Benghazi Chamber of Commerce participated in the ASCAME (Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry) meetings held in Barcelona between 18 to 19 November. The Chamber was represented by an official delegation headed by its Acting Chairman, Muneem Al-Saity, accompanied by the Director of International Relations, Ramadan Boubtana.
Benghazi Chamber said this participation reflects its commitment to representing the Libyan business community at international economic forums and strengthening Libya’s presence within regional and international cooperation networks. The meetings saw the election of Josep Santacrio Bonjuc as President of ASCAME and the launch of the Barcelona Declaration for Economic Development in the Mediterranean region. This declaration includes 30 strategic initiatives to promote economic integration, support innovation, and achieve sustainable prosperity in the region.
The ASCAME Meetings Barcelona Declaration is a private sector initiative to promote economic development and cooperation in the Mediterranean region through 30 actionable initiatives. It was first established to mark the 20th anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean Integration Process and is promoted by ASCAME, representing Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce.
During its participation, the Benghazi Chamber delegation emphasized the important role the Libyan private sector can play in the coming phase and the necessity of strengthening partnerships with Mediterranean chambers of commerce, particularly in the areas of agricultural investment, the blue economy and marine resources, energy, the digital economy, and the development of commercial infrastructure.
The delegation also commended ASCAME’s efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean, noting that these initiatives represent a genuine opportunity to integrate the Libyan economy into its regional and international environment and open new horizons for entrepreneurs and investors.
The delegation concluded its participation by attending the General Assembly and Executive Committee sessions, as well as the awards ceremony, during which the outgoing president, Ahmed Al-Wakil, was presented with the gold medal and appointed Honorary President in recognition of his efforts in developing joint Mediterranean action.
