the-art traffic telematic software and communication solutions Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE Details: Kärntner Ring 4 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1/ 501 51 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1/ 501 51 - 1 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.vimpex.at Contact: Mr. Louai Kuzbari Members Details: Strasserau 6 / A-4020 Linz Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 732 7804 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 732 7804 - 355 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.vait.com Contact: Mr. Peter Weigl 23 NUTRITION ALVETRA u. WERFFT AG Activities: Animal health care; producer & trader Special Products: Carofertin (improves fertility in livestock) Arabic Countries where active: Saudi Arabia, UAE Details: Boltzmanngasse 11 / A-1090 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 319 14 56 - 320 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 319 14 56 - 344 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.alvetrawerfft.com Contact: Dr. Werner Frantsits (CEO), Dr. Margit Schmidt (Veterinary Dept.) BEV-Group Activities: Exotic drinks producer, energy drinks Special Products: Tantra Exotic Drink, K.O. Hi Level Arabic Countries where active: Lebanon, Libya, UAE Details: Siemenstr. 15/2. Stock / A-6063 Neu-Rum Tel.: 0043 (0)512 / 890 119 – 30 Fax: 0043 (0)512 / 890 119 – 22 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.bev-group.com Contact: Mr. Tariq El-Hamami 24 Biolachs Activities: Trader of Salmon products Special Products: Salmon products and other organic products Details: Obervellach 33 / A-9620 Hermagoras 043 (0)4282 / 2069 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)4282 / 2069 / 20 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.biolachs.at Contact: Mr. Peter Bachmann Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. Activities: Dairy products, cheese Special Products: Hard cheese, semi-hard cheese, processed cheese, cream cheese Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen Details: Enzing 26 / A-5302 Henndorf/Wallersee Tel.: 0043 (0)6214 / 6631 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)6214 / 6631 - 33 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.woerle.at Contact: Mr. Gerhard Woerle Members of AACC Ghraoui Group Die Marmeladen-Manufaktur Activities: Producer of luxurious chocolate products, crystallized fruits and confectionary Arabic Countries where active: Syria Activities: Jam and honey products; producer & trader Special Products: Apricot, plum, and raspberry jam, floral and dandelion honey Details: PO Box 5256 19th floor, Damascus Tower, Damascus, Syria Tel.: 00963 / 11 / 231 7000 Fax: 00963 / 11 / 231 7666 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: N/A Contact: Mr. Bassam Ghraoui Details: Weißenbach 162 / A-5350 Strobl am Wolfgangsee 0043 (0)6137 / 5431 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)6137 / 5431 - 5 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.bergrose.at Contact: Ms. Franziska Zopf Gresam HandelsgesmbH Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH Activities: Import and wholesale of food stuff Arabic Countries where active: Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia Activities: Producer, cheese products Special Products: Processed cheese singles/triangles/ cups Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen Details: Gänsbachergasse 2, Megapark / A-1110 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 796 86 88 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 796 86 88 - 20 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.gresam.com Contact: Mr. Samuel Nahabedian Details: Kugelbeerweg 3 / A-6912 Hörbranz Tel.: 0043 (0)5573 / 8085 0 Fax: 0043 (0)5573 / 8085 152 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.SchreiberRupp.at Contact: Mr. Bernd Hofer Members NUTRITION 25 OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS ADCON Telemetry GmbH Aqua OEG Engineering GesmbH Activities: Offering telemetry solutions in water management, irrigation management, agricultural management and environmental monitoring Special Products: Wireless sensor networks, software, Adcon RTU’s, sensors and accessories Arabic Countries where active: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia Activities: Building plants Special Products: Waste water treatment, sea water desalination Arabic Countries where active: UAE Details: Inkustr. 24 / A-3400 Klosterneuburg Tel.: 0043 (0)2243 / 38 28 00 Fax: 0043 (0)2243 / 38 28 06 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.adcon.at Contact: Dr. Bernhard Pacher 26 Details: Vogelsangstr. 3 / A-5301 Mondsee 0043 (0)6232 / 7722 - 0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)6232 / 7722 -1710 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.aqua-engineering.at Contact: Dr. Hannes Laimer Alu König Stahl Backhausen interior design GmbH Activities: Construction industry, plant and mechanical engineering with systems in aluminium, steel and PVC-U Special Products: Fold-slide units aluminium, sliding doors PVC-U, systems for facades and skylights, door systems stainless steel, solar shading (Louvre Blades), balcony glazing, hallow steel, shaped and oval tubes Activities: Contract and residential business Special Products: Environment-friendly products and 100% recyclable upholstery and curtain fabrics; custom made products on request Arabic Countries where active: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Kuwait Details: Goldschlagstr. 87-89 / A-1150 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 98 130 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 98 130 - 64 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.alukoenigstahl.com Contact: Mr. Peter König Details: Hoheneich 136 / A-3945 Tel.: 0043 (0) 2852 502-0 Fax: 0043 (0) 2850 502-252 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.backhausen.com Contact: Mr. Thomas Wagner (export manager) Members of AACC OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS Beta Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH Activities: Outdoor wellness Special Products: Whirlpools Arabic Countries where active: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE Activities: Crystal chandeliers & decorative lightings & producer & trader Special Products: Hanging chandeliers, ceiling lights, wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps, custom made lightings, jewellery Arabic Countries where active: Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE Christian Maschek Schmuck Activities: Goldsmith Special Products: Unique specimen Details: Lobkowitzplatz 1 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 512 02 94 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 512 02 94-4 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: N/A Contact: Mr. Christian Maschek Details: Franz Schubert Str. 15 / A-2345 Brunn/Gebirge Tel.: 0043 (0)2236 / 33 193 10 Fax: 0043 (0)2236 / 32 920 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.dotzauer.com Contact: Mr. Jochen Gold D. Swarovski & Co. Activities: Accessories, crystal products; producer & trader Special Products: Jewellery, watches, dress, bags Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE Details: Swarovskigasse 36 / A-6112 Wattens Tel.: 0043 (0)5224 / 500 2307 Fax: 0043 (0)5224 / 500 630 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.swarovski.com Contact: Mr. Paul Gerin-Swarovski Members Details: Weblinger Guertel 20 / A-8054 Graz 0043 (0)316 / 816 153 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)316 / 816 153 22 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.beta-wellness.com Contact: Mr. Thair Abud 27 OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS Frey Wille GmbH & Co KG Hasenkopf Activities: Clothing and accessories, modern jewellery producer & trader Special Products: Diva bangles, silk scarves, handbags, barrel & quadra watches, bracelets, pendants, rings, earrings Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE Activities: Natural stone solutions for interior and exterior constructions Special Products: : Custom tailored design, consultancy service, shower floor, footsplash, creative bathroom, creative showroom, residential tower, outdoor entrance, entrance, gold on stone Arabic Countries where active: UAE, Qatar, Sudan Details: Gumpendorferstr. 81 / A-1060 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 599 25 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 599 25 - 43 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: en.frey-wille.com Contact: Ms. Eva Brummeir Details: Znaimerstr. 68 / A-2020 Hollabrunn Tel.: 0043 (0)2952 / 2776 Fax: 0043 (0)2952 / 4955 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.hasenkopf.at Contact: Ms. Christina Hasenkopf GLS Tanks GmbH Herz Austria GmbH Activities: : Glass lined steel-tanks, silos and related accessories Special Products: Roofs, roof hatches, flanches, balustrades, insulations, ladders, platforms, side glasses, etc. Activities: Specialization in the field of plastic conditioning and processing Details: Industriestr. 6 / A-3850 Heidenreichstein Tel.: 0043 (0)2862 / 531 87 -832 Fax: 0043 (0)2862 / 531 87 -5832 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.glstanks.com Contact: Mr. Thair Abud 28 Details: Johann Galler Str. 20 / 2120-Wolkersdorf Tel.: 0043 (0)2245 / 82494-0 Fax: 0043 (0)2245 / 82494-9 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.herz-gmbh.com Contact: Marion Herz-Degenkolb Members of AACC OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS J.T. Kalmar GmbH Modern Life Handels GmbH Activities: Custom lighting and Services: Design, Production, delivery and installation of major lighting installations for Hotels, Palaces, Public buildings, and Ships Special Products: Custom designed light fittings and chandeliers Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE Activities: Indoor wellness Special Products: Bathroom products Arabic Countries where active: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE MOBIL BAUSTOFFE GmbH Neue Wiener Porzellanmanufaktur AUGARTEN GmbH Activities: Concrete and construction material supply Special Products: Tailor-made batching plants and facilities Arabic Countries where active: Qatar Activities: Manufacture and sale of handmade porce Special Products: Custom made porcelain (bespoke), wedding lists, worldwide service (packaging & delivery) Arabic Countries where active: Oman Details: Erlenweg 1 / A-9463 Reichenfels Tel.: 0043 (0)4359 / 2120 Fax: 0043 (0)4359 / 2120 -15 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.mobil-baustoffe.com Contact: Dr. Fridolin Hornung Details: Schloss Augarten, Obere Augartenstr. 1 / A-1020 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 211 24 121 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 211 24 199 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.augarten.at Contact: Ms. Claudia Uth Members Details: Bennogasse 8 / A-1080 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 40 90 880 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 40 90 880 - 80 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.kalmarlighting.com Contact: Mr. Thomas Calice Details: Alpine Str. 54 / A-8650 Kindberg Tel.: 0043 (0)316 / 816 153 Fax: 0043 (0)316 / 816 153 26 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.beta-wellness.com Contact: Mr. Thair Abud 29 OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS Österr. Doka SchalungsGerüstbautechnik GmbH. Activities: System components for production facilities Special Products: Load-bearing towers, working and protection platforms Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE Details: Reichsstr. 23 / A-3300 Amstetten 0043 (0)7472 / 605 - 0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)7472 / 605 - 3981 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.doka.com Contact: Mr. Leopold Hochpöchler Activities: Provides construction equipment, scaffolding and formwork, Consultation, lease terms and other services Special Products: Formwork systems in steel and aluminium and all accessories, slab formwork, tables and column formwork, scaffolding systems for every purpose Arabic Countries where active: Saudi Arabia Details: Römerweg 9 / A-4844 Regau 0043 (0)7672 / 72 711 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)7672 / 78 805 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.ringer.at Contact: Mr. Thomas Ringer PORR – ALLGEMEINE BAUGESELLSCHAFT – A. PORR AG Schöler & Co GmbH Activities: Full service provider of national and international markets in the fields of construction, i.e. building construction, civil engineering, project development, road construction, tunnel construction Activities: Manufacturer of Crystal Special Products: Crystal components for decorative lighting Details: Absberggasse 47 / A-1100 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 50626 - 2371 Fax: 0043 (0) 50626 -1186 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.porr.at Contact: Mr. Wolfgang Hirzi 30 RINGER KG Details: Gablonzer Str. 54-61 / A-4550 Kremsmünster Tel.: 0043 (0)7583 / 7723 Fax: 0043 (0)7583 / 7812 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.scholer-crystal.at Contact: Mr. Christian Pamminger Members of AACC OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS Activities: Vibration stimulator shoe products, environmental sensors, building & planning hotels and sports centers Special Products: PSR-Shoes (www.psr-schuh.at) Details: Schubertweg 12 / A-3830 Waidhofen/Thaya 0043 (0)676 / 694 39 71 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 310 01 72 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.scienceundresearch.at Contact: Mr. Alex Chiari (CEO) Sitte Vienna Activities: Retailer of exclusive high-quality knitwear Special Products: Knitted dresses, shirts, trousers, jackets, coats; all made in Austria Details: Akazienweg 13 / A-2122 Riedenthal 0043 (0) 2245-20032 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0) 2245-824949 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.sittevienna.com Contact: Ms. Marion Herz-Degenkolb STRABAG SE Activities: Building construction & civil engineering (incl. bridge work, building industrial, residential and commercial buildings), transportation infrastructure (incl. road and railway construction) Special Products: Special divisions & concessions (tunnelling works, ground engineering, project development and PPP projects) Details: Donau-City-Str 9 / A-1220 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 22 422 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 22 422 - 2226 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.strabag.com Contact: Mr. Nematolla Farrokhnia M. Swarovski GmbH Activities: Production of reflective glass beads for road marking systems and surface treatment applications Special Products: Low and high index retroreflective glass beads for high performance road and airport marking systems; industrial grade glass beads for blasting and surface treatment Arabic Countries where active: Whole Middle East (through sister companies and local partners) Details: Industriestr. 10 / A-3300 Amstetten Tel.: 0043 (0)7472 / 202 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)7472 / 202 - 249 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.swarco.com Contact: Mr. Hans Jesacher Members Science & Research Marketing GmbH 31 RAW MATERIALS DCM DECOmetal GmbH SAG Aluminium Lend GmbH&Co.KG Activities: Markets raw materials in steel and mineral sands industries Special Products: Metal, ores, alloys, cored wires Arabic Countries where active: Oman, UAE Activities: Aluminium solutions for various industries Special Products: Special welding constructions, pressurised and utility water tanks for concrete mixing structures Arabic Countries where active: Oman Details: Elisabethstr. 10/5 / A-1010 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 585 5363 - 740 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 585 5363 - 760 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.dcm-vienna.com Contact: Ms. Inge Ganahl Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Tyche Rohstoffhandel & Beteiligung GmbH Activities: Wood processing and products Special Products: Sawn timber, laminated beams Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Bahrain, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen Activities: Trader of construction material and agricultural products Special Products: Foliar fertilizer, steel fibres for industrial floors Details: Turmgasse 67 / A-8700 Leoben 0043 (0)3842 / 300 35 - 22 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)3842 / 300 35 - 00 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.mm-holz.com Contact: Mr. Josef Steiner 32 Details: Bundesstr. 25 / A-5651 Lend Tel.: 0043 (0)6416 / 6500 - 230 Fax: 0043 (0)6416 / 6500 - 369 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.sag.at Contact: Mr. Andreas Kraly Details: Russbergstr. 87 / A-1210 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 290 00 62 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 290 08 05 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.tyche.co.at Contact: Mr. Anton Scharmitzer, Mr. Stefan Augustyn Members of AACC SERVICES a-consult GMBH Architekt Achtsnit & Achtsnit Activities: Consulting, business development, project development Special Products: Information- and communicationtechnology, eGovernment, eHealth Arabic Countries where active: Currently focused on Egypt, Morocco, Syria; target countries are all Arabic countries Activities: Civil engineering, building construction & development Accès Alpintechnik Salzburg Al Mashreq Investment Fund Activities: Supplier of special technical solutions for working at heights, fall protection Special Products: Consulting and performing of special solutions from planning to implementation, seminars and training-on-the-job, multimedia building examination system, SYAM (Mobile Anchor System) Activities: Investment services Special Products: Investment in the oil sector Arabic Countries where active: Syria Details: Halleiner Landes Str. 56/5 / A-5411 Oberalm 0043(0)664 / 27 50 990 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)6245 / 205 20 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.riggingservice.com Contact: Mr. Robert Klein Details: PO Box 108 Bezem Ave, Malki, Damascus, Syria Tel.: 00963 / 11 / 2110053 Fax: 00963 / 11 / 2113312 E-Mail: [email protected] Contact: Mr. Hussein Jairoudi Members Details: Hetzgasse 20 / A-1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 890 3800 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 890 3800 900 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.a-consult.at Contact: Mr. Albert Kronberger Details: Jaquingasse 51/3 / A-1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 713 00 00 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 713 66 67 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.achtsnit.at Contact: Mr. Wolfgang Achtsnit 33 SERVICES Alshaya Retail GmbH ARACON Consulting GmbH Activities: Trader in a wide variety of sectors, including the latest and best recognized names in fashion, footwear, kid’s clothing, health and beauty, home-style, restaurants, prescription eyewear, pharmaceuticals, sports fashion and office supplies Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE Activities: Consulting for sales, business networking, export and other forms of market entry Special Products: Across industries Arabic Countries where active: Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Details: Kantgasse 3 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 5230787 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 5266510 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.alshaya.com Contact: Mr. Peter Gallhofer Arabital Shipping Asiah Group Ltd Activities: Transportation and logistics, air sea freight services Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, UAE Activities: Organizing trade fairs & exhibitions Special Products: International market included Arabic Countries where active: Egypt Details: PO BOX 14627 Ras Abu Abboud, Abdullah bin Thani Bldg No. 5 / Room No. 2 / Near V.I.P. Roundabout, Doha, Qatar Tel.: 00974 / 4462 17 01 Fax: 00974 / 4462 17 25 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.arabital.com Contact: Ms. Sonja Freigassner 34 Details: Mitterndorf 5/10 / A-4801 Traunkirchen Tel.: 0043 (0)660 / 733 50 45 Fax: 0043 (0)660 / 33 733 50 45 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.aracon.at Contact: Mr. Wolfgang Maurer Details: PO Box 108 Hassan Hashem Street 2 / Fleming, Alexandria, Egypt Tel.: 00203 / 583 24 77 Fax: 00203 / 585 88 99 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.asiahgroup.com Contact: Mr. Fouad Hussein Ali Members of AACC SERVICES asp.consulting GmbH Activities: international consulting and investment company whose core competencies are the sustainable, successful, and efficient implementation of complex projects. The regional headquarters in Vienna and Boston (USA) assist firms worldwide in the successful implementation of M&A transactions, reorganizations, financial restructuring, post-merger integrations, and focused performance improvement initiatives. In selected cases asp. group also acts as investor pursuing an active shareholder approach Arabic Countries where active: Saudi Arabia AVT-ARGE Regionale Verkehrsplanung und Transportwirtschaft, Technisches Büro für Raumplanung Activities: Local traffic planning & planning for railway infrastructure Details: Feldgasse 17 / A-2733 Grünbach Tel.: 0043 (0)2637 / 3391 Fax: 0043 (01) 257 343923 E-Mail: [email protected] Contact: Dr. Heinz Petzmann Austroplan Austrian Engineering GmbH Bags Holding GesmbH Activities: Consulting, engineering and project management for the cement, steel and mining industry. Engineering and supply of plants for LPG cylinders, medical disposables and pharmaceutical products Special Products: Cement consulting and upgrading of cement plants, construction management and site supervision, consulting services for bio fuels and basaltic fibre Arabic Countries where active: Saudi Arabia Activities: Whole sale and trading Special Products: Building materials, agricultural products, fertilizers Arabic Countries where active: Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait Details: Storchengasse 1 / A-1150 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 89 189 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 89 189 - 299 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.austroplan.at Contact: Dr. Anton Eichinger (Managing Director) Details: Schottenring 16/164 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 516 388 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 516 388 - 99 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.bags-group.com Contact: Mr. Amer Auf Members Details: Graben 10 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 512 5000 61 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 512 5000 50 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.asp-consulting.com Contact: Mr. Alexander Behensky 35 SERVICES Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH C&I Leasing GmbH Activities: Inspections for industry and marine, general services and international trade, verifications of conformity, inspections for government contracts Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Libya, Lebanon, Kuwait, UAE, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan Activities: Financing of real estate, furniture and motor vehicles Details: Apostelgasse 25-27 / A-1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 713 1568-0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 713 1568-30 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.bureauveritas.com Contact: Mr. Rudolf Pichler CIN Consult Unternehmensberatung GmbH C&T Sportpferde Freudenthal Activities: Finance, law enforcement, intelligence community, legal services, foreign affairs, journalism, academia Activities: Consulting, training and breeding of sports horses Details: Beatrixgasse 32 / A-1030 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 71605-900 Tel.: E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.cin-consult.com Contact: Mr. Thomas Havranek 36 Details: Maderstr. 1 / A-1040 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 505 87 87-0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 505 91 91 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.c-i.at Contact: Mr. R. Hummelbrunner Details: Immendorf Nr. 4 / A-2022 Tel.: 0043 (0)2951 / 8209 Fax: 0043 (0)2951 / 8209 - 4 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.immendorf.at Contact: Ms. Anna Malenka Freudenthal Members of AACC SERVICES Activities: Contact platform between accredited trade and economic delegates and the Austrian business and political community Arabic Countries where active: Available to accredited trade and economic delegates of all countries to seek mutual contact and contact with trade and commercial organisations at diplomatic level Details: Opernring 3 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 588 58 56 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 586 86 59 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.handelsraete.at Contact: Mr. Ron Willis, C.Eng.(mech.) Das House – Immobilienentwicklungs und -verwertungs GmbH Activities: Real estate developers Details: Dr. Karl Lueger Platz 5, 5. Stock, A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 512 85 67 Fax: 0043 (0)2262 / 624 82 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.dashouse.at Contact: Mr. Karl-Heinz Wingelmaier Dr. D’Aron Activities: Rental of apartments and flats Details: Wilhelminenstr. 181 / A-1160 Vienna 0043 (0)664 / 2553897 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 486 3174 E-Mail: N/A Internet: N/A Contact: Dr. André D’Aron DIET – Développement Industriel Enfidha Tunisie: ENFIDHA INDUSTRIAL PARK Activities: Provision of land, infrastructure, industrial environment Special Products: Mechanical offices for support, gas, electricity, internet available, hotels, apartments, restaurants, hospitals in the vicinity Arabic Countries where active: Tunisia Details: Immeuble Maghrebia, Tour B, Boulevard 7 Novembre 1987 / 2035 Tunis-Carthage, TUNISIA 00216 / 71 / 940960 or -885 Tel.: Fax: 00216 / 71 / 942707 E-Mail: info@enfidha.net Internet: www.enfidha.net Contact: Mr. Isnardo Carta Members Club of Trade Delegates (Club der Handelsräte) 37 SERVICES 38 Egypt Air Emirates Airlines Activities: Airline Arabic Countries where active: Egypt (headquarters in Cairo), Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen Activities: Transport, airline company Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen Details: Opernring 1 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 587 45 32 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 587 45 32 - 20 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: http://www.egyptair.com/ Contact: Ms. Eva Kadi Details: Mahlerstr. 12 / Stg. 6 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 532 60 28 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 533 68 87 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.emirates.com Contact: Mr. Anton Bily (Sales Manager Austria) Mr. Robert Posch (Sales Executive) Ehrlich: Mag. Daniela Ehrlich, Rechtsanwältin Europe Arab Bank plc Activities: Legal services Special Products: Focus on Corporate & Commercial Law, Banking & Capital Markets Law, European Community Law, Telecom & IT & E-commerce law, Real Estate, Litigation & Arbitration, Austrian Civil Law and Unfair Competition Law Activities: Banking Services Special Products: Trade Finance, Corporate Banking, Treasury Services Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE Details: Helferstorferstr. 5/8 / A-1010 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 535 40 55 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 535 40 55 - 11 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.beplaw.com Contact: Ms. Daniela Ehrlich Details: Mahlerstr. 7 / Top 15/16 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 513 42 40 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 513 42 40 - 9 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.eabplc.com Contact: Mr. Nadim Khalili Members of AACC SERVICES Activities: Real Estate & Relocation Agency specializing in the sale and rental of high quality properties in both the Austrian and international market Special Products: Relocation services to people moving to Vienna and personnel who are working for the UN, International Organisations, Embassies and International Companies Details: Graben 7/8 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 328 88 18 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 328 88 18 – 60 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.expat-consulting.com Contact: Mr. Aslan Kurtaran Gentics Software GmbH Activities: Software development Special Products: Standard software solutions for Enterprise Web Content Management and Enterprise portal solutions Details: Gonzagagasse 11/25 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 71 09 904 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 71 09 904 - 4 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.gentics.com Contact: Mr. Alexander Szlezak FREYGNER Rechtsanwalt GmbH Geospace GmbH Activities: Legal advice Special Products: Focusing on European Union Law, Competition Law, Antitrust & Regulatory Law, Franchise & Distribution Law, Intellectual Property, Corporate Law, Real Estate & Building Law, Civil & Contract Law Activities: Earth observation satellite data distributor, digital image processing, geographic information systems, consulting, Applied research & development, photo library, production of images, satellite image maps, satellite image books, digital satellite image atlases on CDRom, education material Special Products: Satellite Image Atlas of the Republic of Yemen (1st edition 2010) Arabic Countries where active: Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia Details: Annagasse 6 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 512 33 93 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 512 33 93 -50 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.freygner.com Contact: Dr. Sylvia Freygner Details: Schönbrunnerstr. 13 / A-1050 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 662 458115 Fax: 0043 (0) 662 458115-124 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.geospace.at Contact: Mr. Johann Stegbuchner CEO Members Expat Consulting 39 SERVICES Gesellschaft ÖsterreichischArabische Ärzte und Apotheker Activities: Non-profit organization, aims to deepen cultural relations and facilitate information exchange between Austria and Arab countries in the fields of medicine and pharmacology - Services Details: Hohe Warte 33 / A-1190 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 3188655 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 3188655 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.austro-arabdoc.org/ Contact: Dr. Fouad Harik Goldenes Kreuz Privatklinik BetriebsGesmbH Activities: Privat Clinic Special Products: Gynaecology and obstetrics, surgery, internal medicine, infertility treatment centre, prenatal diagnostics, X-ray and diagnostic imaging department, medical laboratory, institute for physical medicine, burnout care centre, rooms equipped with wireless broadband Internet Details: Lazarettgasse 16-18 / A-1091 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 40 111 - 510 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 40 111 - 505 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.goldenes-kreuz.at Contact: Ms. Cornelia Böhm (CEO) 40 GourmetConsult Activities: Gourmet consulting & trade Details: Kantgasse 3/2 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 523 07 87 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 526 65 10 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.aoc-genuss.at Contact: Mr. Peter Gallhofer Grand Hotel Vienna Activities: Offers rooms for accommodation, conferences, dining Special Products: Luxuriously decorated rooms and suites, “Grand Café”, Japanese speciality restaurant, rose garden, ballroom etc. Details: Kärntner Ring 9 / A-1010 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 515 - 800 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 515 - 1313 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.grandhotelVienna.com Contact: Mr. Karim Jalloul Members of AACC SERVICES Heller Consult Tax & Business Solutions GmbH Hulla & Co. Human Dynamics KG Activities: Consulting services Special Products: Tax Counselling, Business Consulting, Promotion, Expansion Consulting, Medical Jobs Arabic Countries where active: UAE Activities: Consultancy services for economic, good governance, institutional development and sectoral policy issues Huber: Dr. Max Huber GmbH Activities: Real estate, financial services, property management, market research, property sale and rent Details: Opernring 9 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 40 24 74 70 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 40 69 589 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.dmh.co.at Contact: Dr. Max Huber Details: Lothringerstr. 16 / A-1030 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 402 50 20 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 402 50 20 - 20 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.humandynamics.org Contact: Mr. Eric Heldring ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Activities: Consultation on: tPGGFSTBTTJTUBODFXJUIJNQPSUBOEFYQPSUDPOUSBDUT trade finance, letters of credit, bank guarantees tJOGPSNTNFNCFSTPOQSFWFOUJPOPGDPNNFSDJBMDSJNF helps with anti-corruption and counterfeiting tBEWJDFTPOEJTQVUFQSFWFOUJPOBSCJUSBUJPONFEJBUJPO tIFMQTXJUIJOUFSOBUJPOBMOFHPUJBUJPOTUSBUFHJFTBOE tactics tJTTVFTTQFDJBMJ[FEQVCMJDBUJPOTGPSJNQPSUFYQPSUDPOtracts: Incoterms, rules for letters of credit and bank guarantees etc. Arabic Countries where active: All Details: Wiedner Hauptstr. 73 / A-1040 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 50 105 37 - 16 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 50 105 37 - 03 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.icc-austria.org Contact: Dr. Max Burger-Scheidlin Members Details: Pestalozzigasse 3 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 310 6010 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 310 6010 - 6 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.hellerconsult.com Contact: Ms. Elisabeth Heller 41 SERVICES IIFC Industrial & Investment Financing Consulting GmbH Imperial Hotels Austria AG Activities: Specializes in the industrial & food field, offering financing & consulting services Activities: Hotel business Special Products: Hotel Imperial (built as a private palace and has been hosting heads of state, kings and queens, stars and artists since 1873), Hotel Bristol (next to the Vienna State Opera; stands for authentic Viennese hospitality and personal service) Details: Weimarer Str. 93/5 / A-1190 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 368 42 42 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 368 42 42 42 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Contact: Dr. Farrokh Sharif ILF – Beratende Ingenieure ZT Ges.m.b.H IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. Activities: Oil & gas, water & environment, civil engineering & infrastructure, energy Special Products: Consultancy, design and planning, procurement, construction supervision, project management, start-up Arabic Countries where active: Kuwait, Libya, Saudi Arabia, UAE Activities: Close and executive protection, security management, risk & threat analysis, crisis negotiations, investigations and individual security training Special Products: Special security solutions for clients in political, diplomatic and economic spheres worldwidet Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE (other Arabic countries upon request) Details: Hainburgerstr. 31/2 / A-1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)713 / 92 32 - 361 Fax: 0043 (0)713 / 92 32 - 444 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ilf.com Contact: Ms. Jutta Strolz 42 Details: Kärntner Ring 16 / A-1015 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 50 110 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 50 110 - 410 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.hotelimperialvienna.com/ Contact: Mr. Oscar DelCampo Details: Josef Hesoun Str. 9/3/M20 / A-2345 Brunn am Gebirge Tel.: 0043 (0)676 / 595 87 61 Fax: 0043 (0)2236 / 864 225 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.ipsagency.org Contact: Mr. Sascha Steurer (CEO) Members of AACC SERVICES Islamisches Informations- und Dokumentationszentrum Österreich (IIDZ – Austria) Limousinenservice Schafek GmbH Activities: Islamic Information and Documentation Center in Austria Special Products: Issuance of Halal certification Arabic Countries where active: UAE Activities: VIP Limousine service, omnibus services Special Products: Multi-lingual (including Arabic) speaking chauffeurs and specialized in all forms of transport services, for business and private clients Details: Theodor-Körner-Str. 10a, A-4050 Traun Sterngasse 3 / A-1010 Vienna 0043 (0)699 / 884 658 04 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)7229 / 72 364 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.halal-iidz.eu Contact: Mr. Günther Ahmed Rusznak Details: Lechnerstr. 2-4/6/72 / A-1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)699 / 19 67 69 67 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 9676967 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.vienna-limousinenservice.com Contact: Mr. Shahin Schafek Activities: Legal Services, covering a wide range of fields (includes Banking and Insurance, Competition and Patents, taxes, product regulations, technology, real estate, construction and general trade and business) Special Products: International Practice Groups (International Services) Details: Kärntner Ring 12 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 516 20 - 120 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 516 20 - 20 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.lamberteversheds.com Contact: Mr. Peter Lambert Nahas Enterprises Group Activities: Trade & Services, Travel & Tourism, Hotel & Resorts, Industry Arabic Countries where active: Kuwait, Libya, Saudi Arabia, UAE Details: Baramkeh- Amin Rihani Str., Transtour Bldg. 4th / P.O.Box 3050, Damascus Tel.: 00963 11 223 4000 Fax: 00963 11 223 5004 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.nahas-group.sy Contact: Mr. Shukri Shaikh Ali Members Lambert Eversheds/ Lambert Rechtsanwälte OG 43 SERVICES Contact: Mr. Stefan Blahut Activities: Financial services, Central European regional bank with more than 130 branches covering Austria’s most industrialized regions, Bavaria (South Germany), Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Correspondent network comprises more than 2,500 partners Special Products: Following a universal banking philosophy Oberbank’s activities include among others: international business, loans, deposits, securities, leasing and derivatives Arabic Countries where active: Cross-border activities for corporates and individuals with almost all Arabic regions, coverage throughout Oberbank’s correspondent banking network Activities: Printing and making high security documents (passports, identity cards, drivers license, visa & residence permits), systems integration and installing personalisation centres Special Products: e-government® in Austria, providing services for the Austrian government (personalizing high security documents) Details: Untere Donaulände 28 / A-4020 Linz Tel.: 0043 (0)732 / 78 02 2500 Fax: 0043 (0)732 / 77 39 80 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.oberbank.at Contact: Dr. Manfred Weissmann Details: Tenschertstr. 7 / A-1239 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 206 66 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 206 66 - 100 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.staatsdruckerei.at Contact: Prof. Reinhart Gausterer ÖGV – Österreichischer Gewerbeverein OVE: Austrian Electrotechnical Association Activities: Known in English as the Austrian Trade Association, it connects its members to important representatives of media, economy, science, and politics. It can connect its members to each other and solve important problems that members have, among other services Special Products: The economic journal “Österreichs Wirtschaft” Activities: Contributes to the electro technical field regulations, deals with problems and issues of application of electrical energy Details: Eschenbachgasse 11 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 587 36 33 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 587 01 92 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.gewerbeverein.at 44 Österreichische Staatsdruckerei GmbH OBERBANK-AG Details: Eschenbachgasse 9 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 587 63 73 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 370 58 06 370 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ove.at Contact: Mr. Peter Reichel Members of AACC Plan.NET Middle East Profi Personalvermittlung GmbH Activities: Offline and digital communication Special Products: Brand and marketing consultancy, social media, mobile marketing, online research Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE Activities: Trading with importers focused on Arabic markets Special Products: Trading, offering and producing of goods, raw-materials and other trade-business with European quality and know-how; excellent contact and negotiation management between European and Arab producers, merchants and distributors Details: PO Box 502865 Al Sufouh Complex 806 & 807 / Dubai Media City, Dubai United Arab Emirates 00971 (4) 439 34 04 -101 Tel.: Fax: 00971 (4) 439 34 03 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.plan-net.ae Contact: Mr. Oliver Zuegel Details: Darwingasse 9/5 / A-1020 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 890 20 27 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 890 20 27 – 15 E-Mail: office@proficenter-vienna.com Internet: www.proficenter-vienna.com Contact: Mr. Nasr Samir Premium Health Solutions GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Activities: Offers medical services, check up and preventive programs, intensive care and recovery programs, rehabilitation services, access to high quality clinics and spas Special Products: Comprehensive check-up programs in Vienna and Zell/See area Details: Operngasse 2 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 516 51 73 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 513 44 24 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.phs-austria.com Contact: Ms. Sonata Neumüller Activities: Financial Services Special Products: Financing, treasury & markets, consulting & services, foreign trade, capital markets, equity & bonds financing, electronic banking solutions, cash management, fund registration Austria, investment banking Arabic Countries where active: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen Details: Am Stadtpark 9 / A-1030 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 71707 - 1879 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 71707 - 2388 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.rzb.at Contact: Mr. Walter Rothensteiner Members SERVICES 45 SERVICES Rechtsanwälte: Dr. Franz Marschall & Mag. Rene Heinz Sacher Hotels BetriebsgesmbH. Activities: Legal Services Special Products: Deals with Commercial, Civil, Business Law, Immigration Law, among others Activities: Hotels (in Vienna and Salzburg), awarded restaurants, Cafés, luxury products Special Products: Spa, Deluxe and Top Deluxe Rooms & Suites, Conferences & Banquets, Original Sacher-Torte Details: Goldschmiedgasse 8 / A-1010 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 533 52 56 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 533 01 09 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.rae-marschall-heinz.com Contact: Renua Chhadeh RISE – Research Industrial Systems Engineering GmbH Activities: IT Consulting, software development and Service Details: Am Concorde Business Park F / A-2320 Schwechat Tel.: 0043 (0)664 / 608 444 1036 0043 (0)664 / 608 444 1036 Fax: E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.rise-world.com Contact: Ms. Sana El-Kebir 46 Details: Philharmonikerst. 