Entrepreneurs are leading the way in bringing the northern and southern rims of the Mediterranean closer together, a collection of business success stories shows. The collection was compiled by the European Investment Bank (EIB), European Commission and ANIMA Investment Network and will be presented to EU and Mediterranean finance ministers meeting in Brussels on 7 July.

 

From a Spanish company hoping to harness the power of the sun in the Algerian desert, to a Swedish-Danish dairy group investing in Lebanon, and a Tunisian packaging company that has expanded in northern Europe, the publication, “Boosting business in the Mediterranean”, aims to demonstrate the mutual benefit that comes from the process of integration launched in Barcelona in1995.

 

In a joint statement, EIB Vice President Philippe de Fontaine Vive, European Commission Industry Commissioner Günter Verheugen and European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said: “In these times of economic uncertainty, cooperation between Europe and the Mediterranean is more important than ever. With a population of around 750 million, the Euro-Mediterranean market could help both sides face competition from other regions in the world, but trade and investment flows need encouraging. The European Neighbourhood Policy and Union for the Mediterranean aim to deepen and strengthen those ties by providing a political and financial framework for cooperation.”

 

‘Boosting business in the Mediterranean – Entrepreneurs’ success stories’ – brochure

 

EIB press release

 

EIB – Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP)