Convergence : The Mediterranean region aims at an increased added-value transfer between its Northern and Southern Shores

- Maurizio Cascioli, Guillaume Mortelier.

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The convergence study derives from nearly 200 interviews: with
entrepreneurs located in the Northern, Southern and Eastern Mediterranean
region, investment-promotion-agency officials and private sector
experts with a strong knowledge in the economy of the Mediterranean
region. Documents pertaining to the issues discussed complemented the
study.

The objective was to analyze North-South partnerships, in order to
understandmotivations and expectations, but also the outcome and future
developments of the dynamic in place. The sample of companies interviewed
is neither comprehensive nor representative of all economic trans-Mediterranean transfers, as it includes successful partnerships and only
takes into account randomfailures. Nevertheless, the analysis presented in
the study affects most countries, both host (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia
and Turkey) and investing countries (Germany, Spain, France and Italy).
Consequently, the Euro-Mediterranean zone gives us a general view of the
evolution of trans-Mediterranean business partnerships.

By working on the implantation of Trans-Mediterranean companies, the
Convergence study does not intend to comprehensively analyze the economic
policies of states, nor macroeconomic conditions in the Mediterranean
nor the relative attractiveness of the various Southern or Eastern
Mediterranean countries at a general level or by sectors. It focuses on companies
and their strategy, and tries to understand which segments of the
value chain are present in the Mediterranean region, as well as what inhouse
dynamics, in firms or industries, are underway. These tests provide
valuable insight on the chances of a successful regional economic integration.
They seem currently very low, especially if compared with Eastern
Asian countries.

Authors :

Maurizio Cascioli , IPEMED. Guillaume Mortelier, PROPARCO, AGENCE FRANÇAISE DE DÉVELOPPEMENT.

Contents :

  • Introduction
  • World’s regionalization processes
  • A slow but positive trend in the Mediterranean region
  • The three stages of integration dynamic
  • Integration logic on solid grounds
  • Conclusion
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