The upcoming 21st edition of the summit will focus on the Mediterranean
as a pivotal hub for global trade and logistics
MedaLogistics Week 2025 will be held on the 18th and 19th of June in the framework of SIL Barcelona. Organized once again by ASCAME and Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, in collaboration with the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Port of Barcelona, this new edition will focus on the Mediterranean as a pivotal hub for global trade and logistics. The summit, which has consolidated as the leading logistics, transport, intralogistics, and supply chain trade fair in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, will gather global leaders from ports, shipping lines, logistics firms, and international policymakers. In the last 20 editions, the summit has counted on 22.300 CEOs and more than 600 high-level speakers from the private sector, governments, and regional and international organizations from 35 countries. Over 38.000 business connections and B2B contacts have been made, confirming the business opportunities that arise each year at this summit and the multiple investment options available to start-ups in the sector.
This year’s sessions will dive into the strategic position of the Mediterranean -connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa- in the global supply chain with 450 ports and terminals managing 30% of global seaborne trade and volume. As a $4.3 trillion industry, logistics is the backbone of international commerce, driving competitiveness, investment, and job creation. The region’s future lies in leveraging its strategic position to integrate supply chains and enhance infrastructure to world-class standards.
ASCAME and Leitat signed an agreement to promote the digitalization of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and to improve companies' competitiveness
This month, ASCAME signed a collaboration agreement with Leitat, a technology center of reference at the national and European levels, to promote technological and business development in the Mediterranean region. The agreement was signed in Barcelona by Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, ASCAME’s General Coordinator, and Mr. Jordi Cabrafiga, CEO of Leitat.
The agreement has two main objectives. On one hand, promoting the digitalization of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce. This partnership will allow ASCAME members to access Leitat's services and technological solutions, ranging from applied research to technical services and management of technological and innovation initiatives. Thanks to this agreement, the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce will be able to improve their operational efficiency, as well as the services they offer to the companies and their global competitiveness. On the other hand, this agreement has the aim of launching joint initiatives and events aligned with the digital transformation, sustainable development, and innovation of companies in the region. For instance, both institutions are committed to creating a Mediterranean Observatory of Business Sustainability.
Fostering sustainability in the region is one of the most strategic pillars of the agreement, as the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and companies that are ASCAME partners will not only use digital technologies to improve their competitiveness but also to measure and reduce their carbon footprint.
the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture
of Benghazi
Last January we welcomed the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Benghazi as a new member of ASCAME’s network. The agreement was formalized in Barcelona in an institutional meeting which counted on Mr. Muneim Elsaeti, President of the Chamber of Benghazi, Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, ASCAME’s General Coordinator, 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.
In the following interview, Mr. Elsaeti refers to the new ways of cooperation among the three institutions and reflects on the key role of the Chamber of Benghazi in attracting international investment, supporting local companies in expanding their businesses and contributing to the economic development of the region.
The economic growth that Málaga has experienced in recent years has been parallel to the strategic role that the Chamber of Commerce of Málaga has acquired not only in Andalusia but also in the Mediterranean. This institution acts as a link between companies and public administrations in Málaga and the rest of the Mediterranean, especially in Europe and North Africa. Málaga's consolidation as a technological hub in the Southern Mediterranean has attracted investment and quality talent, in addition to being a key player in the digital transformation of the region.
Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, ASCAME's General Coordinator, warns in 'ExpansiĂłn' about Trump's decision to freeze foreign assistance programs
Within the opinion article, Mr. Zibaoui highlights the benefits of foreign aid for the development of poorer countries
The new Trump Administration has ordered a 90-day freeze on most foreign assistance programs. This decision has led to an abrupt halt in initiatives funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
ASCAME's General Coordinator, Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, warns in an opinion article published in 'Expansión' that “Trump's decision may hinder the work of development aid financial institutions by weakening their governance and their ability to carry out their tasks of fighting poverty and assisting poor countries”. In his opinion, the current debate revolves around the populist idea that “aid is a type of charity that deprives donor countries of resources”. On the contrary, according to Mr. Zibaoui, the debate should focus on the multiple benefits of this foreign aid for the development of poorer countries.
