Press Release
Annual Meeting focuses on Regional Integration, Sustainable Growth and Participatory Governance The Center for Mediterranean Integration (CMI) holds its third Annual Meeting drawing decision makers and international experts Marseille, November 28, 2012 – The Center for Mediterranean Integration (CMI), which gathered today for its third annual meeting, was hailed for playing a critical role in supporting a constructive dialogue among countries of the Mediterranean rim at a critical moment in the region’s history. "As a regional think tank and a forum for public policy dialogue, the CMI has succeeded over the past three years in providing a platform for constructive dialogue on common interest themes in the region,” highlighted Riad Bettaieb, the Tunisian Minister of Investment and International Cooperation, in the CMI’s annual report which was presented during the meeting. “The center has also shown its capacity for intellectual responsiveness by embracing the new paradigm posed by the Arab revolutions and integrating this into its program for the next three years." The CMI’s annual meeting brought together member countries and partners to discuss the Mediterranean's political, economic and social development issues and how the CMI can best contribute to broad-based and inclusive growth for the countries of the region. "The times provide an opportunity for greater partnership and cooperation across the Mediterranean. These are particularly critical in view of the ongoing economic and financial challenges in Europe,” said Inger Andersen, World Bank Vice-President for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and chair of the meeting. “The CMI will continue to provide a platform for inclusive debate, so that a creative and open exchange of ideas can take place among all concerned including governments, the private sector, and civil society voices of the region." The CMI’s annual meeting coincided with the launch of the second phase of the center’s strategic program referred to as CMI 2.0 (2012-2015). It brought together strategic and technical experts, international institutions and policymakers from around the Mediterranean, to discuss and agree on the work program ahead. In its second phase, the CMI will continue to foster greater integration across the Mediterranean region and develop knowledge products that provide evidence-based analysis to policy makers. Recent examples of its work addressed areas of green growth, trade and investment, and the transition to economies driven by knowledge and innovation.
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