MedaWeek Barcelona 2024

Exploring challenges and business opportunities in the Mediterranean

MedaWeek Barcelona 2024, held in Casa Llotja de Mar (Barcelona) on the 29th and 30th of October, brought the main challenges and opportunities of the Mediterranean to the table, becoming one year again the flagship Mediterranean entrepreneurial and economic platform for the entire world. Through 10 multi-sectorial sessions, panels, workshops, and networking sessions, Medaweek helped CEOs, entrepreneurs, professionals, institutional representatives, investors, researchers, and industrial actors understand changing trends across sectors and geographies, emerging markets in the Mediterranean and beyond, the most exciting regional projects, and the main business opportunities.

Under the claim 'The sea that unites three continents', this new edition of MedaWeek became the main platform for constructing a common future between the two shores of the region, based on the latest technologies, innovation, digital transformation, green and blue economies, renewable energy, and new opportunities in food, tourism, audiovisual and sports industries.

ASCAME, partner of the 'Sun & Blue Congress' in Almería

Sustainable Tourism and Blue Economy in the Mediterranean

ASCAME participated in three side events in the framework of the Sun & Blue Congress, the most important event on tourism and the blue economy in Europe, which was held in Almería (Spain) from November 20th to 22nd. The first was 'Climate adaptation in tourism: Building capacity and policy integration', organized by our partner Interreg Euro-MED Programme, along with Dialogue4Tourism and Community4Tourism. Within this session, panelists gave some keys to developing climate action plans in the tourism sector.

The second event was 'Sustainable Tourism in the Western Mediterranean', which was organized by West Med Blue Economy Initiative. This was an excellent opportunity to learn about the EU projects aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the coastal and maritime tourism sector. Within a roundtable where ASCAME was represented all the institutions talked about the relevance of taking part in the new 'Advisory Board' on sustainable tourism launched by WestMed. 

Finally, within the ‘Sustainable Tourism on the Mediterranean & LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Workshop Demo’, organized for the European Project ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR and our project partner X23 - The Innovation Bakery, key players from the blue economy sector reflected on sustainable practices in the cruise industry and how to respond to the Z Generation demands.

📍 MEMBER'S CORNER

Interview with Mr. Hamza Benabdallah, President of the CCIS Fès-Meknès: “We aim to consolidate Fès-Meknès' position as a major agri-food hub in the Mediterranean”

The Chambre de Commerce, d’Industrie et de Services de la Région Fès-Meknès (CCIS Fès-Meknès) plays a crucial role in promoting economic development in the region. The Chamber fosters a favorable environment for business growth and investment in the Fès-Meknès region, represents the interests of local businesses and industries, and encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly among young entrepreneurs. In the framework of its commitment to promoting international cooperation, the CCIS Fès-Meknès engages in partnership with ASCAME to promote trade, investment, and networking opportunities.

In an interview published on ASCAME's blog, its President Mr. Hamza Benabdallah analyzes the potential of the agri-food sector in the region -to become the main agri-food hub in the Mediterranean-. Mr. Benabdallah also discusses the strategic partnership with ASCAME and its impact on the region, the 2030 World Cup in Morocco, and the forthcoming 4th edition of the Fès-Meknès Economic Forum -focused on digital transformation, sustainable transition, trade revitalization, and the integration of 4.0 technologies in the agri-food sector-. 

ASCAME Insights

Mr. Anwar Zibaoui,

ASCAME's General Coordinator, emphasizes the message of hope given by the Mediterranean economic leaders at MedaWeek

Mr. Zibaoui considers in 'On Economía' that some headlines in the media give an incomplete picture of what is happening in the Mediterranean region

The last edition of MedaWeek Barcelona 2024 concluded with the commitment of all public and private sector actors to explore new avenues of cooperation to accelerate the economic development of the region and ensure stability and peace in the countries of the Middle East.

As ASCAME's General Coordinator, Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, explains in On Economía, “the success and the reason why of MedaWeek is the ability to bring together in Barcelona the private sector of the Mediterranean, to discuss the current and future challenges of the region and to analyze and agree on joint actions to solve urgent issues at both regional and global levels”.

How can Mediterranean small businesses harness cultural insights to win over today’s consumers?

Consultants from ASCAME's partner BÉCE Consulting & Language Services SL give us some tips on how to navigate the complexities of intercultural business environments in the Mediterranean

Each Mediterranean country possesses unique cultural norms and values, which shape the negotiation process. Understanding the unique cultural and economic landscapes of each country is crucial for investors seeking to do business in this region.

