BUSINESSMED, represented by its Secretary General, Mrs Jihen BOUTIBA MRAD, has participated in the Working Group on Investment and Trade which was held in Paris, on the 28th and the 29th of September 2017.

This event was organized in the framework of the MENA-OECD Competitiveness Programme, which supports reforms to mobilize investments by enhancing private sector development and entrepreneurship in the region. This yearly meeting gathers several representatives of private sector organizations and the main think tanks at regional level. Among the participating organizations, were BUSINESSMED, the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC), the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), the Arab Institute of Business Managers (IACE) and the Palestinian Federation of Industries (PFI). A video message was sent from the Spanish Employers Association (CEOE). Other institutions of the Euromed countries, such as Egypt, Lebanon, Italy and Germany have been consulted as well.

At the same time, a Preparatory Meeting was held in the framework of the establishment of a Business Advisory Board (BAB). The BAB will have two main objectives: Enrich policy dialogue activities carried out in the Working Groups and policy networks of the MENA-OECD Competitiveness Programme, and serve as a dedicated regional platform for public private dialogue.

The Structure of the BAB was proposed as follows:

2 Co-Chairs with one representative from a MENA country and from an OECD country respectively; a Secretariat, which will be filled by the OECD’s Middle East and Africa Division of the Global Relations Secretariat (GRS); a core group of about 10 members which are Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, BUSINESSMED, the UfM and several member associations of BIAC; and Members and participants which will be private sector organizations from MENA and OECD countries, and regional organizations.

During this meeting, BUSINESSMED took part in the elaboration of the work plan related to the upcoming steps within the establishment of the objectives of the BAB, such as extending membership to the programme to other organizations, as well as the structure and activities of the members of the BAB.