Euro-Mediterranean Economic & Business Forum 2025

18 and 19 November 2025
Llotja de Mar | Barcelona

Connecting business and political leaders from Europe, Africa and the Middle East to drive forward the economic and social development of the Mediterranean.

999 DAYS

99 HOURS

03 MINUTES

Speakers

International leaders, sector experts and institutional representatives will come together at the Euro-Mediterranean Economic & Business Forum 2025 to share insights, knowledge and proposals for the economic future of the Mediterranean. Meet the key voices leading this first edition below.

Jordi Torrent

Director of Strategy

Port of Barcelona

Jordi Torrent is currently the Head of Strategy at the Barcelona Port, Managing Director of B2B Logistics Busan Barcelona Hub, and is the General Secretary of the Mediterranean Ports Association.

He has written several essays (Who Will Save the Mediterranean Corridor? / Globalization Adrift / The New Globalization) and is a frequent contributor to La Vanguardia.

Houda Ben Jannet Allal

Director General

Mediterranean Observatory of Energy and Climate (OMEC)

Dr. Houda Ben Jannet joined OMEC (formerly OME) in 1992 and became Director General in 2013. She specializes in energy prospects, renewables, and cooperation in the Mediterranean. She also leads the UfM Gas Platform Secretariat and has lectured at top French institutions. She holds a PhD from École des Mines de Paris.

Octavi Quintana

Director

PRIMA Foundation

Octavi Quintana has been the Director of the PRIMA Foundation since 2017. He is a Medical Doctor (UAB), specialized in Intensive Medicine, MPH Univ. Columbia.

He was Director of the Málaga Hospital, Deputy Director of INSALUD, and served as the President of the European Council Bioethics Committee Director. He was vice-president to the EC Ethics European Group and Director of International Affairs of the Spanish Health Ministry and worked as a coordinator for humanitarian aid in Rwanda, Burundi, Bosnia, and Kosovo. He directed scientific divulgation programs in TVE2 and became Director of Scientific Research in the EC in Health, Energy, European Research.

Anas Makhmalji

Overseas Offices Unit Analyst

Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye

Anas Makhmalji Khoga is an Analyst in the Overseas Offices Unit at the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye. He promotes Türkiye’s investment climate internationally, coordinates the organization’s representative offices abroad and has contributed to key initiatives between 2021 and 2025.

With over a decade of experience in international trade, logistics, and finance, he has aided companies to expand internationally at ACCIÓ, Catalonia’s Agency for Business Competitiveness, where he played an integral role in developing the Technical Office for Internationalization Barriers. He holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Barcelona and is fluent in Spanish, Catalan, Arabic, English, Turkish and French, leveraging his expertise to foster cross-cultural collaboration.

Stella Tsani

Associate Professor

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Dr. Stella Tsani is an Associate Professor of Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in sustainable development, energy, natural resource management, and economic policy. She received the 2025 EUSEW Women in Energy Award for her contributions to Europe’s energy transition and the first Greek scholar in the Global Young Academy, where she co-leads work on the SDGs and innovation. Dr. Tsani is a lead author for the UN Environment Programme’s 7th Global Environment Outlook, an expert contributor to the IPCC and International Energy Agency, and serves on advisory boards for the European Commission and other international organizations. With a track record of coordinating over 40 research projects funded by entities such as the EU and World Bank, her research combines economics, energy, and sustainability, with widely published work and active involvement in advancing youth participation and global STEM initiatives.

Roberta de Palma

Chief Technical Advisor

UNIDO

A seasoned Senior Circular Economy Advisor at UNIDO, with extensive expertise in driving sustainable economic growth and environmental protection. With over two decades of experience, she has led significant initiatives like SWITCH-Med, mobilizing over €250 million investments for circular economy businesses and establishing multi-stakeholder platforms. Her work includes developing national circular economy roadmaps in sectors like textile, plastic and blue economy, as well as innovative methodologies for industrial resource efficiency, often in collaboration with multinational corporations and international organizations. She currently act as senior circular economy advisor to the Green Forward Industry programme targeting different industrial sectors.

Her diverse assignments have spanned organizations such as UNIDO, EU, IFC, involving more than 200 companies within the food & beverage, textile, leather, chemical, and mechanical/electronic sectors, engaging with major corporations like Holcim Italia and Fiera Milano. She has also provided expert monitoring for the EU LIFE portfolio in the MENA Region for DG Environment and for the EU Eco-Innovation programme.

A Mechanical Engineering graduate from Politecnico di Bari, she also holds a Diploma in Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development from Lund University and is a published author in industrial resource efficiency and waste management.

Andrea Tinagli

Representative to the UfM

EIB at the UFM Governing Bodies

Andrea Tinagli Principal Advisor at the Union for the Mediterranean for Sustainable Finance and Investments. Representing the EIB at the UFM Governing Bodies

Andrea Tinagli is an Italian citizen. Prior to his appointment at the UfM Secretariat, he covered during more than 25 years different managerial positions at the European Investment Bank (EIB), including Head of Spanish Delegation; Head of Holding Funds Southern Europe; Head of Italian Delegation and Head of Energy and Public sector and Project Finance Italy and Malta. His latest position was Head of Banks and Energy Baltic See and Northern EU Countries.

Andrea Tinagli has long experience in development finance, sustainable and green finance, Infrastructure and investment finance, financial instruments and securitization of SMEs and Midcaps portfolios. During the last years he focused on European external cooperation activities, concessional finance, being lecturer at several Universities outside the EU ( University of Amman in Jordan, Ain Shams University in Egypt, Euromed University of Fez in Morocco) and within the European Union (College of Europe in Belgium, Esade in Spain and La Sapienza in Italy). He co-chairs the steering committee of the Blue Mediterranean Partnership, a new Mediterranean financial instrument to accelerate the deployment of sustainable blue economy projects in the Southern Neighborhoods.