The Piraeus CCI puts the European SMEs at the center of the EU’s Competitiveness Compass debate
Mr. Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reflects on the 'Competitiveness Compass' recently presented by the European Commission
Mr. Vassillis Korkidisanalyzes the consequences of the 'Competitiveness Compass' for European SMEs in an opinion article published on ASCAME's blog. In his opinion, “SMEs expect a careful assessment of the unintended consequences of the legislation and action to correct them."
According to Mr. Korkidis, "European Commission should work with market players to develop specific measures to achieve a 25% reduction in reporting obligations for all private companies and 35% for SMEs. Furthermore, the Savings and Investments Association should unlock the necessary private finance to serve all businesses. The access to finance allows SMEs to innovate, grow, and invest in their green and digital transition”.
MedaWeek Barcelona 2024 featured the session 'Mediterranean Food Industry Platform' to show the region’s diverse culinary heritage and also to examine how innovation is driving growth and sustainability in the food sector. The sessions focused on the intersection of tradition and innovation within three key panels: Agro-food, Halal industry, and the Mediterranean Diet.
As we saw in this session, the agro-food industry is evolving rapidly. Innovations in areas like organic products and agritech are shaping its future. Organic products and innovations in agritech and food tech are promising areas within the agro-food industry. The halal industry has also great business opportunities. Experts highlighted that halal meat, poultry, and seafood constitute almost 50% of total global market sales. This industry is expanding into Non-Muslim markets. Finally, the 'Mediterranean Diet' panel focused on the proven health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and how innovation is being used to preserve traditional dishes while adapting them to meet modern consumer preferences and dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Interreg NEXT MED Programme: Info Days on the Call for Green Transition Projects
The Interreg NEXT MED Programme has announced a series of national information days (#GREENMEDTOUR) to support organizations in effectively participating in the Call for Green Transition Projects. These events take place across all participating countries, providing detailed guidance on the €83.7 million funding opportunity aimed at tackling climate challenges in the Mediterranean.
The info days are designed to equip interested organizations with the knowledge and resources needed to master the rules, requirements, and submission process of the call. Key sessions will include insights on the terms of reference of the call for proposals, comprehensive insights into eligibility and financial rules, advice to design a competitive proposal and submit it through the e-application form. Participants will have the opportunity to ask specific queries during interactive Q&A sessions. Take note of the upcoming events:
The Mersin Commodity Exchange - Mersin Ticaret Borsasi joins ASCAME's network
ASCAME's network has expanded with the recent incorporation of the Mersin Commodity Exchange as a new associate member. This institution, well-known as Mersin Ticaret Borsasi, is one of Turkey's most established and significant commodity exchanges. Founded in 1926, this institution stands out with its effectiveness in the agriculture and food sectors. Among the 114 commodity exchanges across Turkey, the Mersin Commodity Exchange ranks among the top 10 and operates with approximately 1,500 members engaged in producing, trading, processing, and exporting agricultural products.
New partnership with
the Sydney Institute of Technology & Innovation
ASCAME has recently signed a new partnership with the Sydney Institute of Technology & Innovation that will provide the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce with access to cutting-edge AI resources and training programs focused on AI solutions. This agreement aims to empower professionals and organizations to excel in the digital age.
▶️ Contact us if you need further information or would like to take advantage of these new partnerships! 👉 secretariat@ascame.org
Mediterranean Pavilion in Toronto: Strengthening ties
with the Canadian market
Remember that you are still on time 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.
▶️ Contact us to secure your spot and have access to special discounts on flights and accommodation! 👉 secretariat@ascame.org
The 5th edition of BWAW will discuss gender equality in key sectors of the economy
ASCAME gives support to the 5th edition of Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW), the benchmark event to promote gender equality in essential sectors of the economy. The event is to be held by our partner Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona from March 4 to 6 at DFactory Barcelona. More than 60 experts from different fields will reflect in more than 10 sessions and forums on the visibility of women in key sectors of the economy. Another objective is to make Barcelona visible as a key city for the development of the new economy and committed to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
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