On 23 July 2018 and in the framework of the EBSOMED project “Enhancing Business Support Organisations and Business Networks in the Southern Neighbourhood”, BUSINESSMED (Union of Mediterranean Confederations of Enterprises) represented by its General Secretary, Mrs Jihen Boutiba Mrad, and the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA), represented by its founding President, Professor Rym Ayadi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the purpose to enhance the Euro-Mediterranean Business Ecosystem and to support the Social and Economic Development of the economic stakeholders.

The two organisations will cooperate where and when feasible and appropriate, aiming at maximising bilateral and multilateral Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation. The enhanced collaboration among BUSINESSMED and EMEA shall also commit to develop an investment-friendly environment and thus foster private sector initiatives in the Mediterranean region, in order to establish a stable, sustainable and long-lasting economic growth. Among the activities agreed by the two organisations is to be involved in exchange programmes of research and to collectively develop joint innovative researches and business support projects.

The Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA) is an independent think-tank specialised in socio-economic and financial developments in Europe and the South and East Mediterranean. EMEA has an international network of think tanks, research centers, academic institutions and International experts, and aims to contribute decisively to the transition process in the Mediterranean region amidst an unprecedented global financial and economic crisis and geopolitical uncertainties and conflicts. EMEA promoted and co-funded the Euro-Mediterranean Network for Economic Studies (EMNES).

BUSINESSMED (Union of Mediterranean Confederations of Enterprises) is the main representative of the private sector that reflects the interest of 22 Confederations of Enterprises as well as Business Support Organisations around 20 Southern and Northern Mediterranean Countries. Since its creation in 2002, BUSINESSMED became a key platform for multilateral cooperation dedicated to its confederations Member, a promoter of foreign direct investment, a lever for Mediterranean dialogue and socio-economic integration.

EBSOMED is a 4-year project, co-funded by the European Commission, led by BUSINESSMED within a consortium consisting of six partners, that aims at boosting the Mediterranean business ecosystem and promoting an inclusive economic development and Job Creation, by enhancing the private sector organisations in the Southern Neighbourhood Countries.