The machines came online in 36 Tunisian ... The event will offer a one-day training on Production of ... The sectors of
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mediterranean business & economic updates january-february 2016
Ascame activity report From one year 2015 to another • Collaboration agreements signed with tens of regional and international institutions • 26 main organizations representative of the Mediterranean private sector joined forces and signed the 20+20 Declaration • Hundreds of ASCAME events and project’s activities • Thousands of participants across a series of
Ascame activity report 2015
sectorial and multi-sectorial events • Over 5,000 companies participating in ASCAME events and projects • Involved in more than 20 Euro-Mediterranean cooperation projects of the ASCAME network in the last years representing 52M€ of investments
Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Read the full report at www.ascame.org
ascameopinions
Promoting knowledgebased economy: the key for development and competitiveness of the Mediterranean Prof. Vidoje Vujic´, Ph.D. President of the ASCAME Commission for Innovation and ICT
“Development and improvement of entrepreneurial spirit through innovation and implementation of the communication technologies is the subject concerned by ASCAME Innovation and ICT Commission”
“Our vision is that the Mediterranean bases its development on knowledge as the fundamental resource of development and competitiveness”
Our vision is that the Mediterranean bases its development on knowledge as the fundamental resource of development and competitiveness, and that the region becomes distinguished for that in Europe and the world. Today, knowledge and innovations are closely related to development of entrepreneurial initiatives under which are the business people that contribute to a new economic and social development. The Croatian Chamber of Economy has recently established the database of innovators and innovations from the area of the Primorje and Gorski Kotar County, whose final purpose is innovations’ commercialization. The mentioned database will be soon available for its use. It will contain information on innovation, contact data of innovator, as well as the level of patents protection. We expect in the near future to have a similar Mediterranean database within the ASCAME network. It is very important that the Croatian Chamber of Economy together with the Mediterranean Chambers endeavours to strengthen capacities of the entrepreneurial structures, tie up researches and innovators that transform ideas to new products or upgrade processes and, in this way, create environment for jobs creation. The Croatian Chamber of Economy chairs the ASCAME Commission of Innovation and ICT, founded in 2010 in Opatija, Croatia. Its President, Prof. Vidoje Vujic´, Ph.D. invites the Chambers interested to actively participate in the Commission’s work aiming to develop and improve the entrepreneurial spirit, encourage and promote growth of innovation and use of new communication technologies. It is planned a more intense integration of informatics experts in the Mediterranean, as well as the implementation of the Communications-collaboration platform, service SaS – Software as a Service in cloud, for Innovation and ICT Commission and later for other ASCAME Commissions, possibly for the whole ASCAME organisation. It would contain the repository – knowledge based on the Mediterranean that would be used by all the Chambers, member companies and all stakeholders of the regional development: educational, research and development authorities. Our ultimate aim is to ensure the Mediterranean develops a knowledge-based economy and, to obtain this recognition on an international level.
For more information please click here 2
ascamenews The Mediterranean remains world leader in the tourism industry, in spite of economic and geopolitical challenges Barcelona, 21st January 2016 – International tourist arrivals increased by 4, 4% worldwide in 2015, reaching a total of 1.184 million tourists. The Mediterranean welcomed more than 30% of these total arrivals and, according to the recent report of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), this number should reach 500 million in 2030. This positive trend of the industry in the region significantly contributes to the economic growth and the development of the Mediterranean countries. It is necessary not only to further strengthen the industry, but also doing it in an innovative, sustainable and coordinated way. The Mediterranean tourist arrivals, which represents 30% of the tourist global revenues and it is estimated to be increased between 2 and 5% annually, according to the WTO data recently published, demonstrates its capacity to adapt to changes on a global competitive world. France, Italy, Greece, Spain and Turkey capture 80% of international tourist arrivals in the region. The prospects are also very positive in the north of the Mediterranean, especially in Balkans countries such as Montenegro or Croatia. In the South, many efforts are being made in this regard such as in Morocco. In spite of the persistent economic and geopolitical challenges, the tourist industry positions itself as a driver for the regional growth and the creation of millions of jobs every year. Even though the figures position the sector as a global leader, the Mediterranean tourism is still heterogeneous and fragmented. In a world every day more competitive led by innovation, the Mediterranean and its businesses have to find ways to offer
tourist services consistent with the current scenario. The Mediterranean countries not only have to keep consolidating the competitiveness of the sector, but also improve it with more conviction and as a priority, through alternative models such as the creation of green hotels; the creation of added value and transversal jobs, all with the key support of the private sector. In a word, we must bet on a sustainable tourism growth. Indeed, the 20+20 Declaration, which was launched last November in Barcelona, under the initiative of the Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME), and with the support of 26 regional and international organizations, takes into account these objectives and proposes the creation of a Mediterranean Tourism Agency and a common tourist brand. This new roadmap for the Euro-Mediterranean Association, stimulated by the private sector, proposes a sustainable and homogeneous tourist for the whole region, which may increase the competitiveness of businesses and SMEs of the sector. In this regard, ASCAME will organize on May in Mersin (Turkey) a new edition of MEDITOUR, the main forum dealing with the tourist industry in the region, in order to analyze the need to boost tourism, under the coordination between the countries from both shores of the Mediterranean: Which should be our strategy?, Which tools could be implemented by the economic actors?, Which are the prospects of the climate change?. Those are some of the points that will be discussed during this event. Undoubtedly, in order to make the tourist sector a tool able to raise levels of prosperity in the region, as outlined in the 20+20 Declaration, the collaboration between the public and private sector will be crucial. This collaboration may strengthen joint systems and tools of promotion and marketing, encouraging the Mediterranean tourism to be more competitive and to staying as a leader on the global market Please click here to download the press release Under the slogan “Rising Destinations of the Mediterranean & Rising the Mediterranean as a Destination”, the 7th edition of MEDITOUR, which will take place next 5- 6 May 2016 in Mersin (Turkey) will present the current state of the tourism industry in the Mediterranean. During two days, this forum will include diffrent topics such as the challenges that the Mediterranean tourism faces nowadays and the potential of this sector.
