Ever wondered how nations build bridges? The Arab British Chamber of Commerce stands here as a testament to that very idea. Established in 1975, this chamber fosters friendship through trade. It acts as a vital link between the United Kingdom and the Arab world.
The Arab British Chamber of Commerce role is to encourage trade investment and joint ventures. It supports collaboration between Arab states and the UK. The Chamber is a not-for-profit body.
In the early 1970s, the League of Arab States wanted to boost economic cooperation. They initiated Arab Joint Chambers of Commerce. This led to the creation of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce. The goal was simple to promote bilateral trade.
The Chamber received its license on January 10 1975. It officially began operations on February 6 1975. It was registered as a non-political and non-profit company. The first board of directors was then elected.
Initially the Chamber focused on building a strong team. Abdul Karim Al Mudaris the first Secretary-General led this effort. They attracted members by offering essential services. A key task was handling export documentation. This ensured smooth shipment of goods to Arab states.
In October 1976 the Chamber started issuing Certificates of Origin. These certificates were for goods exported to Arab countries. The Department of Trade and Industry licensed this activity. The Chamber’s certificate became recognized by all Arab countries. Arab consular authorities in the UK also legalized it.
The Arab British Chamber of Commerce aimed to be influential. It sought to bridge Britain and the Arab world. It participated in economic exchange and cultural understanding. This resulted in rapid expansion and policy adjustments. The Chamber became a notable player in both regions.
By 1981 the Chamber published its first Annual Directory. Printed in both Arabic and English, it surveyed Arab states and the UK. It included a membership list and commercial information.
In 1980 Sir Richard Beaumont became Chairman. The board included 40 Arab and British leaders. These were businessmen officials bankers and industrialists. The Chamber established a sound structure reflecting its functions. Qualified Arab and British staff administered it. The Chamber gained recognition within the European Community. It played a key role in Arab-British trade policy.
In 1984, the Chamber moved to 6 Belgrave Square. This brought all departments together. Geoffrey Howe the Foreign Secretary inaugurated the building in 1985. Arab Ambassadors in London attended showing the importance of the Chamber’s work.
The Chamber also facilitated science and technology exchange. It launched a magazine called “Science & Technology Now”. This publication connected universities and British industry.
The Arab British Chamber of Commerce also supported education. It ran Arabic classes for British-Arab children. It established a Charitable Foundation providing scholarships. These scholarships were for Arab students studying science and technology.
As the European Union grew the Chamber adapted. It invited EU representatives to explain policies to Arab audiences. Britain and other European countries benefited from Arab investment. This created opportunities for technology and skills.
In 2004, the Chamber moved to 43 Upper Grosvenor Street. This Mayfair location placed it in a prestigious business area.
Today the Arab British Chamber of Commerce continues to evolve. It offers a wide range of services to support Arab-British trade. Bandar Ali Reda became Secretary General and CEO in 2019.
The Chamber’s motto “Friendship through Trade” still guides its mission. It works with organizations like the League of Arab States. It also partners with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The Arab British Chamber of Commerce remains a vital force. It strengthens economic ties and promotes understanding.