He studied at Bocconi University, Italy, HEC- Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales, France and Esade Business School, Spain. He is Chartered accountant and Dottore Commercialista from the Italian Authorities.

Tarik El Malki

Director, Higher Institute of Commerce and Business Administration

Groupe ISCAE

Professor Tarik EL MALKI is a senior academic (Professor of Higher Education-PES) at Groupe ISCAE. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics (University of the Mediterranean, December 2010). Since December 2023, Professor EL MALKI has served as the Director General of Groupe ISCAE. Previously, he held the position of Director of Development, International Relations, and Communication, at Groupe ISCAE from 2016 to 2018, and Director of the ISCAE-Rabat Institute from 2019 to 2023.

Professor EL MALKI is an active member of several research organizations, including his role as President of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Observatory in Morocco, a member of the Scientific Committee of the Moroccan Economic Outlook Center, and a jury member for the Ecomédias Group Research Prize. He is also the Coordinator of the BLUE SPACE university incubator, a project in partnership with BMCE BANK OF AFRICA.

In addition to his academic and research roles, Professor EL MALKI is the author of several works, such as "Corporate Social Responsibility: The Case of Morocco" (Afrique-Orient, 2014), "Beyond All Divisions: Crossed Perspectives on the Morocco of Tomorrow" (co-authored with Nabil ADEL; Afrique-Orient, 2017), and "Morocco: Which Paths to Emergence?" (Afrique-Orient, 2020). He regularly participates in national media debates on economic and social issues.

Tugce Ergun Cireli

Co-founder

Foodback

Tugce graduated from Imperial College in London's Msc in Management & Entrepreneurship program in 2012 with the goal of creating her own brand in the functional food area. She spent 7 years creating functional foods and scaling the business to a certain extent where she started to understand the impact of food on her own health and in the business. She co-founded Foodback innovation platform with her partner and they have been operating as EIT Food Turkey HUB since 2018. Apart from her own entrepreneurship journey, she has managed to write in prestigious food outlets, designed content for three movies in the gastronomy and impact area and she has worked with more than 2000 entrepreneurs and students that are working to create impact in the Turkish food industry.

Simon Neaime

Director of the Institute of Financial Economics, and Chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers at AUB

American University of Beirut (AUB)

Simon Neaime is Professor of Economics and Finance, Chair of the Department of Economics, Director of the Institute of Financial Economics, and Chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers at the American University of Beirut (AUB). He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from York University, Canada, an M.A. in Economics from the University of Toronto, and both a Master’s in Money and Banking and a B.A. in Economics from AUB. Dr. Neaime has held senior positions with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Commission, and was Visiting Scholar at York University (2017–2018). He has served as Associate Editor for leading journals, including the Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions, and Money and Finance Research Letters. An expert on emerging markets and MENA economies, he has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Economic Modelling, Journal of Banking and Finance, Emerging Markets Review, and Open Economies Review, and has authored several textbooks on finance and macroeconomics. He is a lifetime Research Fellow of the Economic Research Forum.

Salma Bougarrani

Co-Founder and CEO

Green Watech

Dr. Salma Bougarrani is the Co-Founder & CEO of Green Watech, a Moroccan cleantech company pioneering wastewater treatment and reuse through its FISO® technology. Holding a PhD in Advanced Water Treatment, she has led over 50 projects impacting more than 90,000 people, turning wastewater into food security. She is a Cartier Women’s Initiative Fellow and African Business Heroes laureate.

Tarek Tawfik

Member of the Board of Directors

American Chamber of Commerce

Tawfik is a Member of the Board of Directors of The American Chamber of Commerce, the General Authority for Investments and Free Zones (GAFI) – Egypt, Sovereign Wealth Fund, Egyptian Countryside Development Company, The Chamber of Food Industries, the Food Safety Authority, the Industrial Development Authority. Also, a Board Member of IOE / ILO

Tawfik holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering - Cairo University, Masters of Engineering - California State Polytechnic University (Pomona), MBA - San Francisco State University.

Krystel Khalil

Programs Director

Berytech

With a robust background spanning over 18 years, Krystel drives the growth of entrepreneurship ecosystems across Lebanon and the Euro-Med region. As Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programs at Berytech, she leads multi-country initiatives in various sectors such as social innovation, green economy, IP & technology transfer, and women and youth empowerment. She is a recognized mentor and coach for impact entrepreneurs, advisor on ecosystem building, and EFQM & EU BIC quality assessor for innovative organizations.

Lilia Hachem Naas

Independent Senior Expert, Former Chief of the Office for MENA region

United Nations

A Tunisian national, Ms Lilia Hachem Naas is a former United Nations (UN) Director and Chief for the Middle East and Africa regions. During 26 years at the UN, she worked for three organisations namely: International Trade Centre (ITC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Ms Naas has extensive experience in coordinating complex development programmes to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth, focusing particularly on SMEs competitiveness, regional integration, trade and investment promotion, South-South cooperation, women empowerment and youth employment. She has been able to activate new partnerships with key stakeholders, support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, and accelerate SDGs implementation. Prior to joining the UN, Ms Naas worked with Hewlett Packard Company in the USA and the Tunisian Export Promotion Centre (CEPEX) in Tunisia. Ms. Naas holds an MBA in International Business Management and a MSc in Management Information Systems from University of Maryland, USA, and a Bachelor degree from IHEC Tunis, Tunisia.

