ASCAME welcomes the new presidency

Mr. Josep Santacreu, President of the CCI of Barcelona, was elected President of ASCAME by the institution's Executive Committee on November 18

Mr. Josep Santacreu, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Barcelona, has been elected President of ASCAME by the institution’s Executive Committee, the institution’s highest decision-making body, which met on the 18th of November at the Llotja de Mar in Barcelona. Santacreu’s candidacy was approved unanimously by the Executive Committee, subsequently validated by ASCAME’s General Secretariat, and ratified by the General Assembly.

Alongside the election of the new President, the Committee approved both the renewal of ASCAME’s Board of Directors and the restructuring of its commissions, ensuring that the institution’s mission remains aligned with the evolving economic context of the region. It also endorsed the creation of the ASCAME Senate, to be chaired by the outgoing President, Mr. Ahmed El Wakil, who will remain closely linked to ASCAME as Honorary President, Vice President, and President of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.
 
Mr. Santacreu pointed out: “I accept the responsibility of serving as President of ASCAME with the utmost respect for Mr. El Wakil’s legacy. I do so with humility and determination, committed to advancing the interests of the Mediterranean private sector and to building a stronger, more united, and more resilient Mediterranean for generations to come”.

ASCAME launches the Barcelona Declaration for Mediterranean Economic Development to strengthen cooperation in the region

The Declaracion, launched with partners from Europe, Africa, and the Arab world, sets a strategic roadmap for Mediterranean economic development

On 18 November, following the meetings of the Executive Committee and General Assembly, ASCAME launched the Barcelona Declaration for Mediterranean Economic Development, together with leading business organisations from Europe, Africa, and the Arab world. This landmark document outlines 30 initiatives designed to strengthen regional cooperation, drive innovation, and promote sustainable prosperity across the Mediterranean.

The Declaration, which will be submitted to the European Commission, was formally presented by Mr. Josep Santacreu, the newly elected President of ASCAME, Mr. 𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗹, ASCAME’s newly appointed Vice President and Honorary President; Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, ASCAME's General Coordinator, and Dr. Khaled Hanafy, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers. The following are some of the key statements contained in the Declaration:
 
✅ The private sector must evolve from a passive observer to a proactive leader, driving inclusive growth, generating employment, and advancing regional integration.

✅  Businesses, Chambers of Commerce, and entrepreneurial networks must come together to build a dynamic ecosystem that connects markets, empowers communities, and drives innovation.
✅The Barcelona Declaration embodies a shared commitment to Mediterranean cooperation for the next decade, structured around seven strategic pillars: economic integration, human capital, green and blue economy, digital innovation, private investment, food security, and culture and tourism.

✅ Every action under this declaration is anchored in five essential cross-cutting priorities: Gender equality and youth empowerment, climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure, public–private partnerships and innovative finance; regional security and inclusive governance, alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
 

ASCAME's members and partners meet European Commission representative Mr. Stefano Sannino

An open dialogue with Mr. Sannino allowed ASCAME members and partners

to share impressions on the Mediterranean’s new direction and address key challenges and opportunities for the region

Within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Economic & Business Forum 2025, ASCAME's members and partners had the opportunity to meet Mr. Stefano Sannino, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf (DG MENA). The gathering also featured the participation of ASCAME’s newly elected President, Mr. Josep Santacreu, and its new Vice President and Honorary President, Mr. Ahmed El Wakil.

During the meeting, Mr. Sannino highlighted ASCAME’s on-the-ground knowledge of the region’s challenges, as well as the major opportunities to advance economic development in ways that positively impact society: "ASCAME is key to the successful implementation of the new Pact for the Mediterranean, launched this year by the European Commission to reinforce cooperation and economic integration across the region". The European Commission representative stressed the importance of engaging all economic and social actors in the new Mediterranean Pact – from the public and private sectors to universities, start-ups, and civil society –, placing particular emphasis on the crucial role of the Chambers of Commerce and business associations.

