ASCAME drives members' competitiveness and regional business growth

ASCAME at the Trilateral Egyptian - Greek - Cypriot Forum

The summit, held in Cairo this month, reinforced ASCAME's commitment to fostering cooperation in the Mediterranean

On the 8th of January, ASCAME participated in the Trilateral Egyptian–Greek–Cypriot Forum which took place at the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce's new headquarters in Cairo (Egypt). This landmark event was an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties between the three countries targeting third-country markets. Presidents, ministers, chambers of commerce, CEOs, and experts from the three countries discussed different ways to develop tripartite cooperation in sectors like energy, infrastructure, agriculture, logistics, or health services.

ASCAME was represented by its President, Mr. Ahmed El Wakil, who is also the Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce. Mr. El Wakil delivered a keynote welcome address stressing Egypt’s business and investment opportunities: “Egypt is again the land of opportunities in infrastructures, manufacturing, services, and agriculture. Today, political and economic stability and public-private partnerships are facts, not a dream”.

In the framework of this forum, Mr. El Wakil, on behalf of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union of Hellenic Chambers of Commerce -represented by its President Mr. Ioannis Masoutis– and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry -represented by its President Mr. Stavros Stavrou-. The three institutions agreed to establish a Trilateral Business Council to promote trilateral cooperation and implement various business promotion programs and initiatives. This MoU aimed at maximizing trilateral and regional business cooperation in all fields and sectors.

Building bridges across the Mediterranean

ASCAME facilitates a bilateral relationship between  the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Benghazi and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce

A few days ago, during the meeting to formalize the incorporation of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Benghazi (Libya) into the ASCAME network in Barcelona, an important side introduction took place with Mr. Muneim Elsaeiti, President of the Benghazi Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Josep Santacreu, President of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reinforce ties between member chambers and explore collaborative initiatives to drive economic growth and innovation across the Mediterranean region. The historic setting served as a perfect scenario for strengthening partnerships and fostering a dialogue that will shape the region's future.

Strengthening ties with the Mersin Chamber of Commerce & Industry

A meeting held in Mersin (Turkey) aimed at exploring new ways of cooperation

This month, Mr. Ahmed El Wakil, President of ASCAME and of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, visited the Mersin Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MTSO) and met with its Chairman Mr. Hakan Sefa Çakir, and the Board's members. The meeting aimed at exploring new ways of cooperation between both institutions.

Mr. El Wakil announced that work had been initiated to establish a new body within ASCAME regarding Agriculture and Food Security to carry out joint planning. During the visit, preliminary discussions were held to organize a summit on this subject in Mersin with the participation of 23 countries within the year. The summit is planned to be held in Mersin under the umbrella of ASCAME in the upcoming period on agriculture and food security. In addition, Mr. Hakan Sefa Çakir provided information about the AI-supported B2B Networking Organization organized by MTSO in the past days and drew attention to the fact that organizing this once again simultaneously with the summit with the participation of Mediterranean countries would strengthen the organization.

📍 MEMBER'S CORNER

Interview with Mr. Hakan Sefa Çakir, President of Mersin CCI and ASCAME's ICT Commission: “Cooperation is a priority, Mediterranean countries cannot be rivals at all”

We dive into the history and mission of the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in Turkey, through the following interview with its President, Mr. Hakan Sefa Çakir, President of the ICT Commission of ASCAME. Established in 1886, the Mersin CCI is one of Turkey's oldest chambers of commerce. With 35,000 members, this institution is committed to supporting and promoting the interests of local businesses and companies in Mersin. Its main mission is to foster economic development, facilitate trade, and provide a platform for businesses to collaborate and share experiences.

As Mr. Çakir explains in the interview, the Mersin CCI has also contributed to regional and national economic growth. Mersin has the biggest port in Turkey and the 7th biggest port in the Mediterranean. Industry, agriculture, logistics, and tourism are the key economic sectors. In his opinion, “Mersin is a city of value-added production, city of logistics, a city of foreign trade and a city of harmony with its different cultures”. Within this interview, Mr. Çakir also reflects on the key role of ASCAME in facing current challenges in the Mediterranean region.

ASCAME Insights

ASCAME's General Coordinator Mr. Anwar Zibaoui reflects on the challenges facing Syria in its new era after al-Asad fall

Mr. Zibaoui explains in 'Expansión' that the fall of the al-Asad regime in Syria represents a historic turning point and poses new economic and social challenges

Within the article, Mr. Zibaoui proposes several urgent and radical solutions to face the new challenges and the legacy and economic crisis left by the al-Asad government. Some of these solutions are: Providing foreign exchange reserves to support financial stability, encouraging expatriate remittances, favoring a liberalization of the pound to stimulate investment and trade, securing more international financing and private investment, significantly reducing dependence on natural resources, reforming the administrative apparatus to fight corruption, or building sustainable cities.

According to Mr. Zibaoui, “The new Syria cannot afford to make mistakes, so the reconstruction of the country is not only an economic challenge but an integral project that requires a long-term strategic vision”.

The Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture  

of Benghazi joins the ASCAME network

The new ASCAME member is considered one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the Arab world

We are delighted to announce that the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Benghazi is a new member of the ASCAME network. Its incorporation was formalized this month in an institutional meeting held in Barcelona between Mr. Muneim Elsaeiti, President of the Benghazi Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, General Coordinator of ASCAME. The meeting provided an opportunity to reinforce ties between both institutions and explore new ways of collaboration to jointly face current challenges in the region. 

The new ASCAME member is considered one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the Arab world. This institution provides its members with many services that benefit them, as it is the only body officially competent to offer its services to businessmen, merchants, manufacturers, and contractors, and to represent them before public authorities, international and local bodies, and organisations.

ASCAME Projects

The ECOCRUISING FU_TOUR Project has successfully concluded by shaping the future of sustainable cruising tourism

ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR,  the EU co-funded project launched in September 2022 to exploit the green and blue potential of the West Mediterranean tourism SMEs, announced its successful completion, marking a significant milestone in sustainable cruise tourism development across the West Mediterranean region.

The power of collaboration and innovation lies at the heart of the project’s success. Combining technology, environmental expertise, and community-driven strategies, this flagship initiative launched by the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and coordinated by X23 - The Innovation Bakery, has set a new standard for responsible cruising, targeting Gen Z and Millennials, who demand meaningful travel experiences.

This project paved the way to advance towards an eco-tourism model that preserves the natural environment and the cultural heritage in the West Mediterranean. In addition, the ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR Project contributed to unlocking new business opportunities around the new eco-cruise tourism sector.

INTERREG NEXT MED new Call for Green Transition Projects to address climate challenges across the Mediterranean

This month, the Interreg NEXT MED Programme launched the Call for Green Transition Projects offering €83.7 million in EU funding aimed at fostering scalable and collaborative solutions for a climate-resilient, low-carbon Mediterranean. This call provides a unique opportunity to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change in the region. The deadline to apply for it is mid-April.

The call adopts a comprehensive approach to tackle the consequences of climate change by focusing on key environmental sectors – energy efficiency, circular economy, climate adaptation and disaster resilience, and sustainable water management – and expanding to other critical areas, such as SMEs’ decarbonization, green innovation, skills for climate resilience, health system adaptation to climate change, and inclusive governance for effective climate policies.

On the 9th of January representatives from the Programme carried out two online informative sessions (in English and French) to explain the main characteristics of this new Call for Green Transition Projects. In addition, the info sessions highlighted the importance of the tool called "MEDCONNECT Gateway” as a very powerful and smart mechanism when looking for potential partners and building up consortia. 

ASCAME News & Events

MedaWeek 2024: Investment gaps and economic outlook in the Mediterranean region

In the framework of MedaWeek 2024, Ms. Rym Ayadi, President of the Euro Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA) presented the 'Mediterranean Annual Economic Report'. In this session, Ms. Ayadi, talked about the economic outlook in the region based on the current Mediterranean economy pillars and projected objectives for 2035: “For many countries, the combination of high public debt and constrained fiscal space has further limited their ability to invest in the infrastructure and reforms necessary for sustainable growth”.

Ms. Ayadi also reflected on climate change and sustainable transition in the region: "Rising temperatures and water scarcity threaten economies". She also warned of the unequal sustainable transition in the Mediterranean due to conflicts and socioeconomic context. To overcome this gap, the President of EMEA referred once again to the need for greater public-private cooperation: “Renewable energy investment falls short. Coordinated efforts needed to boost funding and improve regulations”.

ASCAME, strategic partner

of GITEX tech & startups

events 2025

GITEX events are back in 2025 and ASCAME will be once again a strategic partner of all of them:

➡️ AI Everything Global Exhibition: It will be held in Dubai on February 5 and 6. This is the world’s most highly anticipated AI event which will explore the limitless opportunities and possibilities awaiting businesses, industries & nations in the rapidly accelerating AI revolution.

➡️ 3rd edition of GITEX AFRICA in Morocco, from the 14th to the 16th of April. This is Africa’s largest and most influential tech and start-up event which gathers thousands of attendees from across the continent for large-scale discourse and future-focused collaborations.

➡️ GITEX ASIA will debut in Singapore from the 23rd to the 25th of April. This event will create new marketplaces powering the digital economy, targeting public services, enterprises, SMEs, digital cities, smart & green mobility, retail, finance, education, health, and manufacturing. 

Contact us to attend any of these exhibitions and take advantage of exclusive code promos! 👉 secretariat@ascame.org

Mediterranean Pavilion in Toronto

ASCAME is taking a step further to unlock the potential for cooperation between the Mediterranean region and Canada. After the success of the first edition of the ‘Mediterranean – Canada Business Forum’ in the framework of MedaWeek Barcelona 2024, we give all our partners and members a new opportunity to expand international alliances and promote their presence in the Canadian market. 

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the ‘Mediterranean Pavillion’, organized as part of the World of Travel, Trade & Taste Expo 2025, which will take place from the 29th to the 31st of May at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Canada. This initiative, led by ASCAME in collaboration with our partners the Canadian Chamber in Italy and Euromed Group, offers a unique opportunity for Mediterranean institutions, associations, companies, and professionals to seek strategic entry into the Canadian market. The pavilion aims to promote economic, cultural, and commercial exchanges between the Mediterranean and the Canadian market.

Early booking is essential to ensure optimal placement and maximum visibility. Contact us to secure your spot and have access to special discounts on flights and accommodation! 👉 secretariat@ascame.org

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