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WTO/PAM High Level Parliamentary Conference on

Trade Facilitation and Investments in the Western Balkans

and the Broader Euro- Mediterranean Region

National Assembly of Serbia, Belgrade, 12-13 July 2018

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A High-Level Parliamentary Conference, dedicated to “Trade Facilitation and Investment in the Western

Balkans and the broader Euro-Mediterranean region”, took place in Belgrade, Serbia, on 12-13 July 2018.

The event was jointly organized by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and the World

Trade Organization (WTO), and was kindly hosted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.

The conference was attended by over 140 representatives from 19 national Parliaments, 6 Inter-

parliamentary Assemblies, the European Parliament, 13 Internationals Organizations, and the Diplomatic

Corps.

The event was a part of the long standing process launched by PAM in 2010 aimed at providing its member

parliaments with state of the art information and tools to foster trade and economic integration in the

Euro-Mediterranean region.

Parliamentarians were updated on the latest developments related to the global and regional economic

challenges and prospects by senior officials of the WTO, the European Commission, the World Bank, the

International Monetary Fund, the United Nation Economic Commission for Europe, the United Nations

Conference on Trade and Development, the European Investment Bank and the OECD.

The conference, which was enriched by a debate following each working session, addressed the concerns

by PAM Member States in relation to the current trade wars, the rise of protectionism, and challenges

being faced by multilateral trade. Delegates considered these matters as serious obstacles and a dangerous

threat to regional economic and political integration.

A special session was dedicated to the status of the negotiations for accession to WTO by a number of PAM

countries.

In the concluding session, there was consensus to continue to build on the success of this series of

meetings and establish a «Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum for Trade and Investment

Facilitation»: a PAM and WTO partnership, open to the participation of all relevant legislative and non-

parliamentary institutions, to continue working towards fostering economic integration and growth in the

region.

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Summary of the sessions

Opening Addresses

The conference was opened by high level representatives of the Serbian Parliament and Government, PAM

and the WTO, namely Hon. Djordje Milicevic , Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Serbia, Ms. Olivera Jocic,

Acting Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications of Serbia, Hon. Pedro

Roque, PAM President, and Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor at the WTO.

The Serbian hosts welcomed the participants, and highlighted the need for economic integration in the

Western Balkan region, the importance of multilateral trade, and Serbia’s current state of integration into

both the EU and the WTO, further noting the intention of Serbia to complete both processes of accession.

The representatives of PAM and WTO highlighted the difficult situation that is currently unfolding in the

sphere of global multilateral trade, namely the rise of protectionism and tit-for-tat tariff hikes which are

resulting in major trade wars. Within this context, the successful partnership between the WTO and PAM

was emphasized, as an important platform to further economic and political integration in the Euro-

Mediterranean region, harmonizing trade legislation along WTO rules, and fostering an economic climate

that would increase trade, attract investments, and create new opportunities for SMEs and youth

employment.

Keynote Addresses

A number of high-level participants gave key note addresses to open the discussions of the conference,

namely:

- H.E. Sem Fabrizi, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, on behalf of the

European Commission

- Sen. Tahar Kellil, Deputy Speaker, Council of the Nation, Parliament of Algeria and PAM Vice President

- Hon. Branimir Gvozdenović, Deputy Speaker, Parliament of Montenegro

- Hon. Badreddine Abdelkafi, Deputy Speaker, Parliament of Tunisia

- Ms. Isabelle Durant, Deputy Secretary General, UNCTAD, in a video message

The keynote addresses echoed the welcoming remarks and showed that there is consensus to further

engage in economic integration and multilateral trade rather than to concede to isolationist and

protectionist policies. Keynote speakers highlighted their respective national and organizational

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perspectives on these topics, while focusing more closely on the key role that parliamentarians play in the

processes of accessions to the WTO and the EU.

Some recommendations were stated regarding the need to improve trade relations in the MENA and the

Western Balkans regions. PAM commitment in the Western Balkans region and on its integration was

reiterated, and the complexities of this process were noted, such as the partial use of the Euro in the

region, bureaucratic red tape, and lack of fully harmonized trade procedures. The need for better

integration was highlighted as a mean to foster economic and political stability.

It was also noted that the MENA region is facing a demographic growth challenge together with issues such

as mass migration and the threat of terrorism. Despite these challenges people need to have access to

decent lives and economic opportunities, especially the youth. The role of MPs was emphasised, as they

need to adopt timely and effective legislation in order to make progress in economic growth and provide

security, sustainability and peace.