Meditour 2014, Barcelona
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ascamenews ASCAME participates in a Mediterranean tourism partnership to launch the “Phoenicians’ Route” tourism program for the Mediterranean (UfM), the Council of Europe and the Casa Mediterráneo.
Launching of the Phoenicians’ Route project, February 2015
Barcelona, 27 January 2016 – The Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) participated in the working group led by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the implementation of the “Phoenicians’ Route” tourism program. The international project focused on the Phoenicians’ Route was presented by the Minister of Tourism of Lebanon, Mr. Michel Pharaon at the meeting chaired by the Secretary General of UNWTO, D. Taleb Rifai, in the framework of the International Fair Tourism 2016 (FITUR), in Madrid. The project, which was supported in 2003 by the Council of Europe, involves various countries of the North and South of the Mediterranean and aims to implement a renowned regional tourism that generates significant economic benefits for the countries of the region. That is, stimulating the development and regional integration through the tourism sector. ASCAME, as a regional platform for economic integration of the Mediterranean, participated in the project since its inception in collaboration with countries and international organisations such as Ministries of Tourism of France, Lebanon, Spain and Tunisia, and the WTO, UNDP, UNESCO, the IMA, the Union
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The program, which is part of the Euro-Mediterranean dialogue and whose hub is established in Lebanon, seeks to raise awareness about the rich Phoenician heritage in the current regional trade in industries such as textiles. At the same time, it aims to create specific programs such as cultural, rural and ecological tourism routes around this route, which includes more than 2,800 kilometres across three continents and 18 Mediterranean countries such as France, Italy, Spain, or Tunisia. This program may reinforce the concept of “Mediterranean Global Brand”, in reference to a common heritage, with a variety of historical, cultural and gastronomic present beside both shores and shared by all peoples of the region. That is, promoting a “benchmark for specificity” that differentiates the Mediterranean from other tourist destinations. The promotion of tourism offers such as the Phoenicians’ Route, based on these common cultural, artistic and gastronomic expressions are a tool to consolidate the “Mediterranean Global Brand”, while promoting the richness and variety of the Mediterranean destinations. The current socio-economic challenges in the region require a sum of shared commitments and the commitment to common benefits. In other words, implementing an ambitious program to consolidate regional tourism growth, which is a key sector for the economies of the North and South of the Mediterranean. The “Phoenicians’ Route” tourism program will be, in the coming years, a tool that may revitalize regional tourism in an innovative and jointly manner in an environment as changing and competitive, where the private sector will play a key role. Please click here to download the press release
ascamenews ASCAME firmly condemns the terrorist attack in Istanbul volves a direct threat not only to the economy of the country, integrity and national security, but also to the stability and prosperity at regional and global level.
Barcelona, 13 January 2016 – The Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) firmly condemns the terrorist attack that was carried out in the Sultanahmet Square, in the heart of Istanbul, and extends our deepest condolences to the families of the tourists victims of the attack and the people of Turkey, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
The Mediterranean region faces great uncertainties, with economic crises, slow attempts at reforms and wars. This time represents a key stage in the move towards the economic and sociopolitical stability of the region, joining forces between the public and private sector. Otherwise, the regional destabilization may be too high and generalized to all areas. The current economic and sociopolitical problems of the Mediterranean region constitute a common challenge that calls for a coordinated and global approach.
Turkey, key country in the Mediterranean region, is the sixth most popular tourism destination in the world, attracting more than 30 million tourists annually. The tourism sector is a key driver of economic growth of the country, contributing 12 per cent of national GDP and employing directly and indirectly 2, 3 million people. Terrorist attacks, such as the one perpetrated in one of the most tourist zones of the Turkish city, in-
Please click here to download the statement
ASCAME ACTIVITY REPORT 2015: From one year to another In this ASCAME MedaNews’ edition, we would like to share with you our Annual Activity Report for the period 2015. The Report compiles all the ASCAME events and projects’ activities attended by more than 5000 companies during 2015.
strengthened its links with partners and local, regional, international networks and reinforced the voice of the private sector before the regional political agenda. We hope this publication will inspire and guide members and partners of ASCAME in our joint action for regional economic integration.
This publication aims to give an overview of our accomplishments over 2015, a year in which ASCAME
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The 20+20 Declaration brought the voice of the Mediterranean private sector to the leaders of the world
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The events we organize every year around the Mediterranean have become a must to promote concerted action and serve development
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ASCAME led directly or through the Chambers of the region a number of European projects, which certainly had a very positive effect on the advancement of the regional economy
Mohamed Choucair, President ASCAME
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ascameevents Video highlights Medaweek 2015 Watch testimonies of distinguished personalities from the Mediterranean economy to learn more about MedaWeek 2015. MedaWeek 2015 video highlights is already available on our website and Youtube channel. Four minutes containing images of the diverse forums organized and key testimonies of attendees. Read main conclusions of the event here
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ascameprojects FOSTEr in MED launches innovative solar photovoltaic plants in Lebanon
Barcelona, 17 February 2016 – A pilot plan on Building Integrated Photovoltaic technology (BIPV) has started to be implemented at the Lebanese University Campus in Hadath, Beirut, through the FOSTEr in MED project.
Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV), a technology still little used in the Mediterranean countries, is one of the most remarkable achievements of the project FOSTEr in MED, which is funded by EU ENPI CBC Med Programme. BIPV consists in the integration of photovoltaic modules in buildings as architectural elements. The advantages of this technology are outstanding, for example if photovoltaic systems are installed on buildings, no other land use is required and electricity is directly generated at the point of usage, this will reduce the distribution and transmission losses of public electricity networks. The Lebanese University Campus in Hadat (Beirut) is one of the 5 public buildings which will host the innovative solar photovoltaic plants in the regions involved in the project: Egypt, ASCAME is key partner of FOSTEr in Med, whose main aim is to transfer knowhow in the solar energy field, to implement a shared design methodology and to promote solar energy innovative technologies at civil society level in the Mediterranean region.
Solar photovoltaic plant implemented at the Lebanese University Campus in Hadath, Beirut
For more information about the project, please click here.
ascameevents VIII Mediterranean Women Entrepreneurs Forum (MEDAWOMEN) The VIII Mediterranean Women Entrepreneurs Forum (MEDAWOMEN) will be held in the Mena House Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on the 28th of April of 2016. This event, organized by ASCAME, the Association of Organizations of Mediterranean Businesswomen (AFAEMME) and the Egyptian Business Women Association (EBWA) will take place in the framework of the 11th African Congress for Women Entrepreneurs and the 4th Cairo Women Empowerment Summit and in collaboration with the 15th Anniversary of the Afro-Arab Congress for Business and Professionals Women and the Mediterranean Congress for Business and Professionals Women. The already renowned forum will focus this year on “Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Promotion For Women and Youth”. For more information about the event, please click here
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MedaWomen 2015, Barcelona
ascameprojects The Green MED Initiative project successfully engages students and companies from the Mediterranean region in Corporate Social Responsibilities’ activities
Barcelona, 17 February 2016 – Under the slogan «There is no planet B, Recycle!» , the Green MED Initiative (GMI) project has successfully engaged students and companies from the Mediterranean region in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities through the return of single-use beverage containers, hence reducing their ecological impact.
The ASCAME network project, funded by the EU under the ENPI CBC MED Programme, aims to be a step towards an innovative deposit return system in the Mediterranean region to encourage recycling of packaging waste. Since April 2015, a total of 233,520 bottles have been recycled thanks to the Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) installed in 4 Mediterranean cities: Barcelona, Beirut, Cagliari and Tunis. When returning their empty containers (cans and plastic bottles), users can get instant rewards based on the regional “Rewards & Challenges” programs specific to each of the regions. The GMI project was launched in 3 Catalan universities in April 2015, followed by 5 Sardinian schools in October 2015, and 25 Lebanese schools and universities in December 2015. The machines came online in 36 Tunisian schools during the second week of February 2016. The final deployment and implementation is expected in March 2016 in Alexandria. Today, Mediterranean cities still face a significant challenge of solid waste management. While the waste management problem is more critical in some countries of the Southern Mediterranean than the Northern Mediterranean countries, however both shores of the Mediterranean suffer from poor policies and practices for the management of their solid waste. Waste in the Mediterranean region poses a threat not only to the inhabitants of the region but also to the adjacent marine coastal environment. The Mediterranean Sea is highly affected by plastic dumping. The ASCAME network is strongly committed to the promotion of CSR and green economy in the Mediterranean. Certainly, the GMI project steps in as an attempt to encourage the young minds of the future and businesses to be environmentally responsible. For more information please visit the project’s website: www.gmiproject.eu and follow our news on Facebook (GMI project) and Twitter (@gmiproject)!
