On October, ASCAME participated in the 17th edition of the Ateliers de la Coopération Consulaire et Économique (ACCE), an event to strengthen economic cooperation across the African and Francophone consular networks by fostering dialogue, sharing expertise, and promoting sustainable partnerships. The meeting, held in Marseille from 20 to 22 October, was organized by the Permanent Conference of African and Francophone Chambers of Commerce and Intermediary Organizations (CPCCAF), a longstanding partner of ASCAME, with the support of the CCI Aix-Marseille-Provence, member of both ASCAME and CPCCAF.
This summit convened more than 400 participants from over 20 African and Francophone countries, including Switzerland, Canada, and Haiti. It brought together consular networks, Chambers of Commerce, intermediary organizations, and private sector actors who play a pivotal role in advancing the African and Francophone economic space.
The opening session featured the participation of Mr. Josep Santacreu, Vice President of ASCAME and President of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. In his remarks, he began by recalling ASCAME’s founding mission: “ASCAME was established in 1982 with the aim of unifying the private sector in the region, promoting Euro-Mediterranean economic cooperation, and strengthening exchanges between Europe, Africa, and Asia”. His intervention set the tone for the event, reaffirming ASCAME’s longstanding commitment to regional integration and cross-border collaboration. Mr. Santacreu also shared these additional thoughts:
- “The partnership with CPCCAF symbolizes our shared commitment to joining forces to strengthen Euro-African cooperation and promote the sustainable growth of the private sector. We aspire to an interconnected Euro-Mediterranean and Francophone economic space, where businesses cooperate to tackle common challenges such as the green transition, digital transformation, job creation, and regional economic integration”.
- “Africa is currently at a decisive moment in its history. The destinies of Europe and Africa are linked, and the Mediterranean is the natural space for this new partnership. Cooperation must be our collective response to ensure the resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity of our people”.
- “Chambers of Commerce play a key role in supporting the diversification, competitiveness, and internationalization of businesses, especially SMEs”.
- “The green transition is a moral and economic imperative. The climate crisis is not a peripheral issue; it directly affects our economies and societies. Three years ago, I published a book on the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and its impact on human health, in which I devoted an entire section to the African continent”.
Mr. Josep Santacreu also engaged in discussions on Mediterranean and Francophone cooperation with representatives from CPCCAF and various Chambers of Commerce. Among them were Mr. Frédéric Ronal, Vice-President for International Activities and Cooperation at the Marseille-Provence Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Hamza Benabdallah, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Fès-Meknès. These exchanges reinforced the shared commitment to fostering regional partnerships and advancing joint initiatives across the Mediterranean.
Uniting 23 Mediterranean countries for regional economic cooperation
In addition, Ms. Estela Delgado, ASCAME’s Project Manager & International Cooperation, and Ms. Paola Bucero, ASCAME’s Membership & Partnership Officer, had the opportunity to present ASCAME’s pivotal role in fostering stronger cooperation among Mediterranean institutions and businesses. They highlighted ASCAME’s contribution to promoting economic partnerships and aligning regional efforts with the dynamics of European projects. After outlining ASCAME’s mission and core values, they shared with CPCCAF members the key benefits of joining ASCAME’s network, including:
- Networking: Accessing a wide network of Chambers of Commerce and Industry that promote bilateral and multilateral relations with businesses and partners from different sectors and partners.
Participation in strategic events: Opportunities to showcase local businesses and industries, promote economic development, advocate for shared interests, engage communities, and attract investment. - Cooperation projects: Engagement in initiatives that foster knowledge exchange, international collaboration with start-ups, research centers, and technology clusters, as well as access to funding opportunities.
- Shared priorities: French-speaking Mediterranean countries and their partners share common commitments to sustainability, digital transformation, food security, and clean energy.
- Strategic location: The Mediterranean serves as a vital link between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, offering businesses from Francophone countries privileged access to high-growth markets.
ASCAME’s representatives also emphasized several concrete avenues for collaboration, such as:
- Connecting with the Mediterranean technology ecosystem.
- Investing in clean energy and sustainable industries.
- Collaborating with emerging companies in key sectors.
- Accessing Europe, Africa, and the Middle East via the Mediterranean.
- Launching interregional projects with Mediterranean partners.
- Promoting innovation through university and commercial partnerships.
The final part of the presentation focused on the European projects in which ASCAME plays a strategic role, including the Interreg Programme’s projects and the STAPLES Project. Ms. Estela Delgado and Ms. Paola Bucero emphasized the importance of these initiatives for Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry, as they reinforce their strategic positioning in the region, generate valuable opportunities for businesses and start-ups -particularly in areas such as innovation, the green economy, and sustainable development-, and foster robust networks between partners from both shores of the Mediterranean. In this context, ASCAME plays a pivotal role in helping its members transform cooperation into concrete and impactful results.