- 100 initiatives for the recovery of tourism, logistics, agriculture, textile and automotive
- 3 pillars for a new model of digital, green and blue economic development
- Sustainable and inclusive regional economic integration for women and youth
Barcelona, July 10, 2020 – The Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) has presented a Plan for Recovery and a New Economic Development model for the Mediterranean during the celebration of its Extraordinary Executive Committee. The plan includes more than 100 initiatives to reactivate the sectors most affected after the COVID-19 crisis, such as tourism or the automotive, and also lays the foundations for a new inclusive, integrated and sustainable economic model for the region.
The Mediterranean is at a critical moment after being hit by an unprecedented economic and social crisis following the Coronavirus pandemic, which adds to other endemic problems in the region. For this reason, ASCAME has been a pioneer in launching a comprehensive strategy that is committed to grow based on good governance, the development of a strong middle class and social cohesion. All of them are key pillars for the new model of economic development.
Anwar Zibaoui, General Coordinator of ASCAME, recalled “the urgency of a reactivation to avoid economic and financial suffocation, in addition to the need to lay the foundations for a new model of different economic development, based on promoting and strengthening innovation, the digital and green revolutions, based on renewable energy and the circular economy”.
Despite the fact that almost all economic sectors have been affected by the crisis, some strategic sectors for the Mediterranean, such as tourism, logistics, textile, automotive, agriculture or health, have been particularly affected depleted by the stoppage of activity. As a consequence, the ASCAME Executive Committee today approved more than 100 measures included in the plan, which not only contribute to the economic recovery, but also to rethink the future of these Mediterranean sectors.
Among the most outstanding proposals are the creation of a Mediterranean Tourism Council, as well as a Mediterranean Brand that promotes the region as a unique and exclusive product, or the launch of a fund to help the sector. The document also highlights the commitment to turning the Mediterranean into a competitive automotive hub, thanks to its proximity to other regions, energy, its workforce and efficient logistics.
The relocation of production from other parts of Asia to the Mediterranean countries would be the solution to the supply problems caused by this pandemic. Digitalisation, association agreements with Europe and the advancement of multimodal connections, such as the Mediterranean corridor, are assets that attract international operators seeking a new and safer location. As for the textile sector, the plan is committed to creating the “Made in the Mediterranean” brand and establishing partnerships between businessmen on both sides. Agreements that would allow this industry to be strengthened and made more competitive.
The future in the Mediterranean agricultural sector, a massive generator of jobs with a considerable weight in national GDPs, must boost food security and bet on organic and sustainable agriculture. Improving the training and incorporation of women and youth is essential. The Mediterranean Diet is another of the region’s assets that must be promoted, both as a healthy food system and in certified and tourist products.
Crises lead to paradigm shifts, and now is the time for the Mediterranean to establish its economic development model based on three pillars: digital, green and blue economy. Digitalisation has been the great ally of this pandemic, and it is here to stay and to offer countless opportunities to people, companies and governments. Promoting investment, R&D, electronic commerce, generating innovation ecosystems, and incorporating the Mediterranean 4.0 revolution throughout the territory, are just some of the growth levers contained in the plan.
A new model is needed to boost the potential of the Mediterranean. The sea for the Mediterranean is determining and protagonist of everything that happens, it is a way of life, transportation, and communication. It is the great catalyst. Sea, sun and wind are the bet to build a more resistant and sustainable region with green and blue economies as pillars, which present ample opportunities for investment. On the other hand, saving SMEs is essential for inclusive growth, the emergence of the regional middle class and access to employment.
ASCAME will negotiate to modify all projects co-financed with the EU and other partners with an approximate budget of 70 million euros, which will be adapted to the needs of the sectors and companies most affected by the health and social crisis.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, globalisation is wounded. For this reason, the plan recommends going towards the regionalisation of the economy, betting on the sectors that benefit from geographic proximity and economic complementarity. Regional economic integration and the creation of a common Mediterranean Economic Association must be objectives to be achieved to face the new challenges and post-pandemic challenges.
Learn more about the plan: