The III Economic and Social Forum of the Mediterranean, organized by Prensa Ibérica, has gathered representatives from the chambers of commerce of Jordan, Croatia, and Barcelona to discuss the region's economic future. The historical motto of the Consulate of the Sea, "The land gives us fruits, the sea gives us wealth," was recalled, emphasizing its current relevance.
Josep Santacreu, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona, championed the Mediterranean as "a sea of opportunities and shared prosperity." Barcelona, currently presiding over ASCAME (Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry), aims to strengthen ties between the complementary economies of the area.
The representative from the Chamber of Commerce of Croatia, Sara Štrljić Pezelj, highlighted her country's position as a "bridge between Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean," emphasizing its commercial vocation and resilience in the face of crises, a common trait along the Mediterranean coasts. Fathi al-Jaghber, president of the Chamber of Industry of Jordan, stressed how the problems in the Middle East have made them "stronger."
Santacreu urged leveraging Barcelona's leadership as a regional economic capital and pointed out the importance of promoting the development of neighboring countries to prevent security issues and as an economic opportunity. He cited the investment by the company Grifols in Egypt as an example of cooperation and mutual benefit.
The president of the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona proposed a strategic focus on the southern Mediterranean coast, assisting North Africa as the "gateway to the great continent of this century." His counterparts from Jordan and Croatia agreed on the need to invest in logistical and maritime infrastructure, as well as in promoting sustainable tourism and the equal inclusion of women in entrepreneurship.
