Dr. Josep Santacreu represents ASCAME at the European Parliament Hearing on the Mediterranean Pact, bringing the Private Sector's Voice
ASCAME President participated in a European Parliament hearing on
the Mediterranean Pact, emphasizing the need for the private sector to play
a central role in its design and implementation.
On 14 April, ASCAME President Dr. Josep Santacreu took part in the European Parliament’s hearing “A New Co-Ownership for the Future of Euro-Mediterranean Relations – The Pact for the Mediterranean”. The informal hearing, organized by Member of the European Parliament Mr. Nicola Zingaretti, Rapporteur of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, brought together key Mediterranean stakeholders to contribute to the implementation report of the Pact‘s action plan.
In his intervention, Dr. Santacreu strongly welcomed the inclusion of the private sector’s voice in both the design and implementation of the Pact. He also highlighted that the Mediterranean Pact, approved last year by the European Commission, is a cornerstone of ASCAME’s new strategic priorities and a key driver for deeper cooperation and economic connectivity across the region. From the perspective of Chambers of Commerce and the private sector, the ASCAME President shared four key messages:
✅ It is essential to ensure that the voice of the private sector is fully integrated into the design and implementation of the Mediterranean Pact. ✅ASCAME’s network of Chambers of Commerce plays a fundamental role as an intermediary between institutions and businesses, especially SMEs ✅ASCAME’s sectoral events, as well as the activities organized by its member Chambers, provide European institutions and stakeholders with valuable opportunities to engage directly with the Mediterranean private sector.
✅The Euro-Mediterranean Economic and Business Forum, ASCAME’s flagship institutional event, is offered to the European Union as a platform for structured dialogue with the private sector.
ASCAME President Dr. Josep Santacreu visits Morocco to Strengthen Cooperation with Chambers of Commerce
Dr. Santacreu completed an official visit to Morocco from 30 March to 2 April, including key institutional meetings in Rabat, Tangier, and Tetouan.
ASCAME President, Dr. Josep Santacreu, was on his first visit to Morocco from 30 March to 2 April, invited by Mr. Afailal Abdetalig, President of the CCIS of Tangier - Tetouan - Al Hoceima. The mission included key institutional meetings in Rabat, Tangier, and Tetouan, aimed at boosting regional cooperation, economic development, and Mediterranean integration.
The visit began in Rabat with an institutional meeting with Mr. Saïd Dor, President of the Chambre de Commerce, d'Industrie et de Services Agadir Souss Massa, co-organiser of Meditour Agadir 2026, to be held from June 18 to 20, under the theme “Sustainable and Innovative Mediterranean Destinations”. The gathering was an excellent opportunity to review progress on MediTour’s agenda, speakers, partnerships, and international outreach. Dr. Santacreu also met with the Federation of Moroccan Chambers (FCMCIS) to advance collaboration and discuss ASCAME’s strategic priorities for 2026–2027.
On the second day, the visit to the CCIS of Tangier - Tetouan - Al Hoceima was joined by local authorities and business leaders to explore new opportunities for trade and investment across the region. Besides, within the framework of bilateral relations between the Chamber of Barcelona and the Tangier–Tetouan–Al Hoceima Chamber, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to further strengthen trade ties and promote economic and business cooperation between the two institutions.
On the third and final day of his official visit to Morocco, ASCAME President concluded his agenda with a series of high-level visits in Tangier and Tetouan, including strategic institutions and key economic actors of the region, such as the Tanger Med Port Authority and the Regional Foundation for Training and Development in Tetouan. Discussions provided an opportunity to review the significant transformations experienced by Tetouan in terms of industrial development and infrastructure, while highlighting the importance of fostering investment and reinforcing the city’s position as an emerging economic hub in the region.
ASCAME Bureau holds First Virtual Meeting of the Year
The objective was to present the draft strategic lines and priorities for the coming year, shaped through a month of inclusive, participatory dialogue between the ASCAME team and the presidents of the Chambers of Commerce.