📍 MEMBERS CORNER

Interview with Mr. Moncef BEN JEMAA, President of the CCI of Tunis: “Strengthening Tunisia’s competitiveness means opening doors to the world through innovation, investment, and exports”

In an economic landscape shaped by both challenges and opportunities, the Tunis Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIT), a member of the ASCAME network, plays a strategic role in supporting the growth and competitiveness of Tunisian businesses. Under the leadership of Mr. Moncef BEN JEMAA, the CCIT is firmly committed to strengthening the competitiveness of local enterprises by facilitating their international expansion, attracting foreign investment, and promoting exports.

Through these efforts, the Chamber seeks to stimulate economic growth, encourage investment, and contribute to improving the quality of life for citizens. At the same time, the CCIT has positioned itself as a key driver of sustainable development in the Tunis region, identifying sectors with strong growth potential and guiding businesses in their green transition and digital transformation.

We explored these crucial issues with Mr. BEN JEMAA in this interview, which sheds light on the CCIT’s vision and priorities for building a modern, responsible, and globally competitive economy.

ASCAME Insights                                                               Institutional Events

Three decades after the launch of the Barcelona Process, Mr. Anwar Zibaoui (ASCAME) advocates for Barcelona as

the center of a dynamic Mediterranean economic area

"Barcelona must lead the Mediterranean’s economic future”,  affirms Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, General Coordinator of ASCAME, in an article published by 'Expansión', drawing on the legacy of the 1995 Barcelona Process.

In a recent opinion article published in Expansión, Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, General Coordinator of ASCAME, reflects on the legacy and future of the Barcelona Process, three decades after its launch in 1995. Conceived to bring Europe and the Mediterranean closer together, the initiative remains a cornerstone for building a more stable, prosperous, and integrated region.

According to Mr. Zibaoui, “the current political climate falls short of the original promise of a Mediterranean governed by peace, shared values, democracy, and the rule of law.” Thirty years on, he observes, "conflicts persist, regional leadership remains fragmented, and the European Union appears stalled".

In this context, Mr. Zibaoui calls for a profound reset in Euro-Mediterranean relations, which have long been shaped by a donor–beneficiary dynamic. He argues that “moving toward a partnership built on equal footing would foster more inclusive economies and promote greater social well-being on both shores”. To achieve this, he proposes “revitalizing the spirit of Barcelona through a new roadmap centered on economic cooperation, green transition, digital transformation, and intercultural dialogue”.

In his opinion, “the vocation of Barcelona is as relevant and necessary today as it was 30 years ago”. Over the past three decades, the city has built experience and launched initiatives capable of bridging divides, creating opportunities, and shaping a shared future. To position Barcelona as a hub of a thriving Mediterranean economic area, he stresses "the need to align political will, mobilize resources, and develop a unified public-private strategy”.

ASCAME members share strategic insights at the Euro-Mediterranean Forum 2025, held at Casa Llotja de Mar

in Barcelona

Members played a leading role across the Forum’s sessions, contributing strategic insights and fostering dialogue on the Mediterranean’s economic future.

On 19 November, ASCAME members actively participated in thematic sessions within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Economic & Business Forum 2025, held at the iconic Casa Llotja de Mar in Barcelona. These sessions provided a platform to exchange perspectives on the key economic sectors driving the region’s future, the role of Industry 4.0 in ushering in a new era of innovation, and strategies to enhance investment attraction. 

Mr. Fadi Saab, President of ASCAME’s Commission “Integrity Values & Business Ethics Commission, and Chairman & CEO of Trans Capital Finance, participated in the session 'Driving Competitiveness: Opportunities for the Mediterranean Automotive Industry'.

The session entitled 'Startup Incubators, Accelerators & Innovation Ecosystems: Building the Next Unicorns' counted on the participation of two ASCAME members. On one hand, Mr. Habib Hammami, President of the Sfax Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Tunisia). On the other hand, Mr. Muamer Mahmutović, President of the Sarajevo – Canton Chamber of Economy (Bosnia). 

