ASCAME Executive Committee meets in Cagliari to review

Key Achievements and Future Priorities

Held in Cagliari in the framework of MedaCity Forum 2026, ASCAME’s second Executive Committee of the year brought together 16 Mediterranean Chambers and marked Syria’s return after 14 years. 

On the 1st of October, ASCAME held its second Executive Committee meeting of the year at the headquarters of the Camera di Commercio di Cagliari-Oristano in Sardinia (Italy), within the framework of MedaCity Forum 2026,  hosted by this Chamber for the second consecutive year. With 15 of our 19 member Chambers represented, both in person and online, the meeting marked an important milestone for our association. We were especially proud to welcome Syria back to ASCAME after 14 years, including the return of the Chamber of Commerce of Latakia, reaffirming our commitment to dialogue, cooperation and shared prosperity across the Mediterranean.

The meeting highlighted ASCAME’s growing recognition as the representative voice of the Mediterranean private sector before EU institutions and underscored the strategic importance of the Pact for the Mediterranean as a key framework to strengthen public-private dialogue, unlock new opportunities for regional cooperation, and ensure that the priorities of Mediterranean businesses and SMEs are reflected in European policymaking.

ASCAME's Executive Committee also provided an opportunity to review the implementation of ASCAME's new Strategic Plan, developed through a highly participatory process involving all member Chambers. The results are already tangible: stronger institutional visibility, greater engagement with European stakeholders, and a renewed capacity to contribute to cooperation, stability and sustainable growth across the Mediterranean. This renewed momentum has also led to the incorporation of new member Chambers, including those of Mauritania, Murcia and Latakia, further consolidating ASCAME’s position as the largest representative network of Chambers of Commerce in the Mediterranean.

From Challenges to Solutions: Advancing the Pact for the Mediterranean at MedaCity Forum 2026

A key milestone was the ASCAME Lab for the Pact, bringing together 23 companies and organisations from 7 Mediterranean countries to identify priorities and opportunities for Euro-Me diterranean cooperation.

Following the success of previous editions, the Mediterranean community once again came together on 1-2 October in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) for the Mediterranean Cities Economic Forum, MedaCity Forum 2026, dedicated to the role of cities and businesses in driving economic and social development across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Cagliari-Oristano, in collaboration with ASCAME, the summit brought together institutional representatives, local authorities, international organisations, Chambers of Commerce, universities, businesses and stakeholders from across the Mediterranean.  Discussions focused on the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean and key regional challenges, including investment, sustainability, tourism, ports and territorial development. The forum underscored the importance of translating political dialogue into tangible opportunities for businesses, local communities and citizens. 

A key milestone of the forum was the workshop entitled ASCAME Lab for the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean, which brought together 23 companies and organisations from seven countries to identify needs, opportunities and initiatives capable of contributing to the implementation of the priorities envisaged by the Pact.  Participants highlighted the need to reduce regulatory barriers, improve access to finance and strengthen partnerships between the two shores of the Mediterranean. The discussions also led to the endorsement of three pilot initiatives for 2027, focusing on maritime training, logistics connectivity and sustainable infrastructure. The dialogue will continue in November at the Euro-Mediterranean Economic & Business Forum – The Piraeus Edition.

Institutional Meetings with the Delegation of the CCIS Agadir - Souss Massa in Catalonia

The visit aimed to strengthen institutional partnerships and explore new avenues for cooperation through meetings with the Chambers of Palamós

and Girona, the Port of Palamós, and DFactory Barcelona.

Following the successful edition of Meditour, the Euro-Mediterranean Tourism Forum, held in Agadir (Morocco) last June, ASCAME, led by its President, Dr. Josep Santacreu, welcomed a delegation from the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Agadir–Souss Massa to the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce on 13 October. The delegation included Vice-President Mr. Bachir Ahechmoud, Regional Director Mr. Ramy Abderrahim and Head of Strategy and Partnerships Mr. Rabya Aqel. 

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding ties between both institutions and identified new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as training and capacity building, knowledge exchange, regular coordination among ASCAME Chamber Directors, and the organisation of future joint initiatives and events.

The delegation also met with Mr. Pol Fages, President of the Palamós Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of the Port of Palamós, a key maritime hub on the Costa Brava. Both Agadir and Palamós share a commitment to leveraging their ports to drive economic development, connectivity and international cooperation. The visit also included a meeting with Mr. Jaume Fàbrega Vilà, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Girona, focused on identifying areas of mutual interest and fostering stronger institutional cooperation.

