The main objective of this yearās edition is to consolidate MedaWeek as the main platform for the promotion of the Mediterranean economic integration by serving as the main meeting point for voicing the interests of the private sector in the socio-economic development of the Mediterranean countries. Under the claim āThe sea that unites three continentsā, this new edition will focus on fostering connectivity and cooperation and enhancing global competitiveness in both shores of the Mediterranean. In this sense, MedaWeek Barcelona 2024 will become the main platform for constructing a common future between the two shores, based on new technologies, innovation, digital transformation, green and blue economies, renewable energy, and new opportunities in food, tourism, audiovisual and sports industries.
Mediterranean women entrepreneurs will meet in Tangier on the 3 and 4 October
On the 3rd and 4th of October, the Moroccan city of Tangier will host the 16th edition of MedaWomen, the reference forum for women entrepreneurs in the Mediterranean region. This event, which will take place at the Palais des Arts et Culture in Tangier, is an ideal opportunity to debate the issues women entrepreneurs face, discuss development alternatives, learn about regional and international experiences in this field, and create synergies and partnerships with different stakeholders. After 15 editions, this forum has consolidated its position as the main meeting point for decision-makers, associations, women entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and development players in general. It is also an opportunity to discover Moroccan society, its history, and culture through various parallel activities.
Under the theme āFrom the Mediterranean to the world. Womenās leadership without bordersā, this yearās edition will focus on the impact of women entrepreneurs on Mediterranean economic development and worldwide. It should be noted that one in three start-ups in the Mediterranean region is founded or led by women, which is a higher percentage than in Silicon Valley.
Interview with Ms. Nina Drakic, President of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro
The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro is a business association with a rich tradition that represents the interests of the economic entities, including business entities, financial organizations, insurance companies and start-ups. The chamber represents and pursues the common interests of the entire economy, encourages business activities and entrepreneurship, and contributes to the prosperity of the country.
The institution has 13 associations boards, each representing different sectors of the economy. Representatives from public authorities and institutions participate in the boardsā meetings and have the opportunity to hear directly the views of the business community regarding the challenges they currently face. In the following interview, Ms. Nina Drakic, President of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, sheds light on the mission of this institution and focuses on priorities such as entrepreneurship, employability, investment opportunities, sustainable transition or business ethics and practices.
ASCAME's General Coordinator, reflects on 'ExpansiĆ³n' about the figure of a European Commissioner for the Mediterranean
ASCAME welcomes Von der Leyen's Mediterranean Commissioner policy pledge
In an article published at 'ExpansiĆ³n', Mr. Anwar Zibaoui welcomes European Commission President Ms. Ursula von der Leyen's announcement she would be creating a separate portfolio to deal with the Mediterranean, as part of her next team, signaling her next term will pay more attention to the region.
According to ASCAME's General Coordinator, āThe figure of a European Commissioner for the Mediterranean would be an effective response and a strategic commitment to the critical situation that our region is going through. It is necessary to revitalize the union for the Mediterranean, which constitutes the appropriate regional framework for cooperation among the 43 Member Statesā. Within the article, Mr. Zibaoui calls for āa new European approach based on cooperation to face current challenges such as paradigm shifts, new trends in all economic sectors or the new global geopolitical scenarioā.
Mr. Luka BuriloviÄ, President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, puts tourism in the context of sustainable business
In an article published on ASCAME's blog, Mr. BuriloviÄ shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of the tourism industry in Croatia
In the article, Mr. Luka BuriloviÄ reflects on the contribution of the Croatian Chamber of Economy in developing a sustainable tourism model by encouraging ethical and sustainable business practices.
This country shares some of the same challenges as the other Mediterranean countries, such as mass tourism, the depletion of natural resources, the pressure on local infrastructure and resident populations, and the effects of climate change. As a result, Croatia adopted the first umbrella and comprehensive 'Act on Tourism' at the start of 2024, which regulates tourism-related activities with an emphasis on sustainability.
To Mr. BuriloviÄ, "Climate catastrophes and scientific projections that the Mediterranean will warm faster than the world average further necessitate defining the type of tourism we want, confirming that the path to sustainability and climate neutrality, no matter how challenging, has no alternative".
STAPLES Project: Strengthening the cereal value chain & ensuring food security and stability in the Mediterranean and MENA region
ASCAME is one of the partners of the STAPLES Project, a PRIMA Program project dedicated to enhancing the resilience of the Mediterranean and MENA food systems in the face of global economic instability.
The STAPLES Project came up with the aim of addressing issues related to MENA countries' dependence on imported cereals and their consequent exposure to shocks from the value chain. Specifically, MENA countries are particularly exposed to international shocks in cereals markets because they largely rely on imports to feed their population.
We reflect on all these questions in the following interview with Ph.D. Marta Marson, Development Economist and member of the STAPLES Team from Politecnico di Milano.
ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR supports cruise stakeholders in adopting the EU's good practices for sustainable tourism
Representatives from ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR explored what a sustainable cruise destination looks like in practice at the SeaTrade Med Conference, hosted in MƔlaga (Spain) in September. The panel emphasized four key topics to advance toward more sustainable cruise tourism practices in the Mediterranean region:
ā¢ Social integration and community involvement: Sustainable tourism supports local economies, preserves cultural heritage, and empowers residents to participate in decision-making. ā¢ Protecting natural ecosystems: Minimizing waste, conserving water, and preserving biodiversity. ā¢ Responsible travel: Tourists are encouraged to choose eco-friendly options, respect local customs, and minimize their ecological footprint. ā¢ Cooperation: Sustainable tourism requires collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities to ensure long-term benefits.
ASCAME at the Mediterranean Industry Focused Forum
On the 16th of September, ASCAME was represented at the Mediterranean Industry Focused Forum, an event organised by the Port de Barcelona in the framework of the 37th America's Cup. Mr. Luis Miranda, Project Manager of ASCAME, participated as a speaker -on behalf of Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, General Coordinator of ASCAME- in the first round table of the forum, entitled "Development of the Western Mediterranean Transport Networks: Connecting the European Corridors with the Trans-Maghreb Network". Mr. Miranda talked about connectivity and intermodal transport, the importance of maritime transport, and the key role of logistics.
ASCAME Webinar to explore business opportunities between the Mediterranean and Canada
We invite you to a webinar organised by our partner Canadian Chamber in Italy on the 26th of September at 17:00 CET. This event, in partnership with Euromed Group and AIoT Canada, focuses on cooperation opportunities between SMEs in the Mediterranean and Canadian regions, particularly in the sectors of AI, IoT, and Horizon Europe projects. With Canada joining the Horizon Europe Programme, this webinar is a unique opportunity to learn how to establish strategic partnerships and strengthen innovation through transatlantic collaboration.
ā¶ Register now! š https://n9.cl/0vobj6.
Dubai, the epicenter of the healthy food industry and innovation
The second event will be GITEX Dubai 2024, from the 14th to the 18th of October at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Covering a wide range of sectors, including AI, 5G, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, and smart cities, this is the first platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business opportunities. Finally, the SuperBridge Summit, taking place from the 15th to the 16th of October at One&Only One Zaābeel in partnership with GITEX GLOBAL, will delve into Next Genās Innovation landscape. This summit will feature the largest and fastest-growing economies, which will contribute to over 45% of the worldās GDP by 2050.
ā¶ Take advantage of the exclusive discounts for being ASCAMEās member: a 25% discount for attending GITEX Dubai 2024 (using the promo code ASCAMGG25, which is valid until October 18) and a 30% discount for SuperBridge Summit 2024 (using the promo code APSBS30). Contact us for further information! š secretariat@ascame.org
INTERREG Next Med Workshop: Empowering youth with blue and green skills
In the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities #EURegionsWeek, the Interreg NEXT MED Programme will organize the workshop āMediterraneanās Got Talent: Empowering Youth with Blue and Green Skillsā in Brussels (Belgium) on October 9th, from 9.30 to 10.30 CET. The session will spotlight EU-funded initiatives that tap into the blue and green economiesā potential by providing young individuals with vital skills to boost their careers or venture into entrepreneurship.
ā¶ Find out more information about the agenda and the registration! š https://n9.cl/654im
BNEW Barcelona 2024: Diving into the New Economy Challenges
The 5th edition of the BNEW - Barcelona New Economy Week #BNEW2024, from the 7th to the 10th of October at DFactory Barcelona on a hybrid format, will turn Barcelona into the epicenter of the new economy. The event, organized by ASCAMEās partner Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, will provide a unique opportunity to learn from the most innovative companies and gain a broad view of the trends and challenges shaping the global economic landscape. Do not miss the chance to be part of this insightful summit!
ASCAME's General Assembly in October
We are pleased to invite you to the ASCAME General Assembly, which will be held on the 28th of October in Barcelona, as part of #MedaWeek2024. It is essential to register before the 27th of September by filling out the confirmation form via the link Confirmation Form. This is required for all Chambers of Commerce to ensure the smooth running of the Assembly. We look forward to seeing you and remain at your disposal for any further information. š secretariat@ascame.org
