» ELO at the launching of EBCAM’S GREEK presidency

The Board of EBCAM met in Athens on the 25th and 26th June 2009.
ELO was represented by it’s Executive President, Mr. Francisco Mantero, also member of EBCAM’s Board.
These meetings were the beginning of the Hellenic African Chamber of Commerce and Development EBCAM´s presidency.
These meetings also marked the entrance of Spain to EBCAM through Cámara de Comercio, Industria y Navigación de Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canaries). Its representative, Mr. Emerito Rodriguez received warm congratulations from all members.
After the discussing of the financial situation, the proposal of CBL-ACP (Belgium) for a new office from September 2009, the adaptation for next year of EBCAM secretariat, as well as the approval of last meeting minutes, the following itens were discussed:

-EBCAM vision, mission and strategy (proposed workshop in Copenhagen).
-Joint missions under the umbrella of EBCAM. Suggestions and programme for next months (mission to Burundi/Ruanda and mission to Ghana).
- Proposal dates for the workshop on Mediterranean policy (European Commission).
- Follow up of the EPA’s implementation. EBCAM Networks in Africa.
- Presentation by the CCA – Corporate Council on Africa of the next US-Africa Summit next September 29th to October 1st , 2009 in Washington. Agenda for the meeting with EBCAM Members.
- EU-Africa Business Forum, to take place in Nairobi next September 2009. Financial commitments by the European Commission concerning the next forum and, from 2010, concerning other Fora and Secretariat.
- Discussion on the last Communication by the European Commission: [Communication from the commission to the European parliament, the council, the European economic and social committee and the committee of the regions supporting developing countries in coping with the crisis; Council conclusions on supporting developing countries in coping with the crisis; Staff working papers (related to the communication): - Where does the EU go from Doha? What prospects for meeting the EU targets of 2010 and 2015? Annual progress report 2009 on financing for development; - Aid for Trade monitoring report 2009; - Aid Effectiveness after Accra. Where does the EU stand and What more do we need to do?; - Millennium Development Goals – Impact of the Financial Crisis on Developing countries].

- Policy regarding joint EBCAM Members proposals to the EC Programmes (remaining 9th EDF and 10th EDF). Regional approach.
- Possible implementation of Afrika Verein’s Africa Business Contact as the EBCAM’s business contact network.

The speakers of the official dinner held on the 25th June were the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairsk, Mr. Miltiades Varvitsiotis, and the Vice-President of European Investment Bank responsible for Africa, Mr. Plutharcos Sakellaris.
The next meetings will be held in Brussels on the 22nd and 23rd October.