4 / A-1010 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 514 56 - 809 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 514 56 - 810 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.sacher.com Contact: Mr. Andreas Glück SANA Investment Co. Activities: Cham Holdings arm for the development of and investment in energy, utilities, industry and infrastructure sectors Arabic Countries where active: Syria Details: PO Box: 9525 Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, Daraa Highway, Shweifat School Interchange, Mazzeh, Damascus, SYRIA Tel.: 00963 / 11 / 673 1278 Fax: 00963 / 11 / 673 1279 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.chamholding.sy/sana.html Contact: Mr. Mahmoud A. Al-Khoshman Members of AACC SERVICES Activities: Constructions, telecommunications Arabic Countries where active: Syria Details: PO Box 36729 Yafoor, Palmville Resort, Villa No 10 / Damascus, SYRIA 00963 / 11 / 391 - 00 01 Tel.: Fax: 00963 / 11 / 391 - 90 80 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: N/A Contact: Mr. Omar Choura Activities: Sales, Projects and Consulting Services Special Products: Marketing and sales for diverse projects, project development and management, tailored consulting services Details: Am Bachlberg 32 / A-4040 Linz Tel.: 0043 (0)699 / 177 130 91 Fax: 0043 (0)732 / 713 091 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.klaus-prexl-spc.at Contact: Mr. Klaus Prexl Schneider: Dr. Wolfgang J. Schneider GmbH SQZ Software Engineering & Qualitätsmanagement Zopf Activities: IT Consulting services Special Products: IT-related Quality Assurance (Test Management, Requirement Management) Arabic Countries where active: All Activities: Consulting and Coaching in Software Engineering, Development Processes, Project Management and Quality Management Details: Wolfsaugasse 9 / A-1200 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 350 68 84 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 332 53 08 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.drschneider.eu Contact: Dr. Wolfgang Johann Schneider Details: Burgstall 30 / A-3034 Maria Anzbach 0043 (0)676 / 90 600 15 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)676 / 90 600 15 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.sqz.at Contact: Mr. Siegfried Zopf Members SBG – AlMarasem – BTC SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) 47 SERVICES SWZT Chartered Consultants GmbH Activities: Development of real estate projects Details: Franz Josefs-Kai 21/14 / A-1010 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 532 2791 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 535 4974 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.swzt.at Contact: Mr. Moussa Hamzo TAG – T. Akhras Group Activities: Importing & exporting all kinds of commodities (sugar, grains, oil, rice), marine services, ship owner, transportation, real state developments, Middle East factories for sugar, Middle East factories for oil and feed meal, Middle East factories for colugos & starch, grand mills, samba ice cream, Transmall Trade Complex Arabic Countries where active: Syria Details: PO Box 195 Hamra Str. 9, Akhras Bldg., Homs, SYRIA Tel.: 00963 / 31 / 24 75 500 Fax: 00963 / 31 / 24 75 095 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.akhrasgroup.com Contact: Mr. Tarif Akhras 48 Talpa GmbH Activities: Technical consulting and sales of industrial manufacturing plants and energy systems Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Qatar Details: Simmeringer Hauptstr. 24 / A-1110 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 664 637 2521 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.talpa.at Contact: Mr. Herbert Suppan TECS Telecommunication & E-Commerce Solutions GmbH Activities: Mangagement consultancy, process management, payment processing, digital signatures Details: Schottenring 16, A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 535 0057-0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 535 0057-13 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Internet: www.tecs.at Contact: Mr. Fazlollah Rostamian Members of AACC SERVICES TomDive Vienna Business Agency Activities: High Performance Diving Special Products: 1st Class private training; complete recreational diving program of PADI, the worlds leading diving association; technical diving program of DSAT, up to instructor level Activities: Consulting, financial promotion, marketing Vamed Engineering GmbH & Co KG Activities: Consulting, engineering, contracting and logistics Special Products: Research facilities, hospital infrastructure plants Arabic Countries where active: Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria Details: Sterngasse 5 / A-1232 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 60 127 - 0 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 60 127 - 292 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.vamed.com Contact: Mr. Hisham Tamaa Webster University Activities: Education services Special Products: Career development center, MBA programs, on-line programs Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, UAE Details: Berchtoldgasse 1 / A-1220 Vienna 0043 (0)1 / 269 92 93 - 0 Tel.: Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 269 92 93 - 13 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.webster.ac.at Contact: Ms. Teresa Sedlar Members Details: Erlachgasse 113 / A-1100 Vienna 0043 (0)660 / 38 76 731 Tel.: E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.tomdive.com Contact: Mr. Thomas Lederberger Details: Ebendorferstr. 2 / A-1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0)1 / 4000 861 - 99 Fax: 0043 (0)1 / 4000 861 - 88 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.wirtschaftsagentur.at Contact: Mr. Rupert Bittmann 49 SERVICES X-Plus-Management GmbH Activities: International Consulting services for companies Special Products: Advising tools: Advice and handling to managements & corporations in IT, marketing, logistics, foreign trade, technologies, HRM Arabic Countries where active: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE Details: Registered: A-5204 Strasswalchen (Salzburg) Corp. Headoffice: Lederergasse 6 / A-5020 Salzburg Tel.: 0043 / 662-881800 Fax: 0043 / 662-881888 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.x-plus-management.com Contact: Mr. Stephan Ohms (Managing Director) 50 Members of AACC MUNICIPALITIES Community of Piringsdorf Piringsdorf is a municipality that is located in the province of Burgenland, in the nation of Austria, in the middle of Europe. The municipality is famous for its mineral water springs – in 1982 the government of Burgenland licensed the following therapeutical uses and medical indications for the use the springs: drinking cures and spas. The quality of the water is excellent and it can be used for drinking, however it is not only limited to such use. Among the many medical indications the water is qualified to be used for are stomach troubles, therapy after bypass operations, and many other uses. The community of Piringsdorf, the owner of the springs would like to export its water to the Arab world as drinkable water as well as for medical use. Members Details: Gemeinde Piringsdorf Bundesstr. 14 / 7371 Piringsdorf Tel.: 0043 (0)2616 / 87 13 Fax: 0043 (0)2616 / 88 37 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.piringsdorf.at Contact: Mr. Stefan Hauser (Mayor) 51 52 COMPANY CLASSIFICATION PAGE Abiothrin HandelsgmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS a-consult GmbH SERVICES 33 Accès Alpintechnik Salzburg SERVICES 33 7 Architekt Achtsnit & Achtsnit SERVICES 33 ADCON Telemetry GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 26 AGT Management & Engineering AG FUEL AND ENERGY 19 AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Al Mashreq Investment Fund SERVICES 7 33 Al Matin Group for trade and industry CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 8 ALPHA – Aleppo Pharmaceutical Industries CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 8 Alshaya Retail GmbH SERVICES 34 Alu König Stahl OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 26 ALVETRA u. WERFFT AG NUTRITION 24 Aqua Engineering GesmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 26 Arabital Shipping SERVICES 34 ARACON Consulting GmbH SERVICES 34 Asiah Group Ltd SERVICES 34 asp.consulting GmbH SERVICES 35 Atelier Mag. Art. Herger Helga CULTURE AND ART 12 Austroplan Austrian Engineering GmbH SERVICES 35 AVT SERVICES 35 BACKHAUSEN INTERIOR DESIGN GMBH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 26 BAGS HOLDING GESMBH SERVICES 35 BETA HANDELSGESELLSCHAFT M.B.H. OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 27 BEV-Group NUTRITION 24 Biolachs NUTRITION 24 20 Böhler International GmbH MANUFACTURED GOODS Borealis AG CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH SERVICES Chemson Polymere-Additive AG CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Christian Maschek Schmuck OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 27 CIN Consult Unternehmensberatung GmbH SERVICES 36 C & I Leasing GmbH SERVICES 36 C&T Sportpferde Freudenthal SERVICES 36 Club of Trade Delegates (Club der Handelsräte) SERVICES 37 Das House – Immobilienentwicklungs und -verwertungs GmbH SERVICES 37 Dr. D’Aron SERVICES 37 DCM DECOmetal GmbH RAW MATERIALS 32 DIET – Développement Industriel Enfidha Tunisie: ENFIDHA INDUSTRIAL PARK SERVICES 37 DCC – Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH & Co KG ENGINES, VEHICLES 14 Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 27 D. Swarovski & Co. OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 27 EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 8 36 8 9 COMPANY CLASSIFICATION PAGE Egypt Air SERVICES 38 Ehrlich: Mag. Daniela Ehrlich, Rechtsanwältin SERVICES 38 Elin Wasserwerkstechnik Gesellschaft m.b.H. ENGINES, VEHICLES 14 F. J. Elsner Trading & Co MANUFACTURED GOODS 20 Emirates Airlines SERVICES 38 EOOS GmbH MANUFACTURED GOODS 20 Europe Arab Bank plc SERVICES 38 EVER Neuro Pharma GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Expat Consulting SERVICES 39 Fritz Baumaschinen GmbH & Co KG ENGINES, VEHICLES 14 Frey Wille GmbH & Co KG OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 28 Gabriel Chemie GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 9 G.L. Pharma CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 9 GE. Energy Jenbacher GmbH & Co OHG ENGINES, VEHICLES 14 Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. NUTRITION 24 Gentics Software GmbH SERVICES 39 Geosat Technology Limited FUEL AND ENERGY 19 Geospace GmbH SERVICES 39 Gesellschaft Österreichisch-Arabische Ärzte und Apotheker SERVICES 40 Ghraoui Group NUTRITION 25 GLS Tanks GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 28 Goldenes Kreuz Privatklinik BetriebsGesmbH SERVICES 40 GourmetConsult SERVICES 40 Grand Hotel Vienna SERVICES 40 GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 10 Gresam HandelsgesmbH NUTRITION 25 Hasenkopf OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 28 Heller Consult Tax & Business Solutions GmbH SERVICES 41 Herz Austria GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 28 Mag. Hoeveler & Co GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 10 Hörbiger Kompressortechnik GmbH ENGINES, VEHICLES 15 HUBER: DR. MAX HUBER GMBH SERVICES 41 HULLA & CO. HUMAN DYNAMICS KG SERVICES 41 IASON GMBH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 10 ICC: AUSTRIA INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SERVICES 41 IIFC INDUSTRIAL & INVESTMENT FINANCING CONSULTING GMBH SERVICES 42 ILF – BERATENDE INGENIEURE ZT GES.M.B.H SERVICES 42 IMET HANDELSGESELLSCHAFT MANUFACTURED GOODS 22 Ing. Pablo Spitzer CULTURE AND ART 12 Innovation und Technik GmbH ENGINES, VEHICLES 15 ISAB Industrieanlagenbau Ges.m.b.H. ENGINES, VEHICLES 15 Members A-Z 9 53 COMPANY CLASSIFICATION Islamisches Informations- und Dokumentationszentrum Österreich (IIDZ – Austria) SERVICES 43 IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. SERVICES 42 J.T. Kalmar GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 29 Katharina Hallal GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 10 Khalil Sara Establishment MANUFACTURED GOODS 21 Khwanda Group ENGINES, VEHICLES 15 Lambert Eversheds/ Lambert Rechtsanwälte OG SERVICES 43 Leitz GesmbH & Co KG ENGINES, VEHICLES 16 LIEBHERR-Werk Nenzing GmbH ENGINES, VEHICLES 16 Limousinenservice Schafek GmbH SERVICES 43 Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH RAW MATERIALS 32 Die Marmeladen-Manufaktur NUTRITION 25 Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 11 Mikro-Mineral GMBH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 11 MOBIL BAUSTOFFE GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 29 Modern Life Handels GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 29 Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH MANUFACTURED GOODS 21 Nahas Enterprises Group SERVICES 43 Neue Wiener Porzellanmanufaktur AUGARTEN GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 29 OBERBANK-AG SERVICES 44 ÖGV – Österreichischer Gewerbeverein SERVICES 44 Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 30 Österreichische Staatsdruckerei GmbH SERVICES 44 Omicron Electronics GmbH ENGINES, VEHICLES 16 OMV Aktiengesellschaft FUEL AND ENERGY 19 Onkotec GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 11 OVE: Austrian Electrotechnical Association SERVICES 44 OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH MANUFACTURED GOODS 21 Papierfabrik Wattens GmbH & Co KG MANUFACTURED GOODS 21 Plan.NET Middle East SERVICES 45 Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH ENGINES, VEHICLES 16 PORR – ALLGEMEINE BAUGESELLSCHAFT – A. PORR AG 54 PAGE 30 POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH DRINKS AND TOBACCO 13 Premium Health Solutions GmbH SERVICES 45 Profi Personalvermittlung GmbH SERVICES 45 Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG SERVICES 45 Ramses Zwei GmbH MANUFACTURED GOODS 22 Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG DRINKS AND TOBACCO 13 Red Bull GmbH DRINKS AND TOBACCO 13 Rechtsanwälte: Dr. Franz Marschall & Mag. Rene Heinz SERVICES 46 CLASSIFICATION PAGE RHI AG MANUFACTURED GOODS 22 RINGER KG OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 30 RISE – Research Industrial Systems Engineering GmbH SERVICES 46 ROXCEL HandelsgesmbH MANUFACTURED GOODS 22 Sacher Hotels BetriebsgesmbH. SERVICES 46 SAG Aluminium Lend GmbH&Co.KG RAW MATERIALS 32 SANA Investment Co. SERVICES 46 Sandoz GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 11 SBG – AlMarasem – BTC SERVICES 47 Schneider: Dr. Wolfgang J. Schneider GmbH SERVICES 47 Schöler & Co GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 30 Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH NUTRITION 25 Science & Research Marketing GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 31 Sitte Vienna OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 31 SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) SERVICES 47 Spitzwieser Sport & Sondermotoren e.U. ENGINES, VEHICLES 17 SQZ Software Engineering & Qualitätsmanagement Zopf SERVICES 47 Stora Enso Timber AG MANUFACTURED GOODS 22 Strabag SE OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 31 M. Swarovski GmbH OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS 31 TAG – T. Akhras Group SERVICES 48 Talpa GmbH SERVICES 48 TECS Telecommunication & E-Commerce Solutions GmbH SERVICES 48 Tiger 1 Co. ENGINES, VEHICLES 17 Ti-Tella Handelsgesellschaft mbH ENGINES, VEHICLES 17 TOMDIVE SERVICES 49 Trade Line Machinery ENGINES, VEHICLES 18 Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 12 Traude Fritz CULTURE AND ART 12 TUMA PUMPENSYSTEME GMBH ENGINES, VEHICLES 18 Tyche Rohstoffhandel & Beteiligung GmbH RAW MATERIALS 32 UNTHA shredding technology ENGINES, VEHICLES 18 VA Intertrading AG MANUFACTURED GOODS 23 Vamed Engineering GmbH & Co KG SERVICES 49 Vienna Business Agency SERVICES 49 VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. MANUFACTURED GOODS 23 Webster University SERVICES 49 Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 12 X-Plus-Management GmbH SERVICES 50 Ybbstaler Fruit Austria GmbH DRINKS AND TOBACCO 13 Community of Piringsdorf MUNICIPALITIES 51 Members A-Z COMPANY 55 MEMBER DIRECTORY Algeria AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH Böhler International GmbH Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air Europe Arab Bank plc F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Gabriel Chemie GmbH GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. LIEBHERR-Werk Nenzing GmbH Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG ROXCEL HandelsgesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. 7 20 36 9 38 38 20 9 10 41 42 16 32 11 30 16 13 45 22 47 12 23 EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG F. J. Elsner Trading & Co GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Mag. Hoeveler & Co GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Khwanda Group Leitz GesmbH & Co KG Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Omicron Electronics GmbH Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH Ybbstaler Fruit Austria GmbH 9 20 10 10 41 15 16 11 16 16 13 13 13 47 12 12 13 F. J. Elsner Trading & Co GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) 20 10 41 16 47 GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) 10 41 16 13 47 a-consult GmbH ADCON Telemetry GmbH AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH 33 26 7 Bahrain Comoros Djibouti Egypt 56 34 34 34 35 20 27 27 9 38 20 38 38 9 9 24 10 25 41 15 42 29 10 15 16 16 11 16 19 21 16 13 45 25 47 12 23 12 ADCON Telemetry GmbH Arabital Shipping Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Europe Arab Bank plc Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. Geospace GmbH GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce J.T. Kalmar GmbH Omicron Electronics GmbH OMV Aktiengesellschaft Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH Schreiber & Rupp GesmbHH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH Vamed Engineering GmbH & Co KG Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH 26 34 36 9 20 38 38 24 39 10 41 29 16 19 16 13 45 13 13 25 47 12 49 12 Iraq Members/Countries Alshaya Retail GmbH Arabital Shipping Asiah Group Ltd Bags Holding GesmbH Böhler International GmbH Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Europe Arab Bank plc EVER Neuro Pharma GmbH Gabriel Chemie GmbH Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Gresam HandelsgesmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce ISAB Industrieanlagenbau Ges.m.b.H. IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. J.T. Kalmar GmbH Katharina Hallal GmbH Khwanda Group Leitz GesmbH & Co KG LIEBHERR-Werk Nenzing GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Omicron Electronics GmbH OMV Aktiengesellschaft OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Schreiber & Rupp GesmbHH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH 57 Jordan ADCON Telemetry GmbH AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH Alshaya Retail GmbH Arabital Shipping Backhausen interior design GmbH Böhler International GmbH Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Europe Arab Bank plc EVER Neuro Pharma GmbH Gabriel Chemie GmbH Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. J.T. Kalmar GmbH Khwanda Group Leitz GesmbH & Co KG Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. Omicron Electronics GmbH OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Papierfabrik Wattens GmbH & Co KG Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH RHI AG ROXCEL HandelsgesmbH Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trade Line Machinery Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH Vamed Engineering GmbH & Co KG VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. Webster University Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH 26 7 34 34 26 20 27 27 9 38 20 38 38 9 9 24 10 41 42 29 15 16 11 21 30 16 21 21 16 13 45 13 13 22 22 25 47 18 12 49 23 49 12 Alshaya Retail GmbH Arabital Shipping ARACON Consulting GmbH Backhausen interior design GmbH Bags Holding GesmbH Böhler International GmbH Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Frey Wille GmbH & Co KG Gabriel Chemie GmbH Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce ILF – Beratende Ingenieure ZT Ges.m.b.H IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. J.T. Kalmar GmbH 34 34 34 26 35 20 36 27 27 9 38 20 38 28 9 24 10 41 42 42 29 Kuwait 58 11 43 30 16 21 45 16 13 45 13 13 25 47 17 12 23 49 12 50 13 Alshaya Retail GmbH AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH Böhler International GmbH Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Europe Arab Bank plc EVER Neuro Pharma GmbH Frey Wille GmbH & Co KG Gabriel Chemie GmbH Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Gresam HandelsgesmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce J.T. Kalmar GmbH Khwanda Group Leitz GesmbH & Co KG Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH Omicron Electronics GmbH OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Plan.NET Middle East Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trade Line Machinery Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH UNTHA shredding technology VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. Webster University Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH 34 7 20 36 27 27 9 38 20 38 38 9 28 9 24 10 25 41 29 15 16 11 21 16 21 45 16 13 45 13 13 25 47 18 12 18 23 49 12 AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH Arabital Shipping Bags Holding GesmbH BEV-Group 7 34 35 24 Lebanon Libya Members/Countries Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Nahas Enterprises Group Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. Omicron Electronics GmbH OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Plan.NET Middle East Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Spitzwieser Sport & Sondermotoren e.U. Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. Webster University Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH X-Plus-Management GmbH Ybbstaler Fruit Austria GmbH 59 Böhler International GmbH Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ILF – Beratende Ingenieure ZT Ges.m.b.H J.T. Kalmar GmbH Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Nahas Enterprises Group Omicron Electronics GmbH OMV Aktiengesellschaft Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH RHI AG Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH Vamed Engineering GmbH & Co KG VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. 20 36 27 9 38 20 38 41 24 10 42 29 32 43 16 19 30 21 16 13 45 13 13 22 25 47 12 49 23 Mauritania F. J. Elsner Trading & Co GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH 20 10 41 16 45 47 12 a-consult GmbH ADCON Telemetry GmbH Böhler International GmbH D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Europe Arab Bank plc Gabriel Chemie GmbH GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce J.T. Kalmar GmbH Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. Omicron Electronics GmbH OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Red Bull GmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. 33 26 20 27 9 38 20 38 38 9 10 41 29 32 11 21 16 45 30 16 21 30 13 47 12 23 Morocco 60 Oman F. J. Elsner Trading & Co GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) 20 25 41 16 47 Arabital Shipping F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Europe Arab Bank plc Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Omicron Electronics GmbH Plan.NET Middle East Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH 34 20 38 24 10 41 16 45 16 13 47 12 Alshaya Retail GmbH Arabital Shipping ARACON Consulting GmbH Beta Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. Böhler International GmbH DCC – Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH & Co KG Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH D. Swarovski & Co. Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Europe Arab Bank plc Frey Wille GmbH & Co KG Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Hasenkopf Mag. Hoeveler & Co GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. J.T. Kalmar GmbH Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal MOBIL BAUSTOFFE GmbH Modern Life Handels GmbH Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. Omicron Electronics GmbH Plan.NET Middle East Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Talpa GmbH Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH Vamed Engineering GmbH & Co KG VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. Webster University Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH X-Plus-Management GmbH 34 34 34 27 20 14 27 27 38 20 38 38 28 24 10 28 10 41 42 29 32 11 29 29 21 30 16 45 16 13 45 13 13 25 47 48 12 49 23 49 12 50 Qatar Members/Countries Palestine 61 Saudi Arabia ADCON Telemetry GmbH AGT Management & Engineering AG AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH Alshaya Retail GmbH ALVETRA u. WERFFT AG Arabital Shipping ARACON Consulting GmbH asp.consulting GmbH Austroplan Austrian Engineering GmbH Backhausen interior design GmbH Bags Holding GesmbH Beta Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. Böhler International GmbH Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Europe Arab Bank plc Frey Wille GmbH & Co KG Gabriel Chemie GmbH Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. Geospace GmbH GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Gresam HandelsgesmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce ILF – Beratende Ingenieure ZT Ges.m.b.H IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. J.T. Kalmar GmbH Khwanda Group Leitz GesmbH & Co KG LIEBHERR-Werk Nenzing GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Modern Life Handels GmbH Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH Nahas Enterprises Group Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. Omicron Electronics GmbH OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Plan.NET Middle East Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH RINGER KG Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH Vamed Engineering GmbH & Co KG VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH X-Plus-Management GmbH Ybbstaler Fruit Austria GmbH 26 19 7 34 24 34 34 35 35 26 35 27 20 36 27 27 9 38 20 38 38 28 9 24 39 10 25 41 42 42 29 15 16 16 11 29 21 43 30 16 21 45 16 13 45 13 13 30 25 47 12 49 23 12 50 13 F. J. Elsner Trading & Co GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) 20 10 41 16 47 Somalia 62 Arabital Shipping Bags Holding GesmbH Böhler International GmbH Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Hasenkopf ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Omicron Electronics GmbH Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Red Bull GmbH ROXCEL HandelsgesmbH Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH 34 35 20 36 9 38 20 38 10 28 41 32 11 16 16 13 45 13 22 25 12 a-consult GmbH AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH Al Mashreq Investment Fund Al Matin Group for trade and industry ALPHA – Aleppo Pharmaceutical Industries Arabital Shipping Bags Holding GesmbH Böhler International GmbH D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Europe Arab Bank plc EVER Neuro Pharma GmbH Frey Wille GmbH & Co KG Fritz Baumaschinen GmbH & Co KG Gabriel Chemie GmbH Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. Geospace GmbH Ghraoui Group GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Gresam HandelsgesmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce ISAB Industrieanlagenbau Ges.m.b.H. J.T. Kalmar GmbH Khalil Sara Establishment Khwanda Group Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Omicron Electronics GmbH OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Papierfabrik Wattens GmbH & Co KG Plan.NET Middle East Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH RHI AG 33 7 33 8 8 34 35 20 27 9 38 20 38 38 9 28 14 9 24 39 25 10 25 41 15 29 21 15 32 11 16 21 21 45 16 13 45 13 13 22 Syria Members/Countries Sudan 63 ROXCEL HandelsgesmbH SANA Investment Co. SBG – AlMarasem – BTC SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) TAG – T. Akhras Group Tiger 1 Co. Ti-Tella Handelsgesellschaft mbH Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH UNTHA shredding technology Vamed Engineering GmbH & Co KG VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH 22 46 47 47 48 17 17 12 18 49 23 12 AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH Böhler International GmbH DIET – Développement Industriel Enfidha Tunisie: ENFIDHA INDUSTRIAL PARK D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines Europe Arab Bank plc Gabriel Chemie GmbH GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Gresam HandelsgesmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. OMV Aktiengesellschaft OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Papierfabrik Wattens GmbH & Co KG Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Red Bull GmbH Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. 7 20 Tunisia 37 27 9 38 20 38 38 9 10 25 41 42 32 11 30 19 21 21 16 45 13 25 47 23 United Arab Emirates Alshaya Retail GmbH ALVETRA u. WERFFT AG Aqua Engineering GesmbH Arabital Shipping Backhausen interior design GmbH Bags Holding GesmbH Beta Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. BEV-Group Böhler International GmbH Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH DCM DECOmetal GmbH Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH D. Swarovski & Co. EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines EOOS GmbH Europe Arab Bank plc Frey Wille GmbH & Co KG Gabriel Chemie GmbH Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Hasenkopf 64 34 24 26 34 26 35 27 24 20 36 32 27 27 9 38 20 38 20 38 28 9 24 10 28 41 10 41 42 15 43 42 29 15 16 16 32 11 29 21 43 30 16 19 21 21 45 16 13 45 13 13 22 25 47 17 12 23 49 12 50 13 Böhler International GmbH EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG Egypt Air F. J. Elsner Trading & Co Emirates Airlines EVER Neuro Pharma GmbH Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. Geospace GmbH GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce ISAB Industrieanlagenbau Ges.m.b.H. Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH Omicron Electronics GmbH OMV Aktiengesellschaft OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Papierfabrik Wattens GmbH & Co KG Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG RHI AG ROXCEL HandelsgesmbH Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH 20 9 38 20 38 9 24 39 10 41 15 32 11 21 16 19 21 21 16 13 45 13 22 22 25 47 12 12 Yemen Members/Countries Heller Consult Tax & Business Solutions GmbH Mag. Hoeveler & Co GmbH ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce ILF – Beratende Ingenieure ZT Ges.m.b.H Innovation und Technik GmbH Islamisches Informations- und Dokumentations-zentrum Österreich (IIDZ – Austria) IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. J.T. Kalmar GmbH Khwanda Group Leitz GesmbH & Co KG LIEBHERR-Werk Nenzing GmbH Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Modern Life Handels GmbH Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH Nahas Enterprises Group Österr. Doka Schalungs-Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. Omicron Electronics GmbH OMV Aktiengesellschaft OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Papierfabrik Wattens GmbH & Co KG Plan.NET Middle East Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH RHI AG Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) Spitzwieser Sport & Sondermotoren e.U. Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. Webster University Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH X-Plus-Management GmbH Ybbstaler Fruit Austria GmbH 65 66 W INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS LIST OF ARAB EMBASSIES IN AUSTRIA ALGERIA KUWAIT Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Address: Rudolfinergasse 18 / 1190 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 369 88 53 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 369 88 56 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Consulate: [email protected] Internet: www.algerische-botschaft.at Ambassador: H.E. Ms. Taous FEROUKHI Embassy of the State of Kuwait Address: Strassergasse 32 / 1190 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 405 56 46 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 405 56 46 -13 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Mohammad AL-SALLAL EGYPT Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt Address: Hohe Warte 50 – 54 / 1190 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 370 81 04 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 370 81 04 - 27 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.egyptembassyvienna.at Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Ehab FAWZY IRAQ Embassy of the Republic of Iraq Address: PO Box 599, Johannesgasse 26 / 1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 713 81 95 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 713 67 20 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Chargé d’affaires a.i.: H.E. Mr. Ziad Tariq AL-ADHAMY JORDAN Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Address: Rennweg 17/4 / 1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 405 10 25 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 405 10 31 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.jordanembassy.at Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Makram QUEISI LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES Mission of the League of Arab States in Vienna Address: Schwarzenbergplatz 6/Zaunergasse 1-3 / 1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 513 07 66 Fax : 0043 (0) 1 513 07 67 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Mikhail WEHBE LEBANON Embassy of the Lebanese Republic Address: Oppolzergasse 6/3 / 1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 533 88 21 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 533 49 84 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Ishaya EL-KHOURY LIBYA People’s Bureau of the Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Address: Blaasstr. 33 / 1190 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 367 76 39 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 367 76 01 E-Mail: offi[email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Ahmed MENESI 67 MOROCCO SUDAN Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco Address: Opernring 3-5 / 1010 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 586 66 51 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 586 76 67 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Omar ZNIBER Embassy of the Republic of Sudan Address: Reisnerstr. 29/5 / 1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 710 23 43 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 710 23 46 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Mahmud ELAMIN OMAN SYRIA Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman Address: Währingerstr. 2-4 / 1090 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 310 86 43 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 310 72 68 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Badr bin AL-HINAI Embassy of the Syrian Republic Address: Daffingerstr. 4 / 1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 533 46 33 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 533 46 32 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Bassam SABBAGH PALESTINE TUNISIA Mission of Palestine Address: Josefsgasse 5 / 1080 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 408 82 02 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 408 81 19 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.palestinemission.at Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Zuheir ELWAZER Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia Address: Sieveringerstr. 187 / Vienna 1190 Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 581 52 81 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 581 55 92 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Ali CHAOUCH QATAR Representation of the State of Qatar Address: Währingerstr. 2-4 / 1090 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 310 49 50 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 319 08 97 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Ali Khalfan AL-MANSOURI SAUDI ARABIA Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Address: Formanekgasse 38 / 1190 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 367 25 31 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 367 25 40 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.H. Prince Mansour bin Khalid AL SAUD 68 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Embassy of the United Arab Emirates Address: Peter-Jordan-Str. 66 / 1190 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 368 14 55 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 368 44 85 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Mohamad Omran ALSHAMSI YEMEN Embassy of the Republic of Yemen Address: Reisnerstr. 18-20 / 1. Stock, Top 3-4 / 1030 Vienna Tel.: 0043 (0) 1 503 29 30 Fax: 0043 (0) 1 505 31 59 E-Mail: [email protected] Consulate: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Abdel Hahim AL-ERYANI LIST OF AUSTRIAN EMBASSIES IN ARAB COUNTRIES ALGERIA LIBYA Austrian Embassy in Algier Address: 17, Chemin Abdel kader Gadouche, 16035 Hydra Tel.: 00213 / 21 69 10 86 Fax: 00213 / 21 69 12 32 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mag. Aloisia WÖRGETTER Austrian Embassy in Tripolis Address: Shara Khalid Ben Walid/Shara Arismondi, Dahra Area, Garden City, Tripolis P.O.B. 3207, Tripolis Tel.: 00218 / 21 44 43 379 Fax: 00218 / 21 44 40 838 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mag. Dorothea AUER Austrian Embassy in Cairo Address: El Nile Street/Corner 5, Wissa Wassef Street, 5th Floor, Riyadth-Tower, Giza, 11111 Kairo Tel.: 0020 / 2 3570 29 75 Fax: 0020 / 2 3570 29 79 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.austriaegypt.org Ambassador: H.E. Mag. Dr.Thomas NADER Office area: Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea MOROCCO Austrian Embassy in Rabat Address: 2 Zankat Tiddas, Rabat BP 135, Rabat Tel.: 00212 / 537 76 40 03 Fax: 00212 / 537 76 54 25 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.aussenministerium.at/rabat Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Georg MAUTNER-MARKHOF Office area: Morocco, Mauritania JORDAN OMAN Austrian Embassy in Amman Address: Mithqal Al-Fayez Street 36, Jabal Amman P.O.B. 830795, Amman 11183 Tel.: 00962 / 6 460 11 01 Fax: 00962 / 6 461 27 25 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mag. Franz HÖRLBERGER Austrian Embassy in Muscat Address: Shatti al Qurum, Al-Kharijia Street, Way no. 3013, Villa no. 898, Maskat P.O.Box 2070, Postal Code 112 RUWI, Muscat Tel.: 00968 / 2469 4127 Fax: 00968 / 2469 9265 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Andreas KARABACZEK Office area: Yemen, Oman KUWAIT Austrian Embassy in Kuwait City Address: Daiyah, Area Nr. 3, Shawki Street, house Nr. 10, Kuwait P.O.B. 15013 Daiyah, 35451 Kuwait Tel.: 00965 / 225 52 532 Fax: 00965 / 225 63 052 E-Mail: [email protected] Ambassador: H.E. Mag. Marian WRBA Office area: Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait LEBANON Austrian Embassy in Beirut Address: Avenue Charles Malek, Tabaris – Achrafieh Tabaris 812 Bldg., 8th floor, Beirut 2071-1606 P. O. Box 11-3924 Tel.: 00961 / 1 21 73 60 Fax: 00961 / 1 21 77 72 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.aussenministerium.at/beirut Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Eva Maria ZIEGLER SAUDI ARABIA Austrian Embassy in Riyadh Address: Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh P.O.Box 94373, Riyadh 11693 Tel.: 00966 / 1 480 12 17 Fax: 00966 / 1 480 15 26 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.aussenministerium.at/riyadh Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Johannes WIMMER Addresses EGYPT 69 SYRIA UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Austrian Embassy in Damascus Address: Farabi Street 1, Bld. Mohamed Naim Al-Deker, Mezzeh, East Villas, Damascus P.O.Box 5634, Damascus Tel.: 00963 / 11 613 80 1-00 00963 / 11 613 98 300 (Visa Department) Fax: 00963 / 11 611 67 34 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.aussenministerium.at/damaskus Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Maria KUNZ Austrian Embassy in Abu Dhabi Address: Al Khazna Tower, Abu Dhabi P.O.B. 35539, Abu Dhabi Tel.: 00971 / 2 67 66 611 Fax: 00971 / 2 67 15 551 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.aussenministerium.at/abudhabi www.austrianembassy.ae Ambassador: H.E. Dr. Julius LAURITSCH TUNISIA Austrian Embassy in Tunis Address: 16, Rue Ibn Hamdiss El Menzah I, 1004 Tunis Tel.: 00216 / 71 23 90 38 Fax: 00216 / 71 75 54 27 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.aussenministerium.at/tunis Ambassador: H.E. Mag. Dr. Johann FRÖHLICH AUSTRIAN TRADE COMMISSIONS IN ARAB COUNTRIES 70 ALGERIA EGYPT Austrian Trade Commission in Algiers Address: Ambassade d’Autriche Section Commerciale 17, Chemin Abdelkader Gaddouche 16035 Hydra-Alger ALGÉRIE ALGERIEN Tel.: 00213 21 / 69 12 29 or 69 27 54 Fax: 00213 21 / 69 15 90 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/dz Office Area: Algeria, Tunisia Commercial Counsellor: Mag. Ulrike STRAKA Austrian Trade Commission Cairo Address: Austrian Embassy - Commercial Office 8, Ismail Mohamed Street - Zamalek Cairo ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT Tel.: 00202 / 273 576 07 or 273 611 50 or 273 655 63 Fax: 00202 / 273 628 92 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/eg Office Area: Sudan, Djibouti (et. al.) Commercial Counsellor: Dr. Kurt ALTMANN COMOROS IRAQ Austrian Trade Commission Johannesburg Address: 1, Cradock Avenue (Corner Tyrwhitt Avenue) Rosebank (Johannesburg) Tel.: 0027 11 / 442 71 00 Fax: 0027 11 / 442 83 04 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/za Office Area: Comoros (et. al.) Commercial Counsellor: Dr. Stefan PISTAUER Austrian Trade Commission Erbil Address: Gulan Street at Naz City, Block E, Groundfloor door 3 Erbil Tel.: 00964 / 750 449 50 38 or 0043 (0) 676 936 92 86 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/iq Commercial Counsellor: Mr. Oskar SMRZKA LIBYA SAUDI ARABIA Austrian Trade Commission Tripoli Address: Abdulkader el Jazairi Tripoli Tel.: 00218 21 / 333 51 76 or 333 51 77 or 333 04 16 Fax: 00218 21 / 333 73 22 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/ly Commercial Counsellor: Mr. David BACHMANN Austrian Trade Commission Riyadh Address: Kingdom Tower 23rd Floor Olaya District, Arouba Road Riyadh 11693 SAUDI-ARABIA Tel.: 00966 1 / 211 01 11 or 211 01 71 or 211 01 77 Fax: 00966 1 / 211 02 22 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/sa Office Area: Saudi Arabia, Yemen Commercial Counsellor: Mag. Pierre PRUNIS Austrian Trade Commission Casablanca Address: Ambassade d’Autriche – Section Commerciale 45, Avenue Hassan II 20000 Casablanca MAROC Tel.: 00212 522 / 223 282 or 224 770 or 266 904 Fax: 00212 522 / 221 083 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/ma Office Area: Morocco, Mauritania (et. al.) Commercial Counsellor: Mr. Manfred SCHMID PALESTINE Austrian Trade Commission Tel Aviv Address: Trade Tower, 9th Floor 25, Hamered Street 61500 Tel Aviv ISRAEL Tel.: 00972 / 3 516 86 85 Fax: 00972 / 3 516 85 80 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/il Commercial Counsellor: Mr. Christian LASSNIG SYRIA Austrian Trade Commission Damascus Address: Mezzeh, Eastern Villas Farabi Street 116a Damascus SYRIA Tel.: 00963 11 / 611 77 71 or 611 46 16 Fax: 00963 11 / 613 20 78 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/sy Office Area: Jordan, Lebanon Commercial Counsellor: Dr. Kurt MÜLLAUER UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Austrian Trade Commission Abu Dhabi Address: Al Khazna Tower, 7th Floor Al Najda Street Abu Dhabi UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Tel.: 00971 2 / 676 66 33 Fax: 00971 2 / 676 00 02 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: wko.at/awo/ae Office Area: Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan Commercial Counsellor: Dr. Wolfgang PENZIAS Addresses MOROCCO 71 OAUSTRIAN TRADE COMMISSIONS OMARKETING OFFICES AUSTRIAN TRADE ERBIL O O TUNIS ALGIERS O O DAMASCUS CASABLANCA O TRIPOLI O CAIRO O DUBAI O O ABU DHABI RIYADH O JEDDAH O WORLDWIDE AT YOUR SERVICE. With a network of more than 100 offices in 70 countries "6453*"/53"%& is uniquely positioned to consult and guide you worldwide. 11 Austrian Trade Commissions and Marketing Offices support you in Arab Countries. 72 0800|397678 [email protected] wko.at/awo advantageaustria.org ADDRESSES OF JOINT ARAB-FOREIGN CHAMBERS AUSTRIA Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Österreichisch-Arabische Handelskammer Postfach 181, A – Lobkowitzplatz 1, 1015 Vienna - Austria Tel.: 00431 / 513 39 65-0 Fax: 00431 / 513 85 59 E-Mail: headoffi[email protected] http://www.aacc.at STAFF: Mag. Leila KAPLAN .......................................................................... Assistant to the Secretary General Nahla OSSEIRAN ................................................................................ Client Service Officer, Data Base Wahid Zaffrul SHAN ......................................................................... Legalization Officer CONSULTANTS: Dr. Horst MACHU ............................................................................... Chief Consultant, former Commercial Counsellor in Arab countries Min.-Couns. Soliman ELGOHARY ........................................... Consultant Addresses EXECUTIVE BOARD: Dkfm. Dr. Herbert STEPIC ............................................................ President KommR. Nabil R. KUZBARI ......................................................... Vice President Dr. Gerhard ROISS ............................................................................. Vice President Mr. Henry HAFEZ ................................................................................. Vice President Dipl.-Ing. Mouddar KHOUJA ...................................................... Secretary General Dr. Alfred STROMMER ................................................................... Treasurer H.E. Dr. Badr M. AL-HINAI............................................................. President of the Arab Ambassador Council in Austria (in quarterly rotation) H.H. Prince Mansour Bin Khalid AL SAUD ........................ Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 73 ARGENTINIA BRAZIL Argentine-Arab Chamber of Commerce (CCAA) Cámara de Comercio Argentino Arabe Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB) Câmara de Comércio Árabe-Brasileira Montevideo 513 / Piso 6 C1019ABK Buenos Aires – Republica Argentina Tel.: 005411/ 437 28 167 Fax: 005411/ 437 12 561 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.camarabe.com Av. Paulista, 326 17th/18th Floor 01310 – 902 Sao Paulo - SP - Brazil Tel.: 005511 / 3283 40 66 Fax: 005511 / 3288 81 10 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.ccab.org.br Mr. Jamal M. AWADAH .............................. President Mr. Sattamm AL-KADDOUR ................... Secretary General Mr. Salim Tawfic CHAHIEN ..................... President Mr. Michel ALABI ............................................. Secretary General AUSTRALIA CHINA Australia-Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. (AACCI) China-Arab Joint Chamber of Commerce (CAJCC) China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) AACCI National Office 24 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600 - Australia P.O. Box 6005 / Kingston ACT 2604 - Australia Tel.: 00612/ 627 08 037 Fax: 00612/ 627 33 196 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.austarab.com.au Mr. Ray NAJAR ................................................ National Chairman Mr. Robert NEWTON ................................................ Executive Director (CEO) Mr. Wan JIFEI ....... Chairman of Chinese Board of CAJCC Mr. Adnan KASSAR .. Chairman of Arab Board of CAJCC BELGIUM CZECH REPUBLIC Chambre de Commerce Belgique-Luxembourg-Pays Arabes (CCBLA) Arab-Belgium-Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce Czech-Arab Chamber of Commerce Cesko - Arabská Obchodní Komora Rue Mignot-Delstanche Straat 60 / Brussel 1050 Bruxelles - Belgium Tel.: 0032 / 2 344 82 04 Fax: 0032 / 2 347 57 64 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.ccbla.org Mr. Johan BEERLANDT ............................. President Mr. Qaisar HIJAZIN ....................................... Secretary General 74 1 Fu Xing Men Wai Street, Beijing 100860 - P.R.China Tel.: 0086 / 10 8807 ext. 5663 / 5393 Fax: 0086 / 10 8807 5408 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.ccpit.org Freyova 27/82 / 190 00 Praha 9 – Czech Republic Tel.: 00420 / 773 131 858 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.czaok.cz Ing. George KARRÁA ................................. President FRANCE IRELAND Chambre de Commerce Franco-Arabe (CCFA) The Joint Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce 250 bis, Boulevard Saint Germain, 75007 Paris - France Tel.: 00331 / 45 53 20 12 Fax: 00331 / 47 55 09 59 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.ccfranco-arabe.org 63 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 - Ireland Tel.: 00353 / 1 / 662 44 51 – 662 15 77 Fax: 00353 / 1 / 662 47 29 E-Mail: [email protected], [email protected] http://www.jaicc.ie/ Mr. Louis J. MAGUIRE ................................ President Mr. Ahmad R. YOUNIS .......................Secretary General GERMANY ITALY Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry e. V. (Ghorfa) Arabisch-Deutsche Vereinigung Für Handel und Industrie e.V. Arab-Italian Chamber of Commerce Camera di Commercio Italo-Araba Chambre de Commerce Italo-Arabe 1 Garnisonskirchplatz, 10178 Berlin - Federal Republic of Germany Tel.: 0049 30 / 2789 07-0 Fax: 0049 30 / 2789 07-49 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.ghorfa.de Dr. Thomas BACH .............................. President Mr. Abdulaziz AL-MIKHLAFI ..................... Secretary General Via Monti Parioli 48 / 00197 Roma - Italy Tel.: 003906/ 322 67 51 Fax: 003906/ 322 69 01 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.cameraitaloaraba.org Mr. Sergio MARINI ......................................... President Mr. Fouad ABDULHADI ............................... Secretary General GREECE KENYA Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Development Joint Kenya-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry 180-182 Kifissias Ave, 154 51 N. Psychico, Athens - Greece Tel.: 0030 210/ 671 12 10 101; 6726882 Fax: 0030 210/ 674 65 77; 6746 578 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.arabgreekchamber.gr/ 10th Floor, KCS House, MAMA Ngina Street, P.O. Box 50182 - 00200 Nairobi - KENYA Tel.: 00254 / 20 / 343 551 Fax: 00254 / 20 / 310 643 E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected] Eng. Anttar BANDALSI ............................... President Mr. Mohamed E. EL-KHAZMI ................. Secretary General Mr. Omar FAKIH .......................... Deputy Secretary - General Addresses Mr. Herve DE CHARETTE ......................... President Dr. Saleh Bakr AL-TAYAR .......................... Secretary General 75 MALTA SWITZERLAND Maltese-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chambre Arabo-Suisse du commerce et de l’industrie Arabische-Schweizerische Handels und Industriekammer Auberge A, San Anton, De Paule Avenue, Balzan BZN 02 - Malta Tel.: 00356 21/ 48 27 50 – 48 27 07 Fax: 00356 21/ 48 27 14 E-Mail: [email protected] Mr. Anthony GUILLAUMIER .................... President Mr. Mohamed Ezzeddine BEK DERNA ........................................................ Secretary General 70 / Route de Florissant, CH-1211 Geneve 12 - Switzerland Tel.: 004122/ 34 73 202 Fax: 004122/ 34 73 870 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.casci.ch Mr. Werner OBERLI........................................ President Mr. Bahaa EL-ATTAR .................................... Secretary General PORTUGAL UNITED KINGDOM Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Camara De Comercio E Industria Arabe-Portuguesa Arab-British Chamber of Commerce AVENIDA FONTES PEREIRA DE MELO 19-8, 1050-116 LISBOA - PORTUGAL Tel.: 00351 21/ 313 81 00 Fax: 00351 21/ 313 81 09 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.cciap.pt 43 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 2NJ - UK Tel.: 0044 / 20 / 7235 4363 Fax: 0044 / 20 / 7245 66 88 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.abcc.org.uk Sir Roger TOMKYS ....................................... President Dr. Afnan Al-SHUAIBY ................................ Secretary General Mr. Angelo CORREIA ................................... President Mr. Allaoua Karim BOUABDELLAH .... Secretary General 76 RUSSIA UNITED STATES Russian-Arab Business Council National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce Office 143 / 17/8/9 bldg1, Prechistenka St., Moscow, 119034 / Russia Tel.: 007495/ 730-4123 Fax: 007495/ 730-4123 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.rusarabbc.ru 1023 15th Street, N.W. Suite 400, Washington D.C. 20005 - U.S.A Tel.: 001 202 / 289 59 20 Fax: 001 202 / 289 59 38 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.nusacc.org Mr. Vladimir P. YEVTUSHENKOV ........ Chairman Mrs. Tatiana GVILAVA ................................. Director Mr. David HAMOD ....................................... President & CEO Mr. Donald DE MARINO ..................... Chairman ADDRESSES OF FEDERATIONS & CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE IN THE ARAB COUNTRIES ALGERIA EGYPT Chambre Algérienne de Commerce et d‘Industrie (CACI) Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce BAHRAIN Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry P.O.Box 248 Manama – Kingdom of Bahrain Tel.: 00973 17/ 380 000 Fax: 00973 17/ 380 123 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.bahrainchamber.org.bh COMOROS Union des Chambres de Commerce d’Industrie et d’Agriculture des Comoros P.O.Box 763 Moroni – Comoros Tel.: 00269 / 730 958 Fax: 00269 / 731 983 http://www.uccia-comoros.com/ DJIBOUTI Chambre Internationale de Commerce et d’Industrie (Djibouti) B.P. 84 Djibouti – République de Djibouti Tel.: 00253/ 351 070 Fax: 00253/ 350 096 E-Mail: [email protected] 4 / Falaki Square, 25 Cairo – Egypt Tel.: 0020 22/ 795 60 66 - 795 11 36 - 795 36 77 Fax: 0020 22/ 794 38 01 - 795 11 64 E-Mail: [email protected], [email protected] http://www.fedcoc.org.eg IRAQ Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Saadoun St., Baghdad - Iraq Tel.: 00964 / 790 362 1817 Fax: N/A E-Mail: fi[email protected] http://www.ifi-iraq.org/ JORDAN Jordan Chamber of Commerce P.O.Box 7029 Amman 11118 – Jordan Tel.: 00962 6/ 566 54 92 Fax: 00962 6/ 568 59 97 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.jocc.org.jo Jordan Chamber of Industry P.O.Box 1800 Amman 11118 – Jordan Tel.: 00962 6/ 464 30 01 Fax: 00962 6/ 464 78 52 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.aci.org.jo Addresses Palais Consulaire 6 / Bd. Amilcar Cabral - 16003 Alger BP 100 Alger 1er Novembre, Place des Martyrs - Algérie Tel.: 00213 21/ 96 77 77 or 96 66 66 Fax: 00213 21/ 96 70 70 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.caci.dz 77 KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA LIBYA Council of Saudi Chambers Federation of Jamahiriya Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture P.O.Box 16683 Riyadh 11474 - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tel.: 00966 1/ 21 82 222 Fax: 00966 1/ 21 82 111 E-Mail: [email protected], [email protected] http://www.csc.org.sa/ P.O.Box 12556 / Maidan Al-Jazayer, Tripoli – Libya Tel.: 00218 21/ 33 65 -130 or -133 Fax: 00218 21/ 33 65 -126 or -127 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.guocci.com Federation of GCC Chambers P.O.Box 2198 / 31451 Damam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tel.: 00966 3 83 55 006 Fax: 00966 3 83 55 007 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.fgccc.org KUWAIT Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Commercial Area # 9 / Al-Shuhadaa St., Kuwait City P.O.Box 775 / Safat 13008 – Kuwait Tel.: 00965/ 224 23 555 or 224 23 666 Fax: 00965/ 224 04 110 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.kcci.org.kw LEBANON Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture in Lebanon P.O.Box 11-1801 / Beirut - Lebanon Tel.: 00961 1/ 744 702 or 353 190 Fax: 00961 1/ 349 614 E-Mail : [email protected] http://www.cci-fed.org.lb General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries P.O.Box: 11-2837 / Beirut - Lebanon Tel.: 00961 1/ 826 021/ 22/ 24 Fax: 00961 1/ 826 020 E-Mail : [email protected], [email protected] http://www.gucciaac.org.lb 78 MAURITANIA Chambre de Commerce, d’Industrie et d’Agriculture de Mauritanie Av. de l’indépendance, BP 215 / Nouakchott – Mauritanie Tel.: 00222/ 525 22 14 Fax: 00222/ 525 38 95 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.chambredecommerce.mr/ MOROCCO Fédération des Chambres Marocaines de Commerce, d`Industrie et de Services 6 Rue Erfoud, P.O.Box 218 Rabat cp10001 - Maroc Tel.: 00212 37/ 76 70 51 Fax: 00212 37/ 76 70 96 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.fcmcis.ma/ OMAN Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry P.O.Box 1400 , Postal Code 112 / Ruwi Muscat – Sultanate Of Oman Tel.: 00968 24/ 70 76 74 Fax: 00968 24/ 70 84 97 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.chamberoman.com PALESTINE TUNISIA Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture Union Tunisienne de l’Industrie, du Commerce et de l’Artisanat Jerusalem, Al-Rashid St., P.O.Box: 54107 Tel.: 00970 2/ 23 44 923 Fax: 00970 2/ 23 44 924 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.pal-chambers.org Cité administrative, lot N°7 / Cité El-Khadhra, 1003 Tunis - TUNISIE Tel.: 00216 71/ 142 300 Fax: 00216 71/ 142 100 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.utica.org.tn QATAR UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E.) Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry P.O.Box 402 / Doha – Qatar Tel.: 00974/ 44 55 91 11 Fax: 00974/ 44 66 16 93 / 44 66 16 97 E-Mail: [email protected], [email protected] http://www.qcci.org ABU-DHABI Office: P.O.Box 3014 Abu-Dhabi – U.A.E. Tel.: 00971 2/ 621 41 44 Fax: 00971 2/ 633 92 10 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.fcci.gov.ae SOMALIA DUBAI Office: PO Box 8886 Dubai - UAE Tel.: 00971 4/ 22 12 977 Fax: 00971 4/ 22 35 498 E-Mail: [email protected] Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry SUDAN Sudanese Businessmen and Employers Federation P.O.Box 1758 Khartoum – Sudan Tel.: 00249 1/ 83 431 -276 or -277 or -278 Fax: 00249 1/ 83 431 -281 or -283 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.sudabiz.org SYRIA Federation of the Syrian Chambers of Commerce Moussa Bin Nussair St. P.O.Box 5909 Damascus – Syria Tel.: 00963 11/ 333 73 44 or 33 11 504 Fax: 00963 11/ 333 11 27 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.fedcommsyr.org YEMEN Federation of Yemeni Chambers of Commerce and Industry P.O.Box: 16992 / Sana’a - Republic of Yemen Tel.: 00967 1/ 261 295 - 265 038 Fax: 00967 1/ 261 269 E-Mail: [email protected] Addresses Somali Chamber Building, near Banadir Hotel, Shibis District, Mogadishu - Somalia Tel.: 00252 1/ 64 30 81 or 00252 5 / 942 333 Fax.: 00252 1/ 22 15 60 E-Mail: [email protected] http://somalicci.com/ 79 MEMBER DIRECTORY Chemical Products Abiothrin Handelsg. mbH AKTIVSAUERSTOFF GmbH ALPHA – Aleppo Pharmaceutical Industries Al Matin Group for trade and industry Borealis AG Chemson Polymere-Additive AG EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Nfg.KG EVER Neuro Pharma GmbH Gabriel Chemie GmbH G.L. Pharma GREINER BIO-ONE GmbH Mag. Hoeveler & Co GmbH IASON GmbH Katharina Hallal GmbH Merck KGaA & Co. Werk Spittal Mikro-Mineral GmbH Onkotec GmbH Sandoz GmbH Trenka Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH Culture and Art Fritz: Traude Fritz Herger: Atelier Mag. Art. Herger Helga Spitzer: Ing. Pablo Spitzer Drinks and Tobacco POWER HORSE Energy Drinks GmbH Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG Red Bull GmbH Ybbstaler Fruit Austria GmbH Engines, Vehicles Elin Wasserwerkstechnik Gesellschaft m.b.H. DCC – Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH & Co KG Fritz Baumaschinen GmbH & Co KG GE. Energy Jenbacher GmbH & Co OHG Hörbiger Kompressortechnik GmbH Innovation und Technik GmbH ISAB Industrieanlagenbau GmbH Khwanda Group Leitz GesmbH & Co KG LIEBHERR-Werk Nenzing GmbH Omicron Electronics GmbH Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH Spitzwieser Sport & Sondermotoren e.U. Trade Line Machinery Tiger1 Co. Ti-Tella Handelsgesellschaft mbH TUMA PUMPENSYSTEME GMBH UNTHA shredding technology Fuel and Energy AGT Management & Engineering AG Geosat Technology Limited OMV Aktiengesellschaft 80 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 18 18 19 19 19 19 Manufactured Goods Böhler International GmbH EOOS GmbH F. J. Elsner Trading & Co IMET Handelsgesellschaft Khalil Sara Establishment Mondi Business Paper Sales GmbH OVOTHERM International HandelsGmbH Papierfabrik Wattens GmbH & Co KG Ramses Zwei GmbH RHI AG ROXCEL HandelsgesmbH Stora Enso Timber AG VIMPEX HandelsgesmbH. VA Intertrading AG 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 24 ALVETRA u. WERFFT AG BEV-Group Biolachs Gebrüder Woerle GesmbH. Ghraoui Group Gresam HandelsgesmbH Die Marmeladen-Manufaktur Schreiber & Rupp GesmbH Other Manufactured Goods ADCON Telemetry GmbH Alu König Stahl Aqua Engineering GesmbH Backhausen interior design GmbH Beta Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. Christian Maschek Schmuck Dotzauer Kristallleuchten ProduktionsGmbH D. Swarovski & Co. Frey Wille GmbH & Co KG GLS Tanks GmbH Hasenkopf Herz Austria GmbH J.T. Kalmar GmbH MOBIL BAUSTOFFE GmbH Modern Life Handels GmbH Neue Wiener Porzellanmanufaktur AUGARTEN GmbH Österr. Doka Schalungs- Gerüstbautechnik GmbH. PORR – ALLGEMEINE BAUGESELLSCHAFT – A. PORR AG RINGER KG Schöler & Co GmbH Science & Research Marketing GmbH Sitte Vienna Strabag SE M. Swarovski GmbH Raw Materials DCM DECOmetal GmbH Mayr-Melnhof Timber Trading GmbH SAG Aluminium Lend GmbH&Co.KG Tyche Rohstoffhandel & Beteiligung GmbH 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 32 32 32 32 32 Index Nutrition 81 33 Services Accès Alpintechnik Salzburg Architekt Achtsnit & Achtsnit a-consult GmbH Al Mashreq Investment Fund Alshaya Retail GmbH Arabital Shipping ARACON Consulting GmbH Asiah Group Ltd asp.consulting GmbH Austroplan Austrian Engineering GmbH AVT-ARGE Regionale Verkehrsplanung und Transportwirtschaft, Technisches Büro für Raumplanung Bags Holding GesmbH Bureau Veritas Austria GmbH CIN Consult Unternehmensberatung GmbH C & I Leasing GmbH C&T Sportpferde Freudenthal Club of Trade Delegates (Club der Handelsräte) Das House – Immobilienentwicklungs und -verwertungs GmbH Dr. D’Aron DIET – Développement Industriel Enfidha Tunisie: ENFIDHA INDUSTRIAL PARK Egypt Air Ehrlich: Mag. Daniela Ehrlich, Rechtsanwältin Europe Arab Bank plc Emirates Airlines Expat Consulting FREYGNER Rechtsanwalt GmbH Gentics Software GmbH Geospace GmbH Gesellschaft Österreichisch-Arabische Ärzte und Apotheker Goldenes Kreuz Privatklinik BetriebsGesmbH GourmetConsult Grand Hotel Wien Heller Consult Tax & Business Solutions GmbH Huber: Dr. Max Huber GmbH Hulla & Co. Human Dynamics KG ICC: Austria International Chamber of Commerce IIFC Industrial & Investment Financing Consulting GmbH IPSA – International Protect & Security Agency e.U. Islamisches Informations – und Dokumentationszentrum Österreich (IIDZ – Austria) ILF – Beratende Ingenieure ZT Ges.m.b.H Imperial Hotels Austria AG Lambert Eversheds/Lambert Rechtsanwälte OG Limousinenservice Schafek GmbH Nahas Enterprises Group OBERBANK-AG ÖGV – Österreichischer Gewerbeverein Österreichische Staatsdruckerei GmbH OVE: Austrian Electrotechnical Association Plan.NET Middle East Premium Health Solutions GmbH Profi Personalvermittlung GmbH, activities??? Raiffeisen Zentralbank Austria AG Rechtsanwälte: Dr. Franz Marschall & Mag. Rene Heinz RISE – Research Industrial Systems Engineering GmbH Sacher Hotels BetriebsgesmbH. SANA Investment Co. 82 33 33 33 33 34 34 34 34 35 35 35 35 36 36 36 36 37 37 37 37 38 38 38 38 39 39 39 39 40 40 40 40 41 41 41 41 42 42 42 42 43 43 43 43 44 44 44 44 45 45 45 45 46 46 46 46 SBG – AlMarasem – BTC Schneider: Dr. Wolfgang J. Schneider GmbH SPC (K.Prexl Sales-Projects-Consulting) SQZ Software Engineering & Qualitätsmanagement Zopf SWZT Chartered Consultants GmbH TAG – T. Akhras Group Talpa GmbH TECS Telecommunication & E-Commerce Solutions GmbH TomDive Vamed Engineering GmbH & Co KG Webster University Vienna Business Agency X-Plus-Management GmbH Municipalities Community of Piringsdorf 47 47 47 47 48 48 48 48 49 49 49 49 50 51 51 INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS Algeria Egypt Iraq Jordan Kuwait League of Arab States Lebanon Libya Morocco Oman Palestine Qatar Saudi Arabia Sudan Syria Tunisia United Arab Emirates Yemen List of Austrian Embassies in Arab Countries Algeria Egypt Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya Morocco Oman Saudi Arabia Syria Tunisia United Arab Emirates 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 68 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 70 70 70 Index List of Arab Embassies in Austria 83 84 Austrian Trade Commissions in Arab Countries Algeria Comoros Egypt Iraq Libya Morocco Palestine Saudi Arabia Syria United Arab Emirates (UAE) 70 Addresses of Joint Arab-Foreign Chambers Austria Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Argentina Argentine-Arab Chamber of Commerce (CCAA) Australia Australia-Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. (AACCI) Belgium Chambre de Commerce Belgique-Luxembourg-Pays Arabes (CCBLA) Brazil Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB) China China-Arab Joint Chamber of Commerce (CAJCC) Czech Republic Czech-Arab Chamber of Commerce (CZAOK) France Chambre de Commerce Franco-Arabe (CCFA) Germany Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry e. V. (Ghorfa) Greece Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Development Ireland The Joint Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce Italy Arab-Italian Chamber of Commerce Kenya Joint Kenya-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malta Maltese-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Portugal Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Russia Russian-Arab Business Council Switzerland Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry United Kingdom Arab-British Chamber of Commerce United States National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce 73 70 70 70 70 71 71 71 71 71 71 73 74 74 74 74 74 74 75 75 75 75 75 75 76 76 76 76 76 76 77 77 77 77 77 77 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 79 79 79 79 79 79 79 Index Addresses of Federations & Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in the Arab Countries Algeria Chambre Algérienne de Commerce et d’Industrie (CACI) Bahrain Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Comoros Union des Chambres de Commerce d’Industrie et d’Agriculture des Comoros Djibouti Chambre Internationale de Commerce et d’Industrie (Djibouti) Egypt Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce Iraq Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Jordan Jordan Chamber of Commerce Jordan Chamber of Industry Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Council of Saudi Chambers Federation of GCC Chambers Kuwait Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lebanon Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture in Lebanon General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries Libya Federation of Jamahiriya Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture Mauritania Chambre de Commerce, d’Industrie et d’Agriculture de Mauritanie Morocco Fédération des Chambres Marocaines de Commerce, d`Industrie et de Services Oman Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Palestine Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture Qatar Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Somalia Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sudan Sudanese Businessmen and Employers Federation Syria Federation of the Syrian Chambers of Commerce Tunisia Union Tunisienne de l’Industrie, du Commerce et de l’Artisanat United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry Yemen Federation of Yemeni Chambers of Commerce and Industry 85 COUNTRY PROFILES 94 Algeria Fact File Hydrocarbons Sector Population & Labour Market Economic Reforms & Liberalisation Foreign Trade Investment Long-term Growth Forecast Telecoms Tourism Agriculture 98 Bahrain Fact File Reforms Industries Imports Exports Banking ICT Tourism Construction Outlook 98 98 98 99 99 99 100 100 100 100 102 Comoros Fact File Geography Demography Economic Outlook Trade Reforms Tourism Media Banks 102 102 103 103 103 104 104 104 105 106 Djibouti Fact File Economy Investment Agriculture & Fishing Reforms Energy & Water Sector Banking & Finance 106 106 107 107 107 108 109 110 Egypt Fact File Population Economy Reforms Oil & Gas Banking Sector Insurance Sector Tourism Construction & Real Estate Investment IT & Telecoms 86 94 94 94 95 95 96 97 97 97 97 110 110 110 111 111 112 112 112 113 113 114 Iraq Fact File Economy Reforms Construction & Infrastructure Energy Industry Banking Sector Insurance Sector Agriculture, Food & Fisheries Outlook 114 114 115 115 116 116 116 117 117 117 118 Jordan Fact File Reforms Investment ICT & Health Sector Transport Trade Relations 118 118 118 120 120 121 122 Kuwait Fact File Economy Oil & Petroleum Banking Sector Insurance Sector Health Sector Power & Water Agricultural Sector Trade Foreign Direct Investment 122 122 122 122 123 124 124 124 124 125 126 Lebanon Fact File Financial Sector Insurance Sector Tourism Energy Sector Communications & IT Investment 126 126 126 128 128 128 129 Fact File Economy Investment Imports Exports Energy Sector Telecommunications Tourism Retail Sector Privatisation 130 130 130 131 132 132 133 133 133 133 Index 130 Libya 87 134 Mauritania Fact File Fishing Agriculture Telecommunications & New Technologies Mining Manufacturing Tourism Banking & Finance Exports Other Sector 140 Morocco Fact File Highlights Banking Tourism Infrastructure Agriculture Energy Sector 140 140 140 141 142 143 143 144 Oman Fact File Economic Outlook Power & Water Oil & Gas Transport & Communications Tourism & Real Estate Industrial Sector 144 145 145 145 145 146 146 148 Palestine Fact File Economy Agriculture Construction Telecoms Outlook 148 148 149 150 150 151 152 Qatar Fact File Real Estate & Construction Transport Tourism Attracting Talent Research & Development Telecoms Free Zones Environment 152 152 153 153 153 154 154 155 155 156 Saudi Arabia Fact File Oil & Gas Banking Sector Trade Non-Oil Spending Construction & Real Estate Petrochemicals Power & Water Telecoms Transport Tourism 88 134 134 134 135 135 136 136 137 138 138 156 156 157 157 157 158 158 158 159 159 159 160 Somalia Fact File Economy Agriculture Telecoms Mineral Resources Reconstruction 160 160 161 162 162 163 164 Sudan Fact File Economy Oil & Gas Sector Agriculture Boosting Exports Financial Sector Telecoms 164 164 164 165 166 166 166 168 Syria Fact File Overview Oil & Gas Agriculture Pharmaceuticals Tourism Telecoms Banking & Financial Sector 168 168 168 168 169 169 169 171 172 Fact File Trade with Europe Human Resources Tourism Construction & Real Estate Financial Sector Fisheries 172 172 173 173 174 174 175 United Arab Emirates Fact File Oil & Gas Construction ICT Free Zones Tourism Agriculture 176 Yemen 180 Fact File Oil & Gas Electrical Power Tourism Infrastructure Fisheries Agriculture Education 176 176 176 177 178 178 179 180 181 181 181 182 182 182 183 Index Tunisia 89 ALGERIA BAHRAIN COMOROS DJIBOUTI EGYPT IRAQ JORDAN KUWAIT LEBANON LIBYA MAURITANIA MOROCCO OMAN PALESTINE QATAR SAUDI ARABIA SOMALIA SUDAN SYRIA TUNISIA UAE YEMEN COUNTRY PROFILES BASIC SELECTED INFORMATION ON ARAB COUNTRIES YOUR PARTNER FOR HIGH SPEED STEELS, TOOL STEELS AND SPECIAL MATERIALS BOHLER International GmbH Nordwestbahnstraße 12 – 14, A-1201 Wien Phone: +43-1-33 143-0 Fax: +43-1-37 419 00 100 [email protected] www.bohler-international.com CONTENTS Algeria (DZ) 94 Morocco (MA) 140 Bahrain (BH) 98 Oman (OM) 144 Comoros (KM) 102 Palestine (PS) 148 Djibouti (DJ) 106 Qatar (QA) 152 Egypt (EG) 110 Saudi Arabia (SA) 156 Iraq (IQ) 114 Somalia (SO) 160 Jordan (JO) 118 Sudan (SU) 164 Kuwait (KW) 122 Syria (SY) 168 Lebanon (LB) 126 Tunisia (TN) 172 Libya (LY) 130 UAE (AE) 176 Mauritania (MR) 134 Yemen (YE) 180 DZ ALGERIA COUNTRY NAME: People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria LAND AREA: 2,4 million km2 POPULATION: 35 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), French (commercial) CURRENCY: 1 Algerian Dinar (DZD) = 100 Santeem 1 EUR = 100 DZD (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Algiers (Capital), Oran, Constantine, Annaba, Setif NATIONAL DAY: 1 November – Revolution Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 1 Algeria is a gateway between Africa and Europe; the Sahara desert which covers more than fourfifths of its land. Algeria is a large country with substantial mineral resources, but limited fertile land. Its population is around 34 million, making it the second-most populous country in North Africa after Egypt. It is classified as a lower-middleincome country, with a GDP per head of just over $8,000 (measured using purchasing power parity—PPP—exchange rates) in 2008, slightly above the average for North Africa. ALGIERS ALGIERS capital spending has increased significantly over the past few years, and the government plans to maintain this momentum though implementing a US$150bn development programme for 2009-13. Vested interests continue to obstruct economic diversification in many areas of the economy, such as import concessions, publicsector firms and the state-owned oil and gas company “Sonatrach”. Hydrocarbons Sector The hydrocarbons sector is the backbone of the economy, accounting for roughly 60% of budget reve- Algeria has emerged from a decade of debilitating civil nues, 30% of GDP, and over 95% of export earnings. war in the early 2000s. During the conflict, when the Algeria also has the eighth-largest reserves of natural country was mostly isolated from the rest of the world, gas in the world and is the fourth-largest gas exporter; the economy was supported by the hydrocarbons sector, it ranks 15th in oil reserves. Algeria’s deposits of gold, which, insulated from the violence, managed to attract uranium, zinc, iron and other minerals are also substan- considerable foreign investment. tial. However, the dominant position of the hydrocarbons The high oil prices in recent years have helped improve sector makes the Algerian economy highly sensitive to Algeria’s financial and macroeconomic indicators. Algeria fluctuations in international oil prices and in output. has decreased its external debt to less than 5% of GDP after repaying its Paris Club and London Club debt in Population & Labour Market 2006. Algeria’s real GDP also has risen due to higher oil 94 output and increased government spending. Over the past two decades, Algeria, like most of the coun- Foreign trade and most non-energy prices have been tries in the Middle East and North Africa, has experienced liberalized and private sector activity has been on an a rapid increase in population that has left the country with upward trend. However, exports have barely diversified a very young demographic profile. This means that for the away from the volatile hydrocarbon sector. The govern- next 15 years or so, the working-age population will grow at ment will continue to rely primarily on public invest- a higher rate than the overall population. ment to achieve its aims of creating jobs, improving the The EIU forecasts that average working-age population provision of housing and utilities and developing non- growth rate will be 2.2% in 2009-13. However, the propor- hydrocarbons industry and the service sector. Actual tion of Algerians in the 0-14 age bracket is starting to fall, Algeria which will result in a slowdown in the rate of growth of the professional service firms. Algeria’s more stable macro- working age population compared with the previous five economic framework and financial balances have helped years. to implement the reforms. The government is moving With regards to unemployment, official figures indicate that steadily to open up the financial sector to foreign inves- unemployment has fallen significantly since the start of the tors. The banking sector is set to be reformed gradually, current decade, suggesting that the surge in government but the process is likely to be haphazard. investment, which was initiated in 2002 and which is set to With regards to tax, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) accelerate over the forecast period, may have had a posi- is offering helpful advice on economic policy and recent tive impact. The unemployment rate at end-December 2008 progress made towards strengthening tax administration was officially estimated at 11.3%, compared with 11.8% 12 and simplifying the tax system has been welcomed by the months earlier and almost 30% at the start of the decade. Fund. Over the last decade, Algeria has initiated important reforms towards reducing exemptions, improving Economic Reforms & Liberalisation VAT design, and eliminating the turnover tax. The IMF has stressed the need for sustained further During the last three decades, Algeria began with a implementation of financial sector reforms to improving strategic plan to diversify its economy and sources of the business climate and enhancing private-sector led income. However, for most of the 1990s the country growth. The IMF recommended the strengthening the suffered from severe political and economic difficulties, role of private banks, and improvements of the country and the liberalization process and economic reforms was bank governance and risk management. Algeria banking resumed after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s re-election system is now progressively transitioning to get to par for a third term in April 2009. Algeria is now is undertaken with that of the rest of the world although commer- various reforms to shift the economy from a planned to a cial banking and insurance sectors in Algeria remain market economy. underdeveloped. Algeria has courageously over the past decade attempted to modernize its financial system despite challenges Foreign Trade posed by the large hydrocarbon sector. Privatization of state-owned industries provides significant transaction Algeria is running substantial trade surpluses and building and advisory opportunities for investment banks and up record foreign exchange reserves. Sharp rises in crude 95 DZ oil prices few years ago have pushed up total export the government’s recent changes in policy that limit the earnings dramatically in recent years. In 2008 export share that foreign investors can hold in joint ventures. revenue rose by one-third year on year to $78.2bn. Greenfield investments, which can be wholly owned, will However, the trade surplus increased by only 14% to remain an attractive opportunity. Moreover, provided $39.1bn, as buoyant domestic demand boosted imports. investors are prepared to be patient, they will often be The bulk of Algeria’s foreign trade is oil exports to the able to negotiate with the government on a case-by- US and gas exports to the European Union, while most case basis and possibly obtain more than 50% in joint imports originate in the EU, a pattern that will be remain ventures, especially outside the oil and gas sector. during the following years. Algeria has a free trade agree- Structural reform within the economy, such as devel- ment with the EU and is seeking to expand its trading opment of the banking sector and the construction of relations with the UK and other EU member states infrastructure, moves gradually ahead, attracting foreign beyond its traditional trading partner, France. and domestic investment outside the energy sector. Moreover, the tax regime is gradually being reformed in a Investment bid to increase flexibility and transparency and to simplify the system. Foreign investors benefit from tax incentives, 96 Investment prospects shows that the largest share including five-year tax relief for companies investing in of opportunities will continue to be concentrated in new projects, but since the beginning of 2009 will have to the hydrocarbons sector—both upstream and down- reinvest these benefits and pay a 15% tax on repatriated stream—which is better managed than other areas of the profits. Algeria’s score in the EIU’s business environment economy and more receptive to foreign involvement. The rankings improves in the forecast period (2009-13), taking final amendments to the hydrocarbons law have recently its global ranking to 70th position from 76th. been passed, which at least broadly clarifies the terms EU direct investors into the manufacturing industries that foreign investment in this sector will face over the enjoy the benefits of a large pool of cheap labour, as following few years. Other openings for investors in utili- well as preferential access to the EU investors in compli- ties, including power and water management, housing, ance with Algeria’s Association Agreement with the construction and telecommunications is also expected EU. A range of tax breaks are also on offer. Algeria also to continue to expand, leading to more broad-based expected the broader market access will increase further growth opportunities in the few years to come, despite if the country joins the World Trade Organisation. Algeria Long-term Growth Forecast The government considers that it has sufficient funds saved from its large budget surpluses over the past five years to render this expansionary medium-term fiscal policy sustainable, provided that oil and gas prices do not weaken significantly from 2009 levels. The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) predicts that Algeria’s current account will remain in surplus throughout the forecast period, (2009-2013) owing to healthy hydrocarbons receipts. The surplus will narrow, though, from a peak of 22% of GDP in 2008 to around 7.5% of GDP in 200913. EIU forecasts that expansion in the hydrocarbons sector and in government spending will push up real GDP growth to around 6.3% in 2013, following sluggish growth in 2008-10. Algeria’s real GDP growth is forecast to accelerate from a moderate annual rate of 3.3% in 2009-10 to an average of 5.7% in 2011-20, before picking up slightly to 6.1% in 2021-30. This will help push GDP per head towards $35,670 (measured using PPP rates) by 2030. Crucially, this forecast assumes that Algeria will largely escape the worst aspects of the “natural resource curse” that tends to affect primary commodity exporters. Telecoms Privatisation of Algeria’s telecommunications sector began in 2000 since which three mobile cellular licenses were issued and, in 2005, a consortium led by Egypt’s weaknesses in the sector such as quality of service, poor Orascom Telecom won a 15-year license to build and infrastructure and administrative obstacles. As part of the operate a fixed-line network; the license allows Orascom plan, personnel in the hotel trade and tourism sector will to develop high-speed data and other specialized receive better training through public-private partnership services and contribute to meeting the large unfulfilled to upgrade their skills to meet international standards. demand for basic residential telephony. Meanwhile, Agriculture mately 200,000 subscribers by 2006. Large stretches of Algeria are richly fertile making for Tourism a thriving agricultural sector employing some 9.4% of the working population. Main crops include olives and Algeria’s tourism industry has great potential and has set tobacco. More than 30,000 km² of land is devoted to the itself the aim of boosting tourists to 2.5mn a year. The cultivation of cereal grains. The Tell is the main grain- country possesses remarkable world class archaeological growing land where the principal cereal crops raised are sites from the Roman and Phoenician eras (including wheat, barley and oats. Many varieties of vegetables and seven UNESCO World Heritage sites) and a long stretch fruits are grown for export. Algerian figs, dates, olives of Mediterranean coastline. However, facilities for tourists and olive oil, esparto grass and cork are also exported. are limited. For example, there are few international stan- The deglet nour variety of dates is a major export product dard hotels. Algeria is now keen to upgrade its tourism for Algeria largely destined for the European market product in order to take a greater share of the global where it is popular among consumers. The country is tourism market. Algeria aims to see an increase in hotel the world’s second largest producer of these dates after capacity and welcomes ideas to boost visitor numbers. A Tunisia. The date has been described by the agriculture tourism development master plan for the year 2025 has ministry as a “flagship product for Algerian agricultural been drawn up which identified areas where there are exports”. Algeria internet broadband services began in 2003 with approxi- 97 BH BAHRAIN COUNTRY NAME: The Kingdom of Bahrain LAND AREA: 660 km2 POPULATION: 738,000 (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), English (commercial) CURRENCY: 1 Bahraini Dinar (BHD) = 1000 Fils 1 EUR = 0.51 BHD (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Manama (capital), Muharraq, Isa Town, Ar-Rifa NATIONAL DAY: 16 December TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 3 Bahrain’s strategic geographical position has made it a natural trading hub throughout its long history. Historically, Bahrain had long played a key role in the Gulf and now is becoming one of the region’s most dynamic and accessible economies. For much of the 18th and early 19th century the country was also important as a pearl-fishing centre. MANAMA insurance scheme, a figure that employers match. There is also a 10% municipal tax on rents and a 3% levy on all hotel bills. Reforms Efforts towards economic reform are driven by the need to diversify the economy away from oil (as output is declining), stimulate private-sector growth and foreign investment, and address high unemployment among The discovery of oil in Bahrain in the 1930s has nationals. The state’s ability to upgrade its infrastructure enabled the creation of an attractive and modern infra- and invest in education will be constrained by the depen- structure, an elegant skyline, luxury hotels, a bustling dence of the public finances on oil revenue. international airport, excellent roads and telecommu- With the private sector continuing to depend on expa- nications and a thriving port. But the island’s reserves triate labour, unemployment among Bahraini nationals will of oil proved to be small by comparison with its Gulf remain a key social and political concern for the authori- neighbours, although it remains the main motor of ties. The public sector is relatively small for a GCC state, growth. This has forced Bahrain down the path of accounting for only one in 11 jobs, and so can absorb economic diversification. With its highly developed only a limited number of entrants to the labour market. In communication, financial services and transport facili- an effort to boost employment in the private sector, the ties, Bahrain is home to numerous multinationals with government will continue to implement “Bahrainisation” business in the Gulf. policies, setting quotas on the number of expatriates who The relatively liberal social climate has stimulated can work in any given sector. tourism, attracting, particularly, residents from nearby Saudi Arabia. These activities have been comple- Industries mented by the development of a significant industrial 98 base, for which Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) is a corner- Because of the small scale of its hydrocarbons reserves, stone. Bahrain is highly dependent on regional demand Bahrain was ahead of its GCC counterparts in seeking for its services and goods exports. to diversify the local economic base away from energy Bahrain has an extremely low-tax environment. There dependence. Factors such as labour costs, energy costs, is no corporation tax, and there has traditionally been taxes and transport infrastructure, played significant roles no income tax, although from June 2007 employees in making Bahrain increasingly attractive to manufacturing pay 1% of their salaries into a national unemployment businesses. In the 1970s and early 1980s it invested Bahrain heavily in industrial infrastructure. Bahrain is home to Alba, – a key national asset in the current international climate. one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, producing The Central Bank of Bahrain is considered to be one of the highest grade material. This creates significant oppor- the region’s most progressive regulators, and has helped tunities in downstream aluminium manufacturing, such as develop the country’s reputation as an international in the automotive, aviation and other precision engineering finance centre. The CBB capitalized on its position as one sectors. of the first Gulf States to begin diversifying away from oil Bahrain has also developed production of petrochemicals and into financial services. and iron and steel, as well as aluminium-based industries Bahrain’s regulatory environment, low start-up costs and ship repair at the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard and lack of any limitations on foreign ownership have (ASRY). made it a destination for banks looking to establish A study from Porsche Consulting identified clear cost and themselves in the region. Bahrain is now a leading inter- operating advantages in Bahrain for a number of segments national finance centres, home to more than 400 licensed in the automotive sector, including high-performance car financial services institutions, representing a rich mix of assembly and precision-engineered automotive compo- recognisable international, regional and local names. In nents. The presence in Bahrain of the international Formula addition to traditional banking, Bahrain also became the 1 circuit has also led to the creation of world-leading leading centre for Islamic finance. The first Islamic bank centre for engineering and design excellence. in Bahrain was established in 1979, when Bahrain Islamic Bank was licensed. Imports Bahrain remains the most import-dependent of all the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states, although this is in part because it imports substantial quantities of crude oil, which it refines and exports at a profit. However, Bahrain is actively pursuing the diversification and privatization of its economy to reduce the country’s dependence on oil. Exports Petroleum production and refining account for over 60% of Bahrain’s export receipts, over 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP (exclusive of allied industries), underpinning Bahrain’s strong economic growth in recent years. Aluminium is the second major export after oil. Other major segments are the financial and construction sectors. Bahrain is focused on Islamic banking and is competing on an international scale with Malaysia as a worldwide banking centre. Banking The island has emerged as the region’s principal offshore banking hub and also as an important centre for insurance and Islamic banking. Services constitute the bulk of GDP, reflecting Bahrain’s success in exploiting its location to become an important services and distribution centre for the Gulf. Bahrain’s financial sector is the largest single contributor to GDP, accounting for 27.5% of total Bahrain GDP. In fact, finance is now the most important sector of the economy. Financial services are regulated by the Central Bank (formerly the Bahrain Monetary Agency), which has built a good reputation as an effective banking regulator 99 BH ICT Crescent dining, shopping and entertainment resort. There will also be an 18-hole golf course designed by Bahrain is an obvious choice for ICT businesses wishing Ernie Els, and one of the region’s largest marinas, with to locate in the Gulf because of low office lease rates, 400 berths across three islands. Attracted by these excellent broadband and telecoms connections and prestige projects more major hotel groups are setting lower labour costs than our neighbours. Significant up such as Four Seasons, Kempinski and Renaissance, investment has been undertaken to provide a highly- joining those already established like Ritz-Carlton, Sher- developed technology infrastructure. A growing demand aton, Radisson, Novotel, Marriott and Banyan Tree. for ICT products and services is a natural consequence of Bahrain’s strong growth in other sectors. Firms Outlook already present in Bahrain include ICT software companies such as Software AG of Germany and three of The EIU forecasts that Bahrain’s real GDP growth is India’s largest IT companies, Satyam, TCS and WIPRO. projected to slow to an annual average of 3.3% in 200913, from the very high estimated annual average of 7% Tourism in 2004-08. This is mainly because of a more subdued outlook for global and regional growth, and for the Bahrain’s heritage as a cultural and trading centre dates global financial sector, particularly in the early part of back more than four millennia making it an attractive the forecast period, following recent financial