MedaLogistics Week Barcelona 2024

Uniting Europe, Asia and Africa through the Mediterranean and logistics

Countdown to the 20th edition of MedaLogistics Week Barcelona, the Mediterranean Logistics & Transport Summit that will take place on 5th and 6th of June in the framework of SIL Barcelona. A total of 40 speakers and more than 35 companies and organisations from different Mediterranean countries will analyse present and future challenges of logistics and transport in the region and seeking new ways of cooperation to explore new business opportunities in the industry.

The main focus of this very special edition will be to unite the three continents -Europe, Asia and Africa- through the Mediterranean and logistics.  This edition will not be just another one, but a turning point to establish a new road map for the coming years in the logistics and transport sector by exploring emerging opportunities and forging business connections among the three continents.  The main objective is to consolidate the summit as a worldwide reference platform for reflection, connection and investment for the logistics community, stressing on enhancing cross-border collaboration in the region. This is the way to jointly advance projects such as Mediterranean logistics corridors and ports, as well as initiatives to optimise supply chain and reduce the carbon footprint.

Register now and take advantage of ASCAME's promotional code to free access to all the summit's conferences and exhibitions. Contact us! 👉 secretariat@ascame.org

From the Mediterranean to China

Exploring the opportunities and challenges for Mediterranean SMEs in China

On the 8th of May we organized the first seminar of a series of exciting sessions focused on the Mediterranean challenges of today and tomorrow addressed to ASCAME's members and professionals from different  companies. The webinar, entitled 'Conquering the Chinese market: Strategies and opportunities for Mediterranean SMEs' and co-organized in partnership with Euromed Group, was conducted by Mr. Ernesto Caccavale, Managing Director of SCHINA, an Alibaba Group partner firm that offers European companies a comprehensive package of services to enter and position their brand in the competitive Chinese e-commerce market. Previously to this role position, Mr. Caccavale was the Director of Business Development in Spain and Portugal for Alibaba Group.

One of the main takeaways from the session was the  growing demand for Mediterranean products from Chinese consumers, who really appreciate the quality of these products. In this sense, Mr. Caccavale insisted on the competitive advantage of the Mediterranean countries to enter this market: "European countries from the Northern Mediterranean have an even greater competitive advantage due to the trade agreement that exists between the European Union and China to sell products directly to the consumer without the need to change packaging or labels. In addition, countries from the North Africa have also many opportunities in China, as their products are very competitive, especially olive oil and fruit".

In the following interview, Mr. Caccavale gives more details about the business opportunities that Mediterranean companies have in the Asian giant and shares valuable insights and expert advice on this fast-growing market.

📍 MEMBER'S CORNER

Interview with Mr. Sergio Passariello, CEO of ASCAME's partner Euromed Group

In 2020, ASCAME signed a partnership agreement with Euromed Group, a consulting company that designs solutions ‘ad hoc’ to SMEs to internationalize their business. Both parties were committed to contribute to the economic development of the Mediterranean and support local businesses in their international expansion. 

Euromed Group has a wide expertise in strengthening trade and technological relations in Italy, Malta, North Africa and even in Canada by collaborating on several innovative projects. In the following interview, Mr. Sergio Passariello, CEO of Euromed Group and CEO of the Mediterranean Academy of Culture, Technology and Trade tells us about Euromed Group’s contribution to the Mediterranean economic development. In addition, Mr. Passariello reflects on the keys to successfully expand a business abroad, the digitalization challenge, the key role of local players or the need of cooperation in all the region.

ASCAME Partnerships                                                    ASCAME Insights

New partnership with Free From Food & Health Ingredients 

ASCAME and Free From Food & Health Ingredients will work together to foster the food industry in the Mediterranean region and worldwide

ASCAME has achieved a new partnership with Free From Food & Health Ingredients with the aim at creating lasting business agreements and representing companies, professionals and platforms to foster natural and healthy food in the Mediterranean.

Both parties are committed to launching networking events and initiatives with two main objectives: promoting the Mediterranean food industry worldwide and contributing to a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable region.

Mr. Anwar Zibaoui,

ASCAME's General Coordinator

 "Barcelona has de chance to become a hub for EMEA and the Mediterranean region" 

Mr. Anwar Zibaoui reflects in 'On Economía' on the great opportunity that Barcelona has to consolidate and monetize its brand and reputation, and also to attract international investment and talent. Zibaoui highlights several aspects of Barcelona's hegemonic role in the Mediterranean and EMEA: it is the leading logistics center in the Mediterranean region; it is the fourth most attractive city in Europe for start-ups and the first in the Mediterranean; it is a leading city in the organization of international trade fairs and congresses; and it has first-class airport and port infrastructures.