In addition, Dr.. Alaa Ezz, Secretary General of the Confederation of Egyptian European Chambers (CEEBA), participated in the session entitled ‘Unlocking Growth: Special Economic Zones as Catalysts for Industrialization & Trade’, focusing on the unprecedented relocation of businesses to the Mediterranean, particularly in the South. 

Finally, the track ‘Investment Policies & Tax Incentives: Attracting FDI in the Mediterranean’ featured two representatives from ASCAME. Firstly, Mr. Dimitrios F. Bakalis, Project Manager of EU-funded projects at the Ilia Chamber of Commerce (Greece). Secondly, Ms. Rym Ayadi, President and Founder of ASCAME’s partner, the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA).  

ASCAME Projects

Dialogue4Tourism strengthens Mediterranean sustainable tourism through key events in Malta and Bulgaria

In recent weeks, the Dialogue4Tourism Project (D4T)— with ASCAME as a key partner — participated in two major events on sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean. The first one was an online session addressing innovative practices, nature-based solutions, and tailored policies for sustainable tourism in islands, in the context of the 10th Greening the Islands Foundation International Conference, in Gozo (Malta). On behalf of D4T, Mr. Luis Miranda, Project Manager at ASCAME, presented the main goals of the D4T governance project, from the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, aiming at strengthening the institutional capacity of local and regional actors in the Euro-MED on sustainable tourism, improving the coordination level, and transforming tourism into a greener and more resilient sector.

ASCAME highlighted three key elements in the efforts deployed by the D4T project for a more sustainable tourism sector. Firstly, the Sustainable Tourism Policy Labs (STPLs) addressed local and regional institutions and stakeholders to increase their capacities on sustainable tourism topics. Secondly, the MED Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), which connects MED stakeholders to exchange ideas, data, tools and best practices. Thirdly, a set of white papers, created by the Sustainable Tourism Mission, which provides evidence and best practices on sustainable tourism.

On 18 November, the D4T Project led the 2nd Testing workshop of the STPLs, which was held in the framework of the 3rd Joint Annual Forum in Varna (Bulgaria). The meeting, organised under the Interreg Euro-MED Programme’s Sustainable Tourism Mission, provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen institutional dialogue and cooperation towards greener, smarter, and more resilient tourism across the Mediterranean. Among all the results of Varna’s workshop, it is worth highlighting the concrete and highly applicable solutions identified by participants in the “Circular economy discussion” for Varna’s tourism sector, particularly within hospitality and food management. 

STAPLES Project advances research on cereal value chain resilience in Fès–Meknès with ASCAME and regional partners

In November, the STAPLES Project –in which ASCAME is one of its strategic partners– advanced its research in the Fès-Meknès region in Morocco, focusing on the resilience of local cereal value chains under external stress factors and global market shocks. This work was carried out in collaboration with ASCAME’s member, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Fès–Meknès (CCIS Fès–Meknès), as part of the PRIMA Programme. The research in Fès–Meknès contributed to the broader STAPLES mission of:

✅ Strengthening food security in the MENA region.
✅ Reducing dependence on cereal imports. 
✅  Enhancing resilience of local supply chains against global market volatility.
✅  Empowering both public institutions and private actors.

The first research area assessed vulnerabilities and strengths through field interviews with smallholders and stakeholders across the supply chain, providing a clearer picture of its capacity to withstand disruptions. A second research area focused on developing strategies to reinforce local production and reduce dependence on imports, with a particular emphasis on evidence-based solutions.

Within this framework, Task 2.1 will identify trade policies that can enhance resilience and limit reliance on non-Mediterranean countries, drawing on semi-structured interviews with smallholders and key stakeholders in Morocco, Egypt, and Spain. Complementing this, Task 2.2 will address storage and strategic reserves, testing collective storage systems and conducting field surveys with farmers – especially women smallholders – to improve access to reserves and ensure greater stability in cereal supply.

