Harald Kroll, managing director of BASF UAE has been appointed as a board member of the German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK), the first bilateral federal German business organisation as well as the first international institution on a federal level founded in the Gulf.

"The year-long appointment, which will run until June 2012, adds the backing of the global BASF brand to the AHK, strengthens BASF’s visibility in the region and enhances the company’s access to high-level business networks," an AHK statement said. BASF is the world’s leading chemical company.

The purpose of the AHK is to instigate, facilitate and develop trade and business relationships between Emirati and German organisations and decision-makers. Through the reputed Emirati and German members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees, the AHK has direct access to Emirati decision-makers, which is crucial for initiating business transactions.

The current membership of the AHK is 450, which includes a number of medium-sized German companies doing business in the UAE. It is one of 120 AHKs in 80 countries worldwide which fulfil the role of German foreign business development on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Kroll expressed his pleasure over his appointment to the board and remarked: "I trust my long business experience and the clout of the BASF brand in the region and globally will stand the council and its members in good stead. I look forward to closer association with other successful companies in the region and to gaining greater insight and understanding through interaction with the members of this council of the business opportunities as well as the needs and challenges the country faces."

The general service portfolio of the AHK comprises business support services to help companies enter the market, organisation of delegations as well as legal support and trade fair services. AHK also offers a wide range of further activities such as the organisation of committees and working groups covering various sectors including banking and finance, construction and infrastructure, health etc; a monthly three-pillar meeting in cooperation with the German Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the German Consulate General in Dubai, and Germany Trade & Invest (Gtai) to inform German companies in the UAE about current economic developments and business in addition to organising networking luncheons and social events for German and Emirati members.