ASCAME Projects

ASCAME participated in the

kick-off meeting of the STAPLES -PRIMA Project in Milan

At the beginning of May, ASCAME participated in the kick-off meeting of the STAPLES – PRIMA Project held in Milan (Italy) and hosted by Politecnico di Milano. STAPLES (Stable Food Access and Prices and Lower Exposure to Shoks) aims to transform resilience strategies through new evidence-based knowledge on external stressors and shocks deriving from cereal global value chains (GVCs) on the MENA region and on the feasible local solutions to address them.

ASCAME is part of STAPLES-PRIMA Project, which is dedicated to enhancing the resilience of Mediterranean and MENA food systems in the face of global economic instability. By delving into the complexities of external stressors from global value chains, STAPLES aims to empower local governments and economic stakeholders. 

ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR: Expanding the eco-smart tourism practices to the East Mediterranean

The EU ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR Project has taken a new step forward for fostering blue economy in the region. After pioneering eco-conscious travel practices in the West Mediterranean, the ECO-CRUISING Project is now setting its sights on further enriching its itinerary by venturing into the captivating realms of the East Mediterranean. This new step pursues the same objective than in the West side: preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the East countries and also fostering economic growth and community engagement on this side of the region. The project also leverages smart and digital solutions both to minimize environmental impact and enhance the overall travel experience.

ASCAME News & Events

ASCAME, partner of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum held in Bahrain

The World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum was held from 14th to 16th May in Manama (Bahrain), concurrently with the Arab Leaders Summit. ASCAME, partner of this global event, was represented by its President, Mr. Ahmed El Wakil, who is also the President of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and President of the Union of African Chambers. Mr. El Wakil participated as keynote in the first session of the summit, entitled 'Building sustainable partnerships: Creating a brighter future for Arab and African entrepreneurs'. 

7th edition of the Sustainable Development Action Day

ASCAME gives support to the 7th edition of the Sustainable Development Action Day, an online event organized by Turritopsis that will take place on the 22th of May 22, from 9:00 to 13:00 pm (GMT+1). This event is aimed at fostering inclusive dialogue among business leaders, sustainability experts, researchers, government representatives, and other key stakeholders. The goal is to seek practical and innovative solutions to propel SMEs towards a sustainable future, serving as an inspiring model.

CIBAFI Annual Meetings and Events 2024

ASCAME’s partner General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI) will organize three webinars  on a hybrid format that will take place from 21st to 23rd May in Istanbul (Türkiye). These are the three topics: ‘Unveilling the CIBAFI greenhouse gas measurement tool to strengthen the contribution of Islamic financial institutions to climate action’, ‘Advancing climate action in Islamic finance: Practical insights on GHG measurement and reporting’, and ‘Advancing climate action in Islamic finance: Practical insights on GHG measurement and reporting’. 

GITEX AFRICA 2024: Exploring the global tech that will shape Africa’s future

Countdown to GITEX Africa 2024, Africa’s largest tech & start-up event that will take place from 29th to 31st of May in Marrakech (Morocco). This city will become the epicenter of innovation, bringing together the brightest minds, star-ups and tech enthusiasts. This will be an excellent opportunity to discover tech’s massive advances across diverse industries, from cloud and IOT, cybersecurity, digital health and future finance, to consumer tech, telecoms, and the great hype of Artificial Intelligence. Do you want a special ASCAME promotional code with a 40% discount? If you do, contact us! 👉 secretariat@ascame.org

ASCAME, strategic partner of WORLDEF Istanbul 2024

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2024 is scheduled to take place at the Istanbul Yenikapi Event Area from June 6th to 8th, 2024, under the theme ‘Renaissance of Retail: E-Commerce’. This will be a unique opportunity to explore the latest technologies in retail and e-commerce, foster B2B business connections with an e-commerce and retail focus, and gain a competitive advantage in the evolving e-commerce and retail landscape. More tan 20.000 e-commerce enthusiasts from various countries will get together within the summit, converging in metropolitan Istanbul to address the dynamic landscape of the global e-commerce ecosystem. 

2024  EU – Egypt Investment Conference

The 2024 EU-Egypt Investment Conference will take place on June 29th and 30th, 2024, at the Al Manara International Conference Center in New Cairo, Egypt. The conference is co-organized by the Egyptian Government and the European Union (EU), and will be inaugurated by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula Von Der Leyen. The conference aims to attract both foreign and domestic investments, specifically exploring and facilitating investment partnerships between the European Union and Egypt in critical sectors contributing to economic development and sustainability.

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