Omar ElBoghdady

Co-founder and CEO

Vidria Tech

Omar Elboghdady is the Co-Founder & CEO of Viridia Tech. Beforehand he spent 4 years as a manager at EBG, overseeing 5,000 acres of crops, primarily potatoes. Giving him exposure to the challenges of conventional agriculture at scale, in addition to a lot of new technologies such as green chemistry, tissue culture etc. This firsthand experience, combined with his data expertise, fuels Viridia's mission.

Yasser Ahmed Abbas

Deputy CEO

GAFI

Mr. Yasser Ahmed Abbas currently serves as Executive Vice-President of GAFI for investment affairs and free zones, supervising all processes related to services implementation and investors satisfaction, coordinating between the various sectors of GAFI and regularly presenting to the Authority’s Board of Directors the requirements of the sectors development.

Previously, Mr. Yasser held many administrative governmental positions including General Coordinator of the Internal Trade Modernization Program at Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, Manager of the Technical Office of the Assistant Chairman of GAFI and Head of the Sinai Unit, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Internal Trade Development Authority at Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, and Head of one stop shop sector at GAFI.

Mr. Yasser obtained his Bachelor of Military Sciences from the Military College in Cairo and holds a diploma in Project Management, he also worked in cooperation with several international organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union.

Enrique Martín

Sales and Business Development Director for Large Enterprises and Public Administrations

Samsung Electronics Iberia

Enrique Martín is the Sales and Business Development Director for Large Enterprises and Public Administrations of Samsung Electronics Iberia.

He got his Telecommunications Engineering Degree from the University of Valladolid and his MBA from EOI. With over 20 years of experience in the sector, he specializes in digitization solutions to improve efficiency and security in organizations.

Rym Ayadi

Founder and President

Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA)

Prof. Rym Ayadi is Founder and President of the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA), Co-Founder of the Brain Capital Alliance and Brain Economy Hub, and Director of EMANES. She is Professor at Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London, and Senior Advisor at CEPS. She chaired the EBA Banking Stakeholders Group from 2019 to 2024.

Marie-Claire Boillot

Senior Expert

Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat

Marie-Claire Boillot is Senior Expert at the Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat. She has over 18 years of experience in international cooperation, including more than a decade in the Mediterranean and Middle East, focusing on governance, resilience, and regional dialogue to strengthen peace, stability, and cooperation.

Candice Tran Dai

Chief Information Security Officer

Lefebvre Group

Candice Tran Dai is the Chief Information Security Officer of Lefebvre Group, the European leader in legal and tax knowledge. where she leads the Group’s cybersecurity strategy and operations. She is also a Senior Policy Analyst at the Global Foundation for Cyber Studies and Research; a nonprofit and non-partisan think tank. She has been working in risk management and information security for 20 years both for the private and the public sectors.

Mohamed Bachiri

CEO

Renault Group Morocco

Mohamed BACHIRI is a key figure in Morocco’s automotive industry and business community. Since 2021, he has served as Managing Director of Renault Group Morocco and becoming the first Moroccan to hold this position.

He played a pivotal role in the launch of the Renault plant in Tangier, becoming the first Moroccan to work on the project. In recognition of this contribution, he was decorated in 2012 by His Majesty King Mohammed VI with the Order of National Merit – Officer rank.

In parallel, he has been actively involved in various boards and industrial commissions since 2012. Active in CGEM and industry boards, he has chaired the Commission for Industrial Development and the Morocco Industry Group within the CGEM.

Hind Saidi

Director of Economic Development and Investment

Regional Investment Center of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra

Mrs. Hind Saidi is currently serving as the Director of Economic Development and Investment at the Regional Investment Center of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, where she leads strategic initiatives to attract and facilitate investment in the region.

Prior to this role, Mrs. Saidi dedicated 14 years to the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE), where she played a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s industrial positioning. During her tenure, she served as Head of the Textile & Leather Department, spearheading investment promotion and export development programs for one of Morocco’s most dynamic sectors. She also held key positions as Analyst, Business Development Associate, and Export Manager for North & South America, contributing significantly to the expansion of Moroccan investments and exports not only in textiles and leather but also in the aerospace sector.

Her professional background also includes valuable international retail experience as a Sales Associate at Louis Vuitton, which enriched her expertise in global market dynamics and luxury brand management.

Mrs. Saidi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and multiple Master of Science degrees in International Management from prestigious institutions across Europe, including ICN Business School (France), Uppsala University (Sweden), and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Italy).

Nurzat Myrsalieva

Leader of the “Net Zero Partnership for Industrial Decarbonization” programme

United Nations Industrial Development Organization

Ms. Nurzat Myrsalieva works at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) leading the work under the “Net Zero Partnership for Industrial Decarbonization”, a global programme aimed to support emerging markets and developing economies with decarbonization of heavy emitting industries such as steel and cement. The countries supported include Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, and Morocco. Prior to joining UNIDO Ms. Myrsalieva worked in the Arab region supporting governments in improving the enabling environment for sustainable energy investments.

Jad El Boustani

Partner

MEVP

Jad El Boustani is a Partner at Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP). He joined the firm in 2012 as one of its earliest team members, playing a key role in its growth from $10M to $300M in assets under management (AUM). At MEVP, Jad has led and overseen numerous investments across the MENA region and has been deeply involved in fundraising efforts.

Before MEVP, Jad was a Project Manager at Truffle Capital, a leading French venture capital firm, and an M&A Analyst at Lazard Frères in Paris. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance and Private Equity from ESSEC Business School (Paris, France) and a Telecom and Computer Engineering degree from the Lebanese University (Roumieh, Lebanon).

