The first edition of the Mediterranean Canada Business Forum 2024 explored new synergies between Canada and the Mediterranean, offering strategies for internationalisation, innovation, and institutional support, and setting the stage for long-term economic and cultural collaborations.
The Mediterranean Canada Business Forum, held on 30 October 2024 during MedaWeek 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, was attended by representatives from the public, private and institutional sectors, gathered to explore opportunities for economic cooperation between the Mediterranean and Canada.
Organised by the Canadian Chamber in Italy in collaboration with Ascame and Euromed Group and supported by Air Canada, the event offered a platform to discuss internationalisation strategies, innovation and institutional support, with the aim of creating solid and lasting synergies between companies and institutions of the two regions.
Opening of the Mediterranean Canada Business Forum and institutional greetings
The Mediterranean Canada Business Forum opened with greetings from the Consul of the Canadian Trade Commission in Barcelona, Karra-Lee Gerrits, who brought messages of welcome from the Government of Canada. The Consul underlined the importance of strengthening economic and cultural relations between Canada and the Mediterranean, emphasising Canada’s willingness to promote collaborations in sectors such as tourism, agribusiness, and advanced technologies.
Panel 1: Internationalisation and European funding
The first panel, moderated by Ernesto Caccavale, explored internationalisation strategies and financing opportunities for Mediterranean companies interested in the Canadian market. Among the speakers, Shauna Feth (President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce), Juan Millan (Managing Partner of Gedeth Network), Christian Violi (European Projects Lead of the Canadian Chamber in Italy) and Mike Ward (Executive Director of the Canada Türkiye Business Council) shared experiences and advice for expanding Mediterranean SMEs.
Shauna Feth opened the discussion by talking about the challenges for SMEs in entering new markets and Canada’s strategic role as an economic partner. Juan Millan provided guidance on how to avoid common mistakes when entering new markets, while Christian Violi outlined the benefits of the European Horizon 2020 programme for funding research and development projects and creating international partnerships. Mike Ward then described how Canadian economic and political conditions favour Mediterranean companies seeking new business outlets.
Panel 2: Innovation, trade and institutional support
In the second panel, again led by Ernesto Caccavale, the focus shifted to the importance of innovation and free trade agreements such as CETA and CUSMA, which simplify access to the North American market. Constantine Katsigiannis, Rejeb Elloumi, and Caterina Passariello explained how digitalisation, public procurement, and trade exchange networks can foster the competitiveness of Mediterranean companies.
Mediterranean Canada Business Forum. Acknowledgements and future perspectives
The Mediterranean Canada Business Forum was made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Canadian Chamber in Italy, ASCAME and Air Canada, which offered support to the initiative.
Ernesto Caccavale has moderated both sessions with professionalism, allowing an open and in-depth discussion.
Special thanks go to ASCAME and all the organisers for hosting the forum within MedaWeek2024, an event that every year proves to be essential for promoting international exchanges and collaborations.
The discussions highlighted how the integrated use of instruments such as Horizon 2020, CETA and CUSMA can open up new growth opportunities for Mediterranean and Canadian companies.
The Mediterranean Canada Business Forum represents a step forward in the dialogue between Canada and the Mediterranean region, opening up new possibilities for economic and cultural collaboration. With the support of funding programmes, trade agreements and academic collaborations, the event laid the foundation for mutual economic growth, building a solid bridge between two areas connected by shared values and common aspirations.