The visit concluded at DFactory Barcelona, an advanced industry and Industry 4.0 innovation hub promoted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB). The delegation met with Mr. Pere Navarro, Special State Delegate of the CZFB, and Ms. Blanca Sorigué, its General Director, to learn about DFactory’s innovative ecosystem and explore opportunities to foster industrial transformation, talent development and sustainable economic growth in the Souss Massa region. 

📍 MEMBERS            CORNER

Interview with Mr. Anas Deeb Joud, President of the Latakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Syria): “Our goal is not simply to rebuild Syria, but to create a more open, dynamic, and prosperous economy connected to the Mediterranean”

The return of the Latakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to ASCAME marks a significant milestone for both the Syrian business community and Mediterranean economic cooperation. After years away due to the conflict, the Chamber has officially rejoined the association, reaffirming Syria’s commitment to regional engagement, dialogue, and shared prosperity. This renewed participation was highlighted by the presence of Mr. Anas Deeb Joud, President of LCCI, at ASCAME’s latest Executive Committee meeting in Cagliari, as well as at MedaCity Forum 2026, where representatives from across the Mediterranean gathered to discuss the future of cooperation, investment and sustainable development in the region.

In this interview, Mr. Joud reflects on the significance of LCCI’s return to ASCAME, Syria’s economic recovery and reintegration into Mediterranean markets, and the role of Chambers of Commerce in fostering stability, trust and business partnerships. He also shares his vision for rebuilding international economic ties, attracting investment, strengthening public-private cooperation and positioning Syria as a dynamic bridge between Europe, the Arab world and Asia.

ASCAME Projects                                                                                                 

Interreg NEXT MED and PRIMA foster Dialogue on the Future

of Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation at MedaCity Forum 2026

Euro-Mediterranean cooperation was at the heart of MedaCity Forum 2026, which kicked off with the workshop "The Main Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation Programmes: Interreg NEXT MED and PRIMA - Current Programming Period and Future Challenges". The session featured the participation of Mr. Emanuele Cabras, EuroMed Cooperation Advisor at the Chamber of Commerce of Cagliari-Oristano; Mr. Aldo Puleo, Programme Manager of Interreg NEXT MED; and Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Wageih, Project Officer at PRIMA.

The main objective of the workshop was to foster dialogue on Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and provide an overview of the strategic priorities for the region. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with programme managers and explore potential synergies.

The Managing Authorities of Interreg NEXT MED and PRIMA explored the future of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, highlighting the importance of innovation, research, sustainability, and cross-border partnerships in addressing shared regional challenges. 

The SMAC Project

at the Ripollès Sustainable Tourism Forum

The SMAC (Sustainability Model for Accommodation MSMEs) Project, in which ASCAME is a strategic partner, was presented on the 29th of September at the Ripollès Sustainable Tourism Forum, organised by the Consell Comarcal del Ripollès in Ripoll, Catalonia (Spain).

The forum hosted the First Stakeholders' Meeting of the project, bringing together tourism stakeholders, organizations, and local representatives to discuss priorities for a more sustainable and resilient tourism model. This Interreg NEXT MED project, led by the Chamber of Drama, tackles the urgent need for sustainability in the tourism sector by supporting accommodation MSMEs, many of which lack the digital tools and expertise needed to adopt greener practices.

Representing the SMAC Project, Ms. Estela Delgado, ASCAME's Projects Area Manager, presented the initiative's mission: making sustainable tourism practical, accessible, and inclusive for accommodation MSMEs. She also highlighted two key tools developed by the project: the Simplified Sustainability Model for Accommodation (SSMA) and the Artificial Intelligence Recommendation Tool (AIRET), designed to help small businesses turn sustainability into a competitive advantage.

The session provided valuable insights into local challenges, needs, and opportunities, helping shape the project's next steps and ensure its actions respond to the realities of the territory.

 ASCAME  Insights                                                             ASCAME Partnerships                         

Mr. Vassilis Korkidis (Piraeus CCI) explores the Link between Energy Costs and Europe's Competitiveness Gap

Energy affordability and predictability are becoming decisive factors for the competitiveness of European businesses. In a new article, Mr. Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Vice President of ASCAME, warns that energy costs remain a major challenge for European competitiveness and entrepreneurship.

While energy prices have eased in some areas, high and unpredictable costs continue to discourage investment, with 75% of EU firms identifying energy expenses as a barrier. According to him, SMEs are particularly vulnerable due to limited financial resources and lower capacity to manage price volatility.

The article argues that affordable and predictable energy is essential for business growth and highlights opportunities in energy efficiency, renewables and energy services. To strengthen European competitiveness, Mr. Korkidis calls for greater support for SMEs, improved access to long-term energy contracts, enhanced infrastructure, targeted relief measures and a stronger role for Chambers of Commerce in helping businesses navigate the energy transition.

Med.TV becomes the Official Media Partner of ASCAME's Flagship Events

In the framework of the last ASCAME Executive Committee meeting held in Cagliari, President Dr. Josep Santacreu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mr. Anton Tabone, Founder & Chairman of Med.TV. This is a media and broadcasting organisation active across the Mediterranean region and committed to promoting economic, cultural, institutional, and business cooperation through television and digital content.  

Through this agreement, Med.TV becomes the official media partner of ASCAME’s flagship events, helping amplify the visibility of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, giving a stronger voice to Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and the private sector, and showcasing initiatives that contribute to the region’s economic and social development.

The first event covered by Med.TV was MedaCity Forum 2026. The next major milestone will be the Euro-Mediterranean Business & Economic Forum, scheduled for 18-19 November in Athens (Greece). Together with Med.TV, we look forward to bringing stories, ideas and opportunities shaping the future of the Mediterranean closer to businesses, institutions and citizens across the region.

ASCAME News & Events

Countdown to the Euro-Mediterranean Economic

& Business Forum 2026

The second edition of the Euro-Mediterranean Economic & Business Fórum - The Piraeus Edition will take place in Athens on 18-19 November under the theme “Pact for the Mediterranean: Building a Common Mediterranean Space with the Private Sector”. Jointly organised by ASCAME, the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), in collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and key regional partners, the forum will bring together ministers, institutions, business leaders, Chambers of Commerce, SMEs, investors and entrepreneurs from across Europe and the Mediterranean.

The event will also host the 18th edition of MedaWomen, organised by AFAEMME, focusing on the opportunities and challenges of AI for women entrepreneurs, leadership and business growth across the Mediterranean region. Additionally, on the morning of 18 November, ASCAME will hold its General Assembly, where members and partners will ratify the strategic lines approved at the latest Executive Committee meeting held in Cagliari (Italy) in October.

➡️ Registration is open! 👉 https://n9.cl/1qlue 

 ASCAME engages Spanish Chambers around New

Strategic Plan

At the end of September, Dr. Josep Santacreu, together with the ASCAME team, met with representatives from the Spanish Chambers of Commerce of Málaga, Mallorca, Manresa, Murcia, Reus and Seville to strengthen cooperation and present ASCAME’s new vision and Strategic Action Plan 2026–2028. The discussions highlighted ASCAME’s four main pillars: Business Network, EU Projects, Business Opportunities, and Advocacy & Positioning. The meeting aimed to increase Chamber engagement in ASCAME activities, encourage participation in flagship events, and foster stronger collaboration across the Mediterranean business community.

The Future Mediterranean University (MEDUNI) takes centre stage at the UfM Higher Education and Research Week

ASCAME recently participated in the UfM Higher Education and Research Week in Barcelona, represented by Ms. Consuelo Navarro, Special Advisor, and Ms. Andrea Mullerat, Executive Coordinator, alongside national representatives from UfM Member States and regional organisations to discuss the future of higher education, research and innovation in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

A key focus was MEDUNI, a flagship initiative of the Pact for the Mediterranean aimed at fostering academic cooperation and a common Mediterranean knowledge space. Under the FIAP pillar, together with IEMed, ASCAME will lead the private sector working group, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of businesses are reflected in the development of the future Mediterranean University.

STAPLES Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues on Food Security and Cereal Value Chains

As a strategic partner of the STAPLES Project, funded by PRIMA, ASCAME is pleased to support two upcoming Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues on Food Security and Cereal Value Chains, bringing together policymakers, researchers, farmers, businesses and other key stakeholders to advance sustainable and resilient agri-food systems across the Mediterranean.

 ✅  Cairo (Egypt), 9 November: This dialogue will focus on strengthening food security and cereal value chains in Egypt and the Mediterranean through the presentation of STAPLES project findings, thematic discussions on water scarcity, traditional cereals and resilience, as well as policy-oriented exchanges and networking opportunities. ➡️ Register now! 👉 https://lnkd.in/euQuHkYJ 

 ✅  Rabat (Morocco), 1 December: Building on the project's results, this event will address key regional challenges such as food security, climate change, water scarcity and trade disruptions. Participants will contribute to the validation of recommendations and explore innovative solutions to enhance the resilience and sustainability of Mediterranean cereal value chains. ➡️ Register now! 👉 https://n9.cl/o6ens

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