Session 2 - Ambassadorial Panel “Euro Mediterranean economic and political convergence processes vis-

a-vis WTO and EU Rules: impact for countries in the region”

Moderator: Sen. Lhou Lmarbouh, PAM Vice President and President of the PAM 2nd Standing Committee Speakers: - H.E. Mohammed Amine Belhaj, Ambassador of Morocco - H.E. Gordan Bakota, Ambassador of Croatia - H.E. Amr Aljowaily, Ambassador of Egypt - H.E. Dejan Ralevic, Ambassador - Deputy Assistant Minister for the EU, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Serbia - Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO

This session highlighted economic integration as a necessity for political convergence in the region, and

underscored the EU and WTO as key platforms for these processes. The outcomes of the previous PAM-

WTO conference in Rabat were recalled, particularly the consensus that each country of the region cannot

stand alone, as individual countries cannot promote economic growth unilaterally.

The Ambassadors brought their unique national perspectives on regional economic integration and trade

facilitation, as each country was at different stages of integration into regional and global trade

frameworks. In this context, there was consensus on the importance of easing the process of trade in the

Euro-Mediterranean region, especially through reduction of bureaucracy and red tape.

The speakers discussed the challenges being posed by rising protectionist trends such as Brexit and global

tariff wars, noting that there are no long term benefits to trade barriers. Such economic conflicts must be

resolved peacefully through existing trade mediation platforms within the WTO system. In this context, it

was highlighted that the WTO set of rules must be observed by all member countries. These rules belong to

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a global set of values that provide/guarantee laws and obligations to all WTO members. It is therefore

necessary to capitalize on them and make sure they work properly.

The Western Balkans region was also one of the main subjects of the discussion. On this, it was noted that

the best strategy to achieve economic prosperity is for the whole region to move towards the EU in terms

of trade, and that such a strategy would bring in increased investments.

Session 3 - How does the WTO function? How important are the Multilateral Trade Rules and

negotiations for the Mediterranean economies?

Moderator: Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO Speakers: - Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director for Accessions, WTO - Mr. Marco Hernandez, Program Leader, World Bank - Mr. Sebastian Sosa, Resident Representative, IMF - Ms. Nina Grall-Edler, Head of EnC Regulatory Group Section, Energy Community

The session was opened with a brief overview of the history and the functioning structure of the WTO. It

was emphasized that the WTO is a negotiating platform that provides rights and obligations to all its

members, promoting values of transparency and non-discrimination within its member States.

The speakers also highlighted concrete measures that would facilitate trade and economic growth in the

region: reduction of border procedures to reduce the cost of logistics, enhancement of transport

facilitation with road and infrastructure maintenance, reduction of regulatory measures and better

monitoring of non-tariff measures, investments into education reforms that would increase preparedness

for future challenges, and further integration of the electricity and energy market in the region.

During the debate that followed, a number of issues were raised by MPs, relating to country specific

procedures for WTO accession, the economic challenges faced by countries in conflict and under

occupation, and how the WTO can be utilized to force countries which are taking protectionist measures,

such as the USA, to respect the global rules of free trade as already agreed upon through the WTO

framework.

Session 4 - The outcome of the 11th Ministerial Conference of the WTO and the current context of

International Trade

Moderator: Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director for Accessions, WTO Speakers: - Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO - Mr. Chris Garroway, Economic Affairs Officer, UNCTAD - Ms. Maria Teresa Pisani, Economic Affairs Officer, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE

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WTO officials started by reiterating the success of the 11th Ministerial Conference of the WTO held in

Buenos Aires, Argentina on 11-12 December 2017. A number of ministerial decisions were taken, including

on fisheries subsidies and on e-commerce. However, the bigger context of international trade was a point

of concern for the participants, specifically in light of the emerging tariff wars, Brexit, and other

protectionist trends that have arisen in recent months and years.

Certain countries of the Western Balkans were noted with praise for their policies. It was cited that Serbia

performed particularly well in harmonizing its legislation with WTO in advance of accession, and the FYROM

was praised for adopting transparency measures, investing in customs’ procedures and conducting reforms

in close cooperation with international organisations.

The debate that followed touched upon easing border procedures, difficulties in measuring and effectively

regulating e-commerce, and the ongoing dispute between US and China over steel tariffs and trade

practices on intellectual property, technology transfer and innovation.