turmoil. place to visit. Tourism is increasingly becoming the This will constrain the growth of Bahrain’s exports of focus of investment in the kingdom’s drive to diversify goods and services, a vital source of overall economic its economy. Bahrain offers great potential as both a growth given the small size of the domestic market, regional and a world tourist destination, blessed with 33 with Bahrain having just over 1m residents. In general, islands, a cosmopolitan capital city; an attractive, liberal the private sector will benefit from a rapid expansion in lifestyle; and a rich history and culture. There were construction over the forecast period, notably in road- over six million visitors to Bahrain in 2008. The Island building, power and water projects, tourism and retail was known as Dilmun, and home to an ancient trading infrastructure, and housing. Private firms will also gain civilisation. Dilmun’s capital was a major port whose an increasing role in areas formerly managed by the remains are still visible at the UNESCO World Heritage state. Site of Bahrain Fort (Qal’at al Bahrain). The Kingdom is mentioned in one of the world’s oldest works of literature – the Epic of Gilgamesh, where the island was home to the source of eternal youth. Construction Many new development projects are opening in Bahrain to provide residential, business and recreational facilities. These include Bahrain Bay, City Centre Mall, Al Areen, Amwaj Islands and Durrat Al Bahrain which are now opening up Bahrain to a wider market and attracting more visitors. The billion-dollar Al Areen development furthers Bahrain’s reputation as a friendly destination for family and health-oriented tourists. Phase one includes the Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, the largest spa in the Middle East, and the stateof-the-art ‘Lost Paradise of Dilmun’ Water Park. The development will comprise five-star hotels, residential villages, entertainment and recreational facilities, shopping centres and the Al Areen Wildlife Park. Durrat Al Bahrain is the Kingdom’s largest luxury residential, commercial and tourist resort development. Costing $6bn, it consists of The Islands, six ‘Atolls’ and five ‘Petals’, with 1,800 luxury residential villas; and The 100 www.ilf.com Bahrain ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE ILF Consulting Engineers is an international engineering and consulting company with more than 1600 staff worlwide. ILF successfully helps demanding customers to execute major industrial and infrastructure projects. ILF in the Arab World Within the last 30 years ILF gained a broad working experience in the Arab World HVSHFLDOO\LQWKHIROORZLQJ¿HOGVRIEXVLQHVVDFWLYLW\ Ŷ:DWHUDQG(QYLURQPHQW Ŷ&LYLO(QJLQHHULQJDQG,QIUDVWUXFWXUH Selected References in MENA Region (Excerpt): ŶRas Alzaur-Riyadh Water Transmission System, Saudi Arabia ŶHabshan-Fujairah Crude Oil Pipeline, United Arab Emirates ŶSohar and Salalah Gas Pipelines, Oman ŶGhadames-Zawarah-Az Zawiya Water Transmission System, Libya ŶSulaibiya Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Plant, Kuwait ŶMagtaa Independent Water Project, Algeria ILF Consulting Engineers 6063 RUM / INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA Feldkreuzstrasse 3 Tel. +43 (512) 24 12 - 0 Fax +43 (512) 24 12 - 5900 [email protected] ILF Consulting Engineers 81829 MUNICH, GERMANY Werner-Eckert-Strasse 7 Tel. +49 (89) 25 55 94 - 0 Fax +49 (89) 25 55 94 - 144 [email protected] Bahrain ŶOil and Gas ŶEnergy 101 KM COMOROS COUNTRY NAME: Union of the Comoros LAND AREA: 2,240 km2 POPULATION: 773,407 (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Comorian, Arabic, French CURRENCY: 1 Comoros Franc (KMF) = 100 Centimes (not issued) 1 EUR = 491 KMF (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Moroni (capital), Fomboni, Tsimbeo, Domoni NATIONAL DAY: 6 July TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 3 The Comoros, officially known as the Union of the Comoros, comprises a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa on the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between northern Madagascar and north-eastern Mozambique. The Comoros has a diverse culture and history, as a nation formed at the crossroads of many civilizations. MORONI Some villages are not linked to the main road system or are at best only connected by tracks usable only by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Ports are rudimentary, although a deepwater facility functions in Anjouan. Only small vessels can approach the existing quays in Moroni on Grande Comore, despite improvements. Long-distance, ocean-going ships must lie offshore and be unloaded by smaller boats; during the cyclone season, this procedure is dangerous, and ships are reluctant to call at the island. Most freight is Much of the land area is mountainous and made up of sent first to Mombasa or the island of Reunion from lava-encrusted soil that is unsuited to agriculture. Never- where they are transshipped. theless, subsistence agriculture and fishing involves France, Comoros’ major trading partner, finances small more than 80% of the population and represents 40% development projects. Comoros has an international of the country’s gross domestic product, providing virtu- airport at Hahaya on Grande Comore. ally all foreign exchange earnings. Plantations engage a large proportion of the population in producing the Geography islands’ major cash crops for export: vanilla, cloves, 102 perfume essences, and copra. Comoros is the world’s Comoros is endowed with numerous picture postcard leading producer of essence of ylang-ylang, used in the beaches that make its potential for tourism consider- manufacturing of perfume. It also is the world’s second- able, but development has been impeded by recent largest producer of vanilla. Principal food crops are political instability and numerous coups. Three main coconuts, bananas, and cassava. It is not self-sufficient islands in the volcanic Comoros archipelago: Grande in food and foodstuffs constitute 32% of total imports. Comore, Moheli and Anjouan. The Comoros also claims Service sectors that are important include tourism, the French controlled island of Mayotte (aka. Mahoré). construction and commercial activities. Money sent The Comoros has a diverse culture and history and home by Comorans working abroad provides a vital three official languages—Comoran (Shikomor), Arabic, source of revenue. and French. It is the only state to be a member of the The government is endeavouring to upgrade educa- African Union, the Francophonie, the Organization of tion and technical training, to privatise commercial and the Islamic Conference, the League of Arab States and industrial enterprises, to improve health services, to the Indian Ocean Commission. In 2007, the Comoros diversify exports, to promote tourism, and to reduce the joined the Community of Sahel-Saharan States high population growth rate. (CEN-SAD). Comoros At 2,235 km², the Comoros is the third smallest African Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). nation by area, and one of the smallest in the world, The IMF met with the President of the Union, the Gover- and with a population estimated at 798,000 it is also the nors of the three island entities, the Minister of Finance sixth smallest African nation by population. Its name of the Union and the Governor of the Central Bank derives from the Arabic word qamar (“moon”), which of Comoros. Key objectives are to re-establish fiscal explains to symbol depicted on its flag. stability by containing the domestic primary budget deficit below 1 percent of GDP per year, and raising Demography total revenue to 14.3 percent of GDP by 2012. Structural reforms, including reforms of public utilities, would aim to Population figures for the islands vary considerably. raise economic growth to around 2 ½ percent per annum According to UN figures, Comoros has a population of during the period 2010-12. The IMF welcomed recent around 800,000, with an average projected increase of progress in preparing reform strategies for the Comoros 2.5 percent between 2004 and 2015. Comoros is more Hydrocarbons Company (SCH) and Comores Telecom; densely inhabited than many other sub-Saharan coun- and in initiating preparations for a reform strategy for tries, putting severe strain on its limited farmland, water the electricity parastatal. Looking ahead, the IMF said and firewood; 34 percent of the population dwelling in decisive implementation of the reforms will be important urban areas. There is an average of 275 people per km². to foster sustained strong growth and achieving faster poverty alleviation. Economic Outlook Trade An International Monetary Fund mission team visited the capital Moroni in June 2009 to assess the coun- Major imports include basic foodstuffs, mainly rice, some try’s performance under the Emergency Post-Conflict consumer goods, as well as petroleum products, cement Assistance (EPCA) programme and to discuss a new and transport equipment. The main export partners are programme that could be supported by the IMF under the the US, France, Singapore and Turkey. Imports partners 103 KM are France, South Africa, the UAE, Kenya, Italy, Mauritius much needs to be done to reform the civil service and and Singapore. Traditionally, France has been the main the budget process. trading partner for Comoros and remains so today with France providing almost half of the imports and taking Tourism two-thirds of exports. Britain’s trade links with Comoros are minimal. Comoros considers the tourism sector to be a potentially important source of higher economic growth. Tourism in Reforms the region has generally increased in recent years, but Comoros has been the exception because of its political After nearly a decade of political turmoil, significant instability. Reestablishing air links, simplifying visa proce- progress has been achieved with national reconcili- dures, and promoting the Comoros as a destination for ation and inter-island cooperation over recent years. specialized tourism could herald a recovery in tourist Political tensions have obstructed the implementa- arrivals and revive hotel infrastructure. tion of coherent policy reforms and severely impeded economic progress, particularly effecting investment, Media tourism and growth of the private sector. Comoros 104 continues to follow IMF recommendations on imple- There is no national newspaper in Comoros; the leading menting policies conducive to the restoration of confi- regional paper is Al-Watwan published on Grande dence, including revenue-sharing, joint administration Comore; Kwezi is also published on Mayotte. There of the customs office, and the transfer of spending is a Radio Comoros and a Comoros National TV both competencies to the island governments. However, providing nationwide services. Comoros lished in 1981; the Bank for Industry and Commerce (Banque pour l’Industrie et le Commerce-BIC), a commercial bank established in 1990 that had six branches in 1993 and was a subsidiary of the National Bank of Paris- International (Banque Nationale de Paris-Internationale); BIC Afribank, a BIC subsidiary; and the Development Bank of Comoros (Banque de Développement des Comores), established in 1982, which provided support for small and medium-sized development projects. Most of the shares in the Development Bank of Comoros were held by the Comoran government and the central bank; the rest were held by the European Investment Bank and the Central Bank for Banks Economic Cooperation (Caisse Centrale de CoopéraFrench government. All of these banks had headquarters Bank of Comoros (Banque Centrale des Comores) estab- in Moroni. Comoros tion Économique-CCCE), a development agency of the The country’s banking system consists of the Central 105 DJ DJIBOUTI COUNTRY NAME: Republic of Djibouti LAND AREA: 23,200 km2 POPULATION: 740,528 (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic, French CURRENCY: 1 Djibouti Franc (DJF) = 100 Centimes 1 EUR = 240 DJF (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Djibouti (capital), Dikhil, Tadjoura, Obock, Khor Angar NATIONAL DAY: 27 June TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 3 The Republic of Djibouti is located strategically at the foot of the Red Sea. Its capital is DjiboutiVille or Djibouti city. Djibouti is one of the region’s poorest countries, not only lacks resources, but faces a severe climate that is a serious obstacle to development. Djibouti’s location is its main economic asset given its mostly barren landscape. The capital’s port handles all the major imports and exports into landlocked Ethiopia and Djibouti is an expanding shipping hub on one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world. It is a major dropping point for World Food Programme and USAID supplies, which are transported by road or rail to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s cash crop, coffee, is exported in bulk from Djibouti. DJIBOUTI-VILLE is the mainstay of the economy and creates at least 70% of GDP. The capital has the only paved airport in the republic. In addition, Djibouti has one of the most liberal economic regimes in Africa, with almost unrestricted banking and commerce sectors. Djibouti is a free-trade zone. Port activity and related services constitutes the main commercial activities, in addition to a small tourist industry. Agriculture remains poorly developed, due to harsh climate, high production costs, unskilled labour, and limited natural resources. Agriculture is extremely small and generates 3.2% of GDP. Local farmers are only able to produce around 3% of the country’s food needs. The great bulk of the requirements therefore must be imported. In recent years, Djibouti has sought to increase food production by developing its fishing industry, including the construction of a fish canning factory financed by the Islamic Development Bank. It has Economy also sought to increase the efficiency of agricultural land through irrigation projects, but with limited success. 106 Apart from substantial salt deposits, there are few other Manufacturing is small and the industry that exists is natural resources of significance in the country. Djibou- small-scale. The mineral deposits that exist are minimal ti’s economy depends largely on its proximity to the large and the arid soil is unproductive – around 89% is desert, Ethiopian market and a large foreign expatriate commu- 10% pasture, and 1% forested. However, services and nity. Its main economic activities are the Port of Djibouti, commerce provide most of Djibouti’s gross domestic the banking sector, the airport, and the operation of the product. The economy is therefore based on service Addis Ababa- Djibouti railroad. Djibouti’s main industry activities and highly dependent on international aid. The is mineral water bottling plant, leather tanning, construc- service sector is connected with the country’s strategic tion, pharmaceuticals factory, abattoirs, salt mining, location and status as a free trade zone in the Horn of and one petroleum refinery. Djibouti’s most important Africa. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port economic asset is its strategic location on the busy for the region and an international trans-shipment and shipping route between the Mediterranean Sea and the refuelling centre. Imports and exports from Ethiopia Indian Ocean. The trans-shipment trade through the port represent 85% of port activity at Djibouti’s container Djibouti terminal. Principal exports from the region transiting unproductive terrains in Africa. Local farmers are only Djibouti are coffee, salt, hides, dried beans, cereals, able to produce around 3% of the country’s food other agricultural products, and wax. Djibouti itself has needs. The great bulk of the requirements therefore few exports, and the majority of its imports come from must of necessity be imported. In recent years, Djibouti France. Most imports are consumed in the country, but has sought to increase its food production by devel- others are re-exported to Ethiopia and north-western oping its fishing industry, including the construction of Somalia. a fish canning factory financed by the Islamic Development Bank. It has also sought to increase the efficiency Investment of agricultural land through the development of irrigation projects, but with limited success. The UAE is one of the countries carrying out ambitious investment projects to turn Djibouti into Africa’s biggest Reforms shipping terminal, in a project that aims to extend its commercial reach throughout East Africa. The inte- Djibouti has also been making recent progress in imple- grated business plan aims to transform Djibouti into an menting structural reforms, the IMF points out. The elite tourist destination. economy however still very much depends on a large The 1000 km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railroad is the only foreign expatriate community, the maritime and commer- line serving central and south-eastern Ethiopia. The cial activities of the Port of Djibouti, its airport, and the single-track railway occupies a prominent place in operation of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railroad. Djibouti’s Ethiopia’s internal distribution system for domestic macroeconomic environment has improved significantly commodities such as cement, cotton textiles, candles, over the last few years. Annual real GDP growth accel- small rocks, coconuts, sugar, cereals and charcoal. The erated from an annual average of 3% in 2001-05 to to European Union is helping to finance the modernisation 6% in 2008 onwards. This growth was mainly driven by of this important asset. large foreign domestic investments in the port, tourism, and construction sectors, the IMF reports. Investment as Agriculture & Fishing share of GDP doubled within two years, reached 40% in 2007. After remaining stagnant for several years, credit to As stated, the country’s agricultural sector is inhibited the private sector increased by 23%, owing in part to a by a very inhospitable climate and one of the most real estate and construction boom. 107 DJ Energy & Water Sector of network losses, high administrative overhead costs and overall lack of managerial capability and incentive. The World Bank is preparing a $7 million International In addition, in the energy sector, there is a 33% tax on Development Association (IDA) credit to back a $10 all petroleum products which is passed through to the million project to reform Djibouti’s power and water consumers and is estimated to generate revenues to the sector. The funding will permit exploration of the poten- government of around $6 million per year. tial for renewable power for the country’s Obock area; Djibouti has developed an action plan for both sectors the Djibouti Ville distribution network and what will be focused on increasing access and improving competi- Djibouti’s first wind farm; funds are also earmarked to tiveness through a reduction of the high cost of service cover a 2MW plant serving Ali Sabieh and Dikhil. and improvement in overall service delivery. The key Meanwhile, state-owned “Electricité de Djibouti” is objectives in the sectors are to: improve efficiency and planning a 30MW geothermal BOO plant for Lake Assal financial performance in the utilities through restruc- costing an estimated $115 million following the carrying turing and promotion of private sector participation; out of a feasibility study by US firm Geothermal Devel- address key service delivery constraints through reha- opment Associates. bilitation of networks and administrative improvements; Djibouti receives assistance from the World Bank to and explore new resources for water supply such as develop its national energy strategy. In this regard, the desalination and power generation, such as renewable Bank drew up an inventory of all sources of energy used energy and interconnection possibilities. by households, including quantities, costs and demand The latter objective is particularly important for the for electricity services and amenities. Local people face water sector because the capital city Djibouti-ville relies high tariffs and low levels of access to electricity. The entirely on the aquifer for its water supply. Weak control connection rate in the country is below 30%. Although over water extraction and over water consumption a variety of energy sources could be made available, has led to overexploitation of the aquifer and rapidly kerosene and electricity account for 79% of all energy deteriorating water quality. In the power sector, the consumed in Djibouti at present. Poorer households financial performance has drastically deteriorated due spend 13.5% of their total expenditure on energy, to high international oil prices. The electricity tariff is set compared to 5.3% for better off citizens in the capital to cover cost at a price per barrel level not exceeding Djibouti-ville. $25 compared to recent prices reaching $32. Djibouti Kerosene is the most important source of energy for cooking and lighting because it is the least expensive option. However, kerosene costs have been rising at a rate of 2.3% per year. The poor have responded to these higher costs by increasing use of wood fuel and charcoal, though both resources are scarce. Clearly, in the long term this is not an environmentally sustainable option. 58% of households have access to electricity, some resort to illegal connections partly because of high costs. The World Bank’s policy recommendations include: reducing the cost of kerosene by revising surtaxes, reviewing the price structure of liquefied petroleum gas, and promoting access to 3 or 6 kilogram bottles to expand the range of affordable and better energy services; and promoting energy efficiency. The energy and water sectors are key bottlenecks to poverty alleviation in Djibouti due to their very high cost of production which constitute barriers to access. The consumer prices for electricity and water services are the highest in the region, at an average of $0.20/ kWh for electricity and $1.10/m3 for water. The reason for the high prices is mainly the high cost of electricity production as a result of the reliance on imported diesel fuel for power generation, high inefficiencies in the form 108 is, however, endowed with good potential to develop approximately $600 million in dollar deposits. There its renewable energy resources, in particular wind and is a growing banking and insurance sector, and the geothermal. telecommunications sector is the best in the region. In Djibouti agreed to an IMF Staff Monitoring Program in a February 2001, the World Bank adopted its first Country bid to improve the performance of its public utilities, Assistance Strategy for Djibouti. This was developed power and water in particular. Furthermore, the World in close partnership with the authorities and has served Bank is finalizing a Water Sector policy for Djibouti and as a roadmap for the Bank’s assistance to the country. identified the sector’s institutional arrangements as the Since 2001 Djibouti has become a magnet for private main reason for inadequate service levels. The largest sector capital investment, attracting inflows that now donor in the water sector, the European Union, average more than $200 million. In July 2005, the World requested World Bank engagement in order to finalize Bank had financed 17 operations in the country for a its investment program. total original commitment of $155.5 million. A total of five active investment projects form part of the Bank’s Banking & Finance current portfolio in the country, including support for health and basic infrastructure. Djibouti has almost unrestricted banking and commerce sectors. It has an expanding financial sector that offers some basis for wealth generation. This has been growing largely as a result of the stable and freely convertible currency and absence of exchange controls. It is economically dependent to an overwhelming degree on its position as a free trade zone and key international transit port for the region. Djibouti has become a significant regional banking hub, with Djibouti Djibouti 109 EG EGYPT COUNTRY NAME: Arab Republic of Egypt LAND AREA: 1 million km2 POPULATION: 80,5 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic CURRENCY: 1 Egyptian Pound (EGP) = 100 Piaster 1 EUR = 7.5 EGP (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Cairo (capital), Chabra, Gizeh, Alexandria NATIONAL DAY: 23 July – Revolution Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 2 Occupying the northeast corner of the African continent, Egypt is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic activity takes place. One of the largest economies in the Arab world, Egypt is rich in resources and boasts thriving tourism and agricultural sectors. Its natural resources include oil, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead and zinc. The country borders the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula. CAIRO able income, and is prepared to spend it on consumer goods. Over the forecast period, there will be increasingly strong demand for items such as cars, mobile phones, flat-screen televisions and home computers. Economy Egypt’s primary economic strength stems from its diversity in comparison with the rest of the region. In 2008/2009, hydrocarbons extractions constitute 15%; manufacturing 16.6%; agriculture nearly 13.7%; wholesale and retail trade 11.5%; construction and real estate 7.1%; financial and telecommunications services 6.8%; and externally oriented sources, such as the Suez Population Canal, 2.7% and tourism 3.5%. The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) shows that all categories of Egypt’s 110 Egypt has the largest population in the Arab world, but business environment rankings are forecast to improve. only the fourth-largest economy after Saudi Arabia, The categories that are expected to improve the most the UAE and Algeria. Egypt’s GDP per head at market are foreign trade and exchange controls, as imports exchange rates is expected to rise steadily throughout tariffs continue to be lowered; financing, as small and the forecast period (2009-2013), after falling in the medium-sized firms gain greater access to the stock- period 2002-04 in dollar terms as a result of slow market, banking regulation improves and banks step growth and the 45% depreciation of the Egyptian up their risk-assessment strategies; taxes, because pound against the US currency between 2000 and of ongoing improvements to the tax administration; end-2003. Real annual GDP growth is expected to the macroeconomic environment, as robust economic average around 6%, which will almost double real GDP growth is expected to continue; infrastructure, as the per head in dollar terms owing to the pound’s strong government invests heavily in road, rail and sea facili- appreciation. Egypt will continue to be a relatively ties; and government policy towards private enter- attractive market. The size of its population—it is the prise and competition, as privatisation continues and most populous Arab country—makes it an important competition legislation is improved. Market opportuni- and influential market, with huge potential, and one that ties will also improve in the future as a result of greater will continue to grow fast. economic diversification and better foreign invest- This expanding middle class has substantial dispos- ment policies. After slowing sharply in 2008/09 and Egypt 2009/10, economic growth is projected to strengthen Oil & Gas over the remainder of the forecast period, to an average of 6.7%, slightly below the growth rates recorded Egypt’s crude oil and condensates reserves are at 4.19 between 2005/06 and 2007/08. The government’s infra- bn barrels in mid-2008 according to government figures, structure programme and continued economic reform but rising to 4.4 bn in June 2009 following new discov- will increase growth potential in the longer term and eries. This would last some 15 years at current extrac- productivity. tion rates. The mature fields in the Gulf of Suez produce about 50% of the country’s oil, but exploration activity Reforms is focused on frontier areas such as the Western Desert near the Libyan border, the offshore Mediterranean The Egyptian economy has been gaining thanks to the and Sinai. Exploration is largely undertaken by foreign wide-ranging reforms that the country began implementing companies, especially BP of the UK and Eni of Italy, in in 2004 and the subsequent awakening of domestic partnership with the state-owned Egyptian General Petro- demand long depressed due to decades of slow growth. leum Corporation (EGPC). Eni, which produces 500,000 The reforms now have a measurable impact on the coun- barrels of oil equivalent per day in Egypt, of which 1.4bn try’s economic performance and have sustained high cu ft/day is gas, has said that it will invest US$6bn in the growth for the past 10 years. Changes in economic policy oil sector until 2010, with its partners providing another have been made to minimise the state’s role. The prime US$6bn. Two-thirds of oil output is refined domestically. drivers of the economy are foreign direct investment (FDI), Because of depletion in the ageing Gulf of Suez oilfields, remittances, Suez Canal fees and tourism. crude oil production has declined significantly since In 2005, Egypt reduced personal and corporate tax rates, 1996, when it reached a high of 922,000 b/d, to around reduced energy subsidies, and privatized several enter- 667,000 b/d in 2007 (including condensates and natural prises. The stock market boomed, and GDP grew about gas liquids), according to the EGPC. Crude oil exports 7% each year since 2006. Despite these achievements, are constrained by lower production and by rising local the government has failed to raise living standards for demand. the average Egyptian, and has had to continue providing Egypt’s proven reserves of natural gas were 77.2trn cu ft subsidies for basic necessities. in mid-2009. The government is encouraging additional The subsidies have contributed to a sizeable budget exploration, as a minimum total of 120trn cu ft would be deficit – roughly 7% of GDP in 2007-08. FDI has increased necessary for the government to realise its ambitious significantly in the past two years, but the government will plans for the sector, which include LNG projects, gas need to continue its aggressive pursuit of reforms in order export pipelines, gas-to-liquids schemes, petrochemicals to sustain the spike in investment and growth and begin to expansion and increased domestic consumption. Egypt improve economic conditions for the broader population. has also rapidly expanded its LNG export capability, Egypt’s export sectors – particularly natural gas – have becoming the world’s sixth-largest gas producer and the bright prospects. third-largest in Africa, behind Algeria and Nigeria. 111 EG Banking Sector 2007-08 to 2010-11, and Net interest income is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 12% during 2008-2012. Rationalisation of the tax code has encouraged more The banking system comprises 39 total banks in Egypt in FDI, with 27 tariff categories cut down to six and a reduc- 2008/09 with total branches of 3441 banks. Private and tion of duties of around 75%. New policies have been joint venture banks are increasingly growing, but many adopted to encourage various business sectors, while remain relatively small with few branch networks. stocks have made impressive advances. Since 2003 the most significant reform achieved by the Insurance Sector state in terms of the everyday operation of the Egyptian economy has been the complete overhaul of the banking Egypt’s insurance sector can be generally described as system. The dominance of public banks is starting to in process of developing with big potential for growth. subside with four of the country’s major banks being The sector has been long hampered by a lack of public sold, a move which included the eradication of a large appreciation of the significance of insurance as well as percentage of non-performing loans that had been heavy state dominance. However, the picture is expected hindering sector growth. The World Bank loan of $500m to brighten with the planned privatization and liberaliza- was given to allow the recapitalization required in order tion of the sector. Several developments have been for two of the biggest public banks to comply with Basel taking place to open up the sector. Ongoing changes II standards. The venture into the private sector is helping include redefining the supervisory role of the Egyptian banks recruit higher-quality employees and target parts Insurance Supervisory Authority (EISA), encouraging of the market traditionally left untouched, such as the more private sector participation through new licenses local retail market, ultimately benefiting local consumers. and acquisitions, as well as enhancing efficiency and Along with privatization comes new legislation, so that dissemination of information. the sector will operate to international standards and The Egyptian insurance sector has traditionally dealt with setting off a trend of mergers and acquisitions. a limited range of insurance covers, but with the upsurge Deposits at Egyptian banks are forecasted to grow at of international competition and the changing needs Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 14% of the market itself, the sector is expected to witness between 2008-09 and 2010-11, with household sector the emergence of various activities, especially in the accounting for majority of deposits. Meanwhile, Bank untapped areas of life insurance, third-party liability and loans to private business sector are forecasted to grow health insurance. at a CAGR of about 9.5% during 2008-09 to 2010-11. Manufacturing sector will remain the major recipient of Tourism bank loans in local as well as foreign currencies during Tourism is one of Egypt’s key foreign currency earnings, with its fascinating ancient monuments, year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches which attract visitors from around the world in ever growing numbers. Arab tourists rose to 1.8 million in 2007 from 1.1mn in 2002, with revenues spiking to $2.2bn per year. The UAE invested $4bn in the country’s tourism sector accounting for 30% of total Arab investment in the country, a senior Egyptian official revealed. Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, in May, Hisham Zazo, the country’s first assistant tourism minister, said that the sector comprises 11.3% of Egypt’s GDP and 19.3% of the total investment made in foreign currencies. “Egypt plans to attract 14 million holidaymakers and boost hotel capacity to 240,000 rooms by 2011,” Zazo said. Leisure tourism is the largest segment, with business and conference tourism coming in second. Hotel capacity has been increasing by 5% per year. More development is on the horizon and the ministry of tourism is working to make licensing and land purchasing easier, focusing on the northern coast for both residential and foreign tourists. 112 Egypt Construction & Real Estate attracting foreign direct investments. Modernization has brought a great deal of investment, The last two years have been good ones for the with the year 2006/07 seeing $7.48bn worth of funds construction and real estate sector with increased activi- flowing into the industry sector. Purchases of new cars ties ongoing in the sector. Accounting for some 7.1% are increasing, indicating greater wealth and confidence of GDP in 2008/2009, high-profile real estate projects among consumers. Following global trends, economic and improvements in the country’s tourism sector drove zones and industrial parks are offering generous advan- the industry. The need for low-cost housing and infra- tages to companies, boosting trade and attracting even structure development should help to push the industry more investment. A sudden reduction in import taxes onwards. Rapid population growth has created the and a growing middle class has also created a healthy need for 22 new cities in 2008/09, all of which will need environment for the retail sector and the Global Retail a considerable amount of real estate. The introduction Development Index ranked Egypt at 14th place in terms of mortgage facilities will give a boost to the real estate of potential. Meanwhile, new shopping complexes and sector and as businesses and investors start to look malls are appearing along with the introduction of inter- beyond Cairo the real estate boom looks set to spread national brand names. outward beyond the capital. Investment IT & Telecoms munications in Egypt have come a long way in the past investment (FDI), remittances, Suez Canal fees and 10 years. The private sector is just starting to emerge, tourism. Changes in economic policy have been made allowing for more competition in terms of both prices to minimise the state’s role. FDI inflows reflect extremely and services. Call charges for mobile phones have positively on global investment sentiment in Egypt. Data been dropping significantly for the last five years and released by the Central Bank of Egypt reveals that Net the entrance of a third mobile operator, Etisalat Misr, FDI inflows increased from $509.4 million in FY 2000/01, is increasing competition even more. The issuance of to reach $11.1 billion in FY 2006/07 and $13.2 billion 3G licenses is also causing waves in the industry and in FY 2007/08, approaching $21bn in July 2007 to the country is bracing itself for a more open market. IT June 2009. According to the World Investment Report is also becoming a more important sector. Outsourced published in 2008 by the United Nations Conference on call centres are becoming major employers and a new Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Egypt was ranked emphasis is being placed on computer literacy both in first in North Africa and second in the African continent in schools and workplaces. Egypt Along with other major infrastructural changes, telecomThe prime drivers of the economy are foreign direct 113 IQ IRAQ COUNTRY NAME: Republic of Iraq LAND AREA: 438,000 km2 POPULATION: 29 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic CURRENCY: 1 Iraqi Dinar (IQD) = 1000 Fils 1 EUR = 1.586,85 IQD (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Baghdad (capital), Basra, Mosul, Kirkuk, Najaf NATIONAL DAY: 9 April TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 3 Straddling the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and stretching from the Gulf to the Anti-Taurus Mountains, modern Iraq occupies roughly what was once ancient Mesopotamia, one of the cradles of human civilisation. In the Middle Ages Iraq was the centre of the Islamic Empire, with Baghdad the cultural and political capital of an area extending from Morocco to the Indian subcontinent. BAGHDAD the economy, but the recent and continuing progress provides encouraging signs for investors. Oil revenue constitutes around 99% of total export earnings and over 75% of budget revenue. This leaves Iraq highly vulnerable to the volatile oil market and to any deterioration in the security situation. The IMF estimates that Iraq will continue to be heavy reliant on oil for the foreseeable future. The oil industry, which is the bedrock of the economy, has begun gradually to recover from the toll of warrelated damage and post-war looting. Attempts to Iraq is a major oil producing country with official oil boost and sustain exports have been held back by reserves counting as the third in the second in the persistent sabotage, targeted mainly at oil export infra- world. The country is not only fortunate in its extensive structure, as well as by a lack of investment in new oil resources, much still to be unexplored, it enjoys production. Nevertheless, having remained at or below additional resources such as a fertile agricultural sector. a disappointing 2 m barrels/day (b/d) since 2003, oil Farming provides rich and diverse range of produce production has increased markedly since the autumn of both for domestic consumption and export. The main 2007, as improved security has allowed the reopening agricultural produce include wheat, barley, rice, vegeta- on a sustainable basis of the northern Kirkuk pipeline. bles, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep, poultry. Meanwhile, As a result, oil output averaged around 2.4 m b/d over its main industries are petroleum, chemicals, textiles, the first half of 2008. leather, construction materials, food processing, fertil- Development of a manufacturing sector has been izer, metal fabrication and processing. hindered by the extremely poor security climate since 2003, as well as by the country’s infrastructural defi- Economy ciencies. The government has sought to boost development spending significantly, but progress has been After more than a decade of UN comprehensive sanc- hampered by security problems despite improved tions and three major wars, the lifting of sanctions stability since mid-2007, as well as by bureaucratic by the UN Security Council Resolution 1483 in May shortcomings. Total government revenues have 2003 was supposedly to allow reconstruction efforts benefited from high oil prices in recent years; however, to begin. However, serious security problems had revenues have declined significantly since the oil price hampered the rebuilding effort. The past five years dropped in 2008. have been extremely difficult for the reconstruction of 114 Iraq Reforms expressed interest in reinvigorating Iraq’s industrial sector. The government of Iraq is pursuing a strategy During the last few years Iraq has also made signifi- to gain foreign participation in joint ventures with State- cant progress in implementing structural reforms and owned enterprises. Provincial Councils are also using continues to make progress with reconstruction. During local budgets to promote and facilitate investment. The the past few years, Iraq witnessed some progress in its Central Bank has been successful in controlling inflation reconstruction, increases its oil exports, and improves the through appreciation of the dinar against the US dollar. living conditions for its citizens. However, Iraq still has a long way to go before it is able to realize its full potential Construction & Infrastructure as a major player in the regional and global economy. Iraq has also made significant progress in adopting new Major reconstruction work continues to take place in investment law and implementing some important struc- the country’s infrastructure and is attracting consider- tural reforms. able investment. One of the latest was announced in Iraq is making some progress in building the institutions July 2009, that Iraq is to construct a “Sport City” in the needed to implement economic policy. In March 2009 southern oil hub of Basra to host the Gulf Cup at the end Iraq concluded a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the of 2012, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said: IMF that details economic reforms. The SBA allows an “The council of ministers, on the recommendation of the 80% reduction of the debt owed to Paris Club creditor minister for youth and Sports freed up 446 million dollars nations. The International Compact with Iraq was estab- to build a 146 hectare modern complex inspired by the lished in May 2007 to integrate Iraq into the regional and architectural style of Basra”. Youth and sports ministry global economy, and the Iraqi government is seeking spokesman Assifa Moussa said, the complex would to pass laws to strengthen its economy. This legislation consist of a 65,000 capacity main stadium, a 10,000 seat includes a hydrocarbon law to establish a modern legal arena and four smaller training stadiums, each with 400 framework to allow Iraq to develop its resources and seats. A sporting village consisting of eight buildings a revenue sharing law to equitably divide oil revenues each housing 16 apartments will also be built under the within the nation, although both are still under conten- project, led by an Iraqi company working in association tious political negotiation. Some foreign entities have with two US firms, Moussa added. 