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First Agadir Agreement Member States Investment Forum

Brussels| 8 April 2008

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The letter of support for our forum from Mr. Peter Mandelson European Commissionner for Trade

Speeches of the Participants

Click here to read the full texts of the distinguished guest speakers at the forum

For more information on the Agadir Agreement, click here

The First Agadir Member States Investment Forum
Brussels - 8th of April 2008

The Agadir Technical Unit (ATU) in cooperation with the European Commission and in coordination with the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Investment Bank organized "The First Agadir Member States Investment Forum". The forum took place at the Borschette Conference Center-Brussels, Belgium 8th of April 2008.

OPENING CEREMONY

His Excellency Mr. Peter Mandelson, the European Commissioner for Trade, gave the opening speech of the forum and Chaired its first session.

During the ceremony, speeches were also given by the following personalities:

His Excellency Mr. Amer Alhadidi , Jordanian Minister of Industry and Trade,

His Excellency Mr. Afif Chelbi, Tunisian Minister of Industry, Energy and SMEs

Ms. Latifa Akhrbach, Moroccan Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,

Ms. Wafa Ebrahim , Vice-President of the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones.

A welcoming speech was given by Mr. Ferid Tounsi, The Executive Director of the Agadir Technical Unit.

Notably, the presence of the representatives of the private sector from Agadir Countries was distinguished during the two sessions of the forum:

Mr. Hedi Djilani

Mr. El Yamani Felfela

Mr. Hatem Halawani

Mr. Hammad Kassal

The Forum involved Ministers, operators of the private sector and governmental officials from the four member states of the Agadir Agreement and the EU.

The Forum represented a real opportunity for European investors and businessmen to closely get acquainted with the legal framework and policies that encourage investments in the Agadir member states, since the EU is considered a primary trade partner for the Agadir countries. The Forum also offered a space of concrete experience exchange, including testimonies, between all participants.

OBJECTIVES

The Forum had as objectives to:

1. Attract European investments to the Agadir economic region which in turn is as a major step in the Euro-Med integration and in response to the Barcelona process which aims to support the economic development within the South-Mediterranean region.
2. Direct investments towards joint ventures, aiming for industrial integration between the Agadir states benefiting from the advantage of the cumulation of origin offered by the Agreement from one hand, and reinforcing their exports towards the European Market from the other.
3. Highlight the available investment opportunities in the Agadir member states.
4. Display of investment environment and incentives available within the legal framework, policies and reform programs in the Agadir member states.
5. Create a suitable atmosphere with the presence of the major players and decision makers in the Agadir member states to discuss the best methods possible in making the Agadir economic region the best destination for attracting European investments to the region.

PARTICIPANTS

More than two hundred participants attended the Forum. A look at the parties involved reveals a rich diversity of countries and organizations: All member countries of the Agadir Agreement: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and Jordan as well as the European Union. Other Mediterranean countries: Lebanon and Algeria, in addition to representatives from Arab League, GCC and USA.

In general, the delegates were eminent governmental, economic and financial personalities, particularly

• H.E. the Commissioner for Trade of the EU Commission.
• Ministers;
• Officials from Agadir Countries and EU.
• Professional organizations of the private sector from the Agadir Member States and the EU.
• Companies and Businessmen from EU and Agadir Counties.
• European Union organizations: EC, Parliament, EESC and EIB.
• Specialized media and newspapers from EU and Agadir Counties.

 Click here to read the full texts of the distinguished members of the forum

Click here to view press coverage on the event

Sponsors

Agence Europe

  Partners

European Commission

D.G. Trade

D.G. Enterprise

Enterprise Europe Network

D.G. External Relations

 

EuropeAid

  MEDSTAT

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