
Project
Mobilising economic diasporas for Mediterranean developmentObjectives
The most recent statistics estimate nearly 10 million the number of migrants from the countries of the southern and eastern Mediterranean shore-based abroad. How then we can better mobilise this great reservoir of economic talents (yet underused), by encouraging the return of project holders from the diaspora and accompanying expatriate investors wishing to invest back in their country of origin?
While the impact of the economic crisis and the many post-Arab Spring political tensions weigh more and more on the socio-economic balance in the region, the Mediterranean governments could use and exploit the potential of diasporas to enhance their economic dynamism and strengthen their international competitiveness: increase their stream of productive investments, improve their international attractiveness or stimulate the spirit of business at the local level through the promotion of entrepreneurial success stories of the diaspora, particularly among younger populations.
Therefore, it is necessary to support local and national authorities in the implementation of public policies as well as targeted measures to attract this specific population, often demanding in business relationships, but which nonetheless culturally and emotionally strongly attached to their country of origin.
To achieve these objectives, MedGeneration aims to introduce in 3 pilot areas (Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan) realistic development strategies and mobilising high-level economic diasporas around concrete action plans on each territory.
Partners
ANIMA Investment Network (France)
Palestine Investment Promotion Agency (PIPA) (Palestine)
Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIA-BML) (Lebanon)
Palestine Information and Communications Technology Incubator (PICTI) (Palestine)
Jordan Investment Board (JIC) (Jordan)
Sectors
- Business
- Environment & Climate Change
- Finance
- Trade
Target groups
- Decision-makers (local, regional and national levels)
- Interest groups
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Beneficiaries
- Decision-makers (local, regional and national levels)
- Interest groups
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Budget
1.926.958,45 €90% – European Union (ENPI CBC MED)
10% – Project co-financing
Timeline
17/12/2013 - 30/06/2016Realisations
- 450 business meetings held during three business tours
- 3 masterclasses in Ramallah, Beirut and Aqaba involving 150 participants, including young local entrepreneurs
- 200 local actors put in contact with 45 representatives of the diaspora during study tours