115 IQ of phosphates, salt, and sulfur. Since a relatively productive period in the 1970s, the mining industry has been hampered by conflict. Iraq during the 1970s had also established big state-owned industries mainly specialized in petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication and processing. Banking Sector Iraq financial sector currently consists of six state-owned banks, including Rafidian Bank (founded in 1941) and Rasheed Bank (founded in 1988), which are considered the biggest banks (86% of the total assets) in Iraq, in addition to, the Agricultural Bank, the Industrial Bank, the Real Estate Bank, and the Socialist Bank. Until 2003, these banks account for about 93 percent of banking Energy system assets. There are also 18 private banks with an increasing capitalization since 2003. The Central Bank of Just before the start of the war in March 2003, nation- Iraq has meanwhile been making progress in improving wide electricity capacity was around 4,500 mw/day, its accounting and governance structure. Since 2003, according to the October 2003 UN/World Bank “Joint audits of the country’s two largest state banks, Rafidain Iraq Needs Assessment”. The post-war power supply and Rasheed, are underway, as a first step to developing has been affected not only by war-related damage, which a restructuring programme for the two banks. resulted in a shortage of domestic oil supplies, but also The 18 private banks were established during the sanc- by the subsequent looting of power stations and sabo- tions era (1990-2003) in an effort to handle local deposi- tage of oil pipelines. Interruptions to oil supplies have a tors’ financial needs and reform as well as modernize direct impact on the output of power stations that are the banking sector. However, these banks remained entirely oil-fuelled, as is the case in Baghdad. Further- small and were limited to domestic transactions and more, electricity facilities—such as pylons and high attracted few private depositors. Both private and state voltage transmission lines—have been targeted by polit- banks in Iraq were badly damaged by the international ical forces opposed to the presence of coalition troops embargo. After 2003 and in attempts to further priva- in the country. Although, this does not represent the tize and expand the system, Iraqi government removed same scale of damage that occurred in the 1991 war, the restrictions on international bank transactions and freed combination of looting and sabotage has had a compa- the Central Bank of Iraq from government control. In rable effect on the national grid. As a result, according 2004 three foreign banks received licenses to do busi- to the US State Department, national electricity supply ness in Iraq. Also, Iraq Securities Commission has issued was only able to meet 51% of demand in late July 2008, detailed rules governing trading of non-Iraqis at the Iraq leaving the average Iraqi with less than 10 hours/day of Stock Exchange (ISX). electricity from the power grid. Private sector and foreign investors are increasingly showing interest in Iraq’s financial sector, especially as Industry Foreign Investment Law allows foreign banks to hold a 50% interest in Iraqi private banks. International banks 116 Traditionally, Iraq’s manufacturing activity has been will be permitted to enter Iraq as branches, subsidiaries, closely connected to the oil industry. The major industries representative offices or through joint ventures with local in that category have been petroleum refining and the banks. Standard Chartered, HSBC, and the National manufacture of chemicals and fertilizers. Before 2003, Bank of Kuwait received licenses to conduct banking diversification was hindered by limitations on privatization transactions in Iraq. In July 2009, Asiacell announced and the effects of the international sanctions. Since 2003, the signing of an e-banking cooperation agreement with Iraq is making extensive efforts to rebuild its industrial AMWAL, a consortium of leading private Iraqi banking infrastructure. institutions. The move will enable Iraqi citizens to settle Apart from hydrocarbons, Iraq’s mining industry has their financial transactions using their mobile phones been confined to extraction of relatively small amounts without having to visit their banks. Iraq Agriculture, Food & Fisheries Historically, only 50 to 60% of Iraq’s arable land has been under cultivation. However, Iraq now is facing unprecedented harsh conditions due to decreasing water supplies in the two rivers. Iraqi officials say the Ataturk Dam in Turkey and Syrian water projects on the Tigris and Euphrates are hindering adequate water supplies. The officials added that: “Before building these dams in Turkey or using water in Syria for large areas for irrigation, we were getting... nearly 30 billion cubic metres of water,” they said. “Now it’s about a third of that amount, so the flow in both rivers – especially in the Tigris – has been reduced.” This situation has greatly affected the agricultural sector in Iraq and the country remains a net food importer. Outlook The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) lowered its forecasts for Iraq’s fiscal deficit for the 2009-10, after raising oil price projections. Nevertheless, the EIU still expect Iraq’s budget to return an average deficit of $15.6bn in 2009-10. Iraq’s current-account deficit forecast has also narrowed slightly, owing to the revision of the oil price projections. It is expected now that the current account will return a deficit of $6.4bn in 2010. Real GDP growth is forecast to slow in 2009-10, from an estimated rate of 7.8% in 2008 to an average of 5.7%, as a tighter fiscal stance has a knock-on impact across the economy. Thus, economic growth in 2009-10 was Insurance Sector expected to remain relatively healthy, if geographically uneven A recovery is expected in some of Iraq’s southern The insurance sector in Iraq has been opened up to and western provinces, leading to greater wholesale and competition. It was in 1997 that a change in the law retail trade, as well as increased investment, including permitted the establishment of private Iraqi-owned from Iraq’s neighbours. companies in the sector. Since 2005 foreign insurance providers have been allowed to enter the market. Now foreign investment has started to find its way into the insurance sector but as yet only to a limited extent. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for licensing insurers to write both life and non-life insurance cover. Estimated annual gross written premium is estimated at investors can now enter the market as long as they comply with the 2005 insurance law, which stipulates capital requirements for insurance firms. Foreign investors are also able to open branches in the country. The insurance industry is overseen by the Iraqi Insurance Diwan whose powers are set out under the Insurance Business Regulations Act of 2005. This is an independent body that sets the overall policy and procedures for the regulation of the insurance industry. Iraq just £3.3mn according to specialist observers. Foreign 117 JO JORDAN COUNTRY NAME: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan LAND AREA: 89,000 km2 POPULATION: 6,4 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic CURRENCY: 1 Jordanian Dinar (JOD) = 1.000 Fils 1 EUR = 0.96 JOD (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Amman (capital), Aqaba, Irbid, Zarqa, Karak, Maan NATIONAL DAY: 25 May – Indepence Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 2 In the last decade, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has sustained vast development achievements that brought qualitative stride at all economic, social and political sectors. These results were also made through the relentless efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein who spares no effort in the process of building modern Jordan and in achieving a better future for the Jordanian people. AMMAN initiatives, including “Jordan First” and the “National Agenda”. “Kuluna Al Urdun”, spearheaded by His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein, was developed through extensive participation from all segments of the Jordanian society in order to build national consensus on a comprehensive unified vision and policy actions to support a bold reform and modernization of Jordan’s economic, institutional and political infrastructure. It also envisions additional investments to bring about improved living conditions, increased job opportunities, and upgraded social services to all Jordanians. Jordan has attained many accomplishments in respect Young people are one of Jordan’s national priorities, of economic development and growth rates, as well greatest asset, and hope for the future. Youthful energies as the support of the market absorption of labor force. are being directed towards serving the community, and The current and future economic plans aim at the organized in group frameworks through a number of redistribution of the development returns to all the initiatives aimed at tapping their intellect, creativity and Kingdom’s regions in away that will better serve the aspirations. In order to ensure the active participation of development needs of them. In this respect and under a youth, Jordan has committed itself towards mobilizing all Royal guidance, the government established economic stakeholders (government agencies, civil society, national and development areas all around the Kingdom with and international institutions, private sector) case in point the aim of attracting local and foreign investments and is the “National Strategy for Youth”, and “We are All establishing projects that will absorb labor force in these Jordan” Youth initiatives. regions. Reforms Investment With access to over one billion consumers at the cross 118 Jordan realizes the importance of continuing the roads of three continents, Jordan is situated at the heart thrust of its reform agenda. Transforming Jordan into of the region that interconnects three continents. Its a modern knowledge-based economy with increased location and excellent transportation network make it an productivity and employment continues to be at the core ideal base of operations for companies seeking export of Jordan’s long-term development vision as articulated to countries and regions which Jordan has bilateral and in the “Kuluna Al Urdun” (We are all Jordan) initiative, multilateral trade agreements with, thereby expanding which builds on past achievements and previous reform their market to over one billion consumers in Europe, Jordan North America and the Middle East. As well, its stable economic liberalization initiative through transformation political and economic environments enhance the of Aqaba, the Kingdom’s only port city and a Kingdom’s suitability as a base from which to supply surrounding area of 375 km2, into the Aqaba Special such large markets. Jordan is home to a competitive Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). ASEZA is a duty free and vibrant economy that has achieved constantly high zone that is successfully attracting substantial foreign growth. and domestic private investment. It offers advanced The investment promotion law in Jordan offers a infrastructure and logistics systems, quality lifestyle, and number of benefits and incentives to investors in the key a superior business environment. sectors of the economy, including industry, agriculture, Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), inaugurated hospitals, hotels, leisure and recreational compounds, at the beginning of 2004, is the central development Maritime transport, railways, pipeline transportation company for ASEZA. It is a private shareholding and distribution services for water, gas, and petroleum company owned jointly by the government and the derivatives as well as their exploitation, conventions Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) with and exhibition centers, call centers. Jordan’s economy the mission to implement the ASEZA Master Plan in offers special opportunities in fast rising sectors that a manner that ensures integrated development by include pharmaceuticals, minerals, information and maximizing public-private partnerships. communication technology ICT, Dead Sea products, The South Industrial Zone (SIZ) is one of the principal textiles and apparel, tourism, real estate and automotive investment opportunities within ASEZA. Comprising industry. some 12 square kilometers of still vacant readily Jordan Investment Board (JIB) is a governmental body developable land, it encompasses and surrounds that was established by means of the investment the existing heavy industrial district. It is also directly promotion law of 1995 and the investment law of 2003, adjacent to the site where the new Aqaba seaport will JIB is a world class agency entrusted with promoting be built over the coming five to seven years. Already Jordan as a unique destination for foreign direct present are the marine terminals for import and export of investment and sustaining domestic investment to dry bulk and liquid bulk commodities. The development achieve economic prosperity in the Kingdom. JIB is at concept for the SIZ is to build an industrial area that the disposal of all investors seeking assistance in their provides for the development of existing industries in an business and investment needs. orderly manner, develops related downstream industries The Government of Jordan has implemented a bold and provides a highly competitive world-class industrial 119 JO park to enable the development of new industries. The poised to emerge as a producer of world-class fruits SIZ concept plans for industrial clusters which meet and vegetables. The Pharmaceutical and Medical the demands of existing and new industries; provides Supply sector together represent one of Jordan’s centralized grouping of services such as cooling water, premier industries, surpassed only by garment pipelines and conveyors where possible; and plans for sector in terms of both total output and exports. inter-modal transport centers to enable rapid transfer With pharmaceuticals exports exceeding USD 442.4 of goods and people. The SIZ dedicates part of the million in 2007, Jordan is the MENA regions largest area to anchor an integrated agro-chemical/fertilizer Arab exporter and a growing producer of consumable cluster, using the competitive advantage of Jordan medical supplies. and its neighbors in phosphate, potash and natural The demand analysis exams trade flows in a wide range gas resources as well as taking advantage of existing of manufacturing sectors under the broad heading fertilizer industry and deepwater ports both existing of other manufactured products, including: furniture and under-development. The SIZ has also dedicated and furniture components; electrical machinery and remaining areas for heavy chemical industries, electronics; fabricated plastic products; and packaging. supporting industries and future industrial expansion. The King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area (KHBTDA) ICT & Health Sector in Mafraq – situated 60 km northeast of the capital Amman at the Nexus of a modern highway network ICTs growth in Jordan has surpassed the high rates connecting Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia – is witnessed in the region, with many firms headquartered strategically positioned to function as an industrial in Jordan and maintaining project offices in regional center and inland port stretching across 21 square markets. Jordan’s prominent reputation in health care, kilometers with an adjacent functional airport and a based on advanced systems and highly regarded future railway system. Through the unique combination physicians, is attracting 100,000 international patients of its geographic location, public sector commitment, annually. and a legal and regulatory framework underpinned by the progressive and robust development areas law, the Transport KHBTDA is an unparalleled infrastructure, industry and logistics investment opportunity. With regional markets Jordan and most of its neighbors signed the exceeding 300 million inhabitants, the potential to International Agreement on Rail Development in the connect overland routes with access to major regional Arab Mashreq, which defined minimum technical ports, and the planned conversion of the adjacent standards and identified priorities routes for linking the King Hussein Airbase and to a mixed use airport, the economies of the region. The network within Jordan sight has the potential to become not only a leading is fully consistent with the standards of and priorities location for industrial production, but also a regional specified in the agreement, as is the work is underway transportation hub for inward movement of goods from in neighboring countries. All of Jordan’s neighbors have throughout the region, and indeed the world. plans for standard gauge rail development to the Jordan border. Industry Services account for 73% of Jordanian GDP in 2005. Jordan commercial services balance with the world 120 The manufacturing sector comprises a great deal of the has been positive until 2000. Jordanian leading export industrial activity that will drive investment demand into services sectors are travel (55%) and transportation the KHBTDA. The Mafraq Development Corporation (22%). Services sectors reforms are well advanced (MDC) vision for the sight is to attract investment from and generally in line with international best practices a variety of light and medium industrial sectors, with and principles of the Single Market. Jordan has made the aim of serving major regional export markets as well substantial commitments under GATS by binding 11 as Jordanian domestic demand. Sectors with potential sectors. to drive development include: food and beverage; The EU’s policy towards the Mediterranean region pharmaceutical and medical supplies; light chemicals; as a whole is governed by the Euro-Mediterranean and a wide range of other manufactured products. Partnership, launched at the 1995 Barcelona summit Jordan has already established itself as a serious between the European Union and its 10 Mediterranean exporter to regional markets, and its leading producers partners. Jordan is an active participant in furthering the are already looking beyond, to the EU and the US, trade objective of this process whose aim is to create to export high quality foods, and the Jordan valley is a Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area by 2010 via a Jordan network of bilateral Association Agreements between Trade Relations the EU and individual Mediterranean partners, together On 25 February 2004 Jordan signed a free trade themselves. The Euro-Mediterranean Association agreement with Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. The Agreement with Jordan was signed on 24 November Agadir Agreement, as it is known, commits the parties 1997 and entered into force on 1 May 2002 replacing to removing substantially all tariffs on trade between the co-operation Agreement of 1977. them, and to intensifying economic cooperation notably Industrial products originating in Jordan are imported in the field of harmonising their legislation with regard to into the EU free of customs duties and charges. standards and customs procedures. A similar agreement Reciprocally, Jordan abolished customs duties and has been signed 2009 with Turkey. Jordan already signed charges on a large number of products originating in the a bilateral free trade agreement with the US in 2000 and Community and is liberalising the remaining products a free trade agreement with Singapore in 2004. It is to be in several stages, according to their sensitivity for noted that Jordan became a member of the World Trade Jordanian markets. Organisation (WTO) in April 2000. Jordan with free trade agreements between the partners 121 KW KUWAIT COUNTRY NAME: State of Kuwait LAND AREA: 17,800 km2 POPULATION: 2.8 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), English (commercial) CURRENCY: 1 Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) = 1000 Fils 1 EUR = 0.38 KWD (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Kuwait City (capital), Hawalli, Jahrah, Sabahiyah NATIONAL DAY: 25 February TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 3 Kuwait is a small, rich, relatively open economy with self-reported crude oil reserves of about 104 billion barrels – 10% of world reserves. Kuwait is the seventh largest oil exporter in the world; sits on a tenth of global crude reserves, and has plans to boost output to 4 million barrel by day by 2020. Kuwait plans also to spend some $55bn on oil projects in the coming five years, which will help Kuwait to increase its oil output by 300,000 bpd starting from mid-2009. The spending includes a multi-billion dollar scheme to produce more oil from some northern oil fields under the delayed ‘Project Kuwait’ which involve foreign firms in production. Kuwait is also rich with gas. Its natural gas reserve is the twentieth in world, with an estimated reserve of 62.8Tcf which contributes to 0.9% of the world’s total reserves. KUWAIT CITY important obstacle for the flow of foreign investment into the country. The sale of state properties law sets guidelines for the government to provide state land to local or foreign investors. It also provides a legal basis for projects involving public-private partnerships (PPPs). Finally, a bill was passed authorizing the privatization of Kuwait Airways, which would mark the first major privatization in the country. Kuwait granted licenses to three private airlines and four new private universities, and privatized a number of gas stations. Oil & Petroleum Kuwait petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 80% of government income. Oil will account for around half of Kuwait’s nominal GDP in 2009-10, and will drive the wider economy through its knock-on impact on government consumption, and hence private-sector domestic demand. Kuwait Economy experienced rapid economic growth over the last several years on the back of high oil prices and in 2008 posted Macroeconomic performance has been strong due its tenth consecutive budget surplus. However, oil output to high oil proceeds, and the outlook remains very is expected to fall sharply in 2009, following an OPEC favourable. Structural reforms continued, aimed at agreement to cut production, before expanding by 9% in promoting a dynamic private sector driven economy and 2010. The global financial crisis might have also slowed enhancing incentives for bringing in foreign technical the pace of investment and development projects, but know-how. Kuwait’s structural reforms aiming to promote Kuwait has vowed to use its considerable financial a dynamic open economy driven by the private sector resources to stabilize the economy if necessary. have been gaining momentum. The National Assembly in 2007 passed three important economic laws. One Banking Sector law reduces the profit tax on foreign investors from 122 55% to 15% and exempts capital gains from stock Kuwait has one of the most robust banking sectors in investment from tax. The new legislation removes an the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, benefiting Kuwait from the country’s outstanding economic performance Islamic competitor but other Islamic financial service in recent years. Kuwaiti banks are also benefiting from providers are set to pose increased competitive fairly effective banking supervision by Central Bank which pressures. has been very successful role in restoring confidence in the system and nurturing its development. The fact that Insurance Sector Kuwait has relatively undiversified economy, with half of its GDP generated from oil-related activities, the result While Kuwait was among the first Gulf States to launch a of banks having limited non-oil related exposures and domestic insurance industry, with the Kuwait Insurance sizeable balance-sheet concentrations, both to the oil Company founded in 1960 and Al Ahleia Insurance sector and to individual entities. in 1962, the sector still only accounts for around 1% The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) is monitoring banks of Kuwait Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, closely, including through regular stress testing. Kuwait Kuwait’s insurance industry is developing at a steady recognizes that the number, size and activities of pace, with growing popularity among locals being driven investment companies have grown significantly over by a wider range of available products, especially from the last few years, making that sector systemically companies that provide Sharia-compliant services. important. The overall current regulatory framework The local Kuwaiti market has strong potential for covers disclosure, credit concentration and provisioning, expansion. According to official figures, the Kuwaiti anti-money laundering, and consumer/instalment loans population is growing at a rate of 3.6% a year. The limits. The CBK is carefully watching individual banks’ increase is largely being fuelled by a continued influx of exposures to investment companies. Kuwait’s domestic foreigners. banking system is also relatively saturated, with 16 banks While foreign companies do operate in the Kuwaiti – including Islamic financial institutions, specialized bank insurance industry, the 12 local firms dominate the and foreign banks branches – competing to serve a total sector, accounting for more than 85 percent of the population of 3.4 million (only a third of which comprises market. Activity is mainly centred on general insurance, or the banks’ traditional retail target market). Conventional non-life policies, which include property, marine, general banks have historically dominated the financial system. accident and fire insurance. Life insurance has recently To date, Kuwait Finance House has been their primary been gaining in popularity, with such policies accounting 123 KW for almost 30% of total premiums as of the end of 2006, Power & Water according to a report issued by Dubai-based firm CPI Financial in 2008. This is due in part to new regulations The Kuwait Electricity and Water Ministry’s current five- that require expatriates to have medical insurance. year plan concentrates on developing and upgrading The change in attitude toward life insurance may electricity and water services for consumers, including also stem from the rise of companies offering Sharia- several major projects to meet increasing consumer compliant products, first offered in 2000. Takaful demand. Proposed new projects include building insurance has been strengthening over years in the new power generating stations that will be capable of Kuwaiti market, as it is the case in other GCC States, generating up to 6,700 megawatts of power equivalent accounting for around 20% of all premiums as of to 70% of the current production. One such project mid-2007. involves establishing a power generation plant at the north Zour station that will operate on gas turbines. The Health Sector project will be divided into two stages. The first was floated through a public tender during 2008. It includes Kuwait is looking at introducing greater private sector constructing the first part of the station generating participation in the delivery of the country’s healthcare 1,600 megawatts and will be completed in 2010. The system. The Ministry of Health in June 2008 stated that second stage commenced in 2009 to generate 1,600 it was looking at the outsourcing of the management megawatts too and is slated for completion in 2011. of government clinics and hospitals to private sector Kuwait is also to float a tender to construct the Subiya professionals. Kuwait is putting efforts to extend the power station that will generate 2,000 megawatts; work private sector participation in the health care system, and on which is expected to commence in 2010. There are opening the sector to private and foreign investment. plans to undertake a number of projects to increase water production. Construction of new water desalination plants will produce 275 million gallons of water per day and ease continuing water shortages. Agricultural Sector In an effort to promote food security, Kuwait is considering new projects in the agricultural sector, such as the production of plant and fish farming, livestock, dairy production, fattening of calves and cattle-breeding. In general, the non-oil contribution to GDP continues to expand rapidly and both the fiscal and external current account remains in large surplus. Growth in the non-oil economy has been over 9%, and the large increase in oil revenue generated substantial fiscal and external current account surpluses, enabling the country to build up the stock of foreign assets. Trade Export volumes in 2009 are similarly expected to decline as demand weakens in Kuwait’s biggest export markets, notably in East Asia. Growth in the services sector (led by financial services, logistics, telecommunications and retail), which accounts for around 40% of nominal GDP, will be modest in 2009-10. As a result, the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) forecast that real GDP will contract by 0.7% in 2009, after expanding by an estimated 8.5% in 2008, before returning to growth of 4.4% in 2010, as the external outlook begins to improve. Kuwait’s global integration is underpinned by active membership in 124 Kuwait The EIU expects that Kuwait will follow an expansionary to liberalize domestic regulations. A member of the WTO fiscal policy, using its oil revenue to raise spending on since 1995, Kuwait also participates in various infrastructure and redistribute wealth. The fiscal surplus preferential trade arrangements, including the GCC is forecast to average 8.3% of GDP a year in 2009-13. customs union and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area. The EIU expects also that the oil sector will drive most The GCC common market agreement was launched in economic activity. Real GDP growth is set to decline January 2008. from the highs of recent years, as oil output rises only In May 2007, Kuwait adopted a fiscal strategy involving slowly (following recent OPEC cuts) and efforts to draw higher capital spending, limiting expanding current in foreign investment to boost production in the northern expenditure, and saving part of the oil wealth to reduce oilfields remain stalled, despite the fact that some new dependency on oil income for funding the budget. In energy projects will be initiated towards the end of the 2007 also, Kuwait abandoned the peg to the US dollar in forecast period. Following a slight upward revision to favour of a peg to an undisclosed currency basket. EIU oil price forecast, EIU now expects a budget surplus Kuwait is undertaking large-scale investments to expand of 2.4% of GDP in fiscal year 2009/10. oil production and refining capacity. The IMF in a 2008 report urged Kuwait to support more Foreign Direct Investment private sector-led investment and growth by bringing capital market, companies, competition, public-private The net flow of foreign direct investment into Kuwait partnerships and privatization laws in line with best should rise modestly over the forecast period. international practice. Progress in 2007 included Nevertheless, apart from Equate II (a petrochemicals reduction of taxes on foreign investors, priority given to venture) and some smaller-scale projects, most the new capital market law and other draft laws to developments will be financed almost exclusively from facilitate broadening the role of private sector. There is domestic sources. The upstream oil and gas sectors potential to enhance the involvement of foreign technical will remain largely closed to foreign investors, limiting know-how in the development of the northern oil fields. technology transfer. Kuwait global and regional trade initiatives and an ongoing push 125 LB LEBANON COUNTRY NAME: Lebanese Republic LAND AREA: 10,200 km2 POPULATION: 4,1 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian CURRENCY: 1 Lebanese Pound (LBP) = 100 Piaster 1 EUR = 2 LBP (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Beirut (capital), Sidon, Jounié, Tripoli NATIONAL DAY: 22 November – Independence Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 2 Lebanon gained its independence from France in 1943 and developed one of the Middle East’s most advanced economies. It has long been the convergence point of trade routes and the meeting place for a wide variety of peoples, the basis of the rich and diverse national culture that exists in the country today. It is a regional and international hub for trade, finance, services, industry, culture and tourism. At the centre of the Eastern Mediterranean, Lebanon is at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe. It enjoys a rich variety of climates and ecosystems. BEIRUT resource – vast forests of cedar – was exhausted in ancient times, and today, the main focus of the primary sector is quarrying for the cement industry. The industrial sector is also small, partly because the domestic market shows a preference for imported goods. Among the sector’s most significant exports are processed food and jewellery – with the latter showing strong growth in recent years. Lebanon enjoys a free foreign exchange market, full currency convertibility, complete repatriation of capital and a regulated banking secrecy law. These privileges make Lebanon a prime destination for foreign investment and tourism. Investors can benefit from a sophisticated legal framework, which protects the As a trading and international banking centre, it was rights and assets of both Lebanese and non-Lebanese long known as “the Switzerland of the Middle East” investors. until its disastrous 1975–1990 civil war and protracted conflict. The 1975-90 civil war seriously damaged Financial Sector Lebanon’s economic infrastructure, cut national output 126 by half, and all but ended Lebanon’s position as a Lebanon’s financial sector, one of the region’s most Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub. In the years sophisticated, offers a wide range of services. There are since, Lebanon has rebuilt much of its war-torn physical few restrictions on domestic banking and few barriers and financial infrastructure by borrowing heavily – to foreign banks. Regulations are fairly transparent, mostly from domestic banks. and credit is allocated on market terms. There are 69 Lebanon’s most important area of economic activity banks registered at the National Bank of Lebanon/ has historically been services, which in 2008 accounted Banque du Liban, with 62 active commercial banks and for an estimated three-quarters of nominal GDP. The 12 specialized banks. Banking currently employs more capital, Beirut, remains a significant regional banking than 17,660 individuals in 872 branches conveniently centre. Although agriculture remains an important spread throughout the country, and manages the source of employment, most rural holdings are small, equivalent of $90 billion in assets nation-wide. economically inefficient and rented by subsistence Foreign representation is important either in the form farmers – so agriculture accounts for only around 5% of a foreign bank maintaining branches in Lebanon of nominal GDP. The country’s most precious natural (11 banks) or equity stakes in several local banks. Lebanon 16 foreign banks have also a representation office in Lebanese banks from subscribing to subprime Lebanon. Foreign representation is significant, whether mortgage products. through foreign banks maintaining their branches in Lebanon or equity stakes in several local banks. At the Insurance Sector same time, Lebanese banks have expanded abroad, particularly in Syria, Jordan and France. Today, there The Lebanese insurance market has always been open are eighteen Lebanese banks active in one way or and liberal, in line with Lebanon’s free market economy. another in sixteen foreign countries. Foreigners can Private insurers have historically been the only players open accounts in banks operating in Lebanon and in the local market and the state has never national- get credit on market terms. The Banking Control ized or expropriated an insurance firm. Additionally, Commission (BCC) closely monitors bank credits. Bank the Lebanese state never owned insurers and private financial statements are in compliance with international companies did not have to compete with state entities accounting standards. Independent auditors audit or worry about government monopolies, as is the case annual accounts, and most banks utilize internationally in many other Arab countries. recognized accounting firms. The recent report by This characteristic has helped the sector respond to International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that the global market forces and avoid the distortions associated with financial crisis on Lebanon had had no major impact. state-ownership of insurers. Further, the sector has Like other Middle Eastern states, the local bourse very low barriers to entry and is one of the most open declined, but real estate markets did not crash, and insurance sectors in the region. The existing rules and banks were not failing. Key to Lebanon’s success at regulations already allow foreign insurers full ownership insulating itself from the worst of the global financial of local operations and for the acquisition of a domestic meltdown has been sound fiscal policy from the Central insurer. Competition exists from a large number of Bank. Years ago, CBL issued a bank circular prohibiting domestic firms as well as from Arab and foreign 127 LB insurers already present in the market. As at 2007, now being made to reposition Lebanon on the inter- figures published by Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy national tourism map. The Ministry of Tourism is and Trade showed that the total assets of that coun- continuing with projects to promote Lebanon providing try’s insurance sector amounted to $1,555 million, of electronic services and information, participating in which $829 million was held in investments. world exhibitions, and targeting selected new markets. The operational efficiency of the Lebanese insurance sector is positively influenced by the fact that the Energy Sector industry is totally in the hands of the private sector. On the other hand, Lebanon does not have the advantages Lebanon depends almost entirely on external energy of the more efficient Arab markets in terms of large sources, in particular for oil products. Growing energy industries related to oil production. Further, Lebanon needs may impact increasingly on the high energy has one of the more developed life insurance sectors import bill and thus on the country’s economy. It could relative to other Arab countries, which increases the develop towards a transit country, including to the comparative efficiency of the Lebanese market. benefit of secure energy supply to the EU. Lebanon took a major decision to introduce natural gas in the Tourism economy, although it has no known gas reserves of its own. Gas pipelines are under development and Tourism, the country’s major economic activities and will bring Egyptian and Syrian gas to the region and foreign exchange earners, was hit severely by the coun- possibly further to the EU. Lebanon participates in the try’s protracted political crises. Adverse political and Euro-Mashreq Gas Market project that aims to reform security conditions placed it on the list of the “world’s and modernise the gas industry in Egypt, Jordan, most dangerous destinations”. However, efforts are Lebanon and Syria, and achieve the progressive integration of their gas markets with a view to integration with the EU internal gas market. Rehabilitation of energy infrastructure requires significant investments. Development of the oil sector, including the viability of the operation of a refinery, is under study. Lebanon aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar and wind in the country’s energy balance to as high as 10% by 2015. The state-owned electricity producer, Electricité du Liban (EDL), generated 10.54bn kwh in 2007, overwhelmingly from imported oil. This was a modest 3.2% improvement on the previous year, but still well below estimates of current demand of some 14.5bn kwh. As a result, electricity rationing continues in all areas, especially during the summer months, when air-conditioning greatly increases demand, leading to periodic brownouts and – less frequently – outright blackouts. Investment The Investment Development Agency of Lebanon (IDAL) provides support and assistance for investment matters. Worldwide telecom company Ericsson established a global-services delivery centre in Beirut in August 2007 to provide services to local and regional costumers. The centre will service 70 countries in the region. A new Islamic investment bank is to set up headquarters in Beirut. The Jousour Bank, owned by the Kuwaitbased International Investors Group – IIG, will provide 128 Lebanon financial and investment services according to Islamic a cable car departing from KROUM when it has been principles. constructed. Horizon Management, together with Kuwait-based Communications & IT projects in Beirut. Excavation for a 220-room hotel at Raouche, Ras Beirut, is currently underway. On Lebanon was one of the first countries in the region completion, the $45 million project will be under the to have widespread Internet access, given a strong management of international hotel-chain Kempinski. interest in technology, multilingual skills and a vast The second project is a five-star hotel and shopping expatriate population seeking to communicate with mall in Verdun. This is estimated to require investment relatives at home, but facing high fixed-line interna- of $100 million. tional call costs. Dial-up Internet became widespread in Optimum Developments is to launch the Ehden moun- the mid-1990s, but fears of losses to the state-owned tain destination project. This will consist of two sepa- telecoms provider from Internet telephony helped delay rate components with nature integration as a major the official introduction of broadband until 2007. In the feature. interim period, as many as 100,000 residents obtained KROUM is to be a traditional Lebanese commercial, faster access through unlicensed cable, microwave and residential mixed use village, a 120 room 5-star hotel, a satellite providers. The delay caused penetration rates residential spine offering a diversity of apartments and to fall behind those of most Gulf Arab states, although a medi-spa. the country remained ahead of other regional neigh- LES PARCS D`EHDEN is an eco village, hill lakeside bours, with a total of 230,000 subscriptions in 2005, cabanas and family dwellings, and a small conven- according to the ITU. Since the official introduction tion centre. Both projects will complement the long of broadband, penetration has increased, but costs awaited Ehden Eco Ski Resort, to be developed on a remain high: for example, a 1Mb broadband connection 40,000,000 m2 car-free domain accessed solely by typically costs more than $100 a month. Lebanon United Real Estate Company, is undertaking two new 129 LY LIBYA COUNTRY NAME: Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya LAND AREA: 1,8 million km2 POPULATION: 6,3 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), Italian, English CURRENCY: 1 Libyan Dinar (LYD) = 1.000 Dirham 1 EUR = 1.7 LYD (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Tripoli (capital), Benghazi, Al-Djofra, Misurata, Zawia, El Khoms, Ras-Jedir NATIONAL DAY: 1 September – Revolution Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 2 Libya, one of the largest countries of North Africa, represents an exciting emerging market in close proximity to Europe. Today there is much that is positive concerning its economy as Libya makes progress in integrating itself within the global trading system and embarks on a major economic program of development. Libya’s market is increasingly open to foreign investors and offers tremendous opportunities for new business. Libya is undertaking a LD150 billion ($126.5bn) five-year infrastructure redevelopment plan to modernise water, irrigation and sanitation facilities and build airports, schools and houses. Spending is also high on areas such as railways and telecommunications. It is continuing with its efforts to diversify the economy and encourage more private-sector participation in areas like manufacturing and services. As the country moves forward with its modernisation and integration within the global economy, Libya offers potentially rich trade opportunities in nearly every sector, including oil and gas, agriculture, telecommunications, education, medical equipment and services and tourism. TRIPOLI Income obtained from oil and gas exports has enabled Libya to maintain a large public sector with extensive public investment in services like health and education, as well as agriculture and the development of non-oil related industries. Economy Public services comprise about 7% of GDP. In 2009 the oil sector provides about 70% of GDP, up from 50% in 2002 in line with rising oil prices during the period. The share of other sectors to the economy has fallen correspondingly, except for public services, which absorbed a significant proportion of the higher revenue. The public administration employs some 16% of the workforce; health services employ 12% and education 27%. While the relative dominance of the oil and gas sector has continued to increase, the extraction industry employs less than 2% of the labour force. The manufacturing industry employs 8%, while agriculture, forestry, and fishing employ about 7% (agriculture having declined from about 70% before the growth of the oil industry). The country operates a large trade surplus. Some 97% of exports consist of oil, natural gas and petroleumbased commodities. The remaining 3% mainly consist of agricultural and fisheries products. In 2007, 88% of Libya has been ranked by the World Bank as an “upper- exports went to the EU, with Italy as the main destination, middle-income developing country”. The economy is followed by Germany, Spain and France. dominated by the oil and gas sector, through which it has been transformed from a poor, largely agricultural Investment economy to one of Africa’s wealthiest nations. It has the 130 highest income per capita of the developing countries in The country’s Promotion of Investment of Foreign Capital the Mediterranean region. Law No. (7) 2003, which amended the Law No. (5) 1997 Libya law on foreign investment, is the key investment law. the modernisation of the banking sector by introducing The 1997 law allowed 100 percent foreign ownership of modern services such as ATMs and credit cards. Twenty- companies that receive a licence. Relatively few projects one regional banks have been merged, banking super- were licensed, partly because of complex and time- vision reinforced, interest rates and foreign exchange consuming procedures, and partly because key sectors partially liberalised, and the exchange rate unified. such as telecommunications, financial services and distri- 2007 saw the start of a strategy announced by the bution were excluded. Central Bank as early as 2004, to restructure, develop Under the 1997 law, the investor is entitled to employ and modernise the banking system to reach standards of foreign staff and technical expertise necessary for the international institutions. establishment and operation of the project. The process Minority stakes of two Libyan banks were sold to foreign for obtaining work permits can be cumbersome. Article 8 investors. The first step was to sell off a minority stake in of the 2003 foreign capital law specifies that investment Sahara Bank, Libya’s second largest commercial bank shall be allowed in the following fields: industry, health, with total assets of around $3.6 billion. BNP Paribas SA tourism, services and agriculture, with other field speci- won a bid for the privatisation of Libya’s Sahara Bank fied by a decision of the General People’s Committee with 19% of the shares, for about €145 million with the upon submission of the Secretary. option to raise their participation up to 51% in three to five years. The Wahda Bank sale was structured in the Banking & Finance same way as the previous deal, with the offer of an initial 19% stake. In 2008, a number of foreign commercial The most significant reforms in the service sector over banks won approval to open their representative offices the past decade have occurred in banking and finance. in Libya. The latest Banking Law No.1 of 2005, along with the The Libyan Stock Exchange, established in March 2007, Anti-Money Laundering Law No.2 of 2005, are aimed at was the first exchange of its kind in the country. creating a new legal framework for the banking system. The country’s five public banks were recapitalised and Imports its four private banks licensed. The Bank of Commerce and Development is the most substantial of the four Libya imports a wide range of industrial and agricultural private banks operating in Libya, and has led the way in products; major suppliers for these products are Italy, 131 LY Germany, China and Tunisia. China is now Libya’s third Energy Sector largest supplier and the second largest after the EU as a whole. Some 97% of Libya’s exports consist of oil, natural gas, Libya is highly dependent on imports for much of its food iron and steel and petroleum-based commodities. The supply, particularly cereals and fats and oils. Approxi- energy industry is thus the country’s most important mately half of Libya’s food needs come from imports. export industry and a key source of income. Major suppliers are Tunisia, the Russian Federation, Libya’s proven oil reserves of 41 billion barrels are almost Turkey, the Netherlands and Italy. half the total reported oil reserves in Africa and over 3% of the world total. Libya has the largest proven oil Exports reserves in Africa, at 41.5 billion barrels as of January 2007 which is up from 39.1 billion barrels in 2006, Exports of agriculture goods are extremely small, with new discoveries supporting, and often allowing primarily animal and vegetable oils and fats, potatoes and increases, in the rate of production. some beverages. Local consultations have confirmed a Libya is currently the second-largest crude oil producer prolific trade in smuggling subsidised food into neigh- in Africa, with an estimated 1.7 million barrels per day bouring countries means that much of Libya’s agriculture in 2006. With current plans to expand production to 3 exports not being captured by official statistics. Subsi- million barrels a day, Libya’s proven reserves would last dised agricultural products from Libya reach Chad, and for 38 years. Despite the lifting of sanctions, Libya’s other Maghreb countries through Tunisia and then on to current oil production is still only half of what it was in the Algeria. early 1970s, and is expected to climb back to 3 million Libya is a net importer of fish and fish products, a barrels per day by 2015. trend that has increased over recent years as exports It has been estimated that more than $30 billion in foreign of Atlantic bluefin tuna have declined and imports of investment will be needed to achieve this increase in processed pacific tuna have increased substantially. production. Fisheries exports are categorised by small volumes of Production costs are relatively low, and Libyan oil is high high value premium bluefin tuna and frozen fish fillets in quality. Low transport costs given its close proximity sold to the Japanese and Korean markets, with higher to Europe give Libya a further advantage. European oil volumes of common varieties sold live or chilled to companies maintained their operations after US compa- nearby Tunisia, Malta and Turkey. nies left in the 1980s; the American companies signed a Standstill Agreement with the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) which allowed them to retain their original oil rights and obligations. The NOC maintained production at lower levels, and after the lifting of sanctions the US companies resumed operations. Some 5% of Libyan oil exports go to China. Libya has given limited prospecting concessions to both China and Taiwan. In 2004, the China National Petroleum Corporation constructed two oil pipes linking the Wafa oil field with the port of Mellitah in association with the Italian Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi and the Libyan National Oil Corporation. Further pipelines are under consideration to allow the export of oil from Niger via Libya. Libya’s gas reserves are estimated at 1,500 billion cu.m., or 1% of world reserves. At an anticipated extraction rate of around 12 billion m3/y the known reserves would last for 125 years. However, at this extraction rate the income from gas is considerably less than that from oil. At an oil price of $50 per barrel, Libya’s oil income would amount to some $50 billion per year. Its income from natural gas at $350 per 1000m3 would be about $4 billion per year. If it were possible to increase the rate of gas extraction to give the same annual income as oil, the known reserves would last for 10 years. In total, Libya’s 132 Libya proven oil and gas reserves are enough to maintain its tious government target to see visitor numbers reach 10 national income for about 50 years. million per year and lift the sector’s percentage of foreign Libyan natural gas exports have increased since 2005, revenue to ten per cent, the Libyan tourism industry is particularly to Italy. The NOC has a joint venture with the growing rapidly with the construction of hotels, resorts Italian company, Agip, in the Western Libya Gas Project. and upgrades in transportation systems, including new Most of the gas will be exported to Italy via the Green airports under construction in Tripoli and Benghazi. Stream pipeline that was inaugurated in 2004, connecting Libya to Italy via Sicily. This is the biggest foreign invest- Retail Sector ment in Libya’s energy sector since UN sanctions were suspended. For export further afield, Libya is expanding The retail sector has stabilised in recent years, following its current LNG plants and building new ones. the abolishment of a ban on private selling and control by state owned stores. The sector is characterised by more Telecommunications or less modern shops, mostly small; a traditional souk selling mainly household goods, clothes and textiles; The telecommunications sector has grown dramatically and apparently unregulated street markets selling every- since 1990. Considerable further expansion is planned, thing. Restrictions on private ownership have been lifted, with a targeted increase in density from 12% to around attracting some local and foreign investment mostly into 37% by 2020, at an estimated cost of $10 billion. Priva- the higher end sector. tisation of the state monopoly is not currently intended, but foreign investors have played an increasing role. Privatisation In 2004, France’s Alcatel and Finland’s Nokia won the contract to develop and construct the Libyan mobile The negotiations on the return of the American oil compa- network. nies led to the introduction of a privatisation policy. Some In 2008, China’s Zhongxing Telecom Equipment signed 360 production units were scheduled to be transferred an agreement for the construction of the first network in from the public to the private sector between 2003 and Africa under the WiMax regulation. 2008. By the end of 2004 only 14 had been successfully privatised. Tourism By August 2006 the number of privatised enterprises had reached 67, with a total value of LD 696 million (about As a preferred sector for foreign investment, the tourism $500 million). These included an aquaculture project, six sector has attracted major investments from companies chicken factories, and a range of industrial companies. Libya in the UK, Italy and other countries. Driven by an ambi- 133 MR MAURITANIA COUNTRY NAME: Islamic Republic of Mauritania LAND AREA: 1 million km2 POPULATION: 3,2 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), French, others CURRENCY: 1 Mauritanian Ougiya (MRO) = 5 Khoums 1 EUR = 397,11 MRO (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Nouakchott (capital), Nouadhibou, Kaedi, Zouérat NATIONAL DAY: 28 November – Independence Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 0 Mauritania lies mainly in the Sahara Desert belt of West Africa and shares borders with Morocco, Algeria, Mali and Senegal. The capital city and major port is Nouakchott while other major towns are Kaedi and Zouerate and the port of Nouadhibou. The country possesses a 700 km Atlantic coastline and in total is approximately twice the size of France, although over half of the land mass is desert. ALGIERS NOUAKCHOTT export earnings. The main species of fish that can be caught are deep sea and shellfish, such as shrimp which are exported to markets like Japan. Fish stocks off the coast of Mauritania are reputed to be among the richest and most diverse in the world. The commercial value of the fish stock is high. It is estimated, for example, that the country enjoys the largest stocks of octopus and croakers in the world. Effective regulations and protective measures such as patrols off the coastal waters help to prevent Apart from its newly developed oil and gas sectors, Mauri- overexploitation of the marine zone. A new fisheries code tania depends on traditional agriculture, fishing off its rich adopted in 2000 emphasised sustainable development coastal waters and a modern mining industry that devel- of the commercial fishing industry, expansion of artisanal oped in the 1960s following the discovery of high-grade fisheries, reorganisation and modernisation of the iron ore. Raising crops and pasturing livestock remain fleet and development of processed product exports. the main economic activities. Major agricultural products, Mauritania has signed bilateral fishery agreements produced chiefly near the Senegal River on irrigated lands with Algeria, Japan, Morocco, Russia, Senegal, Tunisia and in scattered oases, are millet, dates, sorghum, and and the European Union. The potential for export yams. Livestock such as sheep, goats, cattle, and camels development in this sector lies in the expansion of are raised. artisanal and coastal fisheries. Iron ore sales account for about half of the country’s There is a new zoning system in place to help boost export earnings. Gypsum and salt are also mined. Mauri- the level of activity and increase processing of fish tania has large copper ore reserves, but difficult mining products, particularly, pelagic species, which are still conditions and low world commodity prices have resulted underexploited. Enhanced quality management and in mine closures. The country’s few manufactured goods better promotion will help to improve product access and are made up principally of processed food (especially value on foreign markets. frozen fish) and clothing. Smaller industries include brewing, dairy processing, oil and sugar refining. Agriculture Fishing This sector is the largest employer in the country, accounting for nearly 50 percent of all jobs. The sector 134 The important fishing industry contributes around 10 has been liberalised to allow private operators to operate percent of the country’s GDP and 45 percent of its where once the state sector was dominant. One of the Mauritania key measures of reform has been the development of Mining farm credit, which, initially, was available only for rice production and is now open to other agricultural sectors. Mining of mainly iron ore is a major economic activity accounting for around 12 percent of the country’s GDP Telecommunications & New Technologies and is the leading employer after the public service. Activity in the sector is dominated by the leading mining company, Societe nationale industrielle et miniere Mauritania has offshore oil and gas deposits and a growing (SNIM). The country’s other commercially exploitable upstream oil industry. Offshore oil extraction began in mineral deposits consist of copper and cobalt. Gold and February 2006. GDP surged to 11.2% in 2006, which was diamond rich sites have also recently been discovered one of the highest growth rates in the world. Production is through prospecting and they may prove economically expected to stabilise at around 30,000 barrels p/d thereby viable. De Beers and other leading diamond companies moderating expectations of GDP growth. Mauritania is are currently exploring the country’s potential in this one of the four oil refining countries in West Africa. Its regard. On the strength of the deposits that have so far downstream oil industry is now a significant element in the been discovered, the World Bank reported that Mauri- country’s economy. Oil derived products supply 95% of tania could become a diamond producer in the medium the country’s commercial energy needs. term. 135 MR Manufacturing increase steadily over recent years, but other niche tourism activities are emerging, such as fishing, hunting Manufacturing, handicrafts and fish-processing together and nature watching. contribute about 7 percent of the country’s GDP. Food In addition to an attractive and extensive coastline, processing is the main manufacturing activity, while non- Mauritania boasts a rich and ancient heritage which food manufacturing activities include chemicals and plas- includes the old trading and religious centres of tics, building materials, paper and packaging. However, Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata. These areas these are all conducted on a small scale and are not could attract more visitors if marketed energetically particularly attractive to foreign investors. and if basic infrastructure was improved. These ancient settlements were founded in the 11th and 12th centuries Tourism to serve the caravans crossing the Sahara and became focal points of Islamic culture. They have preserved 136 Expansion of the tourism sector offers new and prom- an urban fabric that evolved between the 12th and ising potential, if it were to receive a sufficient invest- 16th centuries. Typically, houses with patios crowd ment, particularly to improve facilities and infrastructure. along narrow streets around a mosque with a square It is still very underdeveloped with annual revenues esti- minaret. The four ancient cities have been designated mated at only $20m and visitor numbers are currently UN World Heritage Sites, while the nature reservation only in the thousands. Most visitors are business trav- of Banc d’Arguin is also protected. Mauritania is trying elers to the capital Nouakchott, where there are inter- to balance preservation of its natural environment with national standard hotels. Tourism in Mauritania consists development of tourism and increasing the number of mainly of desert holidaying, which has seen demand visitors. Mauritania One factor hampering the growth in tourism is the fact making Mauritania’s banking penetration rate a mere 4.2 that international flights into the country are infrequent percent. This is one of the lowest across all of Africa and and expensive. The part privatised national airline, Air particularly in the surrounding Maghreb countries, where Mauritanie, flies to Paris and countries in West Africa. banking rates are around 50 percent. However, bank Three international airports at Nouadhibou on the coast, deposits have recently registered an annual growth rate the main airport serving the capital Nouakchott, also on of 11 percent. the coast, and a third airport at the inland city of Atar, The arrival of more new international players reflects have connections to 13 national airports and an the greater attractiveness of the sector. France’s BNP additional 20 airstrips. Paribas Group was granted authorisation from the Mauritanian authorities to open a full-service bank in Banking & Finance the country in September 2006. In April 2008, Emerging firm focused on investing across the African continent, commercial banks, most of which began as joint ventures announced it had invested $15.9 million to acquire a between the state and foreign or domestic investors, controlling interest in BACIM Bank, the seventh largest and were progressively privatised. As of December banking group in Mauritania and whose parent organisa- 2006, the 11 banks had aggregate assets of $1.0 billion tion is the Central Bank of Mauritania. ECP’s investment and managed approximately 125,000 bank accounts, will enable BACIM to transform into a top-tier banking Mauritania Capital Partners (ECP), an international private equity Mauritania’s financial system includes 11 retail and 137 MR reforms, in agreement with the IMF backed Financial Sector Assessment Programme recommendations. This is seen as critical to creating the conditions for higher private sector-led growth. The increased presence of foreign banks is likely to boost competition, and, along with improved banking supervision, should strengthen the financial sector. The country saw the establishment of its first exclusively Islamic bank with the launch of Al Wataniya in March 2008, according to North Africa Times. The new bank is a pioneer in the sector and seeks to attract capital into the country. Exports Mauritania’s major export industries are iron ore, fish and fish products, while its most important imports are machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital institution by strengthening management, consolidating goods, foodstuffs and some consumer goods. resources, and upgrading technology infrastructure and improving risk management. Other Sectors “The Mauritanian banking sector is poised for significant 138 growth over the next five years due to solid macroeco- There are development opportunities in the artisanal nomic fundamentals, an emerging consumer market, and sector, if initiatives are taken to improve artisan produc- a growing corporate sector,” said Vincent Le Guennou, tivity, product quality and markets access. The govern- executive vice president of ECP. “We expect that ment adopted a plan for the handcraft industry designed the growing Mauritanian economy and the increasing to develop and modernise sector. Financial and insur- confidence of the international community will continue ance services, air transportation, health and education to stimulate foreign direct investment in the country, have all been privatised. All these sectors offer attractive resulting in substantial gains for the banking sector”. investment opportunities, particularly for foreign direct Mauritania has adopted ambitious banking sector investments. Mauritania Mauritania 139 MA MOROCCO COUNTRY NAME: Kingdom of Morocco LAND AREA: 446,000 km2 POPULATION: 31,6 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), French CURRENCY: 1 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) = 100 Santimat 1 EUR = 11.15 MAD (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Rabat (Capital), Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, Meknes, Oujda, Agadir, Tangier, Tetouan, Laâyoune NATIONAL DAY: 30 July TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 0 Morocco managed to resist the direct effects of the global financial crisis through solid fundamentals and structural reforms, as well as its sound banking and financial system and efficient exchange rate regime. Nonetheless, given its open economy, Morocco has felt the impact of the economic downturn on those productive sectors that are most dependent on foreign markets, particularly Europe, the country’s main trading partner. In response, the country implemented a number of measures under the 2009 Finance Act to bolster domestic demand and investment and to support the sectors worst hit by the global crisis, while establishing mechanisms to monitor the results of the measures taken. RABAT Highlights Seven priority industrial sectors have been targeted by Morocco for development to boost the country’s exports, the country’s Ministry Industry, Trade and New Technologies has announced. The sectors comprise four new and three traditional ones: automotives, aerospace, electronics and offshoring were the new sectors offering opportunities, while agro-foods, seafood and textiles were the traditional sectors to be upgraded. But all these sectors equally possess great potential for development with the help of investors and partners. The kingdom is the world’s largest exporter of phosphates, a sector being developed by state company Office Cherifien des Phosphates (OCP). A number of international companies have signed partnerships with OCP. A new port at Tangier, being developed by the Tangier-Mediterranean Special Agency, is set to Foreign Direct Investment has increased substantially in be one of the largest deep-water ports in the Mediter- recent years; from an average of only $80 million in the ranean. A second terminal, due to be operational in 2012, 1980s to $500mn in the 1990s, it reached $3.5bn in 2008. will increase the port’s container capacity from 3.5 million As a liberal economy, Morocco has long been open twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) to 8.5 million TEU. The to foreign investors and adopted reforms including scheme is being accompanied by major infrastructure proj- privatisation much earlier than many other countries. ects in the area and is designed to promote regional devel- Foreign investors are able to own 100% of their opment. An integrated transport network, including new businesses, land and properties without any need for a road and rail networks, is set to cost $5-6 billion. Morocco local partner. is also becoming a centre for offshoring, with its existing The economy has been boosted in recent years by flagship offshoring zone, CasaNearshore, to be followed growing consumer spending and inward investment by others in Rabat, Fez and Marrakech. which has been underpinned by state-backed infrastructure projects and tourism. Domestic demand is Banking seen growing by 5.9%, down from 10%. Growth in 2008 140 was 5.6%. The HCP saw 2010 growth at 2.4%, although Morocco’s banking sector, like banking throughout Africa, much depends on volatile farm yields. has not suffered as much as financial sectors in other Morocco parts of the world, an international conference in Dar es assets to credit to the private sector fell by 3 points Salaam, Tanzania held on 10-11 March 2009 was told. In during this period. The most plausible explanation for Morocco, net profits in the banking sector was expected this lies in the structure of the Moroccan credit market, to grow at around 15% in 2009, Mohamed Benchaaboun, the IMF said. On the supply side, bank credit is highly CEO of Morocco’s Banque Centrale Populaire, estimated. concentrated with limited competition, with the three But while the financial sector may have escaped the largest banks accounting for roughly 60% of outstanding turmoil, the continent is feeling the impact of the global credit to the private sector in 2007. recession. In Morocco, Benchaaboun said, the recession was slowing demand in such vital sectors as tourism and Tourism remittances were also falling. The strength of the banking and financial sector has been The tourism ministry forecasted a record number of improved by the success of Morocco’s economic reform foreign tourists in 2009 but expected that they would programme since the turn of the century which has spend less than in previous years. Tourism attracts substantially strengthened macroeconomic conditions more investment than any other sector into the country and accelerated the pace of non-agricultural growth. and contributes around 7% to the GDP annually, so Increases in tourism and remittance receipts, coupled the government has been taking proactive measures to with higher capital inflows, have sustained current ensure that this momentum continues through the global account surpluses for most of the period, and boosted downturn. With tourist receipts decreasing 3.5%, from domestic liquidity. In contrast with what happened in Dh58.67bn (€5.33bn) in 2007 to Dh56.59bn (€5.14bn) in other regions of the world, these developments did not 2008, internet marketing is being used more actively to fuel a credit boom, an IMF working paper observed. expand the arrivals base beyond the traditional European During the first half of the current decade, the expansion markets with a focus on attracting tourists from Eastern of the banking sector’s balance sheet did not translate Europe, Russia, the Gulf and China. into a significant increase in credit to the economy. Its Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca and Agadir have been ratio to GDP remained basically flat between 2000 and selected as priority regions for the expansion of high- 2006; in fact, the share of the banking sector’s total end cultural and beach tourism. Tourism initiatives also 141 MA include Plan Azur, Plan Biladi and Plan Madain which 12 million people. The total cost of the airport redevelop- are aimed at developing resorts, bolster domestic ment plans is estimated at €320m. tourism and showcase cultural destinations. Plan Azur A new low-cost airline, Air Arabia Maroc, started opera- is expected to be the linchpin of the three, as Morocco tions on 6 May 2009 with an inaugural flight to Stansted looks to capture some of the lucrative regional resort Airport in London. The new Moroccan airline, flying to market. As part of the Azur Plan, a 12 billion dirhams selected destinations across Europe and North Africa, ($1.5bn) Mediterranean coastal resort was unveiled in was founded by Air Arabia, one of the first low cost June. The Saidia Mediterrania resort, inaugurated by King airlines in the region, in partnership with Regional Air Mohammed VI, covers 696 hectares and will ultimately Lines, a leading private carrier in Morocco and Ithmaar have a capacity of 30,000 beds, and generate 8,000 Bank of Bahrain. direct jobs and 40,000 indirect ones by 2013. The resort includes nine top hotels, 12 holiday villages, eight tourist Infrastructure complexes, 2,700 apartments, 300 villas, three 18-hole 142 golf courses, a marina with 1,350 berths for boats, and Morocco is speeding up investment on infrastructure a 43,000-sq m “Médina Center” Mall that can host up to projects such as roads, highways, new railway lines and 160 shops. the important Tanger Med Port complex, which will be Plan Azur aims to create new tourist destinations on the the biggest port in Africa. Social housing is another key Mediterranean and the Atlantic coasts. ambition with new urban areas planned. Meanwhile, Morocco has been granted a €240m ($310m) The Union for the Mediterranean launched a new regional loan from the African Development Bank (ADB) to assist infrastructure development fund, Inframed, at its meeting in the upgrading of facilities at five of its largest interna- in Alexandria, Egypt on 30 April 2009. The initiative tional airports: Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir established a regional framework for public-private- and Fez. In 2007, the five airports handled 91% of the partnerships to aid the development of infrastructure country’s total annual passenger traffic, comprising about across the region and will participate in financing energy Morocco efficiency, transportation, environmental and urban devel- training, and working to provide access to water and opment projects. land. The union aims to raise more than €1bn ($1.3bn) in equity Energy Sector de Depots, Italy’s Cassa depositi e prestiti, Morocco’s Caisse de Depot et de Gestion, and Cairo-based invest- News of more gas finds in Morocco kindled hopes of a ment bank EFG-Hermes. The four institutions jointly new source of both energy and income for the country. committed €400m to the project. In March 2009, Dana Petroleum announced a new Morocco has put in place plans to develop the real “significant” gas discovery at Anchois, in the Tanger- estate sector and attract investment into the property Larache licence, with its first well offshore Morocco. The market the plans include the building of up to 200,000 Anchois-1 discovery well is located about 40 km from the new housing units and the creation of three new cities coast and was drilled to a total depth of 2,435m. Prelimi- on an overall land area of 1,643 ha near the provinces of nary estimates of reserves were said to be around 100 Agadir, Settat and Nador. billion cubic feet. Earlier, Circle Oil Plc confirmed that it had found natural gas in the north-east of capital Rabat, Agriculture as part of the Ouled N’Zala permit. At the same time, Morocco capital for the new fund which is led by France’s Caisse Tethys Oil started drilling operations at the Tafejjart-1 well The performance of the agricultural sector has been on the Bouanane licence onshore Morocco. strong of late with good harvest boosted by heavy In a move to meet supply challenges, to preserve the rainfall. In January 2009 it was announced that the environment, and to support sustainable development, Plan Maroc Vert (Green Morocco), a programme to the country launched last November the Moroccan Solar upgrade the country’s global agricultural competitive- Energy Project which will be built on 5 sites. With a total ness would receive a budget of Dh20bn (€1.8bn) for the investment of 9bn $, the project aims at the installation next five years. The plan will renovate the sector through by 2020 a total capacity of 2.000 MW. increasing investment, improving management and 143 OM OMAN COUNTRY NAME: Sultanate of Oman LAND AREA: 212,000 km2 POPULATION: 2,9 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), English CURRENCY: 1 Omani Rial (OMR) = 1.000 Baisa 1 EUR = 0.52 OMR (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Muscat (capital), Suhar, Sur, Salala, Ar-Rustaq NATIONAL DAY: 18 November – Birthday of Sultan Qaboos TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 4 The Sultanate of Oman is strategically located at the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, the junction of the world’s two large continents: Asia and Africa and on the trade route between Europe, Asia and the Far East. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said is the Head of State of the country. His accession in July 1970 ushered in the new era and modern age for Oman. The Sultanate enjoys a stable social, political, and economic system with excellent relations with neighbouring countries. All this enabled the country to play an active role in promoting regional political and economic cooperation. In addition to its rich cultural heritage it has a safe environment, friendly people and abundant scenic beauty and variety. Oman offers a lot to attract tourists and business visitors alike. MUSCAT of challenges stemming mainly from the fact that the economy is relying on oil which is a non-renewable dwindling resource subject to a high degree of price volatility. Recognizing this challenge, the government has initiated a structural adjustment process aimed at laying a solid foundation for a diversified economy led by the private sector. Entailed amending laws and regulations such as Foreign Investment Law, labour law, and others including the Commercial Law, the Agency Law, the Copyright Law, and the Corporate Income Tax Law, which are pursuing the provisions of the Basic Law of the State proclaimed the supremacy of law as the basis for governance and guaranteed equal opportunities and freedom for all. These reform measures paved the way towards improving the economy’s potential and its ability to break away from its dependency on oil and to diversify the sources of national income. To this end, a number of huge projects have been completed or are underway in the current Seventh Five-Year Development Plan. 144 Market-oriented policies and private sector development These are the positive steps in Oman’s way to realize are deeply rooted economic concepts and practices its Future Vision, and outline the major policies and in Oman. The government has always regarded a mechanisms through which the country will achieve dynamic private sector as the engine of prosperity and sustainable development in a private sector-led and an growth. This is clearly reflected in Oman’s Development export-oriented economy with diversified sources of Strategy, which was adopted back in 1974. One of the national income. With the objective of integrating into salient features of this strategy was to establish a free the international economy, Oman joined World Trade competitive market economy with equal opportunities Organization in November 2000 and became a full- for all. fledged member. Oman as a founding member of GCC, Through consecutive Five-Year development plans, is now part of the GCC Common Market and also playing Oman has achieved remarkable progress on both an active role in the Greater Arab Free Trade Area of the the economic and social fronts in a relatively short Arab League. period of time. Nevertheless, after three decades of With the successful completion of the Sixth Five-Year intensive development efforts, Oman still faces a host Development Plan (2001-2005) and the satisfactory Oman progress realized in the Seventh Plan (2006-2010). Oman tax rate to 12 per cent for all companies with an initial tax has confidence and a robust outlook for future. free exemption of RO30,000. Economic Outlook Power & Water For 2009, Oman has announced a US$16.7 billion The state-owned Oman Power and Water Procure- budget. The budget proposes to be flexible as it may ment Company (OPWP) aims to boost power generation entail adjustments if the average oil price falls below capacity in the Sultanate by around 3,200 MW through US$45 per barrel. Revenues are forecast to be US$14.6 the development of four new Independent Water and billion, based on the assumption of an average oil price of Power Projects (IWPPs). The privately financed projects US$45 per barrel and production of 805,000 barrels per — planned at Barka/Sohar, Duqm, Ghubrah and Salalah- day. An increase of US$1.6 billion in expenditure repre- are targeted to be brought into commercial operation sents an 11 per cent growth from the previous year. The over the 2010-2015 timeframe. The single largest among development budget allocation of US$2.1 billion, showing these is an IWPP proposed to be established either in an increase of 10 per cent over the previous year, will Barka or Sohar. It will have a generation capacity of 1,300 cover ongoing as well as new development projects listed MW and a water desalination component of 55,000 cubic in the Seventh Five Year Plan (2006-2010). Additional metres per day. allocations have been made for the road sector, ports Omani government planned to complete the privatisation and airports to spur the growth of the economy. Oman’s of the Main Interconnected Transmission System, which tax rate is now the lowest in the region, according to serves the north of Oman, by the first quarter of 2010. the Royal Decree No. 28/2009 issued in June 2009. The The authorities are also considering the privatisation of new uniform of tax rate removes the disparity in tax rates the three state-owned power distribution and supply between foreign and local companies, and reduce the companies in the future. Oman Wastewater Services Company (OWSC) has signed two contracts worth over US$375 million, covering the development of two key components of the Seeb Wastewater project. Oil & Gas Oman has signed a concession agreement with Occidental Oman Gas Company, a subsidiary of energy major Occidental Petroleum, covering the exploration and development of potential gas reserves in Block 62 (Habibah) in the Dakhiliya region. Occidental Oman Gas, along with its partners, are committed to investing around $500 million in exploration activities targeting Habibah’s gas potential. Dolphin Energy has begun the supply of Dolphin Gas to Oman. Dolphin Energy signed a Gas Sales Agreement with Oman Oil Company agreeing to supply the Sultanate with up to 200 million standard cubic feet a day of Dolphin Gas. Transport & Communications The Nawras consortium was awarded the second Integrated Fixed Public Telecommunications License by the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA). Nawras is the Qatari telecoms operator Qtel’s 56 per centowned subsidiary in Oman. Also, the TRA has issued Class II licenses to five companies as resellers of basic mobile services in the Sultanate. The licenses were 145 OM granted for a period of five years, but extendable if the firms concerned comply with their license obligations. The first phase development of a world-class airport in Sohar is already in progress. The airport will form a key component in a broader land, rail and air transport network that will strengthen the Batinah region’s development as a major centre for economic growth. The first phase development of the airport at Ras al Hadd is in progress. The airport is expected to be operational in 2010-11. In the new industrial city in Oman “Duqm”, The first phase of the Duqm International Airport project at a cost of US$70 million will be executed by Desert Line Projects company, while a consortium of Galfar Engineering & Contracting and South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction have won the contract to build a ship repair and drydock complex. Also a consortium of Consolidated Contractors Company, STFA of Turkey, and the Belgian-based Jan De Nul will undertake the expansion of the Duqm port complex at an additional cost of US$870 million. The new investment is in addition to an existing contract currently being executed by the consortium. As a result of the upgrade, the total investment in the Marine Works Infrastructure being executed has been scaled up to around US$1.3 billion. complete will cover an area of 2.5 million square metres Oman plans to issue a major contract involving the combining more than 4,000 residential homes, as well construction of a deepwater bulk jetty at the Port of as retail, leisure and hotel accommodation, a marina Sohar. Total investment is estimated at US$200 million. and a golf course. Over 600 homes are currently under German group Sellhorn won a contract to provide construction. consultancy work for the latest expansion of Salalah’s Oman’s first Integrated Tourism Project, Muscat Hills, southern port. The work involves overseeing the design was to be opened the first 9 holes of the 18 hole cham- and construction of berths seven, eight and nine at the pionship green golf course in March 2009. The US$780 site. million project comprises an 18 hole green golf course, The state-owned Oman Shipping Company (OSC) is a gated residential development, a boutique resort seeking to raise US$4 billion in new credit facilities to hotel, premium office space, retail outlets and entertain- finance the ongoing expansion of the company’s fleet. ment options. The company aims to buy between 15 and 20 tankers Al Madina A’Zarqa (Blue City) project is to be built over for refined oil products, to meet rising demand. a 32 sq. km. water front at Al Sawadi, 45 minutes from The Indian group Consulting Engineering Services Muscat. The first phase of the US$15 billion project to (CES) won a contract to carry out a feasibility study for build a mega city is currently in progress. New tourism Oman’s 260-kilometre long Batinah Railway which will projects in Oman are expected to provide 10,000 direct run along Oman’s northern coast. The company will jobs during the next five years. plan all elements of the design for the railway, including passenger and freight services. The line is intended to Industrial Sector provide an alternative to travelling by car on the Batinah highway. The US$2.4 billion Sohar Aluminium smelter began operations on June 11, 2008, with capacity produc- Tourism & Real Estate tion approximately 350,000 metric tonnes per year. The company will export about 140,000 tonnes of its annual 146 The first homes at “The Wave, Muscat” were completed production, while the remaining 210,000 tonnes will be and the keys were recently handed over to their sold to local companies that have been formed to cre- first residents. The Wave is a US$805 million free- ate a new downstream aluminium industry. hold Integrated Tourism Complex project and when Construction work on a major aluminium rolling mill was scheduled to commence at the Sohar Industrial Estate Takamul Investment Company, a majority Omani gov- in the second quarter of 2009. The project promoted ernment owned investment vehicle, plans to establish by Takamul Investment Company SAOC in partnership a ‘Minerals City’ in the Sultanate to serve as a hub for with Bahrain’s GARMCO, involves a capital investment a number of ambitious minerals-based downstream of around US$325 million. The project will have a total processing projects. Key among these ventures is a capacity of 160,000 tonnes per year of aluminium gen- magnesium-ferrosilicon project. The company is weigh- eral coil, foil and paint stock products. The rolling mill ing the feasibility of developing a 30,000-tonnes-per- project will depend on hot metal as feedstock from the year capacity project at an estimated cost of US$250 Sohar Aluminium smelter. million. Commissioning is slated for 2011. A salt/soda Oman signed two contracts to the accelerated develop- ash project is also planned in partnership with Indian ment of the iron ore pelletizing plant and distribution business conglomerate Tata. Feasibility studies now centre, which the Brazil-based conglomerate is devel- under way into the US$450 million project, envisage an oping at the industrial port with an investment of US$1.4 output of 100,000 tonnes of salt and 500,000 tonnes billion. The venture involves an iron ore pelletizing plant of soda ash. Takamul is also promoting a string of pet- with a production capacity of nine million tonnes per rochemicals based downstream ventures. The biggest year of direct reduction pellets. The first plant is due to among these is a US$800 million Purified Terephthalic come on stream in December 2010. In this regard also, Acid (PTA) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) project Oman and Brazil have signed an agreement for the sup- in association with an international partner. The venture, ply of gas for 20 years for the iron ore pelletizing plant of with a proposed capacity of 700,000 tonnes of PTA and the Brazilian-based Vale company which will be set up 430,000 tonnes of PET, is planned to come on stream in at Sohar Industrial Port. the second quarter of 2012. Oman Oman 147 PS PALESTINE COUNTRY NAME: Palestine LAND AREA: 6,220 km2 POPULATION: 4 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic CURRENCY: 1 Israeli New Shekel (ILS) = 100 Agorot 1 EUR = 4.98 ILS (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Jerusalem (capital), Gaza, Ramallah, Nablus NATIONAL DAY: 15 November TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 2 The Palestinian economy has been sustained by enormous injections of foreign aid and the recent growth in the West Bank has been a direct result of a large increase in such investment flows combined with increased security. In 2008, budget support alone increased by nearly 80% from the 2007 level and at close to $1.8 billion, was equivalent to about 30% of GDP. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has relied on donor funding to pay salaries and clear arrears to public sector employees and the private sector that had accumulated during 2006 and 2007. The 2009 budget assumes that donors will maintain the high level of budget support and calls for close to $2.8bn in aid for 2009, taking into account the recovery and reconstruction needs in Gaza. JERUSALEM Palestinian territories, Oussama Kanaan, on 15 July 2009. The Palestinian economy grew 2.3% in 2008, despite a sharp downturn during the final quarter under the impact of the global downturn. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) indicated that the gross domestic product (GDP) of the West Bank and Gaza rose to $4.64bn in 2008, up from $4.53bn in 2007. The figures would make 2008 the best year for the Palestinian economy in terms of GDP alone for more than a decade. The largest contributing sectors to the economy were mining, manufacturing, electricity and water, retail, and public administration and defence. Palestinian authorities are in the process of rebuilding the economy following the devastating impact of the threeweek onslaught on Gaza at the end of 2008. According to the World Bank, budget support remains indispensable to allow the PA to continue to provide basic services and is appropriate given the good perfor- Economy mance in public sector management. Improvements in security in the West Bank have not yet translated into 148 The International Monetary Fund has said that the Pales- increases in private sector activities and investment proj- tinian economy could post its strongest performance in ects have still to deliver tangible results. years in 2009, but only if border restrictions on Pales- Funds pledged at the “International Conference in tinian trade and movement are eased substantially. The Support of the Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruc- growth, projected to be as high as 7%, could further tion of Gaza”, which was held at Sharm El-Sheikh in stabilise the West Bank, bolster peace efforts and ease Egypt on 2 March 2009, have not yet translated into the financial burden on the international community. tangible progress towards reconstruction of Gaza due to Donor countries spent some $1.8 billion in 2008 alone the restrictions that that region is under. to cover the Palestinian deficit, in part to make up for a According to a World Bank report, “Palestinian Economic stagnant economy. Prospects: Gaza Recovery and West Bank Revival”, For solid growth to be sustained beyond 2009, trade published in June 2009, restrictions imposed on both the restrictions imposed on the West Bank would also need West Bank and Gaza are still “preventing any real upturn to be eliminated, stated the IMF representative in the in economic activity”. Palestine As a result, the West Bank economy in particular is devastated from years of blockade, was further ravaged “dramatically failing to fulfil its potential even in periods of by the recent military operation. Consequently, what little relative stability in the security situation”. growth has occurred, has taken place in the West Bank. The report showed that progress in the relaxation of On the other hand, the global financial crisis has thus far economic restrictions during 2008 had been marginal not had a significant impact on the Palestinian economy, at best. As a result of imposed security measures, the according to IMF assessment. Palestinian economy “hollowed out”, with the productive sectors declining and the public sector growing, with Agriculture more of the Palestinian population looking to the public sector for employment and assistance in coping with the Agricultural output in 2008 was about 55% below its peak impact of unemployment. in 1999, according to statistics bureau PCBS. The agri- Even before the onset of hostilities in Gaza in late culture sector has been severely affected by continued December 2008, the macroeconomic environment in military operations, with the widespread destruction the Palestinian territories had been more difficult than of cultivated land, greenhouses, livestock and poultry anticipated in the Palestinian Reform and Development farms, water wells, irrigation networks, and other produc- Plan (PRDP) for 2008-10. Restrictions in the West Bank tive assets. Fragile ground-water resources have been continued during 2008, while Gaza’s isolation increased. severely compromised, particularly from the destruc- Moreover, inflation was much higher than anticipated, tion of the waste-water infrastructure, which released which further eroded real wealth and incomes. Never- hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of raw sewage theless, in the West Bank the adverse impact of these into the environment. factors on private sector confidence and growth was Palestinians suffer from serious water shortages and tempered by the redeployment of security forces in investment in water supply and sanitation infrastructure several cities, as well as prudent expenditure policy that has dropped to very low levels. For example, current minimised new arrears accumulation. Overall, real GDP investment in the West Bank water sector is one tenth growth in 2008 in the West Bank & Gaza is estimated at of planned levels, the World Bank estimates. Few major about 2%, which translates to a decline of almost 1% investments are going ahead and more is being invested in real per capita terms, resulting in a per capita income in small local emergency projects than in large infrastruc- of just over $1,000 in 2008. The Gaza economy, already ture projects. In effect, emergency projects have become 149 PS the norm. Waste water treatment investments have been growth and the urgent need for a revival from its current blocked for a decade, and only one of seven planned condition, recognising that political uncertainty, com- new plants, at al-Bireh, is operational. Meanwhile, Gaza bined with continued expansion of settlements, restric- drew up a well designed master plan for water and sani- tions on movement and trade, and restrictions on access tation, but unfortunately less than 2% of the investment to resources, have strangled investment and stripped the programme has been implemented. The plan provided economy of the bulk of its productive capacity. None- for an integrated production and conveyance system, theless, strategies are being developed to encourage and a major expansion of wastewater treatment capacity, productivity and growth in the industrial, agricultural, including three new plants. housing, and tourism sectors and allow the Palestinian economy to develop a diversified export portfolio. To this Construction end, in 2008, the Palestinian Public Private Partnership was established with representatives from the public The construction sector saw little growth in the last four and private sector. This organisation meets regularly to years and is only a third of its size in 1999. Recently, identify needed policy changes and help guide the PA’s a few large housing construction projects have been private sector strategy. announced in the West Bank, including a new planned community north of Ramallah, which will require over Telecoms $500 million in private investment. If these projects come 150 to fruition they would give a large boost to the construc- During 2008, on the back of three major Palestinian invest- tion sector. ment conferences held in Bethlehem, Nablus, and London, The development plan envisages a dynamic private a number of large initiatives were launched, among others sector as the engine of economic growth. Private sec- the introduction of a second mobile telephone provider tor growth is necessary to provide jobs for the rapidly (Wataniya Telecommunications Company), the planning expanding Palestinian population and tax revenues to of large new housing projects, and a new housing finance support government programmes. The plan affirms the fund. In addition, older initiatives for the construction of Palestinian economy’s enormous potential for future several industrial estates across the West Bank in Jericho, Jenin, Tarkumiya and Bethlehem, were revived. However, given the right conditions. Though the Palestinian econ- in the face of ongoing economic restrictions most of these omy faces immense challenges, especially since 2000, it projects have not got off the ground to date. also has many advantages, including a forward-thinking, The World Bank report pointed out that although a entrepreneurial, and talented private sector, and a rapidly frequency agreement was signed between the PA and growing and well-educated workforce. Israel to enable the introduction of a second mobile tele- The business sector consists of many small local busi- phone provider in 2009 the frequencies have so far not nesses that aspire to a high-level of professionalism and been released. This could have serious consequences for product quality. Large enterprises are internationally con- the investment climate, competition in the telecommunica- nected, with partnerships extending to Europe, the Gulf, tions sector, as well as for the PA’s fiscal position due to and North America. the potential loss of an estimated $354mn in licensing fees. Human capital is an invaluable asset for the Palestinian In the PA’s budget for 2009, the share of development proj- economy as it seeks to develop and strengthen. With ects in total spending was targeted to rise from 8 to 13%, a very young population, the workforce is expected to as part of the authority’s strategy of assuming increased expand significantly over the next several decades. Pal- “ownership” of public investments. Expenditure on devel- estinians entering the labour market are generally highly opment projects for 2009 was budgeted at $503mn, educated, multilingual, and well versed in the new tech- consisting of $200mn in large infrastructure projects and nologies and practices conducive to doing business at a $303mn in community-based projects. This compares with global level. an estimated total public investment of $250mn in 2008, Palestine also boasts a multitude of promising economic about $60mn of which was on community-based projects. sectors offering opportunities for investment. The services sector, with the sub-sectors of internal trade, trans- Outlook port, tourism, and information technology, are all ripe for expansion. The construction, manufacturing and mining, Despite the problems, Palestine as a market-based econ- and chemical industries also promise fruitful investment omy has tremendous investment potential in the future opportunities. Palestine Palestine 151 QA QATAR COUNTRY NAME: State of Qatar LAND AREA: 11,400 km2 POPULATION: 840,926 (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), English (commercial) CURRENCY: 1 Qatari Riyal (QAR) = 100 Dirham 1 EUR = 4.95 QAR (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Doha (capital), Ras Laffan NATIONAL DAY: 3 September – Indepence Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 3 According to the International Monetary Fund, Qatar’s economy was expected to grow by 29% in 2009, the fastest rate in more than a decade, as its natural gas production almost doubled. The country was also expected to maintain budget and current account surpluses. Qatar is also identified as one of the high growth markets offering most potential for exporters and investors. DOHA Middle East. The country currently exports 8.5m metric tonnes per annum and plans to invest in the sector to boost exports to 28mta by 2012, which if achieved would make it the world’s largest producer. Other important non-oil industries receiving an injection of investment are cement, metals and chemicals. Over recent years Qatar’s economy has experienced rapid growth, largely because of an increase in its gas production. Five more liquefied natural gas (LNG) “supertrains” are expected to come on stream by 2010, driving In early 2009, the IMF said, “Qatar is the fastest growing remarkable rates of real economic growth, although there economy in the Gulf region and has so far managed well were some technical delays in the first super-train, which the impact of the global financial crisis. Construction, delivered its first shipment in March 2009. manufacturing and financial services were all projected Qatar has been increasing gas exports to boost to grow at a strong pace. Qatar’s economy expanded an economic growth and in 2009, it stepped up the search estimated 16.4% last year and is expected to perform at for new and short-term customers for its LNG as least as strongly in 2009.” demand in some of its main markets, especially Japan While oil and gas will remain the mainstay of the Qatar and South Korea, waned owing to the global recession. economy into the foreseeable future, significant efforts With proven reserves of 25trn cu metres and production and investment are being made into the development and capacity expected to reach 77m tonnes by the end of the expansion of several economic sectors in order to diverse decade, Qatar is seeking to become the world’s leading the country’s sources of revenue. supplier of LNG. It is becoming increasingly important Real estate, petrochemicals, financial services, including as a supplier of gas to Europe and has signed deals with Islamic banking, research and development, IT and several countries in the EU. tourism are regarded as particularly potential and offer notable business and investment opportunities. Services Real Estate & Construction such as health and education are receiving significant 152 investment. The real estate and construction sector has been The country’s non-energy sector has been expanding booming over recent years and was one of Qatar’s with Qatar seeking to increase its contribution to the drivers of growth in 2007 and 2008 with demand strong economy to 80% by 2015. The petrochemicals industry in various different niche areas of the market. The sector already constitutes an important sector for Qatar which provides continuing opportunities for developers and is now the third largest petrochemicals producer in the contractors, as a result of the ongoing government- Qatar backed infrastructure and housing projects. The resi- expected to be completed in 2015; and an important new dential market has proven especially strong with growth port project at Mesaieed. stimulated by increasingly prosperous Qatari nationals as well as the influx of expatriates over recent years pushing Tourism up demand. Qatar has unveiled some ambitious mixed use integrated real estate projects at the luxury end of Qatar hopes to see the expansion of its role as a prime the market such as the $2.5 billion Pearl Qatar and the venue for specialised tourism activities with areas like $5.5bn Lussail waterfront development, the latter set to business meetings and conferences, sporting events and provide housing for some 200,000 people. Other proj- cultural tourism seen as offering the most potential. The ects have been unveiled to cater for rising demand at the country is fortunate in its having many archaeological sites, lower and middle range of the market. island resorts, seaside towns and historical attractions Meanwhile, Qatar’s commercial real estate market has such as forts and castles which are more than sufficient been expanding with around 800 new towers under way to satisfy the curiosity of the tourist. Other tourist attrac- or planned. tions relate to Qatar’s extensive sports and leisure facilities including golf, horse riding, falconry, boating, swimming Transport and deep-sea fishing. While Qatar already has an extensive transport network, Attracting Talent this is being rapidly expanded to meet present and future needs of the economy. Planned spending on major trans- Despite the global downturn, Qatar has remained a desir- port infrastructure projects is estimated to be around able location for many and continues to attract talented $21.6 billion. Among the new developments is a $2.7bn professionals who are helping to maintain its growth, causeway that will link Qatar and Bahrain, which at more according to the findings of a REED survey released in than 40 km long will be the longest such link in the world; July 2009. According to the report, energy, property and the New Doha International Airport, whose construction is construction, aviation, information technology, financial 153 QA services, accountancy and banking remain the strongest of the larger Qatar Education City, which is being devel- sectors for attracting overseas talent. oped as a key component of the country’s programme Nevertheless, Qatar saw its population fall by more to expand its skills resources and build a knowledge- than 40 thousand people in June 2009 from May, after based economy. Education City is a major educational witnessing growth for the first five months of the year, and cultural development in Qatar housing some of official data has shown. As of 30 June 2009, the popu- the world’s leading academic institutions on a 7-million lation stood at 1.61 million people, compared with square-metre site and is set to position Doha as a key 1.65 million in May, according to data released by the centre for education and scientific research in the Gulf. Qatar Statistics Authority. In the beginning of June, the authority said Qatar’s population grew 6.5 percent to Telecoms 1.65 million in the first five months of the year from 1.55 million in December 2008. The majority of the country’s Qatar’s telecommunications sector has undergone major population is comprised of expatriate workers. It can also changes over the past decade at a time when the country be mentioned here that Qatar has pursued a determined has gone through a period of economic boom. Supplier “Qatarisation” policy under which all joint venture indus- and regulator Qatar Public Telecommunications Corpora- tries and government departments seek to place Qatari tion − now known as Qatar Telecom QSC (Qtel) − offered nationals into managerial and decision making positions. 45% of its share capital to the public in 1998. Its reve- As a result growing numbers of foreign-educated Qataris nues increased from $295 million in 1997 to $2.8 billion have been returning home to assume key positions by 2007. Qtel has reported a 33.1% increase in its mobile formerly occupied by expatriates. subscriber numbers for 2008, giving it a customer base of 1.683 million. There is a strong demand among Qataris Research & Development for multiple handset ownership and subscriptions, an opportunity that new market entrant Vodafone is hoping 154 Qatar aims to establish itself as a centre for research and to tap into. development in the Gulf and one of the cornerstones of In 2006, Qatar established ictQATAR as the new regu- the policy in this regard is the Qatar Science and Tech- lator of ICT activities, tasked with protecting consumers nology Park (QSTP), which was officially opened on 16 and fostering new and innovative ICT technologies. March. A project of the Qatar Foundation, QSTP is part ictQATAR has taken initiatives in e-education, e-health, Qatar e-business, e-government, cyber security and infra- of the importance of conservation is a key plank of the structure. ictQATAR has also licensed a consortium country’s attempts to preserve its fragile ecosystem. The comprising Vodafone Qatar and Qatar Foundation to be Ministry of Environment takes overall responsibility for the second GSM carrier in the country. balancing the often conflicting needs of economic growth The new integrated real estate developments now under and environmental protection. construction promise a qualitative jump in available ICT infrastructure and services, since comprehensive broadband services are an integral design feature. Free Zones In 2005, Qatar enacted a law for the establishment of Free Zones aimed at further diversifying the economy. Compawithout a local sponsor or service agent, and enjoy 100% non-Qatari ownership and many other benefits. Environment Protection and management of the environment is one of the four pillars enshrined in Qatar’s National Vision 2030, the country’s strategy for the next two decades which was issued in October 2008. Economic diversification along with population expansion, industrialisation and a growth in construction projects have all put tremendous pressures on Qatar’s environment so action is being taken to address the threats posed to environmental sustainability. Raising awareness among Qataris Qatar nies setting up in the free zones can operate and trade 155 SA SAUDI ARABIA COUNTRY NAME: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia LAND AREA: 2,15 million km2 POPULATION: 26 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic CURRENCY: 1 Saudi Rial (SAR) = 100 Halala 1 EUR = 5.04 SAR (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Riyadh (capital), Jiddah, Dammam NATIONAL DAY: 23 September TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 3 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s 2009 budget projected a 16% increase in expenditure, reaching a record $126 billion. Several projects, in power generation, desalinisation and transport infrastructure, are seen as strategic, with the Kingdom aiming to further diversify its hydrocarbons-based economy. RIYADH sectors like the petrochemicals. The combined efforts of the petroleum and industry sectors led to the expansion of secondary and specialised chemical industries. This has been followed by the launch of industrial clusters. The Kingdom is seeking to attract investment in industries where it enjoys a relative advantage and which are associated with the oil industry, including metal industries and auto supplies, such as tyres, in addition to the packaging and packing industries. Between 2003 and 2007 real GDP growth averaged Saudi Arabia’s industrial clusters programme seeks to around 5% a year, the strongest growth in a decade. attract, facilitate and develop a number of pivotal projects In 2008, real GDP growth is estimated to have reached by 2013. The anticipated total private sector investments in 4.5%, largely driven by strong private and public all the projects of these clusters are estimated at SR40bn. investment expenditure on the back of record oil prices Growth in demand by industries and utilities for fuel and and abundant liquidity. feedstock has resulted in the expansion of the Kingdom’s Advances have been made in improving the investment natural gas industry – in exploration, production and climate in recent years as is indicated by how the country processing – in tandem with the progressive growth in oil has risen on the World Bank’s ranking of countries that production and refining. Saudi Aramco’s efforts managed facilitate investment, from 67th place 2005 to 16th in to yield an increase in discovered gas reserves from 184 2008. Economic diversification is seen as a special trillion cubic feet in 1990, almost one-quarter of which was challenge because of decades-long dependence on oil in the form of non-associated gas, to 267 trillion cubic feet revenues as a key source of income. in 2008, more than half in the form of non-associated gas, notwithstanding cumulative production of some 97 trillion Oil & Gas cubic feet during the period. Saudi Aramco’s programmes for reserve development 156 In 2008, the oil sector accounted for about 32% of real and gas production continue with, for example, the Karan GDP while oil export revenues represented about 90% offshore gas field expected to boost production capacity of total exports and public revenues. Crude oil is used as by some 1.8 billion cubic feet per day. feedstock and fuel, in addition to products, natural gas and Similarly, refining projects, which are associated with natural gas liquids, for industry and utilities, which benefit petrochemical complexes, such as the Petro Rabigh and a wide range of industries such as petrochemicals, mining, Ras Tanura projects, and other projects in Jubail, Yanbu cement, power generation and desalination. Oil also and Jizan, aim to expand refining capacity and diversify contributes to the diversification of industries in related the petrochemical products base. Cooperation between Saudi Arabia the mining and petroleum industries – implementing the Trade active and planned projects at Ras al-Zawr Port, in preparation for completion of the railway link project connecting Saudi Arabia lifted customs tariff on 92 new products in the Northern Frontier Area via the Central Province to the June 2009 in line with World Trade Organisation (WTO) Eastern Province – is set to lead to the exploitation and rules. The move brought the total number of products processing of raw phosphate and bauxite, coupled with that enjoy either tariff exemption or reduction to 851. creation of an industrial base that combines the oil sector The Kingdom joined the WTO in December 2005. As with the minerals and petrochemical industries, expanding listed on the custom’s website goods exempted from from there into more diversified and more specialised tariff include live horses, sheep, goats, turkey, meat of industries. sheep, various types of fish, vegetables and fruits and wheat and rice flour. Some major products now enjoying Banking Sector tariff cuts are bottled water, soap, sanitary pads, napkins, tissue papers, detergents, gypsum, paints, Having been left largely unaffected by the international plastic pipes, materials required for doors, electric wire, credit crisis, Saudi banks maintained their stability and pre-cast building blocks and fertilizers. will now profit from the trickle-down effect of the large government-driven infrastructural development projects. Non-Oil Spending Saudi banking has remained strong due to its adequate liquidity base and asset quality, according to Fitch Ratings. The non-oil sector has been expanding rapidly over the A slowdown in lending in the first quarter of 2009 was past few years and the IMF forecasts an expansion of apparent and, according to figures from the Saudi Arabian over 3% in the sector in 2009, which would be down Monetary Agency (SAMA), the Kingdom’s commercial on the 5.3% in the previous year, but it remains posi- banks reduced lending in the first quarter of 2009 by 3.6% tive in the context of the global downturn and the fall in year-on-year to SR35.5bn ($9.48bn). world oil prices. A surge in public sector spending has Consumer credit is considered an area with large poten- been comfortably financed by assets built up during the tial for growth. Demographically driven sectors, such as recent oil price boom. This is strengthening the non-oil housing, are expected to continue growing. Mortgage sector. Public sector deposits with domestic banks are schemes have long been heralded as one of the most worth around SR980bn ($260bn), according to Samba promising areas of business for banks in the Kingdom. Financial Group. The value of non-oil contracts awarded Government estimates put the demand for new housing at by the public sector exceeded SR225bn ($60bn) — 130,000 units per year. Final approval for the long-awaited equivalent to 18% of the forecast for total GDP for 2009. mortgage law is expected to come by the end of 2009. The increase in investment helped reassure investors 157 SA that Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting the Saudi Arabian industry will continue building from non-oil growth and expanding and improving its infra- a position of strength well into 2010, whereas other structure over the medium term, Riyadh-based Samba Arabian Gulf markets continue to seek stability,” he Financial Group said in a report, “Saudi Arabia: 2009 added. Less than 80 active projects, with a total value of Mid-year Economic Review and Forecast”. around $20bn were placed on hold or cancelled in Saudi Arabia in marked contrast with the other markets. Construction & Real Estate Petrochemicals Major investment in the infrastructure and construction sector remains dominated by the approximately $120bn The important petrochemicals sector is one of the corner- in the Economic Cities developments over the next five stones of the country’s economic diversification ambi- year. Despite the downturn in global markets, develop- tions with the government seeking to make it a worldwide ment and investment in Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector sector leader by 2015. According to Bank Audi, it is esti- are expected to remain strong. At least 10 major new mated that more than $70bn could be injected into the city and real estate projects are currently underway in sector by 2011in the form of public-private partnerships the country. These include the King Abdullah Economic and joint ventures with foreign petrochemicals firms. City (valued at $93bn), Prince Abdulaziz bin Mousaed The sector profits were impacted by the global situa- Economic City ($53bn), Jizan Economic City ($30bn), tion in 2008, but by the second quarter of 2009, Saudi Jeddah Project Mile High Tower ($10bn), Shamieh Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) was outperforming Project ($9.3bn), Madinah Knowledge Economic City its international rivals, despite a 76% drop in profits ($7bn), Al-Zahira City ($4bn), Jabal Omar ($3.3bn), Injaz compared with the same period in 2008. The company ($3bn) and Riyadh Marriland Leisure Park ($3bn). reported net profits of SR1.8bn ($480m) for the second Meanwhile, Emaar Properties has been considering bids quarter, down from SR7.5bn in the same period of 2008. from seven architects for the contract to draw up the Bahrain-based investment bank SICO said that despite concept design for its 1 km tall Kingdom Tower to be the fall in profits, the company is still performing much built at Jeddah Kingdom City. Development manager better than other petrochemicals producers worldwide. Emaar is working on behalf of Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding Company after the two firms signed a manage- Power & Water ment agreement in early June 2009, under which Emaar 158 will oversee construction of the entire 23km2 of Jeddah Saudi Arabia has one of the largest per capita electricity Kingdom City. There are sound economic arguments for consumption rates in the world and its growing popula- the tower with industry insiders predicting that comple- tion means that demand is rising rapidly, with regional tion of such a landmark project is set to increase the electricity consumption estimated to be growing at 5–6% cost of properties in the city. a year. According to current industry reports, demand for Saudi Arabia remains one of the most active construc- power in the Kingdom is projected to double by the 2030 tion markets in the world as it improves its infrastruc- to reach 50 gigawatts. In addition to meeting the needs ture to meet domestic demand with more than 350 of of the growing population, Saudi Arabia needs to expand the active projects in construction. The civil building its power capacity and network to support its ambitious construction industry has not been much affected by industrialisation plans. the economic crisis, according to a study by research Saudi Arabia has one of the most sophisticated water house Proleads Global released in August 2009. desalination sectors in the world and spending is set “Insights Saudi Arabia: An Investigation into the Current to remain high with an estimated $90bn needing to and Future State of the Civil Building Construction be spent over the next 20 years on the expansion and Industry” examined more than 720 projects with a total maintenance of existing water desalination plants and on budget of more than $430bn across commercial and the construction of new projects to meet the high water retail: education and healthcare, leisure and entertain- consumption levels. GE Energy opened a technology ment, and residential sectors. centre in the city of Dammam in the summer of 2009 “The market in Saudi Arabia is expected to maintain highlighting its growing commitment to providing new current levels throughout 2010, although slight decline water solutions at a time when the kingdom is facing is expected in the education and healthcare sectors unprecedented demand for reliable sources of water. The countered with an expected slight growth in commer- GE Saudi Water & Process Technology Centre, built at a cial and retail,” commented Emil Rademeyer, Director cost of nearly $10mn, will serve the company’s industrial of Proleads Global. “Our cashflow projections show customers in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Saudi Arabia Telecoms Sea Gateway Terminal expansion at Jeddah Islamic Port set to increase capacity of the port by around 45%. The telecom sector witnessed a growth rate of 15% In May 2009, it was announced that the UK’s Foster & year-on-year in 2008, from 10% in 2007. Factoring in Partners had won an SR142 million contract to design slower economic growth in 2009, Shuaa Capital said that four stations for the new high-speed Haramain Railway it expected “the telecom sector, led by the mobile and linking the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah with broadband (fixed and wireless) segments, to deliver high Jeddah. The rail link, initiated by the Saudi Rail Organisa- single digit growth with a possibility to surprise us with tion, is seen as one of the country’s major infrastructure a low double digit growth.” The country’s active mobile projects, intended to bolster social and cultural connec- penetration reached approximately 125% in 2008, and tions between western cities, as well as improving trans- was forecasted to grow toward a 145% active mobile port options for pilgrims making their way to the holy penetration rate by 2010, the report Saudi Vision 2009 cities. Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry said that added. the four stations would be located in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh and Transport added that Foster & Partners had long-standing experience in the field. High levels of investments have been set aside to upgrade of its whole transport infrastructure, with Tourism the Kingdom all being expanded. The 2009 budget In recent years, the Kingdom has sought to capitalise announced total spending of SR475bn ($126.8bn), with on its potential as a global tourism destination, focusing an allocation to the transport sector of SR19.2bn ($5.1bn) primarily on local tourism and regional visitors, but now for new and ongoing projects. A “Saudi Arabia Freight increasingly looking towards creating more specialised Transport Report” for the first quarter of 2009 from Busi- packages for foreign visitors. ness Monitor International predicted an average growth The Kingdom enjoys some breathtaking natural land- in freight transport of 3.7% a year until 2013. Maritime scapes and a wealth of marine life which is a big transport is expected to grow at 5.8% a year while train attraction for scuba diving. In addition, important archae- and airfreight are predicted to grow at 4.7% and 4.2%. ological sites are situated at Madain Al Saleh, Jeddah, In response to increasing demand pressures port infra- Hofuf, Najran, Taif, Takub, Al Jouf and Hail. The Supreme structure is set to be significantly upgraded. Competitive- Commission for Tourism (SCT) oversees the develop- ness will certainly be boosted by new projects, like the ment of the tourism industry and tourism is now being King Abdullah Economic City Seaport, expected to cost significantly upgraded with public and private sectors $5bn and be able to handle about 20m containers a year. partnering to deliver a national tourism strategy. Other port facilities are also being upgraded with the Red Saudi Arabia seaports, airports and road and rail networks across 159 SO SOMALIA COUNTRY NAME: Somali Democratic Republic LAND AREA: 627,337 km2 POPULATION: 9,8 million (2009 est.) LANGUAGE: Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English CURRENCY: 1 Somliland Shiling (SOS) = 100 Cent 1 EUR = 2.221,76 SOS (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Mogadishu (capital), Hargeysa, Kismaayo NATIONAL DAY: 26 July – Independence Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 3 Covering a land area of 637,657km2, the Republic of Somalia has a long coastline on the Horn of Africa and to the north faces the Arabian Peninsula, where traditionally it has had important commercial and trading ties. For many years the country has been driven by factional conflicts and the lack of a functioning national administration which have acted as major breaks on inward investment and economic development. As a result few reliable up-to-date statistics are available about the Somali economy. MOGADISHU of two decades of instability in Somalia. An African Union Summit urged more support for the Transitional Federal Government as the legitimate authority in Somalia. The international community has also been urged to honour pledges made to support Somalia during the Brussels Donors’ Conference held in April 2009 where $200 million was pledged for reconstruction efforts. The UN is calling on the international community to invest in building the country’s security institutions and improve the capacity to deliver public services and employment, which would have a positive impact on the Somali people. Projects to encourage youth employment and enhance the livelihoods of ordinary It can be safely stated that Somalia is one of the poorest Somalis should also be a priority. countries in the world. The UNDP’s Human Development Index ranked it 161 out of 163 countries back in Economy 2001. Conflict, war and continuing insecurity have seri- 160 ously impacted on access to even the basic services Somalia’s economy has been described as stronger and infrastructure. All this has combined to increase than that of many countries in Africa in terms of gross poverty in the country and made welfare conditions domestic product and imports and exports, participants worse compared to the days before the civil war. at a United Nations-backed meeting held in Dubai said. Somalia joined the League of Arab States in 1974. In Despite the crisis that Somalia continues to face, its 1991, the northern region broke away unilaterally to form government was commended by the UN for having put the unrecognised Somaliland based around the city of in place more transparent and accountable financial Hargeisa. A Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was management measures. In a move that should help formed in January 2005 with regional governments in generate greater donor confidence, Somalia contracted Somaliland (NW) and Puntland (NE). This transitional auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers to assist with government represents Somalia at the UN, the League tracking and reporting on the use of public funds and of Arab States and the African Union. A UN brokered thus help improve transparency, the UN reported in July peace agreement was unveiled in Djibouti in the summer 2009. of 2008. The UN is initiating a series of projects to help Somalia The international community is now taking action to move beyond the current emergency and ensure that reverse the stagnation that has been the consequence its people experience some benefit from the peace Somalia process. Current projects include increasing access Somalia’s small industrial sector, based on the to basic services such as water, health and educa- processing of agricultural products, has largely been tion, improving livelihoods through rapid employment looted and sold as scrap metal. Somalia’s service generation, rehabilitation of key infrastructure and other sector also has grown. Telecommunication firms rapid-impact recovery programmes. provide wireless services in most major cities and offer The economy could be boosted through livestock and the lowest international call rates on the continent. livestock products, agriculture, money transfer, tele- Mogadishu’s main market offers a variety of goods from communications, infrastructure, oil and gas, mining, food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels continue transport and even tourism, according to the UN Polit- to operate and are supported with private security. ical Office for Somalia (UNPOS). Somalia’s arrears to the IMF continued to grow. Statis- Sudan recently pledged its support to help rebuild tics on Somalia’s GDP, growth, per capita income, and Somalia’s financial and economic infrastructure as the inflation must be viewed with more than a degree of country seeks to establish real peace and stability. scepticism. Despite the lack of an effective central government, The Somali International Financial Centre (SIFC), an however, Somalia has maintained a healthy informal agency created by the transitional government, offers economy, largely based on livestock, money transfer a tax-free offshore international banking regime. There companies, and a growth in telecommunications. The are also laws providing for offshore insurance and extensive Somali community overseas helps sustain an e-commerce. The SIFC is committed to strict confiden- economy weakened by years of strife and turmoil. tiality and world class regulatory standards; there is a modern money-laundering law. The Central Bank of Somalia was based in Mogadishu. Remittance services represent a large industry in Somalia. Somali entrepreneurs overseas who fled because of the war contribute around $1 billion annually to the country’s economy. In the absence of a formal banking sector, money exchange services have burgeoned, handling between $500 million and $1 billion in remittances annually. Agriculture Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock normally accounting for about 40% of GDP and some 65% of export earnings. Livestock, hides, fish, charcoal, and bananas are Somalia’s principal exports, while sugar, sorghum, corn, qat, and machined goods are the principal imports. Livestock has traditionally accounted for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. Nomads and semi-nomads, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the country’s population. Sugar, sorghum, maize, and fish are products for the domestic market. The small industrial sector, based on the processing of agricultural products, accounts for 10% of the country’s GDP. Livestock remains the main source of income for the people of Somalia but exports have periodically been interrupted by bans imposed by importing countries in the Gulf region, due to outbreaks of livestock disease. Camels, sheep and cows destined for Saudi Arabia and Yemen form the bulk of the country’s agricultural exports. A partnership between the European Commission and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization 161 SO (FAO) and the World Bank for the provision of support Telecoms for Somalia’s agricultural sector led to the preparation of a longer term livestock strategy as a framework for Somalia’s public telecommunications system has been further coordinated work in the sector. almost completely destroyed or dismantled during the After livestock, bananas, grown on plantations along conflict, but several private sector providers are growing the Juba and Shebelle rivers, are the main exports. and Internet services are emerging in greater number. Over recent years, improved technologies have been Telcom, a telecommunications network operator in introduced to increase production efficiency. Somalia Somalia, was the first major privately owned company began exports of bananas to countries of the European providing telecommunications to major cities. The Union, but the trade has suffered from the protracted company is headquartered in Mogadishu, and has repre- instability. sentative offices in Dubai and the UK. The company Other important crops grown in Somalia include sugar has an estimated 750 employees. Somafone Telecom- cane, which the country has been seeking to develop munications Service Company (operating as Somafone) for export. Production of seed cotton is another signifi- is Somalia’s leading mobile telephone operator. It was cant crop but the quantity is insufficient for export and formed in 2003 as a fully owned subsidiary of Somafone is mostly used in the small domestic textile industry. FZ LLC of Dubai Internet City. Maize and sorghum are produced as subsistence crops in the southern part of the country. Fishing was mainly Mineral Resources a small-scale subsistence activity until recently, but 162 nowadays fish products like lobster, shark, tuna and Somalia has deposits of gypsum, gold, silver, nickel, sardines are caught for export. copper, zinc, lead, salt, limestone, uranium and iron Somalia ore. Although most of these resources are small, some of the world’s largest deposits of gypsum can be found near Berbera and significant iron ore deposits have been discovered in the country’s Bur region. The mining sector Reconstruction The rehabilitation of the Somali economy has been moving ahead intermittently but remains frustrated by outstanding security issues and establishing a peaceful environment. Somalia currently lacks functioning financial institutions which are the foundation of any sound economy and would normally provide crucial backup for business initiatives. There are no commercial banks, no central bank and no credit or savings institutions apart from remittance companies operating in the country. In fact, funds in the form of remittances made by Somalis living abroad constitute the most vitally important means of financial support for the country. It has been estimated by UNDP that remittances transferred by Somali companies abroad amount to between $700mn and $1bn per annum. Somalia is small and contributes less than 0.5% of GDP. 163 SU SUDAN COUNTRY NAME: Republic of Sudan LAND AREA: 2,4 million km2 POPULATION: 44 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic, English CURRENCY: 1 Sudanese Pound (SDG) = 100 Qirsh 1 EUR = 3.1 SDG (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Khartoum (capital), Omdurman, Atbara, Port-Sudan, El-Obeid, El-Fasher, Juba NATIONAL DAY: 1 January – Independence Day TIME ZONE: Standard time is gmt + 2 Sudan is the largest and one of the most diverse countries in Africa, a home to deserts, mountain ranges, fertile agricultural lands and rain forests. The country borders the Red Sea and is located between Egypt and Eritrea. Its natural resources are substantial, but its main resources are oil and gas. Other resources include iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver and gold. Sudan has huge oil reserves, including potentially large undiscovered reserves, which makes it attractive to foreign investors. The country has suffered from protracted internal disputes over many years and been subject to sanctions as a result of unresolved political conflicts in regions like Darfur. KHARTUM and financing rigidities, implied a sharp reduction in Sudan’s overall resources. Annual oil revenues for the period 2009–12 are projected to be 6 percentage points of GDP lower than in 2005–08. The news prompted the IMF to warn of the risks that the country’s major achievements of the past several years, in terms of maintaining macroeconomic stability and strong growth, could be jeopardised. Foreign exchange reserves fell sharply to less than two weeks of imports. Real GDP growth is expected to nearly halve in 2009, while inflation is projected to decline to single digits. Total oil production is projected to increase somewhat in 2009, but the non-oil sector is likely to slow down significantly owing to the global slowdown and the impact of domestic demand policies aimed at containing import pressures in the face of declining foreign exchange reserves. Both the services and agricultural sectors would Economy be affected by lower inflows of foreign direct investment. Overall real GDP growth is projected at about 4% in 2009 Despite a weak final quarter in 2008, Sudan’s economic and should pick-up slightly to 5% in 2010. Average infla- indicators remained fairly strong during the year, while tion is expected to decline to 9%, reflecting lower world inflation trends mirrored developments in world food food prices and tighter financial policies. prices. Real GDP growth was estimated at about 7% in 2008, with non-oil growth of 8.5%—compared with Oil & Gas Sector 10 and 7.5%, respectively in 2007, according to an IMF 164 report issued on 21 July 2009. The buoyant non-oil Sudan is still one of the most unexplored oil territories in growth, driven by the services sector, compensated Africa and the Middle East. The country has estimated oil for lower oil production. Sudan was hit by the global reserves of about 900 million barrels and estimated gas crisis, mostly through a sharp decline in oil revenues. In reserves of about 100 billion cubic metres. Most current the fourth quarter of 2008, the sharp drop in oil prices production comes from the Melut and Muglad basins. In put significant pressure on public finances, leading to 2005, the country earned $4.8bn in oil export revenues. some arrears accumulation. The decline in oil revenues, There are ambitious plans to develop the oil and gas coupled with continued weakness in non-oil collections resources. The government in Khartoum aims to Sudan increase production to 600,000 b/d by the end of 2007 Agriculture and to 800,000 b/d in 2008, from about 500,000 b/d in mid-2007. State oil company Sudan National Petroleum After oil and gas Sudan’s primary resources are in the Corporation (Sudapet) is active in the oil exploration and agricultural sector which has great potential for develop- production sector, working in partnership with foreign, ment to increase productivity. It expanded at the average largely Asian, companies to raise oil output from an esti- rate of 8.5% per annum during the last decade. The Gulf mated 500,000b/d in 2008 to a forecasted 520,000b/d in States and countries such as China have demonstrated an 2009. increased interest in investing in the sector. In June 2009, The acceptance of an international arbitration ruling a conference was held in Khartoum to explore the possi- issued on 22 July 2009 over the disputed Abyei field was bilities of Sino-Sudanese cooperation and partnership in widely viewed as an encouraging development giving the area of agriculture with the aim of developing strategic a boost to peace and reconciliation in the country. The partnership between the resources of both countries ruling from the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbi- including land, water, technical know how and financial tration (PCA) redrew the boundaries of Sudan’s oil-rich resources. Abyei region and ceded some productive oilfields to Although the country is trying to diversify its cash crops, the north side. Both the National Congress Party (NCP) cotton and gum Arabic remain major agricultural exports. and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Grain sorghum is the principal food crop, and wheat is pledged to respect the international arbitration deci- grown for domestic consumption. Sesame seeds and sion. The boundary dispute over Abyei had been one peanuts are also cultivated for domestic consumption as of the most sensitive issues in the 2005 Comprehensive well as increasingly for export. Livestock production has Peace Agreement in Sudan. The decision was welcomed vast potential, and many animals, particularly camels and by countries internationally, including China, which is a sheep, are exported to other Arab countries. However, major trade partner for Sudan; China and Sudan estab- Sudan remains a net importer of food because of problems lished diplomatic ties in 1959 and bilateral trade stood at of irrigation and transportation which act as constraints to $8.2 billion in 2008. the development of a more dynamic agricultural economy. 