Session 5 - Accessions to the WTO

Moderator: Ms. Olivera Jocic, Acting Assistant Minister, Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, Serbia Speakers: - Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director for Accessions, WTO - Sen. Tahar Kellil, Deputy Speaker, Council of the Nation, Parliament of Algeria - Hon. Semsudin Mehmedovic, MP, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Hon. Ana Nikolic, MP, Montenegro

In this session, the WTO accession process was discussed as a great structural reform for candidate

countries. WTO membership is about predictability, transparency and respecting the rule of law; a chain of

values that aims to promote global business, trade and growth. It was highlighted that countries which are

not protected by the set rules established by WTO are more vulnerable to discrimination and unfair trade.

Serbia’s commitment to the necessary reforms was highlighted and described to be at an advanced stagein

the accession process.

Countries, which are at different stages of WTO accession, had the opportunity to interact directly with Ms.

Maika Oshikawa, Director for Accessions at the WTO and engage in concrete and fruitful dialogue on the

necessary steps needed to move the processes forward, especially from a legislative perspective.

WTO officials acknowledged that there is still work to do in the Mediterranean and MENA region and in this

regard, the Algerian delegation expressed its concerns about the ongoing new regulations that the WTO

demands from Algeria as a requirement to fully join the organisation. Considering the economic context,

migration, and terrorism issues, the country is struggling to meet the increasing criteria established by the

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WTO. Algeria’s commitment to negotiate trade access and ratify treaties has been noted during the session,

as well as its strategic role in the MENA region that could become even more significant with a WTO

membership. The delegation from Algeria concluded by recalling that the stability of the country is

fundamental for the stability of the entire Mediterranean basin and called WTO for more focus and

consideration.

WTO officials said that, despite accession negotiations being lengthy, candidate countries were not

forgotten by the WTO. On the contrary, WTO remains attentive and open to the requests and is acting

towards the completion of the accession processes.

Session 6 - How could WTO Rules and negotiations foster Trade and Investments flows in the Euro-

Mediterranean region

Moderator: Hon. Antonios Balomenakis, MP, Greece Speakers: - Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO - Mr. Hasan Ozkoc, Deputy Secretary General, MEDREG - Ms. Maria Teresa Pisani, Economic Affairs Officer, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE This session focused on the benefits of the multi-lateral system for economic growth, trade facilitation, and

increased investments. The harmonization of the energy market, exchange of trade information and know-

how, transparency through data collection and dissemination, the role of renewable energy in current and

future contexts, progress made in trade efficiency, the importance of predictability at borders, and the

need to reduce trade costs by removing bureaucratic barriers, were the key issues which were addressed

and analyzed in depth.

During the debate that followed, the uneven economic progress in the Mediterranean was highlighted,

especially for countries facing conflict, instability and occupation. The difficulties of a broad transition to

renewable energy was noted as an overhaul for much of the energy infrastructure would be needed. Malta

underlined the importance of investing in order to create opportunities for the youth.

Session 7 - Regional integration in the Western Balkans: Towards a Regional Economic Area

Moderator: Hon. Aleksandra Maletić, PAM Vice President and President of the PAM 3rd Standing Committee Speakers: - Dr. Ivan Markovic, Representative of Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, Serbia - Mr. Miguel Morgado, Director Adriatic Sea Department - Lending Operations, EIB - Mr. Hendrik Bosshammer, Senior Economist and Project Manager, South East Europe, OECD - Mr. Angelo Ferrante, Secretary General, Med-TSO

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In this session, the importance of a more organized and connected economic area in the Western Balkans

was highly emphasised, and the PAM-WTO partnership was praised as an effective platform for legislators

to discuss. Each panellist affirmed their commitment to enhance connectivity and integration in the region.

The session tackled the need for the Western Balkans to act upon a new economical paradigm that should

be based on trade and economic growth. Panellists noted the benefits already achieved in the region by

adhering to CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement). The agreement promoted the following

advantages: trade openness, reinforced harmonization to attract long term investments, exchange of ideas

between academics and experts, and digitization.

Some recommendations were also made to enhance the Western Balkans regional economic area:

experience-sharing within the region for private and public enterprises, improving and integrating energy

infrastructure, enactment of progressive legislation that fosters trade integration, ensuring infrastructure

interconnectivity, and diversifying energy sources.

Session 8 – Round Table discussion on how to further engage MPs with WTO issues?

Moderator: Ambassador Sergio Piazzi, PAM Secretary General Speakers: - Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director of Accessions, WTO - Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO - Hon. Aleksandra Tomić, Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, State Budget and Control of Public Spending, Parliament of Serbia - Hon. Snežana B. Petrović, Chairperson of the Committee on the Economy, Regional Development, Trade, Tourism and Energy, Parliament of Serbia - Eng. Alessandro Ortis, Co-Chair of the PAM Panel on Trade and Investments in the Mediterranean

In this concluding session, it was re-iterated that WTO membership appears to be a win-win situation for all

stakeholders. A successful WTO accession would also allow better and faster negotiations with the EU.

WTO members gain access to a dispute mechanism, so that they can protest in case of unfair trades and

protect its interests in a more efficient way.

In the context of Serbia’s accession process, more than 600 laws have been enacted since 2012 and these

policies have proven a success as total trade in goods increased by 9 percent since last year, exports and

imports have risen, economy has grown by 4 percent and unemployment has decreased.

The specific role of MPs, in fostering economic growth and accelerating WTO and EU accession processes,

was highlighted. Parliaments have the responsibility to adopt the necessary legislation and also to take an

oversight role through dedicated committees.

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The following conclusions and actions were highlighted:

1. Trade and investments in the Euro-Mediterranean region and the Western Balkans can and must be

further facilitated, and stimulated, especially with regards to international, inter-regional and intra-

regional commerce. International trade wars, and protectionism, have to be further prevented or

overcome;

2. Political stability, social progress, economic growth, peace, respect for human rights and adequate

governance/management of the inter-regional and inter-continental migrations, are absolute priorities;

3. The inter-regional and intra-regional collaboration and cooperation between institutions, communities,

economic and social operators and their associations; the dismantlement of barriers and the

systems/markets integration are crucial for regional economies and societies in terms of job creation,

GDP growth, sustainable development and better quality of life;

4. The exchange of know-how, best practices, lessons learned, together with research, innovation and

education systems, are effective means to facilitate trade and investments, as well as to promote

regional economic and social integration;

5. The WTO Agreement is a useful, fundamental instrument to facilitate trade and to promote market

efficiency, fair competition and investments. Member Parliaments of countries that have not yet

ratified the WTO Agreement are warmly encouraged to speed up the ratification process, in light of the

benefits that the adoption of the agreement will bring. Multilateral trading system, market openness,

efficient regulation and integration are essential for the benefit of all the people.

6. Stability, reliability, transparency, clarity and regional/intra-regional harmonization of legislative,

regulatory and legal frameworks are essential to facilitate trade and investments including regional and

intra-regional infrastructural investment in energy, water, transport and telecommunication systems,

to protect and develop the natural resources, the environment and to reinforce the consumers’ care.

7. PAM will continue working with its member Parliaments, with other international Parliaments, other

parliamentary Assemblies, the UN economic cluster, international financial institutions, OECD and WTO

to promote and support the above mentioned proposals, initiatives and principles, keeping in mind its

mandate and goal for the establishment of a unified, coherent and harmonized Euro-Mediterranean

economic area.

As result of the conference, and considering the need for a unified, comprehensive and strategic approach

for the issues to be addressed, there was a positive consensus on the proposal to establish the «Euro-

Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum for Trade and Investment Facilitation»: a PAM and WTO partnership,

open to the participation of all relevant legislative and non-parliamentarian Institutions, their agencies, the

UN system, OECD, the European Commission, International Financial Institutions, the private and academic

sectors, and all relevant stakeholders, to contribute in facilitating trade and investments in the region.

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WTO-PAM High Level Parliamentary Conference

12-13 July 2018

National Assembly of Serbia, Belgrade

Agenda

Day 1

0800-0815 Transfer from Hilton to the meeting venue

0830 – 0900 Registration

0900 –0945

Welcoming Remarks

- Hon. Djordje Milicevic , Deputy Speaker, Parliament of Serbia - Ms. Olivera Jocic, Acting Assistant Minister, Ministry of Trade,

Tourism and Telecommunications, Serbia Hon. Pedro Roque, President, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean

- Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, World Trade Organisation

0945 – 1000 Photo Taking Session

1000-1100

Keynote Opening Addresses

- H.E. Sem Fabrizi, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, on behalf of the European Commission