A RVM installed in a Lebanese school
Please click here to download the press release
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Chambers news
4th ICC MENA Conference The 4th ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) MENA Conference will take place from 11-13 April 2016 at the Park Hyatt in Dubai. The event will offer a one-day training on Production of documents, followed by two days of interactive sessions on topics such as corruption in international arbitration,
the role of in-house counsel in arbitration procedures, and ICC decisions and awards involving MENA parties. It is specially addressed to all legal professionals interested in international arbitration as an excellent opportunity to network. To register and learn more about this ICC Conference, visit the event’s website.
Match4Industry Business Matchmaking Event A Match4Industry Business Matchmaking Event will be organized on 26th & 27th May 2016 and be held at the SANTEK Industry and Technology Fair in Kocaeli, Turkey. Match4Industry is a part of “Doing Business Onsite”, a unique concept in matchmaking events that offer meetings held in company premises as well as the main event site.
Visits to either the TOSB Automotive Supplier Industrial Park or a leading automotive company will be available as optional programmes, offering the participants a chance to observe Kocaeli’s business environment. The sectors of interest are automotive supply, metal and machinery, plastics and rubber, tire, chemical (automotive paints and coatings, automotive care products), construction and construction materials, energy, environment, electric-electronics, information and communication technologies, woman entrepreneurship
Franchising Exhibition Croatia 2016 The Croation Chamber of Commerce organizes the 2nd International Fair of Franchising, Financial and Consulting services – FEC (Franchising Exbition Croatia), which will be held on 2nd and 3rd of June 2016 in Milenij hotels, Opatija. FEC is the first specialised fair of franchising, financial and consulting services in Primorje-Gorski kotar county, with the intention of becoming international. A scientific and professional conferente with topics related to franching, financial, advisory and other activities is planned as a part of FEC
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Franchising Exhibition, event, Croatia 2016
ascameagenda
march 2016
EUROMED INVEST Webinars Female entrepreneurship
BSO Co-operation & Mentoring Programme with Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Dahra Date 1st March - 31st May Subject E-communication, loyalty programs for members, FDI, preparation of starter kits for new entrepreneurs Information www.euromedinvest.eu
Date 28th - 29th March Location Cairo, Egypt
Location Online Subject Female entrepreneurship Information www.euromedinvest.eu
Location Dahra, Algeria
ASCAME EVENT - MEDA Finance
Date 27th April
ASCAME EVENT - VIII Mediterranean Women Entrepreneurs Forum
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Date 28th April
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Subject Mediterranean finances
Location Cairo, Egypt Subject Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship promotion for women and youth Information www.afaemme.org
Information www.euromedinvest.eu
International construction contracts and dispute resolution ICC Conference Date 29th - 30th March Location Istanbul, Turkey Subject Issues with the use of FIDIC Contracts in Turkey and the Middle East Information www.iccwbo.org
april 2016 International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) 4th Conference on international Arbitration in the MENA Date 11st - 13th April Location Dubai, United Arab Emirates Subject Practising lawyers, corporate counsel, arbitrators, mediators, business professionals and academics Information www.iccwbo.org
Mentor Plus (Entrepreuneurs) Date 23th - 24th April Location Beirut, Lebanon Subject Young Lebanese entrepreneurship Information www.ccib.org.lb
may 2016 ASCAME EVENT - 7th Mediterranean Tourism Forum - Meditour 2016 Date 5st - 6th May Location Mersin, Turkey
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Subject The current state of the tourism industry in the Mediterranean Information www.mtso.org.tr
Roadshow Biennale de la Mode 2016 Date 19th May Location Marseille, France Subject Networking of Euro-Mediterranean actors in Textile field of activity Information www.ccib.org.lb
ICC Institute Training level 1 on International Contracts Date 30st May - 2th June Location Paris, France Subject Negotiations and conflict resolution Information www.iccwbo.org
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ASCAME events
ASCAME (Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry) ASCAME is a non-profit organization that represents the Mediterranean private sector and regroups the Chambers of Commerce of the North and South Shores of the Mediterranean, as well analogous entities. ASCAME has for objective the promotion of the Mediterranean worldwide, the economic integration and the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. For more information www.ascame.org
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[email protected] www.ascame.org
Edited by ASCAME
