Fostering regional integration and inclusive growth: focus on the private sector

Private Sector Round Table Session, Barcelona, 24 October 2014

In line with its strategy to strengthen relations with the private sector and promote inclusive development and regional integration, the UfM Secretariat will organise a round table session on 24 October 2014 at its headquarters in Barcelona. The event will gather 50 high-level private sector representatives from the Euro-Mediterranean region. Mr Philippe de Fontaine Vive, Vice President of the European Investment Bank and Mr Jaloul Ayed, President of the MED Confederation, will participate as keynote speakers.

This round table will be the first of a series of meetings aiming to involve the private sector in the implementation of UfM initiatives and projects.

As a platform fostering dialogue, coordination and development of synergies the UfM Secretariat has undertaken several efforts to engage private sector players in addressing the region’s challenges by holding regular consultations and discussions with international financial institutions (IFIs) and other relevant organisations. Also in line with the overarching goal of promoting result-based economic cooperation in the region, the Secretariat hosted the first Economic Forum of the Western Mediterranean (5+5 Dialogue) in October 2013. The forum gathered 10 ministers of foreign affairs and presidents of employers’ associations from Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia, as well as 200 business leaders from the region. The second edition of the Economic Forum took place on 21 May 2014 in Lisbon.

A report comprising the main conclusions from the Private Sector Round Table Session will be published on the UfM website following the event.