Anna Ibañez De Arolas

Senior Project Manager

MedWaves

Anna is a Senior Project Manager at MedWaves, the Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) under the UN Environment Programme / Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP). She brings over 10 years of experience in managing international projects that empower entrepreneurs and SMEs to develop circular business models and sustainability strategies. At MedWaves, Anna currently leads textile-related initiatives and coordinates the Open Eco-Innovation Initiative, fostering collaboration and innovative solutions to accelerate the circular transition across the Mediterranean.

Fadi Saab

Chairman

Trans Capital Finance

Fadi Saab is a multi-sector entrepreneur with over 45 years of leadership experience across the USA, UK, Europe, Eurasia, MENA, and the GCC. He has served as Chairman, CEO, Board Member, and Partner, driving growth and innovation. With a strong background in corporate finance and investment banking, he has led ventures in airlines, tourism, and hospitality, founded advisory firms in the UK, Qatar, and Lebanon, and promoted fintech platforms. Fadi advises governments, corporations, and organizations, and serves on the boards of several international economic and development-focused NGOs.

Ramzi Gara

Investment Promotion Officer

InvestinTunisia Agency

Ramzi Gara is the automotive components promotion specialist at FIPA-Tunisia. He has more than 10 years’ experience promoting Tunisia as an attractive destination for foreign investment. Over the years, he has contributed to the establishment of several international companies in Tunisia. He holds a master's degree in international economics and has participated in several workshops on FDI trends, lead generation, and business retention and expansion.

Mahmoud AbdelAziz 

Founder & CEO

DevisionX

Mahmoud has 13 years of spearheading projects & products in many fields of Machine Vision, Robotics, Artificial intelligence, Digital Transformation, fintech, e-KYC, RPA and SaaS.

He is leading his startup DevisionX to disrupt the AI Computer Vision Industry by building No-Code workflow builder "Tuba" and offering it with different multimodal RAG solutions.

Also Mahmoud worked as A consultant for Workforce Egypt USAID project supervising the new AI Technical schools in Egypt

Haithem Bouagila

President

Tunisian Federation of Textile and Apparel

Haithem Bouagila is an inspirational leader in the apparel and textile industry, with extensive experience in sustainability and circular economy. An engineer specialized in fashion and industrial management from the University of Technology of Troyes (France), he leads Tunicotex Group, a benchmark in premium products, innovation, and social responsibility. Currently, he serves as President of the Tunisian Federation of Textile and Apparel (FTTH) and Vice President of the Tunisian Textile Technical Centre. His work drives the sustainable transformation of Tunisia’s textile industry on a global scale.

Nadia Zeddou

Founder and General Manager

Green Wave

Energy and climate expert, Nadia Zeddou supports governments and industries in deploying solar and wind solutions to accelerate decarbonisation across the MENA region, driving data-based strategies and sustainable transformation for a low-carbon future. She is founder and general Manager of Green Wave, also member of FMCI (fédération Marocaine du Conseil et de l'Ingénierie) as president of Nexus College.

Pau López

Director of Sustainability and Innovation

Mercabarna

Pau López is the Director of Sustainability and Innovation at Mercabarna. He holds a Bachelor's degree and a Master's in Business Administration and Management from ESADE. He is an expert in business management, sustainability, and technology, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the development and implementation of transformation projects related to the food sector.

Mónica Olmos

Secretary General

TEXFOR

Mónica Olmos Plaza is the Secretary General of TEXFOR and the Spanish Intertextile Council. With over 25 years of experience in business development and international project management, she has spent the last 20 years in the textile sector, promoting SMEs’ competitiveness, innovation, and internationalization. She holds a degree in German Philology and a postgraduate diploma in International Trade.

Youssef Tber

Director of Investment and Export Promotion

AMDIE

Youssef Tber currently serves as the Director of Investment and Export Promotion at the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE).

He previously held the position of Advisor to the Minister of Investment, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies, where he contributed to the development of the New Investment Charter and the National Investment Development Policy.

Before that, he served as Advisor to the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad. As a member of the Minister’s cabinet, Youssef Tber played a key role in monitoring Moroccan companies’ projects in Africa, strengthening bilateral economic relations between Morocco and other African nations, and implementing Morocco’s economic strategy on the continent.

Earlier in his career, he worked as Special Advisor to the President of the Dislog Group, a leading distributor of fast-moving consumer goods, and as a consultant for UNESCO in Paris and Rabat.

He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.

Amirah El-Haddad

Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences

Cairo University

Amirah El-Haddad is Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences (FEPS), Cairo University, and currently Senior Economist in the Middle East and North Africa Program at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) based in Bonn, Germany. She holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Maryland at College Park (2005), during which time she also worked for the World Bank. She is a Research Fellow of the Economic Research Forum and serves on the board of a number of organizations. El-Haddad specializes in industrial organization, industrial policy, wage inequality and the political economy of the Arab World in general and of Egypt in particular. She has published on firm behaviour, dispute resolution, gender wage discrimination, informality and telecommunication regulation. She recently published on the social contract in World Development, the Role of Political Connections in COVID Policy Response in the Journal of Development Studies, on political patronage in textiles and clothing in the European Journal for Development Research, on the link between informality and inequality in Applied Economics and on the welfare effects of institutional and regulatory reform in public utilities in the Journal of Development Effectiveness and Utilities Policy. In 2012-2014 she was Visiting Professor at the departments of Economics and Public Policy and Administration at the American University in Cairo. El-Haddad was visiting scholar at AYSPS, Georgia State University, USA in 2011 and has given a series of lectures at Stanford University, USA in 2015.

