Another Successful Year Launched at the MEB's 55th Members’ Rendez-Vous

The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) unveiled its 2026 programme during the 55th Member Rendez-Vous held at Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo. Alongside the MEB’s agenda for the beginning of the year, attending entrepreneurs received valuable information from the Economic Development Directorate and IMSEE.

Jimmy’s Monte-Carlo rebranded from its nightlife identity to offer an ideal venue for business exchanges during the 360 officials and decision-makers’ gathering, providing a chic yet relaxed atmosphere.

The event commenced with a welcome address from Chairman Michel Dotta, who pointed out that the inaugural Member Rendez-vous was hosted in 2009 at Mood’s—another venue primarily associated with nightlife at the time. This demonstrated that the networking cocktail event has preserved both its lively spirit and its continued success.

Guillaume Rose, CEO of the MEB, then unveiled the comprehensive calendar for the upcoming months. He first highlighted the MEB’s participation in "Monaco Day", organised by the Government’s Attractiveness Unit in Davos on 22 January, as well as the hosting of a Maltese delegation in the Principality on the same day.

Next, Jean-Christophe Caffet, Chief Economist at Coface, will visit on 10 February to exclusively present the key findings of the "Country Risk Conference", a week before its debut by Coface in Paris. Another conference will take place on 5 March as part of the Club Eco Monaco with the Nice-Matin Group, on the theme: "Monaco's investments in foreign infrastructure". On 25 March, the MEB will hold its Annual General Meeting.

An international delegation of entrepreneurs will depart for a trade mission to Zurich from 10 to 13 March. Indeed, the Swiss economic and financial centre offers numerous advantages for Monegasque entrepreneurs. 

Then, from 7 to 10 April, after continuing its exploration of the Middle East following a visit to the Dubai Boat Show, the MEB will offer the opportunity to discover prospects in Bahrain. Finally, from 26 to 29 May, the focus shifts to the Balkans, with a mission to Montenegro visiting its two main cities, Budva and the capital, Podgorica.

Following the presentation of this programme, Alexis Stefaniutyn, Head of Division at the Economic Development Directorate, took the floor to emphasise the various financial aid packages provided by the Government to support businesses. These are numerous and encompass business creation (rent, social charges, bank interest costs), innovation (Monaco Innovation Fund, MonacoTech grants, and since 2023, access to Horizon Europe, which can fund up to 50% of projects), and ultimately, business development (aid for marketing new products, international trade fair insurance). 

To conclude this information session, Alexandre Bubbio, Director of IMSEE, and his Deputy Pascal Ferry explained the update to business NAF codes, effective from 1 January, aligning with European standards. These codes classify companies according to their activity. As these activities evolve, it is essential that these changes are reflected in statistical tools. No action is required from businesses; this transition is fully automated, thanks to an AI-based tool developed in collaboration with the Interministerial Delegation for Digital Transition.

As a result of this evolution, the Broad Sectors of Activity (GSA) will also change. For example, the largest GSA in terms of percentage of the Principality's GDP distribution has been split into "Specialised, scientific and technical activities" and "Administrative and support service activities."

The various economic players present at Jimmy’s Monte Carlo then had the opportunity to explore the venue in a professional setting. Networking, exchanging business cards, and discussions between commercial partners took place in a very convivial atmosphere, reflecting the genuine pleasure members felt in reconnecting. This networking cocktail ensured that the 55th Members' Rendez-vous was a highly successful evening.