11th Edition of the Forum of the Chambers of Commerce of the Adriatic and Ionian Area

The “Blue Growth” and the integrated maritime policy were central to the latest edition of the AIC Forum, which was held in Budva – Montenegro. By focusing on these issues this edition of the AIC Forum pursues the aim of supporting sustainable and integrated development processes, as suggested by the EU. This adds on to the endeavour to create greater unity between the various political sectors, reinforce cooperation and dialogue with local, regional and coastal authorities, as well as plan the maritime space
As indicated by the European Commission, an Integrated Maritime Policy will enhance Europe’s capacity to face the challenges of globalisation and competitiveness, climate change, degradation of the marine environment, maritime safety and security, and energy security and sustainability. It must be based on excellence in marine research, technology and innovation, and will be anchored in the Lisbon agenda for jobs and growth, and the Lisbon agenda for sustainability
The Budva edition of the Forum focused on these issues. It saw the participation of about 250 delegates and the contribution of important personalities representing national and international organizations, like the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the DG for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the European delegation of Montenegro, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Council of Europe, the European Institute for Cultural Routes, the Italian Institute for Tourism Research Isnart, the Baltic Development Forum, the ASCAME – Italy Reley at the Cagliari Chamber of Commerce, the port authorities of Montenegro and Ancona, the Mediterranean Motorway Network (RAM), the Northern Adriatic Port Association (comprising the port authorities of Venice, Ravenna, Koper and Trieste), the Research Institute of Montenegro and the Oceanographic Institute of Croatia, the Blue Chamber Network, the NecsTour Network, the Forum of Adriatic and Ionian Cities and Towns, the Italian Union of Chambers of Commerce Unioncamere, the Marche Region and the Province of Ancona.

Several chambers of commerce (no. 21) member to the AIC Forum participated in Budva. The Chambers of Commerce of Serbia and Spain participated for the first time.

The Budva edition was enriched by the reports produced by the theme-specific Workgroups, which are the technical-operational tools that help outline the AIC Forum annual programme and its projects and initiatives. This method made it possible to promote significant cooperation and development activities for the areas of the Adriatic-Ionian basin over the years.

During the eleventh Edition of the Forum, the winners of the “Call for the concession of prizes to innovative women enterprises of the Adriatic and Ionian Area” were awarded
33 entreprises participated to the competition of which 21 from Italy, 6 from Croatia, 3 from Albania, 2 from Bosnia and Herzegovina and 1 from Montenegro. Predominant sectors of the candidates are those related to services and manufacturing
The winning women-owned businesses were awarded with a cash prizes. Morover, all the participants in the contest will be granted a two free training days
Along with the winners, the other four women entreprises were awarded with a special mentions by the Judging Commission: for originality and innovation of the activities carried out, for implementation of good practices of environmental protection and for optimisation of human resources.

Framework Partnership Agreement between the Central European Initiative and the Forum
After a preliminary meeting of the CEI and the AIC Forum Secretary Generals, held in Trieste the 14th of April 2011, the Framework Partnership Agreement was undersigned in occasion of the 11th edition of the Forum (Budva – Montenegro)
The Agreement is aims to provide the parties with a general framework to strengthen their relations in order to enhance project-oriented cooperation in areas of common interest: transports, logistics, tourism, SMEs’ development, agriculture, environment and women entrepreneurship.

Documents (zip file)

2011 Documents

Final documents and participants

Agenda Forum AIC 11th Edition

11th Forum AIC-INTERVIEWS

11th Forum AIC-PRESS CONFERENCE

 

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