The first ASCAME Bureau meeting of the year, the organization’s most important executive body, was held on March 24th. This session was convened and led by President Dr. Josep Santacreu, marking his debut at the helm of the institution. The objective was to present the draft strategic lines and priorities for the coming year. The proposals presented were the result of inclusive and participatory discussions held over the past month between the ASCAME team and the presidents of the Chambers of Commerce who serve on the Bureau.
The meeting saw a high level of participation, with nine out of the ten member countries in attendance: Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Türkiye, and Spain, represented by Dr. Santacreu.
The Bureau members discussed several key topics, including an update on new members and partnerships, the upcoming Executive Committee hosted by the Chamber of Aix Marseille Provence on April 21, and preparations for the Euro-Mediterranean Economic Business Summit, the leading gathering of the Euro-Mediterranean business ecosystem, which will take place this year in Piraeus (Greece) in November.
In recent weeks, Dr. Josep Santacreu has intensified diplomatic and economic engagement across the Mediterranean, meeting with ASCAME’s members
to reinforce cooperation, investment, and regional integration.
Over the past month, President Dr. Josep Santacreu has held several high-level institutional meetings aimed at strengthening ASCAME’s role across the Mediterranean region.
One of these meetings took place in March, when Dr. Santacreu welcomed Mr. Nejib Mellouli, President of the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie du Centre (Tunis), during an official visit to the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona. Discussions focused on reinforcing Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, advancing economic integration, and boosting the private sector’s contribution to sustainable and inclusive growth. The Tunisian delegation –comprising representatives from the Chamber and the Tunisian Embassy in Madrid– also met with ASCAME’s General Coordinator, Ms. Miriam González, who presented the network’s strategic priorities currently being developed with member Chambers across the Mediterranean.
More recently, Dr. Santacreu held an online meeting with Ms. Albana Laknori, Secretary General of the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to explore the significant potential for leveraging ASCAME to support Albanian enterprises in aligning with EU legislation. A few days later, he met in Barcelona with the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, to whom he expressed ASCAME’s interest in learning more about Albania’s priorities regarding foreign investment and economic development.
Finally, ASCAME President welcomed the new Consul General of Morocco in Barcelona, Ms. Nezha Tahar, at the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. The meeting offered an excellent opportunity to discuss the strong political, economic, and business relations between Catalonia and Morocco. Today, nearly 200 Catalan companies are established in Morocco, reflecting the depth and potential of this bilateral partnership. Dr. Santacreu reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening ties with Moroccan companies through the pivotal role of the Chambers of Commerce.
📍 MEMBERS CORNER
Interview with Mr. Saïd DOR, President of the CCIS Souss Massa: “Meditour allows us to connect, innovate, and project Souss Massa into the Mediterranean dynamic”
As the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIS) Souss Massa prepares to host Meditour Agadir 2026, to be held from 18 to 20 June in Agadir (Morocco), the region is moving into a new stage of enhanced visibility and strengthened strategic positioning within the Mediterranean landscape. In this interview, Mr. Saïd DOR, President of the CCIS Souss Massa, shares his vision about Meditour and explains how it can catalyze investment, strengthen cooperation, and accelerate the sustainable transformation of the region’s tourism sector.
Mr. DOR also reflects on the broader economic dynamics shaping Souss Massa today, from agriculture and agribusiness to digital innovation, and highlights the Chamber’s role in supporting businesses and deepening Mediterranean partnerships, particularly through its collaboration with ASCAME.
Interview with Dr. Josep Santacreu in 'Chamberpad': "The new Pact for the Mediterranean marks a major step forward in strengthening economic connectivity across the region"
The Mediterranean is entering a pivotal new phase. The 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘯, approved last year by the European Commission, together with the Barcelona Declaration for Mediterranean Economic Development, launched in November alongside leading business organisations from Europe, Africa, and the Arab world, represent a major leap forward. These initiatives aim to strengthen economic connectivity across the region while advancing political dialogue, economic integration, and cultural exchange.