In an article published on ASCAME's blog, consultants from BÉCÉ Consulting & Language Services analyze the main complexities of cross-cultural negotiations in any context and, particularly, in the Mediterranean region. In addition, they recommend three strategies to the small business in the Mediterranean to attract and retain customers.

ASCAME Projects

ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR launches a VR Tour addressed to young people to promote green transition in the cruise sector

The ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR ’s Consortium –which encompasses Mediterranean companies, institutions and innovation and research centers– has recently announced a Virtual Reality (VR) Tour to promote eco-smart cruising packages for the Millennials and Gen Z. Specifically, the ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR VR Tour for the ‘Cruise, green, and fun’ eco-smart package will enrich the cruise experience and set a new standard for sustainable and smart tourism. VR technology will allow for greater engagement and connection of the travelers with the destinations, promoting a more informed and conscious travel experience.

The inclusion of VR technology will promote eco-friendly tourism practices, by combining eco-conscious activities with cutting-edge technology to create memorable travel experiences tailored to the younger generations.

ASCAME shared its experience in cross-border cooperation at the 'Funds Week' online event

ASCAME participated in November in a new edition of 'Funds Week', an online event organized by Asociación con Valores, an ecosystem with more than 4,462 NGOs from 159 countries that helps organizations worldwide enhance their international funding capabilities. In the framework of this event, ASCAME’s Project Manager Mr. Luis Miranda participated online in the Interreg NEXT MED Programme Panel, along with other organizations from Italy, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Greece.

It was a great opportunity to explain the long experience of ASCAME in the different “cross-border cooperation” programmes, from the 1st ENPI CBC MED Programme to the 2nd ENI CBC MED Programme and the recent 3rd Interreg NEXT MED. Mr. Miranda commented on the main projects implemented during these years and made a special reference to the last Call of the NEXT MED Interreg where many members of its network have presented proposals.

ASCAME News & Events

Countdown to the 4th Fès-Meknès Economic Forum with the partnership of ASCAME

ASCAME is one of the partners of the 4th edition of the Fès Meknès Economic Forum, organized again this year by the CCIS Fès-Meknès. Taking place in Fès and Meknès from December 5 to 7, the main objective of the event is to promote innovation and sustainable development in the Fès-Meknès region.

The forum is a unique opportunity to bring together business leaders, academic experts, and political decision-makers to discuss and share ideas on how to stimulate economic growth, foster regional cooperation, and meet contemporary economic and social challenges. Under the theme 'Horizon 2030: Economic Dynamics', this edition will focus on digital transformation, sustainable transition, trade revitalization, and the integration of 4.0 technologies in the agri-food sector.

In addition, it will become a unique space for the exchange of knowledge and experience that can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development in Morocco and the global context. The forum will feature four workshops analyzing current challenges and business opportunities in emerging sectors.

ASCAME stands in solidarity with those affected by DANA

We would like to express our deepest solidarity with all the people affected by Dana. The storm has had a special impact on the Mediterranean area, so we are at the disposal of the chambers of commerce of the affected provinces, such as Valencia and Tarragona, as well as of the local entities, to collaborate in whatever is necessary.

Cámara Valencia is managing donations to help the people affected by the effects of the catastrophic flash foods. You can collaborate by writing to this address! 👉 ayudaDANA@camaravalencia.com

In addition, the grants and donations are being channeled from the portal enabled by the Generalitat Valenciana. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dDzS9wwT

ASCAME, strategic partner of WORLDEF DUBAI

ASCAME will be a strategic partner of  WORLDEF DUBAI, the largest e-commerce show in the Gulf Region, which will take place on December 4-5,  in the Emirate of Dubai. Dubai CommerCity (DCC), the first and leading free zone focused on digital commerce, is positioned as the main strategic partner of the event. As an international e-commerce platform, WORLDEF will provide suppliers, service providers, and technology brands with the opportunity to collaborate with e-commerce companies and marketplace sellers in Dubai through B2B partnerships. It will offer networking and growth opportunities in the market for stakeholders involved in the Dubai and Gulf e-commerce ecosystem, from investors to sellers.

Successful 3rd Arab SMEs Summit and 10th Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) organized in November the third Arab Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Summit and the tenth edition of the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2024 (ASMES – Rowad 2024). This year’s theme ‘Navigating Digital Horizons’ underscored the critical role of technology in business success. The summit, which aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development across the Arab region, counted on the partnership of 2 ASCAME projects, Interreg NEXT MED Programme and PRIMA Program, in addition to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

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