The Circle of Economists opens its capital to internationalize the Aix-en-Provence Meetings

The Circle of Economists, which has organized the Aix-en-Provence Economic Meetings every year for 25 years in the south of France, aims to make it “a very large event both European and global” in particular thanks to the acquisition of minority stakes by CMA CGM, Bpifrance and the Adit group.

The 26th edition of the Rencontres, which brought together 10,000 visitors over three days at the beginning of July and 1.5 million visitors online, was “a formidable step which made it possible to reach a certain level”, explained Friday Jean-Hervé Lorenzi, president of the Rencontres économique d'Aix-en-Provence and founder of the Cercle des conomistes, a think tank bringing together several economists. The “ambition is to take the extra step, to give an impetus which will make it the most important event in Europe”, especially since “Davos will probably take a more American turn”, he affirmed during a meeting with the press.

A change of scale

“Necessary condition to climb and cross this new stage”, the simplified joint stock company Cercle des conomistes opened its capital to welcome the French shipowner CMA CGM, the French leader in economic intelligence Adit and the investment bank Bpifrance. The three of them will own 40% of the capital of the company, an entity distinct from the Cercle des Economistes association, for academic purposes. “From a small group of friends who created an event, it became a flagship event which needed to support these companies which bring the local, the international and the influence that we needed”, commented Françoise Benhamou, former president of the Circle of Economists. “They will massively help us to internationalize,” added Jean-Hervé Lorenzi.

Among the axes of the Circle of Economists for their change of scale: strengthening the involvement of youth, developing international delegations and opening up to other disciplines. Beyond the meetings which bring together “up to 150 young people”, they wish to “host a debate with these new generations throughout the year with potentially a large forum dedicated to these young people” which will be held in February, explained Helen Verryser, director of partnerships and development.

The Circle of Economists also intends to strengthen its quarterly review Mermoz and publish it more regularly. On the occasion of the release on October 13 of the issue entitled “Debt, French curse?”, a debate on this theme will be organized in Paris with representatives of seven candidates in the presidential election.