Economic News

Tractebel Engineering: fired-up on Morocco

Tractebel Engineering GDF SUEZ, a leading international engineering consultancy company offering life-cycle engineering solutions in the power, nuclear, gas, industry and infrastructure sectors, has developped an extensive activity in Morocco. "Since opening an office in Casablanca in 2012, Tractebel Engineering's historic ties with Morocco have pulled tighter than ever before. We are proud to be associated with the tremendous growth taking place in the country through the efforts of all our clients who continue to count on us to help make a difference", says Mr. Patrick Wilmart – (Morocco Responsible) Deputy General Manager, Tractebel Engineering Power & Gas.

Indeed, Morocco has seen massive social and industrial development and infrastructure improvements leading to a strong, growing energy demand; the completion of Jorf Lasfar CFPP 2 x 350 MW units is just one way Tractebel Engineering as Owners Engineer is helping leading energy players meet the need. To learn more about Tractebel Engineering's activities in Morocco, click here.

Palestinian medical professionals receive training

Orfit Industries, well known manufacturer of medical devices, received two physiotherapists from the Gaza strip and the West Bank in its headquarters in Wijnegem, for a three-day training in the application of thermoplastic splints, one of Orfit’s specialties.

Aid to the Palestinian territories consists of the training and a donation of aid supplies: thermoplastic splints for 6 centers in the region, which was recently a conflict zone and where the need for professional physical rehabilitation of patients has risen.

In order to organize the training for the Palestinian physiotherapists, Orfit cooperated closely with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The aim of the training is for the trainees to learn to apply the splints and other Orfit products for physical rehabilitation as efficiently as possible.

Saudi Arabia liberalizes healthcare sector investment rules

Saudi Arabia, which is expected to be the largest healthcare market in the GCC by 2018, has introduced new rules aiming at further liberalizing the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

Among others, the new rules will allow global healthcare companies to invest in the country. In like manner, foreigners will be entitled to run hospitals.

Indeed, until now Saudi Arabia’s healthcare market was mainly restricted by local ownership rules: hospitals had to be owned 100 per cent by Saudi firms and Saudi doctors.

www.ggmkts.com

Didier Reynders welcomes the successful elections in Tunisia

On 23 December 2014, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders welcomed the successful electoral process in Tunisia that caps a transition period that started nearly four years ago.

Minister Reynders presented his congratulations to Mr. Beji Saïd Essebsi on his election to the Presidency of the Republic and congratulated the Tunisian people on the success of this electoral process.

The Minister, who remains committed to strengthening the ties between Tunisia and Belgium, reiterated Belgium’s support to Tunisia in consolidating its democracy and in the framework of the reforms necessary for an economic and social transition.

www.diplomatie.belgium.be

IFP Group: “Food Africa” Exhibition

From 6 to 9 may 2015, The IFP Group (International Fairs and Promotions) launches an International Trade Exhibition for Food & Beverages at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center (CICC).

Featuring an extensive four-day showcase that covers all the sectors of the food industry, the event provide space for the presentation of quality food manufacturers from all over the world. It will also be a premier meeting place for the food and drinks industry and a source of products for the African market. More information 

www.foodafrica-expo.com

Morocco to Launch a $4.6 Billion Natural Gas Project

The project, which is expected to improve the kingdom’s energy alongside renewable energy, is aiming at producing 2,700 megawatts of electricity from Liquefied natural gas (LNG). The $4.6 billion will mainly be spent on infrastructure, including the construction of an LNG terminal at Jorf Lasfar, within five years.

Energy Minister Abdelkader Amara stated that the project is to be financed by private investors and public operators, adding that a “gas code” should be adopted by June 2015.

Besides, Morocco has launched a vast project for renewable energies, which aims at generating 42% of total electric installed capacity by the year 2020.