Muamer Mahmutovic

President, Chamber of Economy

Sarajevo Canton

Muamer Mahmutovic (born in 1971, Sarajevo) is acting President of Chamber of Economy of Sarajevo Canton. Previous mixed working experience in private sector and Non-Governmental Organisations enabled him to better understand the needs for change in order to advocate for establishment of friendly market environment for Small and Medium Enterprises and Start Up companies.

He participated in the writing of many laws in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as the Law on Small Business Incentives, the Law on Adult Education, the Law on Dual Education, the Law on Entrepreneurial Infrastructure, etc. He was also an active participant in the writing of the development strategy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Sarajevo Canton for the period 2020-2027. The main focus of his work is on improving the economic environment with a special focus on supporting SMEs and Start-Up companies.

In his professional career he implemented large number of project funded from local and international organisations such as World Bank, EBRD, USAID, Canadian International Development Agency - CIDA, Swiss Development Cooperation - SDC, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH – GIZ, European Union Interreg Danube Region, Cross border Cooperation CBC projects, etc.

Muamer holds Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree of Griffith College Dublin, Ireland. He is married and has two children. He speaks fluently English language.

Mohamed Ouhmed

Secretary General of the Department of Energy Transition

Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development

Mohamed Ouhmed holds a State Engineer diploma from the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Rabat and an International MBA from Paris Dauphine University.

He was appointed Secretary General of the Department of Energy Transition in June 2025, following a series of leadership roles within the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development. Notably, he served as Director of Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency, as well as Director of Fuels and Mining Industries.

His extensive experience in these positions has made a significant contribution to advancing Morocco’s energy transition initiatives.

Hakim Ben Hammouda

Former Minister of Finance

Tunisia

Hakim Ben Hammouda is an economist with a PhD in international economics. He was appointed Tunisia’s Minister of Economy and Finance in January 2014. Before that, he held senior positions in several international organizations: Special Adviser to the President of the African Development Bank (2011-2014), Director of the Institute of Training and Technical Cooperation with the World Trade Organization (2008-2011), and various leadership roles at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, including Director of the Sub-Regional Office in Central Africa, Director of the Trade and Regional Integration Division, and Chief Economist. Throughout his career, he has focused on Africa’s development and contributed to major programs such as NEPAD, supervising key continental publications like Economic Report on Africa, African Economic Outlook (AfDB, OECD, and UN), and Assessing Regional Integration in Africa.

Hakim Ben Hammouda also regularly teaches economic development at several universities and is the author of over 30 books, numerous articles in international scientific journals on international trade and economic development, and weekly columns in various newspapers.

Habib Hammami

President

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sfax (CCIS) 

Mr. Hammami is an engineer graduated from the National School of Engineers of Gabès (ENIG) and a former student at the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax. He also possesses strong skills in finance and accounting, developed throughout his professional career.

Between 1982 and 1985, he served as an executive at SOFCA-Sud. Since 1985, he has been managing twenty companies within the Hammami Group, active in various sectors such as industry, trade, and services. Through this extensive experience, he has gained recognized expertise in business management, strategic leadership, and regional economic development.

A member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sfax (CCIS) since 1998, he served as Vice-President from 2012 to January 2025, before becoming its President. He was also Treasurer of the Club Sportif Sfaxien (CSS) from 1997 to 2017, and has held the position of Treasurer of the Maintenance and Management Group since 2018.

In parallel with his institutional responsibilities, Mr. Hammami has been actively involved in community and associative life, supporting numerous social, cultural, and sports initiatives. His continued commitment contributes to community development and the promotion of regional solidarity in Sfax.

Ahmed Ghoneim

Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences

Cairo University

Ahmed Farouk Ghoneim is a Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University, and a research fellow at the Economic Research Forum. He has served as a consultant for the World Bank, WIPO, UNDP, and the Arab League, and as an adjunct professor at several Egyptian and international universities. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany) and a Master’s in Development Economics from the Institute of Social Studies (Netherlands).

  His expertise covers trade policy, regional integration, and intellectual property. He has published numerous international papers on political economy and trade. Dr. Ghoneim has advised Egypt’s Ministers of Trade and Industry and led several research centers. He was the first CEO of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) and, since 2024, has been CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). He also serves on multiple boards related to heritage, trade, and investment.

Helena Torras

Investor and Board Director

PaoCapital

Helena is a multifaceted professional with a powerful blend of Corporate leadership (CEO, Auditor, Strategy Consultant) and Tech expertise (2x entrepreneur/CEO, investor). She now leverages this deep, transversal knowledge as an Independent Board Director and investment strategist, bridging the analogical and technological worlds for impactful growth.

Dimitrios Bakalis

Project Manager of EU funded projects

Ilia Chamber of Commerce

Dimitrios Bakalis is a researcher and advisor specializing in European and international relations, public policy, and entrepreneurship. As EU Project Manager and Acquisition Specialist at the Ilia Chamber of Commerce—located in the historic land of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games—he supports SME skills development and vocational education and training (VET) while overseeing European and national investment programs.

Xavier Aliberch

Operational Director, JV Divisional Liaison

Gestamp Europa

Xavier Aliberch is a mechanical engineer with executive training in business management and over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. Throughout his career, he has held various senior leadership positions in high-demand industrial environments, including Project Manager, Divisional Project Director, Plant Manager, Regional Director, and Divisional Operations Director.

He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (Beycelik Gestamp Divisional Liaison), leading strategic operations and key partnerships. His career is defined by a global vision, strong results orientation, and extensive international experience in multicultural environments and industrial transformation projects.

