The 10th Meeting of the UfM Regional Platform on Trade, Investment and Industry maps next steps on regional integration, sustainable trade and green industry
Barcelona, 22 October 2025 — The 10th Meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean’s (UfM) Regional Platform on Trade, Investment and Industry convened on 21 October 2025 at the UfM Secretariat in Barcelona, bringing together senior officials and experts from across the region. Discussions focused on regional integration, sustainable trade, investment and industrial cooperation, and were followed by a technical field visit to the Port of Barcelona.
Co-chaired and inaugurated by Mercedes Bonet, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission Department of Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), and Rami Hammad, Director at Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply of Jordan, the meeting was opened with welcome remarks by Meltem Büyükkarakaş, UfM Deputy Secretary General.
Said Charna, Senior Economic Advisor at the UfM, presented updates on ongoing and planned UfM initiatives in trade, investment and industry. In the context of regional cooperation frameworks, Isabel Garcia Catalan (DG TAXUD) outlined the latest developments and next steps on the revised rules of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention, which entered into force on 1 January 2025. Mariarosa Lunati (OECD) presented the second Progress Report on Regional Integration in the Union for the Mediterranean, with a particular focus on trade, finance and infrastructure.
On sustainable investment and industry, Felipe De La Mota (DG MENA) introduced the Pact for the Mediterranean, a new approach to strengthening EU relations with Southern Mediterranean countries, as well as the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED), which aims to mobilise investment in renewable energy, infrastructure and clean-technology manufacturing.
Turning to sustainable trade, Pablo Neira (DG TRADE) presented the EU’s digital trade policy. Edouard Descotis (GIZ) showcased the EU/BMZ-funded project on Digital Trade and E-Commerce in the MENA region, highlighting opportunities to foster cross-border digital trade and support small and medium-sized enterprises.
On 22 October, participants visited the Port of Barcelona, where Jordi Torrent, Secretary General of MEDPorts, briefed delegates on the port’s activities and regional connectivity efforts.
The 11th meeting of the UfM Regional Platform on Trade and Investment is scheduled for the first half of 2026.