165 SU Cash crops grown under irrigation include cotton and Financial Sector cottonseed, which is of primary importance to the economy, sesame, sugarcane, peanuts, dates, citrus fruits, Sudan is working with the IMF to strengthen the coun- yams, tomatoes, mangoes, coffee, and tobacco. The main try’s financial sector by ensuring that banks comply subsistence crops produced in Sudan are sorghum, millet, with regulations. The Central Bank of Sudan will actively wheat, cowpeas, beans, pulses, corn, and barley. Cotton enforce prudential standards and ensure that all banks is the principal export crop and an integral part of the comply with existing regulations. A plan is being country’s economy and Sudan is the world’s third largest prepared to restructure the Omdurman National Bank producer of sesame after India and China. (ONB) in line with recommendations of an independent audit completed in 2008 with the ultimate objective of Boosting Exports privatising the bank. Sudan’s Minister for Industry, Eng. Al Ahmed Osman, Telecoms indicated that the country wants to boost its leather 166 exports in the coming five years so that their revenues Sudatel, the state-controlled telecoms operator and will exceed $150 million instead of $30mn at present. Sudan’s second-largest mobile phone operator, generated Speaking at a meeting of the higher committee for devel- net profits of $164.4m in 2008. opment of exports and investment in the industrial sector, In February 2009, Lebanon’s Fattouch Investment Group the minister also referred to plans to increase the exports launched the Vivacell mobile network to become the of ethanol fuel, sugar, medicines and ceramics, Suda- fourth mobile operator in Sudan. Kuwaiti and South nese news agency SUNA reported on 10 July 2009. African mobile phone giants had already found the Sudan Sudan market a difficult one due to the expense and time involved in building networks capable of reaching the vast majority of the population. Fattouch won a licence from the government of South Sudan. Under the 2005 peace accord, the south had the right to licence two mobile phone operators. Vivacell is a relaunch of Network of the World, a Sudanese-owned company that was set up soon after the peace accord was signed. The south awarded tion, Zain, MTN and the state-controlled third nationwide operator Sudani are all expanding into the southern parts of the country. Sudan its other licence to Gemtel, a Ugandan operator. In addi- 167 SY SYRIA COUNTRY NAME: Syrian Arab Republic LAND AREA: 185,000 km2 POPULATION: 20,2 million (2009 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic, English, French widely spoken CURRENCY: 1 Syrian Pound (SYP) = 100 Piastre 1 EUR = 62.24 SYP (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Damascus (capital), Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia NATIONAL DAY: 17 April – Indepence Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 2 As part of Syria’s ambitious attempts to develop a dynamic, liberalised modern economy, it continues to adopt important reforms to open up, diversify its income streams, boost the efficiency of production and attract foreign investors. During the past few years, the country has seen the introduction of its first private banks and in March 2009 it marked the opening of the Damascus stock exchange. The global economic downturn has slowed down but not halted the country’s growth with most forecasts now predicting between 2%-4% growth in 2009, which compares with almost 6% in 2008. The IMF has estimated that real GDP growth will be 3%. DAMASCUS resource” asset. Some 200,000 graduates have to be absorbed into the Syrian economy each year; many also choose to become self-employed while others look for work abroad mainly in neighbouring Arab countries. Some 26% of the total workforce is employed in the agricultural sector which remains by far the greatest single employer followed by the industrial sector at nearly 16%; however, industry is strengthening and expanding at a steady rate as a result of ongoing economic reforms. The remaining 58% of the workforce is employed in the services sector, where areas like finance and tourism have been offering more employment opportunities. Oil & Gas The country’s oil reserves are gradually being depleted Overview and by January 2009 reached 2.5 billion barrels, which is the equivalent of half Oman’s reserves and only 3% of Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of Kuwait’s reserves, according to the Oil & Gas Journal. the economy and Syria’s main agricultural produce are Syria is making efforts towards oil efficiency. However, wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas, olives, sugar natural gas production is seen as offering future oppor- beets; beef, mutton, poultry, eggs and dairy. The coun- tunities as it seeks to benefit from its strategic location to try’s main industrial activities are in petroleum, textiles, become a transit hub for Egyptian, Iraqi and Iranian gas. food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate rock Syria has also started to partner with international energy mining, cement, oil seeds processing and car assembly. companies with a view to becoming a gas exporter, The oil industry is becoming less important as the country although at present all the gas it produces is consumed moves further ahead with its drive to diversify and open by the domestic market. up to investors. Official statistics put the country’s total workforce at Agriculture over 5.5 million people. An important characteristic of 168 Syria is its very young population profile with well above Agriculture saw some improvements in 2009 after the 60% of the total under the age of 25 and as many are severe droughts that the country suffered in 2008. As rain- well educated this is regarded as a significant “human fall levels picked up early this year, better crop volumes Syria are expected in the current harvests. Wheat is a stra- attract investors and foreign firms, particularly from the tegic crop whose output last year totalled 2 million tons Gulf, are showing increased interest in the investment but is expected to rise to around 3-4 million tons in the opportunities in Syria. For example, the Kuwait invest- 2009/2010 harvest. ment company, MAK Group (or Al-Kharafi Group), started Another strategic crop, cotton, had a slightly better perfor- construction work on the $217 million Kiwan tourist mance in 2009. Cotton production is important for the project in downtown Damascus. This complex will include country’s textile manufacturing sector which is the second a five-star hotel with 500 rooms and suites, international largest export for foreign receipts and accounts for 15% of business, entertainment, medical, sporting and shopping total exports. facilities, as well as a conference centre and a park. The construction work is scheduled to take no more than Pharmaceuticals three years on a BOT basis. Furthermore, the Tourism Ministry unveiled 65 new sites The more export-oriented pharmaceuticals sector has with investment potential for development as tourist been performing successfully recently with two of the resorts at an estimated total investment valued at $2.9bn. country’s pharmaceutical companies receiving European All the projects are to be offered to investors and devel- Union certification to enable them to export their prod- opers on BOT. These projects are expected to attract ucts into the EU market, joining four other companies more foreign investors. already supplying these markets. Meanwhile, in terms of healthcare provision for Syrian Telecoms citizens, the private sector is being encouraged to take a more active role in order to meet rising population Another sector offering considerable investment potential demand and improve standards of care. New investment is telecommunications, which is undergoing restructuring. legislation is seeking to attract private foreign investors At the end of 2008, a new law was drafted to establish an by enabling private specialist hospital projects. independent regulatory authority for the sector which is currently dominated by two main firms, Syriatel and MTN. Tourism It will issue licenses, assign spectrum and frequency as it regulates and opens up the sector to competition. Syria is becoming an increasingly appealing tourist destination, with European travellers beginning to visit in higher numbers. The impact of world recession on the sector’s growth has been negligible with the number of tourists entering the country in the first half of 2009 up by 9% on the same period in 2008 to reach 1.98 million, excluding Syrian expatriates, according to the Ministry of Tourism. It is thought that middle income Arab tourists, who make up an important portion of the total visitor numbers to Syria, have been relatively less affected by the crisis, while western tourists appear to be increasingly interested in visiting the country. The increase in US and European visitors is also seen as a success for the energetic advertising campaigns launched by the Tourism Ministry in recent years. As the sector continues to expand, one of the biggest challenges is to train a sufficient number of staff to handle the influx of visitors. At present, hospitality training in Syria delivers an estimated 700-800 staff each year, but an extra 50,000 will be needed if the country is to meet the forecast expansion of tourism in the next couple of years. The country’s hospitality infrastructure is in need of substantial upgrading and additional hotels and leisure facilities are required to meet the needs of the influx of new visitors. Fortunately the sector is continuing to 169 SY The mobile sector, with a third operator expected to be the first quarter of 2009. The country’s banking sector launched in the coming months, is seen as most dynamic is well regulated and conservatively managed by the with a penetration rate of 36% and an estimated 7.1 Central Bank, which has served the sector well in the million users by the end of 2008. In comparison, fixed face of recent global financial upset. Syrian banks had line penetration was about 18% and had 3.8 million little or no investments in toxic assets which inflicted so subscribers. Internet use is also expanding at a rapid rate much damage elsewhere. The breakdown of deposits and recent steps that are likely to enhance its use include by currency shows that both local currency and foreign a new law in February 2009 to recognise electronic signa- currency grew similarly last year. Foreign currency tures in business and other electronic dealings. deposits continued to account for about 20% of total Outsourcing of ICT services in Syria is seen as a poten- deposits and grew by 16.4% in 2008, while local currency tially important new sector of the economy. The country deposits progressed by 15.5% over the same period, has seen the successes that have been achieved in this Bank Audi Syria reported in July 2009. regard in places like India and Egypt. The Gulf States in Banks are continuing to enhance their branch networks in particular are viewed as potentially important customers their drive to seize on the lucrative opportunities offered for outsourcing services such as consultancy, imple- by Syria’s emerging financial services sector. Total bank mentation and customisation and, with new private branches rose from 348 at year-end 2007 to 374 at year- sector business encouraged to set up in the context of end 2008, according to Central Bank statistics. Private market liberalisation, ICT outsourcing is seen as offering banks have been responsible for almost all the new tremendous growth potential for Syria. Some call centre expansion as they sought to offer their clients a broader outsourcing in Syria already takes place, but the size of range of retails and commercial banking products. this sector remains limited at present. Harsher financial conditions have not prevented new banking ventures from being concluded. For example, Banking & Financial Sector Fransabank Syria officially launched operations in the country in spring 2008, becoming the tenth conventional 170 Syria enjoyed continuing expansion of the banking private bank in the country. In addition, a Syrian-Iranian sector in 2008 and total deposits achieved a growth of commercial bank, Banki, a joint venture between the 3.6% in the fourth quarter of the year and by 2.5% in Commercial Bank of Syria and Iran’s Bank Saderat obtained a preliminary license from the authorities. stability, improving a clean banking sector that works in Bank of Jordan, Lebanese owned Bank Al Sharq and accordance with the international standards and prac- the Qatar National Bank (QNB), through an affiliate, all tices,” SANA news reported. He also stated that Islamic recently entered the market. QNB-Syria, a private Syrian- banks had an important role to play to help develop the Qatari bank, launched an IPO of 34% of its total equity banking sector, to assist economic growth and to finance with subscription ending on 10 August 10 2009. Other essential projects in Syria. Foreign banks have recently conventional and Islamic banks from the region are all been allowed to open a representative office in the preparing to apply for licenses and start operations later country, a move regarded as another step towards the in 2009. further modernisation of the country’s banking sector. Damascus hosted the 4th conference of Islamic banks The opening of the Damascus Securities Exchange and financial institutions on 1 June under the title “Islamic (DSE) on 10 March 2009 was a significant step towards Banking, investment opportunities and challenges of formalising the economy and offers great potential for competition” which saw the participation of some 800 growth. The stock exchange is initially to be divided into central bank governors, directors and chief executives two markets, a “regular” market and a “growth” market. of Islamic, commercial and investment banks from about Companies that list will follow transparency rules on 20 Arab and foreign countries. Governor of the Central disclosure of information on their performance, which Bank of Syria Adib Mayaleh pointed to the importance should encourage banks to increase lending to indi- of Islamic banking and stressed that “as a supervising viduals and corporations. The DSE is monitored by the authority, we aim to achieve financial balance and Syrian Commission on Financial Markets and Securities. Syria Syria 171 TN TUNISIA COUNTRY NAME: Tunisian Republic LAND AREA: 155,360 km2 POPULATION: 10,5 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), French (commerce) CURRENCY: 1 Tunisian Dinar (TND) = 100 Milim 1 EUR = 1.92 TND (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Tunis (capital), Nabeul, Sousse, Sfax, Bizerte, Gabes NATIONAL DAY: 20 March TIME ZONE: Tunisia Standard Time is GMT + 1 One of Tunisia’s main attractions for investors is its stable market which has offered a degree of security and certainty for business over many years. The country is widely noted for its social stability and consensus politics, characteristics which no doubt led it to be named as Africa’s “most at peace” country in a recent Global Peace Index. Tunisia has also long been able to offer a modern infrastructure along with supportive business legislation and a significant degree of transparency in the decision making processes which benefits the ease of doing business. TUNIS are “one of its most competitive advantages”, resting on “fairly transparent and trustworthy relations between government and civil society”. The country was also ranked highly in terms of the quality of its infrastructure (34), its health and primary education (27), higher education and training (27), goods market efficiency (30) and innovation (27). Trade with Europe Tunisia enjoys close and mutually beneficial relations with the countries of the European Union. More than 75% of the country’s foreign trade occurs within the markets of the EU. Tunisia has many attractions for investors and 172 The economy has demonstrated resilience in the face of has achieved important successes in establishing itself the global downturn and the as an outsourcing destination for many European compa- Tunisian banking sector continued to operate relatively nies. Its close proximity to the European continent gives undisturbed because of its minimal exposure to foreign it a special advantage and EU member states are major capital. trade partners for the country. It takes only 20 hours for Tunisia was ranked as the most competitive business goods to be shipped from a Tunisian port to reach the environment in Africa in a report released during the main ports of the Mediterranean. One key development in recent World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Cape Tunisia’s drive to enhance its export potential to Europe Town. The 2009 Africa Competitiveness Report, and further afield is the construction of the Enfidha port produced by the WEF in association with the African project which will give the country its first deepwater Development Bank and the World Bank, gives the docking capabilities. With Enfidha, Tunisia hopes to Tunisian economy a score of 4.6 out of a maximum five repeat the success that Morocco has achieved with the for competitiveness, ranking it the 36th most competitive Tanger-Med port. In its bid to integrate its economy into economy globally, and the fifth most competitive in the the global market, Tunisia became the first Arab country Arab world. to complete the process of entering the EU free trade The report, which is based both on hard data and zone in January 2008. Tunisia has also announced that it responses to the WEF’s Executive Opinion Survey, intends to join six other Mediterranean countries in imple- singles out Tunisia’s institutional performance in menting a full “open-sky” agreement by 2010, a move particular for praise, noting that the country’s institutions that will make the country available to low-cost flights Tunisia and provide a boost for its tourism industry. and young women. According to the World Economic Its policy of exchange rate flexibility was seen as a key Forum’s (WEF) 2009-2010 “Global Competitiveness factor in helping the economy to reduce tariffs and Report”, Tunisia ranks second in the Arab world and first barriers to entry, enabling the country’s textile sector in in Africa for the quality of its educational system, while particular to compete in European markets without the coming in 17th worldwide. need for protective measures. Stable fiscal policy has These are all real achievements that have significantly also contributed towards a low inflationary environment, improved the life chances of many hundreds of thou- another key requirement for maintaining competitiveness, sands of Tunisians. This record also means that the especially in the manufacturing sector. country has a pool of well educated, competent and adaptable people equipped with the skills needed in a Human Resources modern economy. A major task of Tunisia in the mediumterm is to create sufficient job opportunities for its people, The Tunisian workforce is well educated and the popula- particularly for young university graduates, the IMF has tion is notable for its large middle class. People in this said. social category are estimated now to make up some 80% of the total population. Tunisia is also a country of home- Tourism owners at more than 80%. An increasing number of students are choosing to study Tourism is a mainstay of the national economy; Tunisia’s for technical, scientific and engineering degrees with tourism product offers superb beaches, good infrastruc- computing, telecommunications, multimedia, nanotech- ture of thermals, spectacular desert scenery and a wealth nology. Genetic engineering is gaining in popularity. of historical sites dating back nearly 3,000 years to when Meanwhile, a feature of the Tunisian labour market is the ancient city of Carthage dominated the entire western the high number of women in the workplace. As a result Mediterranean. The combination of Islamic and Euro- of the education policies pursued over many years, pean cultures makes Tunisia a very popular North African 99% of Tunisian girls now complete primary education, holiday destination for a broad range of visitors. While while over 58% of university students are women. A Europeans continue to hold the largest market share, in literacy rate of over 90% has also been achieved for girls recent years there have been a rising number of arrivals 173 TN from countries that have not traditionally been important Construction & Real Estate markets for Tunisia; these include Eastern Europeans and people from neighbouring countries such as Libya. As part of its economic development strategy, Tunisia Apart from catering to the needs of a more diverse encourages large-scale infrastructure projects and has range of visitors, Tunisia is also diversifying its tourism been successful in attracting significant investment for product by developing niche sectors such as sports and some major high profile projects such as the Tunis Sports medical tourism where significant growth opportunities City and the Tunis Financial Harbour. Many of the inves- exist. For example, the country is attracting an average tors for these ambitious new developments in the capital of 60,000 visitors to take part in golfing holidays each Tunis and around the country have come from the Gulf. year. A special study was conducted into the potential for Additional activity in the construction sector is seen with expanding this market area a couple of years ago. There the financing of some major projects to upgrade the are at present 10 golf courses in the country, but with a transport sector with notable activities taking place to planned expansion there is potential for another 20 to be enhance roads and ports. developed. Investment in this area is highly encouraged. Tunisia recently inaugurated the international airport As far a medical tourism is concerned, Tunisia is “Enfidha-Zine El Abidine Ben Ali” which is supposed expanding rapidly as a top medical tourism destination. It to become the biggest airport of Tunisia. It will have a is now securely placed on the tourism map for this niche capacity of receiving 5 million passengers and reaching product and it is widely recognised as offering a large 30 million passengers. range of services such as heart, dental, eye and aesthetic surgery at competitive rates. Medical services in Tunisia Financial Sector are on average some 40-70% cheaper than in many 174 European countries. There are many opportunities for The Tunisian financial sector has not been directly innovation and development of this specific niche area of affected by the international crisis. The country continues the tourism sector. with its long-term strategy of reinforcing the banking Tunisia sector, which has led to a decline in the ratio of non- new companies to enter this sector and for the expansion performing loans to total loans from 17.6% in 2007 to of existing ones, particularly in value-added (processed) 15.5% in 2008 and an increase in the provisioning ratio products. from 53.2% in 2007 to 56.8% in 2008. Tunisia intends to continue this effort even after reaching the targets of 15% and 70%, respectively. The IMF commented that a more forward-looking and comprehensive approach to the prudential indicators could prove beneficial, particularly in the context of the implementation of Basel II. The fishing industry is among those sectors most likely to show improved export performance in the intermediate to long term, because of growing demand for fish products and the abundance of exploitable species in Tunisia’s Mediterranean Sea. Current policies designed to encourage investment and deregulation of the industry offer promises for the industry’s expansion, particularly in value-added products. Tunisia is now a major producer and exporter of seafood. Therefore, the fish processing industry has attracted the attention of foreign investors as well as of local companies. Given the abundance of fish resources existing in Tunisia’s waters and the growing world demand for fish products, there are considerable opportunities both for Tunisia Fisheries 175 AE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES COUNTRY NAME: United Arab Emirates LAND AREA: 83,600 km2 POPULATION: 4.9 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic CURRENCY: 1 UAE Dirham (AED) = 100 Fils 1 EUR = 4.92 AED (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Abu Dhabi (capital), Dubai, Sharjah NATIONAL DAY: 2 December TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 4 In little more than 30 years the UAE has achieved remarkable progress from a group of small neighbouring communities to a prosperous and modern commercial centre whose continually changing skyline is beginning to rival anything in the Middle East. The UAE has a vibrant free economy, a significant proportion of its revenues arising from exports of oil and gas. Successful efforts have been made to diversify, away from dependence on hydrocarbons and a solid industrial base has been created, together with a very strong services sector. The establishment of free zones has been an important feature of this diversification policy and reform of property laws gave a major boost to real estate and tourism sectors. ABU DHABI cargo handler DP World revealed that business at its ports dropped ten per cent in the first half of 2009 as the shipping industry struggled through the downturn. Oil & Gas The UAE is the world’s third largest exporter of crude oil and, as of February 2009, oil production was 2.223 million barrels a day. Oil reserves were 97.8 billion barrels, the sixth largest reserves in the world. Abu Dhabi holds 92.2 billion barrels or 94% of the UAE total. Meanwhile, natural gas reserves are 6 trillion cubic metres, which is the fifth largest in the world, according to official sources. The UAE is an increasingly attractive place to do business and, despite the global downturn of 2009, considerable opportunities continue to emerge in each of the emirates. Clearly Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the big attractions, but investors are now increasingly looking further afield Despite the global financial crisis resulting in an towards the emerging markets of the smaller emirates inevitable contraction in 2009, the UAE economy such as Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Visitors are drawn remains robust, shielded by significant overseas towards the open, low-tax and robust economy, stable financial assets acquired during the period of booming market, the ease of doing business, the essential back up oil revenues. Substantial public expenditure, made provided by first rate infrastructure, the transparent regu- possible by its assets, combined with strong latory system and the legal protection offered in particular fundamentals and sound fiscal policies, to minimise the to intellectual property rights. impact of the crisis and receding petrodollar income on the UAE’s economy. It has speeded up its recovery in Construction 2010. In particular, the UAE decided to maintain high 176 investment budgets, especially for core long-term Despite the global slowdown, the UAE continued to be infrastructure projects, in order to stimulate growth and one of the most active construction markets in the world steer the economy away from recession. The UAE has with more than 750 active projects in construction and obviously not been totally insulated from the 450 recently completed, according to a report by Dubai- reverberations of the global recession and in this regard based research house Proleads Global issued in July United Arab Emirates 2009. Although more than 400 projects with a total value buildings with the exception of those that come under a in excess of $300 billion had been placed on hold or special decree or resolution. The law covers a wide range withdrawn; the report forecasts stability returning to the of topics dealing with buildings starting from designs, sector in 2009 with some recovery in cash flow in 2010. construction license, architectural standards and speci- Considerable building activities are taking place across fications, additions, expansions, maintenance and safety the emirates. Abu Dhabi still has a major shortage of resi- and security systems up to penalties for breaching provi- dential units and work on infrastructure projects such as sions of the law. new roads, the metro and Khalifa Port, as well as airports and new industrial areas, has proceeded without delay. ICT Abu Dhabi was considering allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership of some projects, the chairman of the Depart- The UAE compares favourably internationally in terms ment of Economic Development stated. “We feel strongly of its ICT services recording high rates of usage as the inclined to grant 100 per cent ownership to foreigners in country’s ICT sector shows continuing rapid growth. The new and old industries as well as other projects,” Nasser dynamism in the sector is attributed largely to the intro- Ahmed Al Kuwaiti told Emirates Business on 24 May duction of competition, as well as the adoption of interna- 2009. tional best practices and governance. Meanwhile, the number of contractors and consultants The UAE ranked first among Arab countries in internet entering Abu Dhabi increased according to a report user rate, international internet bandwidth rates, the issued by the Directorate of Contractors’ Classifica- importance of ICT to the government’s vision of the tion and Consultants’ Registration at the Department future, personal computer rates, ICT use and government of Economic Development (DED), which said that the efficiency; e-government, government prioritisation of construction sector in Abu Dhabi witnessed a major ICT, laws relating to ICT, and the number of telephone development during the first half of 2009. lines, according to the Global Information Technology The construction sector in Ras Al Khaimah is to be Report 2007 – 2008, released in March 2009 by the World better regulated under a new law issued by H H Sheikh Economic Forum and based on estimates of the Interna- Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy tional Telecommunication Union (ITU). Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.. Provisions of law no 1 of 2009 The UAE also ranked second among the Arab countries for regulating buildings in RAK will be applicable to all in terms of: high-speed monthly broadband subscription, 177 AE lowest cost of broadband, the availability of government design cities. online services, and secure internet servers. Internation- Setting up business in one of the UAE’s many Free Trade ally, the UAE ranked first worldwide on the cost of mobile Zones (FTZs) is widely seen as an attractive option for telephone call and on residential monthly telephone foreign investors. The concessions offered to investors subscriptions. In other areas, the UAE ranks worldwide in the free zones have led to their success in attracting as follows: fourth on the importance of ICT to govern- a large number of companies and foreign direct invest- ment vision of the future, sixth on government success ment. In turn, this success has had the positive effect of in ICT promotion, seventh on government prioritization expanding net non-oil exports. of ICT, ninth on ICT use and government efficiency, 10th on mobile telephone subscribers rate, 10th on business Tourism telephone connection charge, and 14th on residential telephone connection charge. Tourism sector officials in Abu Dhabi reported that the emirate was becoming an important tourism hub in the Free Zones Gulf and Middle East due to its rich tourism varieties and capability to provide unprecedented entertainment, 178 Each of the emirates now has its own free zones, culture, artistic, musical, fairs and other competitive although the majority are in Dubai. All free zones in services in the region. In addition, Abu Dhabi said that the UAE are governed by the independent Free Zone it was eyeing a 59% growth in cruise passenger arrivals Authority (FZA) which is also the agency responsible in the 2009/2010 season. Forecasts by the Abu Dhabi for issuing operating licences and assisting companies Tourism Authority (ADTA) point to some 199,113 arrivals with establishing their business. Dubai is the home to a in the season, which runs from end of November to majority of the free zones, including the famous Jebel beginning of May. Ali, the Airport Free Zone, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Meanwhile, Sharjah, widely seen as the UAE’s cultural Healthcare City. More specialist free zones are planned capital, was holding its position as a leading destination catering for specific sectors including textile, energy and for cultural, heritage and family tourism worldwide. Agriculture The UAE has demonstrated an increased interest in the development of organic farming in recent years. This is largely because traditional farming methods are widely seen as impractical to meet the needs of the growing population. The first internationally recognised organic farm in Abu Dhabi was certified to European standards in 2007 and since then the sector has been growing. The land under organic cultivation is set to double against the backdrop of increasing support and encouragement from UAE public agencies keen to promote the sector. The total area under organic farming would increase to 3,000 acres as the demand for natural food products is on the rise, said industry experts. They said the focus on organic farming had come at a time when the market for organic and natural food products started picking up in the UAE as well as in the region. According to global data, the Middle East is considered to be the fastest growing market for natural and organic foods. On current estimates, the global market for these green alternatives to conventional food is to the tune of $220bn. The main domestically grown crops in the UAE are dates, tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, lettuce, camel milk, Akkawi cheese, aubergines and celery. The UAE imports most of its basic food needs including sugar, dairy products, meat, rice, tea, coffee, poultry, wheat flour and fruit. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates 179 YE YEMEN COUNTRY NAME: Republic of Yemen LAND AREA: 527,968 km2 POPULATION: 23,4 million (2010 est.) LANGUAGE: Arabic, English CURRENCY: 1 Yemeni Riyal (YER) = 100 Fils 1 EUR = 290.80 YER (Nov. 2010) MAIN CITIES: Sanaa (capital), Aden, Hodeida NATIONAL DAY: 22 May – Republic Day TIME ZONE: Standard Time is GMT + 3 Although by no means one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East, Yemen offers some important opportunities that should not be overlooked by investors. Its resources are limited and it needs to meet the challenges posed by a rising population. The country also faces depletion of its oil reserves and its groundwater, but it is developing its gas industry and taking steps to improve the efficiency of its agriculture and irrigation. Challenges also include a generally underdeveloped infrastructure, but the country has been attracting increased funding from international donors. The country’s main industrial activities are crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing; handicrafts; small aluminium products; cement and commercial ship repair. SANAA ment to fuel subsidies in 2005, a new general sales tax, an anti-corruption drive, and improvements to the social safety net—most of which have been only partially implemented and there have been significant delays. With the country’s oil reserves expected to be depleted in just over a decade, Yemen is preparing to make the transition to a non-oil economy. A decline in oil output and volatility in world oil prices have added a sense of urgency to the economic reform process. Economic activities in the non-oil sectors have increased at a “reasonable rate” according to the IMF, but inflation has been a key concern. Inflation in Yemen has been extremely volatile in the past year, but it is expected to fall. However, Yemen has been relatively insulated from the financial side of the current world economic crisis and its banks have had relatively low exposure to private foreign lending. Portfolio investment is quite limited, given the absence of a domestic stock market or commercial credit market. Yemen’s main foreign asset—the Central Bank’s 180 Average GDP growth for 2009-2010 was predicted to reserves—are highly liquid and kept predominantly in the reach 5.1% as the country’s first LNG plant comes on form of deposits in international banks. stream, marking an important new development for the Yemen is seeking closer ties with the region and the country’s bid to diversify its sources of income. world economy. Discussions on accession to the WTO In 2006 Yemen began a new economic reform have been taking place since 2004. Bilateral negotia- programme designed to bolster the non-oil sector, tions on goods and services have been concluded with boost diversification and attract foreign investment. As a China and are ongoing with Australia, Canada, the Euro- result, international donors pledged around $5 billion for pean Union, Japan, Korea, and the US. The country also development projects in the country. The IMF had said continues to pursue membership in the Gulf Cooperation that economic reforms had slowed after the 1990s and Council primarily through the Yemeni-Gulf Technical urgently need to be reinvigorated. Although a number of Committee. In mid-2008, GCC members tasked the reform initiatives emerged in recent years—including civil Secretary General to conduct an integrated study on the service and public financial management, a major adjust- prospects for Yemen’s accession into the bloc. Yemen Yemen is pursuing efforts to further diversify its economy oil revenue from currently producing fields. This will and promote alternative sources of growth and employ- require developing the country’s gas pipeline infrastruc- ment generation. In addition to the gas sector, there ture to facilitate access to the power sector and other has been a focus on strategies to promote the develop- customers. There is significant scope for the participation ment of the country’s tourism and maritime activities, to of private sector investors in the gas infrastructure devel- capitalise on the coastal location and cultural heritage. opment work that Yemen needs to undertake. Several other areas of the non-oil economy have been identified as potential sources of growth: agriculture Electrical Power (particularly honey), fishing, building stones and leather products. Yemen is seeking private investors to develop new power To encourage investment, Yemen has undertaken a projects. The Public Electricity Corporation is being number of initiatives to strengthen the investment climate assisted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) including the establishment of a one-stop shop for inves- as it moves ahead with the development of independent tors, a new procurement law, and an active anti-corrup- power projects (IPPs). The IFC is engaged in carrying tion authority; as well as a comprehensive review of out a feasibility study for a private power project, it was company and labour laws. In recognition of such efforts, reported. Yemen’s ranking on the World Bank’s Doing Business report jumped from 113 in 2008 to 98 in 2009. Interna- Tourism tional donor support has been instrumental in helping to sustain reform efforts. Opportunities to develop the country’s tourism industry are considerable. Yemen has some of the most attractive Oil & Gas locations in the world and could significantly boost visitor numbers given more effective promotion and improve- Yemen started to export gas through Yemen Liquefied ments in the tourism infrastructure. The capital Sana’a Natural Gas (YLNG) in 2009. It also aims to develop the has a unique character whose old city with its distinc- domestic gas market, in particular gas-to-power. Lique- tive buildings is listed among the world heritage sites of fied natural gas (LNG) export revenue and domestic gas UNESCO. Ma’rib is another impressive location where sales are expected to partially offset the decline in crude the Great Ma’rib Dam, an example of early Yemenite 181 YE civilization, can be found. Meanwhile, Shibam has been Fisheries dubbed the Manhattan of the desert. Situated 250 miles 182 off the coast of Yemen, the island of Socotra is the Yemen has held talks with the World Bank and the largest member of an archipelago of the same name, a European Union on implementing fisheries projects four-island cluster off the Horn of Africa and Gulf of Aden. that donors had agreed to fund in the country’s coastal Socotra is noted for its lush vegetation and exotic wildlife. provinces. The Minister of Fisheries Wealth Mohammed Yemen’s potential as a tourism destination has suffered Shamlan discussed the projects with a mission from the because of negative reporting that has damaged the organisations in June 2009. He praised the efforts of the country’s image abroad. Recently, Yemen’s tourism Bank and the EU to develop the fisheries sector in the authorities have been seeking to change foreign attitudes country and affirmed that the Ministry was working to and to this end launched tourism promotional campaigns overcome any difficulties that deter the implementation of in European countries. such projects. Infrastructure Agriculture A new port at Hadramout is to be built on a 12 million Yemen is seeking to improve the productivity of its agri- square metre site to complement Yemen’s existing port cultural sector with the aim of improving food security. facilities at Aden, Hudeidah and Mukalla. The proposed It is focusing on attracting investors to strengthen the $240 million new port will serve trade routes between infrastructure that supports the sector particularly the Europe, Africa and Asia, as well as other destinations development of marketing and the promotion of agricul- around the Indian Ocean. As part of plans to increase the tural exports. The World Bank and international donors capacities of ports and to operate them in more efficiently, are supporting numerous projects in the country’s agri- Yemen has sought partnership with specialist international cultural sector. companies to establish the port. The agricultural industry in Yemen suffers from serious Yemen natural threats relating to climate and regular hazards the third phase concerns reforming and developing the such as swarms of locusts. These are a significant threat Vocation Training Fund by reorganisation and reviewing to farmers in the valleys and central highlands areas and regulations. can lead to serious food crises. A large proportion of the population remains entirely dependent on agriculture for Education The World Bank is funding a Technical Education Development Project to the tune of $15mn. The project seeks to improve the performance of vocational training institutions in the country through the implementation of advanced training programmes to meet labour market demands. The Ministry of Education and the World Bank met in July 2009 and stressed the importance of reforming the Vocational Training Fund, developing its capabilities to improve education quality and to meet labour market’s needs at the local and regional levels. The project has three components divided into three phases. The first phase represents planning, monitoring and assessment in the ministry and the project’s management unit; the second phase relates to designing and delivering new advanced technical programmes; and Yemen their livelihoods. 183