Hakim El Karoui

Founder and President,

Action Committee for the Mediterranean, France

Hakim El Karoui is a Franco-Tunisian essayist, consultant, and social entrepreneur. A graduate of the École normale supérieure and former advisor to PM Jean-Pierre Raffarin, he worked at Rothschild & Co and Roland Berger before founding Volentia, a strategy firm advising global leaders. Founder of Club XXIe Siècle and contributor to leading think tanks such as Institut Montaigne, he currently serves as President of the Action Committee for the Mediterranean, a think tank promoting innovative solutions to foster regional cooperation.

Fulvio Capurso

Head of Unit of Economic Cooperation, Investments, Business Developments, Financial Instruments, Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA)

European Commission

Fulvio is a development finance specialist with over 20 years of experience in blended finance and impact investing. Throughout his career, he has worked with a wide range of organisations, government agencies, and private sector partners to design and implement policies and financial instruments that mobilise investment at scale and advance policy priorities and development goals.

In his current role as (Acting) Head of Unit for Sustainable and Impactful Investments in North Africa and the Middle East at the European Commission, Fulvio leads efforts to strengthen partnerships with countries across the region. His work focuses on promoting and supporting investments through blended finance and guarantee mechanisms under the framework of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+).

Before rejoining the European Commission in 2020, Fulvio served as Team Leader at the UK Department for International Development (DFID, now FCDO), where he coordinated initiatives to catalyse impactful private investment in emerging and frontier markets. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions with the Italian Development Cooperation Agency, serving as Head of Economic Units in Albania, Palestine, and Viet Nam.

Fulvio holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Naples (Italy) and a Master’s in Economic Development, with specialisations in microfinance, SME finance, and credit risk analysis.

Ferran Minguella

Head of Division – Corporates Lending Outside EU

European Investment Bank (EIB)

Ferran Minguella Minguella is Head of the Corporate Finance Division for activities outside the European Union at the European Investment Bank (EIB). Based in Luxembourg, Ferran leads strategic financing initiatives that support global investment projects, with a strong focus on sustainable development and climate action.

Over the years, Ferran has structured transactions and fostered partnerships that align with the EIB’s mission as the EU’s climate bank. His work spans sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and industrial development, ensuring that investments contribute to long-term economic resilience and environmental goals.

With over 20 years at the EIB, Ferran has specialised in corporate financing. Prior to joining the EIB, Ferran worked in the private sector at PwC, gaining valuable experience in financial advisory and auditing. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business and Finance from Université Catholique de Louvain (Louvain-la-Neuve) and Bocconi University. His leadership combines technical expertise with a commitment to advancing green transition investments.

Alaa Ezz

Secretary General

Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations (CEEBA) and Union of African Chamber of African Chambers

Dr. Ezz has worked in the sustainable development fields for over 30 years during which he designed and implemented a host of projects and established companies in Africa, the Mediterranean and Arab regions, encompassing trade & industry, transport & logistics, tourism, sustainable development, investment promotion, technology transfer, health, renewable energy & infrastructure, gender, access to finance, media, and naturally advocacy.

After over a decade ending up as regional director for North Africa and Middle East in the United Nations Trade and Technology Promotion System, Dr. Ezz founded EnviroEgypt SAE a leading renewable energies and infrastructure corporation in the MENA region, then First Undersecretary of State and secretary general of the federation of Egyptian Chambers for 18 years.

At present, he is The Secretary General of the Union of African Chambers, the Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations, the Egyptian Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce. and the Chairman of the Confederation of Euro-Mediterranean and Black Sea Business Associations.

Moreover, Dr. Ezz is the Secretary General of the Association of Enterprises for Environmental Conservation; the vice president of the Associació Mediterrània del Medi Ambient; the Chairman of the executive board of the Med-Alliance; member of the executive board of the Association of Mediterranean Chambers "ASCAME", the BRICS+ Business Council, and the National Planning Institute,; and the managing editor of Environment Today and Economy Today Magazines.

After acquiring his M.B.,B.Ch., Dr. Ezz has obtained post graduate degrees in Economics and Environment. His published work includes tens of scientific papers and economic studies, hundreds of articles and several books including "Sustainability and Development, a developing economies perspective", “Trading with Free Trade Areas”, and "Environmental Planning for Developing Economies".

Agustí Fernández

Secretary of European and Multilateral Affairs, and Development Cooperation

Government of Catalonia

Agustí Fernández de Losada Passols is the Secretary for European and Multilateral Affairs, and Development Cooperation at the Government of Catalonia. He is also founding partner at Phare, Territorios Globales and associate professor of the International Relations Degree at Blanquerna-Universitat Ramon Llull and at IBEI (Barcelona Institute for International Studies) where he teaches International Relations of Global Cities. As a consultant specialised in urban governance, city diplomacy and international cooperation, he has been Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Global Cities Programme at CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs) for more than 7 years.

During his more than 25 years of professional career, he has worked for different international organizations, national and local governments and other public and private institutions. He has been Director of Studies at Tornos Abogados (2013-2019), Director of the Barcelona Centre for Territorial Studies (2012-2013), Director of International Relations at Diputació de Barcelona (2000 - 2012), General Coordinator of the Office of Orientation and Coordination of the EU URBAL Programme (2008-2012) and the Observatory of Decentralised Cooperation EU-LAC (2005-2012).

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and a master’s degree in European Studies from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). He also holds a Degree in Public Management from ESADE Business School (ESADE).

Roger Albinyana

Managing Director

European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed)

Roger Albinyana is the Managing Director of the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed). Roger has been working at the IEMed since 2016 as director of the Euro-Mediterranean Policies department until he was appointed Managing Director.

