We are living in a time when Europe and some Mediterranean countries have become the epicentre of an unprecedented pandemic, the Covid-19 virus, which has already taken the lives of thousands of people and is rapidly spreading through other regions that have not yet experienced its devastating consequences.
In this fight against the pandemic, we all have to play a part. In fact, cooperation and solidarity are nowadays more than ever necessary. Every individual should try to give its best to help somehow improve the lives of its relatives and friends. However, the ones that have a major capacity to mobilize all kind of resources, like governments and companies, should show greater willingness and involvement to minor the negative social and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The private sector is playing a key role battling against Covid-19. Hundreds of companies around the world are donating funds for research, providing financial or material support, manufacturing in their production sites healthcare materials and medical supplies, collaborating closely with public institutions, etc. in order to be able build a single front against this threat.
As representatives of the Mediterranean private sector, one of the regions that has been most seriously affected by the pandemic, a large number of ASCAME members have launched several initiatives to support both SME’s and big corporations face the coronavirus economic crisis:
- Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount-Lebanon
The Chamber has published an official statement on the economic situation in Lebanon during the Covid-19 pandemic with a proposal of measures that could be implemented in the coming months.
Lebanon was already experiencing the consequences of the 17 October crisis. This, together with the negative effects of coronavirus is leading to a slowdown in the economy that will be a prejudicial for the state, as well as for employees and businesses.
The Chamber is asking both the Lebanese Government and Central Bank to put in place urgent measures to support businesses, avoid companies’ shutdowns and also the destabilization of the economic circuit.
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS)
In view of the current situation caused by the coronavirus and the state of emergency declared in Serbia on 15th of March 2020, CCIS’s current main goal is to support its members and reduce the consequences for Serbian businesses and economy. Therefore, it has launched an ‘Info service’ to provide companies with any relevant information related to doing business in the country and abroad, the economic effects on certain sectors, the latest developments and every official recommendation and measure.
Moreover, it has invited all economic operators in Serbia, to communicate any issues regarding transportation, supply, export and import of raw materials, participation in trade fairs, etc. It has also put in place a specific email address and phone number.
- Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation of Tunisia (APII)
The APII, a Tunisian government institution in charge of the promotion of investment, entrepreneurship and innovation regarding industries and services, has put in place some new measures in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, such as trying to offer all its services online.
A new service for customers who want to submit their application to register their companies online has been launched. Moreover, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Industry and SMEs, a new service has been implemented for already existing SMEs wanting to maintain their activity during sanitary confinement. In addition, the APII is conducting a survey among SMEs and entrepreneurs to figure out which measure should be taken to mitigate the negative consequences for businesses, and has also set up some useful trainings for start-ups and entrepreneurs.
- Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation
The Barcelona Chamber of Commerce has launched a solidarity fund to raise resources that help fight both health and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. On the one hand, this fund will be focused on health equipment purchase and manufacturing, but also on research against the virus. On the other, it will be aimed to implement actions that support start-ups, SME’s, larger companies, self- employed and entrepreneurs.
As additional measures, the Chamber has created a contact form for companies so that they can explain their current situation and get senior advice; it has launched an information portal on everything related to COVID-19; it is offering advice from the international team for queries related to international trade, and it has also set up training webinars for companies.
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region (CCIR PACA)
In order to face the Covid-19 outbreak, the Chamber has mobilized all its consular network in the Provence-Alpes-Cote D’Azur region. All its teams are working together with national companies, government and other partners and have set an initiative to distribute all types of useful information for employers with the aim of helping them access all available options within the public system.
Moreover, it has established a special telephone and email address to solve any question concerning this crisis, as well as conducted a survey to draw firm conclusions on the main problems, concerns, mobilisation of financial aid programmes and resources, etc.
- Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Piraeus Chamber of Commerce has adopted a proactive communications strategy towards its members and, since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, has sent several statements written by its President, Vassilis Koridis, with the aim of providing its members with relevant information on the key topics concerning the current crisis.
For example, one of the statements asked the European Union for a ‘EU blank check’ with an open expire date. It has also distributed an article about the main measures put in place in Greece to fight against de pandemic.
Furthermore, another article was released asking European Institutions for a ‘green light’ to a fund of 2 billion euros for Greece, applauding the short-term measures taken by the Commission for the protection of jobs in the countries affected by the virus, but pointing out the lack of long-term support of SME’s.
- Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE)
Croatia is not only facing major economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also those from the earthquake that hit its capital city a few weeks ago.
As a response to the coronavirus outbreak, the CCE informs regularly on a separate section of its website on the development of the situation and the details that affect businesses, such as daily recommendations for the preservation of health and sector-specific guidance focused on the problems faced by particular industries.
A special e-mail address for coronavirus has also been set and three inter-company surveys have been conducted in order to get some insights on the consequences and most common problems for companies as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, the Chamber is drafting measures aimed at productive and export oriented sectors of the economy and preserving liquidity.
- Istambul Chamber of Commerce (ICoC)
The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICoC) is trying to find the best solutions for all enterprises and businesses affected from the outbreak with the support of the Turkish government. Online services are being provided during this crisis period and members can get access to many services via its web portal.
In cooperation with Istanbul Governorship, ICoC has donated 5 million Turkish Liras to National Solidarity Campaign initiated by the President of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Furthermore, under the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, as the Chambers, they are considering a loan scheme for their SMEs members to help them recover their businesses.
In addition, President Erdoğan has announced several government’s measure concerning tax and social security payments and other policies to support companies and boost the economy.
From ASCAME’s General Secretariat, we want to congratulate our members for their implication and the exemplary measures they are developing to face the Covid-19 crisis. We also want to thank them for sharing with us the particular situation each county is experiencing and the actions and policies that are being put in place to support economy and the society in general. We encourage all the membres of ASCAME to continue sending us information about their situation, measures, ideas and proposals. Cooperation and a common response will be key to overcome the current challenges
ASCAME’s President, Ahmed M. El Wakil, called all members to be engaged in solidarity initiatives in the Mediterranean, while asking them to mobilise health, textile and innovation companies that provide the needed material and expertise to fight against the pandemic.