In a recent interview published by Chamberpad, a digital media platform focused on the global chamber of commerce ecosystem, ASCAME President Dr. Josep Santacreu reflects on this crucial moment. He highlights the Mediterranean’s potential to become a global benchmark for sustainable, innovative, and inclusive growth. As he notes, “The future of the Mediterranean will depend on our ability to collaborate, modernize, and empower the private sector. With the right alliances and a stronger private sector role, the region can become a strategic global hub for innovation, sustainability, and economic opportunities”.
Dr. Santacreu also stresses the need for Chambers of Commerce to evolve, becoming more agile, digital, and connected to innovation ecosystems. In his view, Chambers play a decisive role not only in supporting SMEs, start-ups, and emerging business models, but also in leading the transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive economic future.
Mr. Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus CCI and VP of ASCAME, reflects on the Strategic Rise of the Non-energy Gulf Exports and their Mediterranean Impact
The Persian Gulf is rapidly becoming a global powerhouse for non‑energy exports, a shift with major implications for Europe and the Mediterranean. In a new article for ASCAME, Mr. Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Vice President of ASCAME, highlights how the region now generates $350–370 billion in non‑energy exports annually, led by the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
According to Mr. Korkidis, “the non-energy exports of the Persian Gulf constitute another critical factor of instability for the global economy and have become a central pillar of the region’s economic diversification”. He adds: “The escalation of conflicts in the Middle East increases transport costs, strengthens inflationary pressures and tests the resilience of supply chains. For Europe, Med countries and Greece, the answer can only be the strategic diversification of suppliers, strengthening logistics and the active role of shipping".
The article highlights that diversification is reshaping global trade: the Gulf supplies 40% of the world’s nitrogen fertilizers, making it essential to global food security. But rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are increasing transport costs, insurance premiums and inflationary pressures across supply chains.
In this new environment, Mr. Korkidis calls for strategic Mediterranean cooperation: "For ASCAME and its members, this is a moment to reinforce Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, leverage the region’s maritime strengths, and support businesses in navigating a rapidly changing global trade landscape".
ASCAME Joins D4T’s Sustainable Tourism Policy Lab in Cyprus to showcase best practices on Governance and Innovations from the Interreg MED Projects
ASCAME took part on 19 March in the online Sustainable Tourism Policy Lab (STPL), organised by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme's Dialogue4 Tourism Project (D4T), through the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works of Cyprus, under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
As a D4T partner, ASCAME collaborated with El legado andalusí (LB of D4T), the Cypriot Ministry, the Greening the Islands Foundation, and eco-union to design and deliver the practical exercises of the Lab.
The event showcased best practices on governance, innovation, climate action, and circularity from several Interreg MED projects, and introduced key outcomes from local initiatives such as ECO-SEAROUTES and IDRON Project. Participants then worked in three parallel breakout groups, facilitated by Mr. Luis Miranda (ASCAME), Mr. Amar Djedaoun (GTI), and Ms. Giulia Balestracci (Eco-Union), and coordinated by the Project Manager and consultant, Mr. Thanasis Koukounaris.
Each group explored one of the Lab’s core themes: better governance for tourism, innovative solutions for Cyprus’ tourism sector, and water scarcity and circular approaches. The three breakout sessions showed how practical collaboration can quickly generate concrete ideas to strengthen Cyprus’ path toward more sustainable tourism. By focusing on governance, innovation, and water efficiency, participants noted that meaningful progress comes from a shared vision, coordinated actions, and smart, resource‑conscious solutions.
Since last year, the D4T Project has been implementing several STPLs across the Mediterranean region. These Labs aim to strengthen institutional capacity and improve coordination among public authorities and tourism stakeholders, fostering the mainstreaming of sustainable tourism and supporting meaningful policy transformation.
Countdown to Meditour Agadir 2026, to be held in Agadir in June
The Chambre de Commerce, d'Industrie et de Services Souss Massa, in partnership with ASCAME, will host the next edition of Meditour, the Euro Mediterranean Tourism Forum, from 18 to 20 June 2026 at The View Hotel Agadir. Held under the theme 'Investment, Attractiveness and Smart Tourism Towards 2030 – Sustainable and Innovative Mediterranean Destinations', this edition aims to strengthen Mediterranean tourism cooperation and accelerate the sustainable transformation of destinations.
These are the key highlights of the forum:
✔️ Boost investment and strengthen the attractiveness of Mediterranean destinations. ✔️ Promote strategic partnerships between public and private stakeholders. ✔️ Support the sustainable and innovative transformation of tourism destinations. ✔️ Reinforce Euro‑Mediterranean cooperation as a driver of balanced territorial development. ✔️ Position Agadir as a regional hub for sustainable and innovative tourism by 2030.
Each day of the event will be dedicated to a specific theme. Day one will focus on “Openness, Strategic Vision, and Governance in Mediterranean Tourism”. Experts will take part in a series of panels addressing key issues such as the future of Mediterranean tourism, investment and destination attractiveness, and the role of major international events in transforming territories. The day will conclude with a networking session.
The second day will center on “Cooperation, Innovation, and Investments”. Sector-specific panels and roundtables will bring together specialists to discuss topics including the blue economy and tourism, cooperation and partnerships, mobility, cruises and connectivity, as well as innovation, resilience, and the sustainable transition of destinations.
Day three, titled “Meditour Experience Agadir”, will highlight innovation and exemplary territorial practices in the region of Agadir - Souss Massa.
ASCAME, in collaboration with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, is launching a Call for Companies to participate in a Green Energy B2B to be held on 10–11 June in Istanbul, Türkiye. This business meeting will bring together companies and stakeholders from the Mediterranean energy ecosystem with an interest in strategic sectors linked to the energy transition, sustainability, and innovation, to generate concrete opportunities for cooperation, internationalisation, and business development.
➡️ Companies interested in participating may contact their respective Chamber of Commerce or secretariat@ascame.org for further information on the registration process and participant profile.
Call for Speakers for MedaLogistics 2026
On 3 June 2026, within the framework of SIL Barcelona, MedaLogistics 2026 will gather key stakeholders from across the Mediterranean logistics ecosystem to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector. We are inviting institutional representatives, industry leaders, logistics operators, innovators, and experts to join the programme as speakers and share their insights at this high-level international forum.
ASCAME is proud to be a strategic partner of GISEC GLOBAL 2026, the Middle East & Africa’s largest and most influential cybersecurity event, taking place from 5–7 May in Dubai (UAE). For three dynamic days, global CISOs, government leaders, technology buyers, and ethical hackers will convene to explore innovation, exchange strategies, and engage in live cyber drills. The event will welcome over 25.000 cybersecurity professionals from more than 180 countries, offering a world-class platform to discover the latest cutting-edge technologies, forge high-value partnerships, and gain insights from visionary leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity.
➡️ Contact us to attend this summit and benefit from an exclusive 20% discount code! 👉 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁@𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲.𝗼𝗿𝗴
CCI Tunis, institutional partner
of IFSA Africa 2026, a leading trade show in the agri-food
sector in Africa
We are proud to announce that our member, the Tunis Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCITunis), is an institutional partner of IFSA Africa 2026, a leading trade shows in the agri-food sector in Africa., which will take place from June 9 to 11 at the Kram Exhibition Center in Tunis (Tunisia), under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy and the Ministry of Trade and Export Development. The CCITunis invites Mediterranean Chambers to participate in this major agri‑food event to showcase national products, join institutional or economic sessions, and strengthen business partnerships within the AfCFTA framework. For further information, please contact the Secretary General of the Chamber at the following address: dir.promocom@ccit.com.tn
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