He’s also an associate professor at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Barcelona, where he teaches international economic policy. Roger is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA) and he was a board member at CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs) from 2017 to 2025. Since 2025 he is the co-chair of the Enabling Innovation Ecosystem Stakeholder Board of the future for PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area).

Prior to joining the IEMed, Roger served as Secretary General for Foreign and EU Affairs of the Government of Catalonia (2013-2016) and was a member of the EU Committee of the Regions. From 2010 to 2013 he served as advisor on private sector development at the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean.

He holds a PhD in Economic History from the University of Barcelona and a MA in Economic History from the same university, a BA in Economics from Pompeu Fabra University and a BA in Business Administration and Management from the Open University of Catalonia.

Agenda

The agenda of the Euro-Mediterranean Economic & Business Forum 2025 presents the thematic tracks and key sessions that will guide the debate over the two days. A journey through the major challenges and opportunities shaping the economic and business future of the Mediterranean. Below, you can explore the details of each day.

DAY 1

DAY 2

November 18th

16:00 – 16:05

Welcome and opening remarks

Josep Santacreu, President, Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona

Ahmed El Wakil, President, ASCAME

Senén Florensa, Executive President, IEMed

16:05 – 16:30

Institutional speeches

Nasser Kamel, Secretary General, Union for the Mediterranean

Maria Eugènia Gay, Deputy Mayor of the Barcelona City Council.

Jaume Duch, Minister for European Union and External Action, Government of Catalonia

16:30 – 17:00

Key-note address

Presenting the New Pact for the Mediterranean to the Business Community

Stefano Sannino, Director General of DG MENA, European Commission

17:00 – 17:10

Video showcasing a positive outlook on the Mediterranean

17:10 – 17:30

Presentation of “Catalonia’s Mediterranean Strategy, MedCat 2030”

Lorena Elvira Ayuso, Secretary General for European Union and External Action, Government of Catalonia

17:30 – 18:00

High level dialogue on advancing industrial economic development in the Mediterranean

Suhair Al Ali, Senator, Jordanian Senate, Jordan

Khaled Mohamed Hanafy, Secretary-General, Union of Arab Chambers of Commerce, Former Minister of Supply and Internal Trade (Egypt)

Mohamed Bachiri, President of the Morocco Industries-CGEM Group (Morocco)

Hakim Ben Hammouda, Executive Director, Global Institute for Transitions (GI4T). Former Minister of Finance, Tunisia

18:00

Closing remarks

DAY 1

DAY 2

November 19th

09:15 – 10:30

Thematic sessions 1

Driving Competitiveness: Opportunities for the Mediterranean Automotive Industry

The Mediterranean automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by global shifts toward electrification, digitalization, sustainability, and supply chain diversification. This session explores how the region can enhance its competitiveness across the full spectrum of the automotive sector—from traditional vehicle manufacturing and parts suppliers to next-gen mobility innovations. Topics include industrial upgrading of automotive clusters, nearshoring opportunities, battery and component production, green mobility investments, and integration into evolving global value chains.

Fadi Saab, President, ASCAME Integrity Values & Business Ethics Commission (Lebanon)
Mohamed Bachiri, CEO, Renault Group Morocco
Ramzi Gara, Automotive Project Manager, Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) – Tunisia
Xavier Aliberch, Operational Director JV divisional liaison, Gestamp Europe

First reactions and comments:

Amirah El-Haddad, Senior Economist in the Middle East and North Africa Program at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

Startup Incubators, Accelerators & Innovation Ecosystems: Building the Next Unicorns

How to foster dynamic innovation ecosystems supporting industrial startups. This session explores best practices in startup support, public-private innovation platforms, and tech transfer strategies to commercialize industrial R&D.

Krystel Khalil, Programs Director, Berytech (Lebanon)
Habib Hammami, President, Sfax Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Tunisia)
Salma Bougarrani, Co-Founder and CEO, GreenWatech (Morocco)

First reactions and comments:

Tarik El Malki, Director, Higher Institute of Commerce and Business Administration (ISCAE) – Morocco
Muamer Mahmutović, President, Sarajevo – Canton Chamber of Economy (Bosnia)

Unlocking Growth: Special Economic Zones as Catalysts for Industrialization & Trade

This session explores how SEZs and industrial parks can serve as engines for regional industrial development, export promotion, and integration into global value chains. Topics include infrastructure planning, regulatory frameworks, and governance models.

Dr. Alaa Ezz, Secretary General, Confederation of Egyptian European Chambers (CEEBA), and Union of African Chambers (UACCIAP)
Yasser Abbas, Deputy CEO, General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI)
Jordi Torrent, Director of Strategy, Port of Barcelona. Secretary General, MEDPorts Association
Mario Espinosa, Manager Transport & Infrastructure, ALG (Spain)

First reactions and comments:

Tarek Tawfik, President of the Federation of Mediterranean Business Organisation (BUSINESSMED). Chairman, Cairo Poultry Group Egypt
Taieb Zahar, President, Forum International Réalités (FIR), Tunisia

10:30 – 11:45

Thematic sessions 2

Fashion & Textiles: Innovating Mediterranean Industries for Global Competitiveness

The Mediterranean fashion and textile industry blends rich heritage with growing innovation potential. This session explores how Mediterranean countries can boost competitiveness in global markets by upgrading textile value chains, fostering sustainable fashion, and supporting SMEs and designers through digital tools, green innovation, and creative branding. It highlights opportunities for industrial cooperation, cross-border design ecosystems, and integration into national industrial strategies.