- Sen. Tahar Kellil, Deputy Speaker, Council of the Nation, Parliament of Algeria, PAM Vice President

- Hon. Branimir Gvozdenović, Deputy Speaker, Parliament of Montenegro

- Hon. Badreddine Abdelkafi, Deputy Speaker, Parliament of Tunisia

- Video message by Ms. Isabelle Durant, Deputy Secretary General, UNCTAD

1100 – 1115 Coffee Break

1115 -1245

Session II: Ambassadorial Panel “Euro Mediterranean economic and political convergence processes vis-a-vis WTO and EU Rules: impact for countries in the region” Moderator: Sen. Lhou Lmarbouh, President of the PAM 2nd Standing Committee Speakers:

- H.E. Mohammed Amine Belhaj, Ambassador of Morocco H.E. Gordan Bakota, Ambassador of Croatia

- H.E. Amr Aljowaily, Ambassador of Egypt

- H.E. Dejan Ralevic, Ambassador - Deputy Assistant Minister for the EU, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Serbia

- Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO

1245– 1415 Lunch Venue: National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

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1415 - 1530

Session III: How does the WTO function? How important are the Multilateral Trade Rules and negotiations for the Mediterranean economies? Moderator: Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO Speakers:

- Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director for Accessions, WTO - Mr. Marco Hernandez, Program Leader, World Bank - Mr. Sebastian Sosa, Resident Representative, IMF - Ms. Nina Grall-Edler, Head of EnC Regulatory Group Section,

Energy Community Debate

1530-1600 Coffee Break

1600–1730

Session IV: The outcome of the 11th Ministerial Conference of the WTO and the current context of International Trade Moderator: Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director for Accessions, WTO Speakers:

- Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO - Mr. Chris Garroway, Economic Affairs Officer, UNCTAD - Ms. Maria Teresa Pisani, Economic Affairs Officer, Economic

Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE Debate

1930-1945 Transport from Hilton to the Official Dinner

2000

Official dinner hosted by Hon. Momo Čolaković, Head of the Standing Serbian Delegation to PAM Venue: The MP's Club, 2 Tolstojeva Street, Belgrade

Day 2

0830-0845 Transfer from Hilton to the meeting venue

0900 – 1030

Session V: Accessions to the WTO Moderator: Ms. Olivera Jocic, Acting Assistant Minister, Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, Serbia Speakers:

- Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director for Accessions, WTO - Sen. Tahar Kellil, Deputy Speaker, Council of the Nation,

Parliament of Algeria - Hon. Semsudin Mehmedovic, MP, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Hon. Ana Nikolic, MP, Montenegro

Debate

1030 – 1100 Coffee Break

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1100– 1245

Session VI: How could WTO Rules and negotiations foster Trade and Investments flows in the Euro-Mediterranean region Moderator: Hon. Antonios Balomenakis, MP, Greece Speakers:

- Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO - Mr. Hasan Ozkoc, Deputy Secretary General, MEDREG - Ms. Maria Teresa Pisani, Economic Affairs Officer, Economic

Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE Debate

1245– 1400 Lunch Venue: National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

1400– 1530

Session VII: Regional integration in the Western Balkans: Towards a Regional Economic Area

Moderator: Hon. Aleksandra Maletić, PAM Vice President Speakers:

- Dr. Ivan Markovic, Representative of Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, Serbia

- Mr. Miguel Morgado, Director Adriatic Sea Department - Lending Operations, EIB

- Mr. Hendrik Bosshammer, Senior Economist and Project Manager, South East Europe, OECD

- Mr. Angelo Ferrante, Secretary General, Med-TSO Debate

1530- 1600 Coffee Break

1600 – 1715

Session VIII: Roundtable discussion on how to further engage MPs with WTO issues? Moderator: Ambassador Sergio Piazzi, PAM Secretary General Speakers:

- Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director of Accessions, WTO - Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, WTO

- Hon. Aleksandra Tomić, Chairperson of the Committee on

Finance, State Budget and Control of Public Spending, Parliament

of Serbia - Hon. Snežana B. Petrović, Chairperson of the Committee on the

Economy, Regional Development, Trade, Tourism and Energy,

Parliament of Serbia

- Eng. Alessandro Ortis, Co-Chair of the PAM Panel on Trade and Investments in the Mediterranean