The opening event of this research in the city of Fès, on the 17th of November,  counted on the participation of Mr. Abdellah Yagani, Vice President of the Chamber of Agriculture of Fès-Meknès, Mr. Mehdi Laraqui, Vice President of the CCIS Fès–Meknès, and Ms. Dina Moawad, researcher at the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISIG). After the opening, a series of interviews was conducted from the 17th to the 21st of November in the cities of Fès and Meknès, with smallholders and key stakeholders of the region of Fès Meknès.

ASCAME News & Events

Gold medal distinction for

Mr. Ahmed El Wakil

During the Gala Dinner of the Euro-Mediterranean Economic & Business Forum, the newly elected President of ASCAME, Mr. Josep Santacreu, awarded a gold medal to the outgoing President, Mr. Ahmed El Wakil.  The ceremony, attended by Mr. Josep Rull, President of the Parliament of Catalonia, recognized Mr. El Wakil’s long-standing commitment to the economic development of the Mediterranean region and to fostering cooperation between its two shores.

In his speech, Mr. El Wakil thanked the ASCAME community “for their generosity,” adding that “receiving this medal is a great honor.” He continued: “I am convinced that trade is, and must continue to be, a powerful force for peace and prosperity. This has been central to the philosophy of Chambers of Commerce since their creation. The founders of the International Chamber of Commerce called themselves ‘the merchants of peace.’ A peace that our Mediterranean region needs now more than ever”.

ASCAME and PAM co-organise a side event on the blue economy at the Mediterranean COP24

ASCAME, together with our partner, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), will co-organise a side event on the blue economy at the 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙊𝙋𝟮𝟰, to be held on December 4 in Cairo (Egypt). Entitled “The Blue Economy: Ensuring Synergies between the Private Sector and Parliamentarians in the Mediterranean Region”, the event will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and international partners to explore coordinated solutions for sustainable maritime development, showcasing a model of effective Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Registration is still available! 👉 https://n9.cl/72rww

Countdown to MedaWomen 2025

Join us in Izmir (Turkey) on December 2–3 for the 17th edition of the Mediterranean Women Entrepreneurs Forum — the reference forum for women entrepreneurs in the Mediterranean region. This event, to be held in the framework of MEDSPARC Business Summit, will be co-organized by ASCAME, the Association of Business Women in Izmir İZİKAD, the Federation of Mediterranean Businesswomen Organisations (AFAEMME), and the Federation of Associations of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Western Anatolia, with the support of ASCAME’s member, the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, and BASIFED. The summit has become the main platform for analyzing the most pressing challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the Mediterranean. Register now! 👉 https://n9.cl/tjpf1

D4T Digital Awareness Event: Strengthening governance

in sustainable tourism

The Dialogue4Tourism Project (D4T) will host an online Digital Awareness Event on 10 December 2025, from 12:00 to 14:00 (CET). Organised in the framework of the Sustainable Tourism Mission and following its 3rd Joint Annual Forum, the event is coordinated by the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism of Poreč (Croatia) together with El legado andalusí –leader and strategic partner of the D4T Project–. The Digital Awareness Event will recap the achievements and tools already in use, inspiring collective actions through the transfer and capitalisation of the Mission’s activities. It also aims to foster cross-project dialogue, encouraging reflection on tools and actions while shaping future initiatives.

▶️ Agenda & link for the event! 👉 https://n9.cl/mzfyrh

The Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Benghazi supports the 'Global Competitive Urban Planning Initiative' in Benghazi

ASCAME's member, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Benghazi, will support the Global Competitive Urban Planning Initiative - Benghazi (GCUPI-B), which will take place on 8-10 December in Benghazi (Libya). Launched by the Fund for Development and Reconstruction of Libya, this international competition aims to design the future Central Business District (CBD) of Benghazi. Through this initiative, Benghazi is set to emerge as a dynamic international economic capital and a global hub for trade and logistics. The Benghazi Chamber of Commerce plays a pivotal institutional role, ensuring the initiative aligns with the city’s economic vision and mobilizing both local and international stakeholders in the reconstruction process.

▶️ Register now! 👉 https://n9.cl/x5goo5

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