Mònica Olmos Plaza, Secretary General, TEXFOR
Hind Saidi, Director of Economic Development and Investment, Regional Investment Center of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Haithem Bouagila, President, Tunisian Textile & Apparel Federation (Tunisia)

First reactions and comments:

Roberta de Palma, Chief Technical Advisor, UNIDO
Anna Ibañez, Project Manager – Green Entrepreneurship, MedWaves

Smart & Secure Industries: AI, Automation, and Cybersecurity in Manufacturing

This session explores how the Mediterranean’s manufacturing and industrial sectors can embrace digital transformation while ensuring resilience and security. As factories integrate AI, IoT, robotics, and digital twins to boost efficiency and sustainability, they also face new vulnerabilities in industrial control systems (ICS) and supply chains. Experts and industry leaders will discuss how to balance innovation with protection, highlighting public-private strategies, predictive technologies, and the need for security-by-design in the region’s industrial future.

Candice Tran Dai, Chief Information Security Officer, Lefebvre Group
Enrique Martín, Sales and Business Development Director for Large Companies and Public Administrations, Samsung – corporate perspective on secure industrial transformation
Mahmoud AbdelAziz, Founder & CEO, DevisionX (Egypt)

Investment Policies & Tax Incentives: Attracting FDI in the Mediterranean

Discussion on optimizing FDI strategies in industrial sectors through targeted incentives, regulatory reforms, and investment facilitation services. Highlighting success stories and challenges across the region.

Youssef Tber, Director of Investments and Exports, Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE).
Anas Makhmalji, Overseas Offices Unit Analyst, Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
Rym Ayadi, Founder and President, Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA)
Lilia Naas, Independent Senior Expert, Former Chief of the Office for MENA region at the International Trade Centre (Tunisia)
Ahmed Ghoneim, Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo university (Egypt)

First reactions and comments:

Dimitrios F. Bakalis, Project Manager of EU funded projects, Ilia Chamber of Commerce

11:45 – 12:15

Coffee break

12:15 – 13:30

Thematic sessions 3

Sustainable Agriculture & Agri-Tech: Feeding the Future

Focusing on agribusiness innovation as an industrial engine. Topics include food processing, agri-tech startups, and integration of sustainable agriculture into industrial value chains. Emphasis on technology transfer and scaling agri-food SMEs.

Omar Elboghdady, Co-founder and CEO, Viridia Tech (Egypt)
Tuğçe Ergün Cireli, Co-Founder of Foodback, EIT Food Turkey Hub (Türkiye)
Pau López, Director of Sustainability and Innovation at Mercabarna.

First reactions and comments:

Octavi Quintana, Director, PRIMA Foundation (Spain)

Solar and wind energy investments: scaling investments for a net-zero future

This session explores how to accelerate large-scale solar and wind investments as part of industrial decarbonization strategies. It will focus on enabling regulatory frameworks, industrial participation in renewable energy value chains (e.g., component manufacturing), and cross-border cooperation for regional energy integration. The role of industrial zones in hosting clean energy infrastructure will also be discussed.

Mohamed Ouhmed, Secretary General of the Department of Energy Transition, Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development (Morocco)
Nadia Zeddou, Founder & General Director, Green Wave (Morocco)
Houda Ben Jannet Allal, Director General, Mediterranean Observatory of Energy and Climate (OMEC)
Nurzat Myrsalieva, Project Manager – Division of Energy and Climate Action, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Ferran Minguella, Head of Division – Corporates Lending Outside EU, European Investment Bank (EIB)

First reactions and comments:

Stella Tsani, Associate Professor, University of Athens (Greece)
Marie-Claire Boillot, Senior Expert, Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)

Venture Capital & Industrial Project Financing: New Avenues for Growth

How to leverage diverse financial instruments to support industrial transformation. This session covers blended finance, industrial VC, impact investment, and sovereign fund engagement.

Andrea Tinagli, Representative to the UfM, European Investment Bank (EIB)
Simon Neaime, Director of the Institute of Financial Economics, and Chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers at AUB
Helena Torras, Venture Partner and Investment Manager South Europe, Hans(wo)men Group (Spain)
Jad El Boustani, Partner of Middle East Venture Partners (UAE)

13:30 – 14:30

Plenary final session

Shaping the Mediterranean Future: A Roadmap for Regional Prosperity

Moderated by Roger Albinyana, Managing Director, IEMed
Carmen Magariños, Director General for the Maghreb, the Mediterranean, and the Near East, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Government of Spain
Agustí Fernández de Losada, Secretary of European and Multilateral Affairs, and Development Cooperation, Government of Catalonia
Fulvio Capurso, Head of Unit of Economic Cooperation, Investments, Business Developments, Financial Instruments, DG MENA, European Commission
Hakim El Karoui, Founder and President, Action Committee for the Mediterranean

14.30

Closing lunch

Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona
IEMed

FIELDS

Take part in strategic debates through parallel sessions arranged by key business fields. Personalise your experience and get in touch with experts from all over the region in a dynamic and participatory format.

Key economic sectors

Trends, innovation and competitiveness in the key sectors: the automative industry, fashion, textiles, and sustainable agriculture.

Building the Next Economy

Digital transformation, 4.0 industry and entrepreneurial ecosystems to turn the region into a benchmark for innovation and technological resilience.

Promoting and supporting investment

Strategies and instruments to attract investment, from Special Economic Zones to tax and funding incentives for new projects.

Llotja de Mar: a unique venue for the meeting

Llotja de Mar is one of the most emblematic buildings in Barcelona. Located at the very centre of the city and a few metres from the sea, this architectonic jewel is synonymous with history, elegance and innovation.

For centuries, it has been a meeting point for merchants, businesspeople and leaders from all over the world, providing an idyllic and inspiring setting to foster dialogue, cooperation and great ideas.