The Euro Info Correspondence Centre in Syria (EICC SY791), hosted by SEBC, recently organised the 1st Euro-Mediterranean EIC Meeting under the slogan “Increasing the Competitiveness of SMEs in the Euro-Med Region�. The event, which is the first of its kind to be organised outside the EU, took place in Damascus from 22 to 24 March.

The meeting was organized in cooperation with the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce. It gathered Euro Info Centers operating in the European Union and the Mediterranean basin. Participants from Jordan, Greece, Tunisia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Cyprus and Turkey Euro Info Centers visited Syria to attend the meeting.

The EICs usually hold an annual meeting in one of the member countries of the European Union. However, this year, Syria has been chosen to host this event for the following reasons:

• EICC Syria is the first non-EU EIC to be allowed to have  relays
• The continuous hard work the centre is known for
• The centre is considered one of the most important centers in the Mediterranean basin

EICC Syria, in coordination with DG Enterprise and Industry in Brussels has been preparing and promoting for the event for several months.

In his opening speech, Mr. John Paton, Director of SEBC, spoke of the importance of Syria and its historical and cultural role in the region. He pointed out that Syria is distinguished for its trade and industry at an international level. He then stressed that the EIC Network is a large network which disseminates information on the European and Mediterranean countries and presents this information to the business sector in a efficient way.

George Catinis, Head of EICC Syria, stressed the importance of the gathering which provided the perfect opportunity to discuss new ways of EICs working together, to learn from each other and share experiences. He said that he believed that “Today’s Information is Tomorrow’s Worldâ€?, and it is only by supporting the efficient performance of the network that EICs can provide reliable business information and assistance to SMEs in respective countries. 

During the meeting, presentations about the following topics were delivered:

• Mission and future role of Business Support Networks in the new Competitiveness and Innovation Programme  (CIP)
• New orientations of the EU (SME) policy and its practical implications presented by Emmanuel Berck from the European Commission, DG Enterprise & Industry
• EU Policies and Programmes for the Mediterranean region presented by Andrea Matteo Fontana from the European Commission Delegation to Syria
• Main features of the EU trade policy, How to export to the European Union presented by Fabrice Ferrandes from the European Commission Delegation to Syria
• Use of IT Tools and measures to support SMEs presented by Jean Fran?§ois Leroux from the EIC Central Support Structure
• INTEGRA project in Italy presented by Beatrice De Bacco, Head of EIC Venice, Italy
• ARCA NOVA project (Cooperation between EICs to support cooperation between SMEs) presented by Khaled Snouber, Head of EIC Wiesbaden, Germany
• Sincerely Syria, Euro-Syrian Contact Days (B2B meetings in the tourism sector to be organized in Syria) presented by George Catinis, Head of EICC Syria

On the first evening of the event, participants and organizers, as well as foreign ambassadors to Syria, representatives of the private sector institutions and government officials were invited to attend an official dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Opening speeches at the official dinner were delivered by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Abdulla al-Dardari, Dr. Frank Hesske, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Syria, Dr. Rateb al-Shallah, President of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce and George Catinis, Head of EICC Syria and SEBC Aleppo Director.

Mr. al-Dardari expressed his hope that the 1st Euro Mediterranean EIC Meeting would be the beginning of a real cooperation between Syria and the EU. He explained how the Syrian government is striving to achieve growth rates exceeding 10% during the coming five years. He added that these growth rates cannot be reached without the contribution of the business sector which in turn cannot operate fully unless there are info centers, such as Euro Info Centers, providing fast and up-to-date business information.

For his part, Dr. Hesske said that the EICC network dates back to 1978 when the European Commission  established a network of 40 EICs to support local SMEs by providing information and advice regarding business related issues and policies and standards of the European Union. Now the network consists of 645 centers in 46 countries.

He pointed out that the EC Delegation to Syria is currently managing several projects valuing 250 million Euros and that the European Investment Bank has granted Syria a total of 900 million Euros in loans to support its social and economic reform and therefore to enable the country to adapt to high competition and free trade.

He referred to SEBC, a programme funded by the EU, which has provided support to 3500 companies and businesses, trained 2500 managers and organized tens of specialized meetings and business events. As a result, thousands of contracts have been signed between Syrian companies and their counterparts in the EU.

The second day of the conference, after the closing session, participants were taken on a city tour of Damascus to visit the historical and cultural sites, followed by a networking dinner on the famous Quassyoun Mountain.

In a brief press statement, Mr. Emmanuel Berck stressed that supporting Mediterranean countries is one of the EIB’s priorities and that EIB is planning on increasing its funds to Mediterranean countries but has not yet set any figures.
He referred to the new approach of the commission called CIP which will be implemented with the Mediterranean Partners, including Syria, between 2007 and 2013.