ASCAME

🌙 ✨ Ramadan Mubarak!

💡 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆’𝘀 ‘𝗘𝗨-𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽’ 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 G𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗮. 📌 The initiative, launched by the Sustainable Development Investment Partnership (SDIP) and co-organized by ASCAME in collaboration with Círculo de Comercio e Industria Hispano-Argelino and AMEC, had four main objectives: examining key success factors for doing business in Algeria, identifying high-growth sectors, sharing strategies to facilitate companies’ internationalization, and exploring new collaboration opportunities. 🗨️ During the event, ASCAME was represented by Ms. Andrea Mullerat Masip, ASCAME’s Corporate Development & Marketing, on behalf of our General Coordinator, Mr. Anwar Zibaoui. Ms. Mullerat highlighted that “ASCAME is strongly committed to fostering economic opportunities in the Mediterranean and Algeria stands as a strategic market with immense potential for investment and business expansion”. Her speech focused on four key factors that anticipate a promising future for Algeria: 1️⃣ The rise of Africa's power, with Algeria's increasingly strategic position as a bridge between Europe, the Maghreb, and the African continent. 2️⃣ The growing industrialization of North Africa, with a potential for more than 150 million jobs. 3️⃣ The geopolitical vision of Algiers, which promotes an axis of communication with China through West Africa, connecting the Algerian capital with Lagos, in Nigeria. 4️⃣ The strength of the Algerian diaspora is numerous and dynamic in Europe. 🙋♂️ Thank you for inviting us to participate in this workshop! This has been an excellent opportunity to generate synergies, exchange knowledge, and consolidate strategic relationships that promote the region's sustainable development. 📸 In the first photo taken, from left to right: Mr. Ismael Martin, General Director at Círculo de Comercio e Industria Hispano Argelino; Ms. Imene Khechai, Head of Studies at the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI); Mme. SINI, Consul General of Argelia (Consulate General of Algeria in Barcelona); and Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, ASCAME's General Coordinator.

📍 ASCAME PROJECTS I 𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙖 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙜 𝙉𝙀𝙓𝙏 𝙈𝙀𝘿 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤 𝙎𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨. 🔸 Today’s session is part of the #GREENMED Tour around different Mediterranean countries which aims to present in detail the Interreg NEXT MED Programme's Call for Green Transition Projects, worth €83.7 million in European Union’s contribution. This initiative aims to foster cooperation across the Mediterranean to address critical climate challenges while promoting sustainable growth, adaptation, resilience and just transition. 🔸 During the event, participants learned about the call’s topics and features, rules for participation, budget issues, use of the e-application form and tips for successful project development. This session counted on the participation of Mr. Vincent Ernoux, Coordinator of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme for the Western Mediterranean, apart from the following speakers: ✅ Mr. Pablo Broseta Dupré, Regional Secretary for the European Union and the Spanish autonomous regions. ✅ Ms. Tamara Pavlin, Programme Manager, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission ✅ Mr. Ricardo Sánchez-Blanco Codorniu, Deputy Director General RELEX and Trade Relations with the European Union ✅ Ms. Giovanna Medde, Director General, Managing Authority of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. 🗨️ They all talked about the following topics: the transnational and joint approach of the project involving multiple countries, the focus on young people leading green transition projects, the common environmental challenges in the Mediterranean region, the need for cooperation and partnerships to face the sustainable transition challenge, and the link between innovation and sustainability. In total, there are 175 projects and 15 different countries involved. ▶️ Remember that the deadline to apply for it is mid-April. Find out more info about the Call for Proposals on Green Transition Projects! 👉 https://n9.cl/84vbj8

📝 ASCAME's February Newsletter is now available! 🔎 Do not miss ASCAME's latest updates, exclusive content, and exclusive promotions for our members. Here is a sneak peek of what is inside: ✅ Within this newsletter we highlight two main headlines, Firstly, the countdown to MedaLogistics Week 2025, focusing on the Mediterranean as a global trade and logistics hub. Secondly, the new agreement achieved with Leitat Technological Center to promote the digitalisation of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and to improve companies' competitiveness. ✅ The MEMBER'S CORNER section includes two interviews with Mr. Muneim Elsaeti, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture Benghazi (BENCCI) , and Mr. Jose Carlos Escribano, President of Cámara de Comercio de Málaga. ✅ ASCAME INSIGHTS: ASCAME's General Coordinator Mr. Anwar Zibaoui warns in Expansión about Trump's decision to freeze foreign assistance programs. On the other hand, we share an opinion article written by Mr. Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, about the EU 'Competitiveness Compass' impact on Mediterranean companies. ✅ ASCAME PROJECTS: Interreg NEXT MED Programme's Info Days on the Call for Green Transition Projects. ✅ ASCAME News & Events. ▶️ Subscribe to our newsletter today and stay updated with our latest news! 👉 https://n9.cl/p31pj

📍 Today, Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, ASCAME’s General Coordinator, met with Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO's Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO regional office - Bahrain), to drive a strategic agreement between the two institutions. The agreement contemplates different lines of action, including the following ones: ✅ Creation of centers for entrepreneurship, start-ups and incubators at the headquarters of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce, following the example of those existing in the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (Egypt) and in the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Morocco). ✅ Fostering the creative economy in the Mediterranean region, in collaboration with multilateral organizations and associations representing the sector in Europe. The main objective is to create specific promotion, training and financing programs. ✅ Assisting Mediterranean SMEs in their technological and digital transformation process through financing programs and advice and consultancy on the impact of digitization on their competitiveness and long-term stability. ✅ Promoting the green economy, especially organic agriculture, through events and joint projects with different sectors and industries in the region. #ASCAMEpartnerships #strategicagreements #UNIDO #Mediterranean #Mediterraneanentrepreneurship #MediterraneanSMEs #chambersofcommerce #Mediterraneanstartups #digitaltransformation #Bahrain #greeneconomy #GreenMediterranean #WeAreASCAME

📌 Last week, we hosted a webinar for our members and partners to explain the main benefits of participating in the Mediterranean Pavilion at the World of Travel Expo 2025, which will take place from the 29th to the 31st of May at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (Toronto, Canada). Within the webinar, we counted on Ms. Andrea Mullerat Masip, ASCAME’s Corporate Development & Marketing Manager, and Mr. Gregory Smith, Director of the Summit, who highlighted the great opportunity for Mediterranean institutions., associations, companies, and professionals to seek a strategic entry into the Canadian market. 🔸 ASCAME leads this initiative in collaboration with Euromed Group and the Canadian Chamber in Italy. In addition, Air Canada offers our members and partners a special discount for participating in the summit by using the code T3WREYX1 (This code is eligible from May 22nd – June 7th only for flying with Air Canada). ▶️ Read the main takeaways from the webinar in the following post published on ASCAME's blog! 👉 https://n9.cl/hw9pv

📌 Would you like to explore the business and investment opportunities in Algeria? If so, do not miss the workshop EU-Algeria, which will take place at the Consulate General of Algeria in Barcelona on February 28th from 10 am to 12 pm. The event is organized by the Sustainable Development Investment Partnership (SDIP) and co-organized by ASCAME in collaboration with Círculo de Comercio e Industria Hispano-Argelino and AMEC, a private business association for promoting exports. 🎯 This workshop will dive into the largest business opportunities in the Maghreb country, especially in key sectors such as renewable energy, pharma, agri-food, and the construction and infrastructure sectors. This topic will be debated at two main conferences entitled "Algeria, a strategic market with particular advantages" and "Investment climate in Algeria in the light of the new investment and economic land acts". The workshop will end with a Q&A and a networking session. 📅 Save the date for this great event in Barcelona. Contact us for further information! 👉 secretariat@ascame.org

📍 MEMBERS CORNER I  In the framework of the upcoming Barcelona Mobile World Congress (MWC) edition, our partner AFAEMME, the Federation of Mediterranean Businesswomen Associations, in collaboration with Barcelona Activa, will present the European Women TechEU Project on March 4 at 1 pm., in Hall 8.1 - 4YFN, Stand 8.1C11 of the Fira Barcelona. 🔸 Women TechEU is a two-year EU-funded initiative, designed to support women leaders in the Deep Tech sector in Europe. Its objective is to promote a more gender-balanced business ecosystem, recognizing that diversity drives innovation. The project will launch four calls over two years, selecting a total of 160 beneficiaries through a rigorous evaluation process. Each one will receive a grant of 75,000 euros, in addition to access to a personalized business development program including mentoring, coaching, and specialized training. 🔸 During the presentation, two winners of the first call will share their experiences and research: Ms. Laura Lizama, CEO & co-founder at heecap, and Ms. Dani Tost, CEO at Virmedex, who will present their innovations in the field of Deep Tech. ▶️ Find out more details about the European Women TechEU Project! 👉 https://n9.cl/1cpr4

🌐 Mediterranean companies, chambers of commerce, and institutional and business organisations attended today a webinar hosted by ASCAME to have more details about the Mediterranean Pavilion at the 'World of Travel Expo 2025', which will take place from the 29th to the 31st of May at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (Toronto, Canada). The initiative, led by ASCAME in collaboration with Euromed Group and the Canadian Chamber in Italy, offers a unique opportunity to Mediterranean institutions, associations, companies, and professionals to seek a strategic entry into the Canadian market. 💻 The webinar started with an explanation of the Mediterranean Pavilion given by Ms. Andrea Mullerat Masip, ASCAME’s Corporate Development & Marketing Manager, who highlighted the main reasons why participate: ✔️ Product showcases: A good chance to position Mediterranean country’s products, services, and cultural assets on a personalized exhibition ✔️ Networking events: A unique setting to foster lasting connections and create invaluable partnerships with Canadian counterparts. There will be exclusive networking opportunities, including B2B meetings and sector-specific presentations. ✔️ Conferences and panels, featuring international speakers on topics such as sustainable tourism, gastronomy, and trade. 🎯 After that, Mr. Gregory Smith, Director of the Summit, focused on the main strengths of the World of Travel Expo 2025: “This is a global marketplace that brings together leading professionals and businesses from travel, tourism, trade, investment, and other key sectors. The summit highlights innovative solutions in sustainable development, promotes responsible investment, and supports the growth of emerging markets”. In addition, Mr. Smith pointed out that “Toronto is a dynamic hub of culture, commerce, and diversity where different industries and businesses converge”. ▶️ Remember that there is a special discount for ASCAME members flying Air Canada to the ‘World of Travel, Trade & Taste Expo 2025’ with the following promotional code 👉T3WREYX1 (This code is eligible from May 22nd – June 7th only flying with Air Canada). ▶️ More info about the Mediterranean Pavilion! 👉 https://n9.cl/nqkob4

🗨️ “𝙄𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚, 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙤" 🔸 Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, ASCAME's General Coordinator, reflects in ON ECONOMIA on the high cost for companies and the global economy of the protectionist measures promoted by the Trump Administration. In his opinion, “freer markets are giving way to industrial policies and protections and, in addition, national security concerns are increasingly being integrated into agreements and influencing international trade ties.” 🔸 According to Mr. Zibaoui, “The goal of any internationalization process in the current context is to develop an international expansion strategy that helps reduce risks.” In this regard, he underlines that “companies should design their supply chains around risk competitiveness, rather than based on cost.” In the article, Mr. Zibaoui also advocates “the creation of trade flows that do not depend on destinations that are too far away”. 📝 Read the full article! 👉 https://n9.cl/1ot4ka