Debate

1730 Cultural Programme: Kalemegdan Fortress tour and refreshments in the restaurant “Kalemegdan terrace”

Return to the hotel and end of activities

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WTO/PAM High Level Parliamentary Conference - Conférence Parlementaire

de Haut Niveau OMC/APM

Belgrade, 12-13 July 2018 / Belgrade, 12-13 juillet2018

List of registered participants

MEMBER PARLIAMENTS

Albania Hon. Anastas Agjeli, MP Hon. Izmira Ulqinaku, MP

Algeria Sen. Tahar Kellil, MP, Deputy Speaker of the Council of the Nation, PAM Vice President Sen. Mohamed Lazaar, MP Sen. Salim Rahmouni, MP Hon. Abdelmajid Dennouni, MP

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hon. Šemsudin Mehmedovic, MP, Head of Delegation Ms. Tea Mandilović, Secretary of Delegation Mr. Enis Omerović, Staff

Cyprus Hon. Charalambos Theopemptou, MP Ms. Georgia Neophytou, International Relations Officer

Egypt Hon. Mohamed Saad Badrawi, MP

Greece Hon. Antonios Balomenakis, MP Mr. Georgios Chondronasios, Officer

Jordan Sen. Alia Bouran, MP, PAM Vice-President, President of the 1st Standing Committee Mr. Shadi Obeidat, Head of Inter-Parliamentary Conferences

Malta Hon. Clayton Bartolo, MP

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Montenegro Hon. Branimir Gvozdenović, MP, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro Hon. Ana Nikolić, MP Hon. Momčilo Martinović, MP

Morocco Sen. Lhou Lmarbouh, MP, PAM Vice-President, President of the 2nd Standing Committee Sen. Mohammed Alami, MP Hon. Mohamed El-Hejira, MP Hon. Chokrane Amam, MP Hon. Azzouha El Arrak, MP Ms. Imane Aggour, Staff

Palestine Hon. Zuhair Sanduqa, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Belal Qasem, MP, PAM Vice President

Portugal Hon. Pedro Roque, MP, PAM President Hon. Carla Barros, MP

Romania Sen. Aurel-Horea Soporan, MP Ms. Dumitrita Gliga, Adviser Ms. Ruxandra Cazacu, Secretary of Delegation

Serbia Hon. Momo Čolakovic, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Aleksandra Maletić, MP, PAM Vice-President, President of the 3rd Standing Committee

Hon. Jelena Žarić Kovačević, MP

Hon. Marija Janjušević, MP Hon. Olivera Ognjanović, MP Hon. Aleksandra Tomić, MP Hon. Snežana B. Petrović, MP Hon. Đorđe Milićević, MP Hon. Jelena Mijatović, MP Hon. Zoran Bojanić, MP Hon. Tomislav Ljubenović, MP Hon. Ivan Kostić, MP Hon. Vojislav Vujić, MP Hon. Nataša St. Jovanović, MP Hon. Ana Čarapić, MP Hon. Snežana Paunović , MP Hon. Nataša Mihailović Vacić, MP Hon. Goran Kovačević, MP Hon. Milan Lapčević , MP Hon. Miladin Ševarlić, MP Hon. Aleksandar Stevanović, MP Hon. Ljupka Mihajlovska , MP Hon. Marko Parezanović, MP Ms. Jelena Sudimac, Staff

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Mr.Đorđe Kraljevic, Staff Ms. Danijela Nedaković, Staff Ms. Ana Trajković, Staff

Syrian Arab Republic Hon. Fares Al Chihabi, MP Hon. Janset Kazan, MP Hon. Jamal Zoubi, MP Hon. Khaled Al Atteyh, MP Hon. Mhd. Khir Saryoul, MP Hon. Ayman Bilal, MP Hon. Mhd. Akram Al Ajlani, MP Hon. Mohammad Al Batran, MP Hon. Eskandar Hadad, MP Hon. Abd Al Kareem Sabsabi, MP Mr. Hisham Younes, Public Relations Officer

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Hon. Agim Shakjiri, MP Hon. Dragan Cuklev, MP Hon. Aneta Simeska Dimoska, MP

Tunisia Hon. Badreddine Abdelkafi, MP, Deputy Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament, Vice President of the PAM 3rd Standing Committee

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AND PARTNER COUNTRIES

Holy See H.E. Mons. Filippo Colnago, First Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in Serbia

Sovereign Order of Malta H.E. Alberto Di Luca, Permanent Representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta to PAM

GOVERNMENT OF SERBIA

Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E. Dejan Ralevic, Ambassador - Deputy Assistant minister for EU

Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications

Ms. Olivera Jocic, Acting Assistant Minister Ms. Tatjana Dinkić Dr. Ivan Marković Ms. Miljana Mandić Ms. Ana Blagojević Ms. Anđelka Đukić Katurić Mr. Aleksandar Simić Ms. Dušica Cabunac Mr. Snežana Zorić Mr. Andrea Serenčeš

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PARLIAMENTS

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Arab Parliament Hon. Abdullah Ali Al Moneef, MP

Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference

Mr. Bodo Bahr, Secretary General

European Parliament Hon. Dominique Bilde, MEP Ms. Ludivine Reynaud, Accredited Assistant

Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy

Hon. Aleksandar Cotric, MP

Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation

Hon. Igor Becic, MP

Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States

Mr. Mahmut Erol Kilic, Secretary General Mr. Ali Asghar Muhammadi Sijani, Assistant Secretary General

REGIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Mr. Igor Kronja, Expert Advisor at the CCIS International Economic Relations Division (Centre for Multilateral Cooperation) Mr. Vanja Petković, Expert Advisor at the CCIS International Economic Relations Division (Centre for Multilateral Cooperation) Mr. Marko Mandić, Independent Advisor at the CCIS International Economic Relations Division (Centre for Regional Cooperation and the Chamber Investment forum)

Energy Community Mrs. Nina Grall-Edler, Head of EnC Regulatory Group Section

European Investment Bank Mr. Miguel Ferreira Morgado, Director of Lending Operations, Adriatic Sea Department Ms. Dubravka Negre, Head of EIB Regional Office for the Western Balkans

Institute of International Politics and Economics of Belgrade

Mr. Stevan Rapaić, Research Fellow

International Monetary Fund Mr. Sebastian Sosa, Resident Representative

Mediterranean Energy Regulators

Mr. Hasan Ozkoc, Deputy Secretary General

Med-TSO / TERNA Mr. Angelo Ferrante, Secretary General Mr. Guzzi Berardo, International Affairs Officer

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Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

Mr. Hendrik Bosshammer, Senior Economist and Project Manager

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Amb. Andrea Orizio, Head of Mission to Serbia

World Bank Group Mr. Marco Hernandez, Program Leader and Lead Economist

World Trade Organization Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director for Accessions Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor

UN SYSTEM

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Mr. Christopher Garroway, Economic Affairs Officer

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Ms. Maria Teresa Pisani, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division

DIPLOMATIC CORPS

Embassy of Algeria H.E.. Abdelhamid Chebchoub, Ambassador

European Commission/Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia

H.E. Sem Fabrizi, Representative of the European Commission, EU Ambassador Ms. Radica Nusdorfer, Head of European Integration and Economy Section

Embassy of Greece Mr. Charlampos Kounalakis, Minister Councellor for Economic Affairs Mr. Marios Belibassakis, First Secretary for Economic Affairs

Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco

H.E. Mohammed Amine Belhaj, Ambassador

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Mr. Ci Yong Hui, Adviser

Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt

H.E. Amr Fathi Mohamed Aljowaily, Ambassador Mrs. Rasha Soliman, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission

Embassy of the Republic of Croatia

H.E. Gordan Bakota, Ambassador

Embassy of Lebanon H.E. Nada Al Akl, Ambassador

Embassy of Palestine H.E. Mohammed K. M. Nabhan, Ambassador

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Embassy of the Republic of Portugal

H.E. Augusto José Pestana Saraiva Peixoto, Ambassador Ms. Maja Spanjevic Keselj, Assistant

Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia H.E. Seyf Allah Rejeb, Ambassador

Embassy of the State of Israel H.E. Alona Fisher Kamm, Ambassador Ms. Daniela Pejic, Economic Officer

Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic

Mr. Ousman Saab, Chargé d'Affaires

Embassy of The FYROM Mr. Vasko Grkov, Chargé d'Affaires

ORGANIZERS

PAM Secretariat Amb. Sergio Piazzi, Secretary General Eng. Alessandro Ortis, Co-Chair of the PAM Panel on Trade and Investment in the Mediterranean Mr. Vladimir Kirushev, Program Officer Mr. Nicola Rocchi, Assistant