Chamber of Commerce Europe - Central America |
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All we are saying is give peace a chance! |
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Now that we have Corona more or less under control, a new crisis is looming over our Western society and culture, and it looks like we are on the way to a new balance of power in the world. Yet it is incomprehensible how political Europe is only now suddenly realizing its dependence on a no longer bona fide trading partner that threatens to turn the wrong knobs at will.
That is why it is good these days to pause for a moment and reflect on the fact that peace should be a verb for each of us, also in our daily relationship with the people with whom we share our daily life in Belgium. In business terms, we speak of stakeholders, but the underlying principle remains the same.
Especially now that certain markets are under heavy pressure, many decision-makers need to make to take the right decisions, with or without the help of third parties. In sync with the deployment of all technological means, innovating quickly and creatively is now more important than ever. That's also why we advise Captains of Industry, entrepreneurs and decision makers not only to diversify their activities but also to look for opportunities in new markets.
As a Chamber of Commerce, Euracen can point entrepreneurial people to real opportunities in the countries of Central America (Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama). The CA region offers more than just tourist attractions but is definitely in demand for "matching" partners and investors.
Thanks to our very direct and solid contacts with the eight ambassadors in Brussels, we manage to bring a lot of companies of all sizes in key sectors in Belgium to the table with policy makers, owners and decision makers of both public and private projects on the other side of the ocean.
All it takes is to be or become a member of Euracen and we will be happy to guide you on a project basis towards possible economic expansion opportunities in the economies of the Central American region where offer is still inferior to demand.
Wish you all a safe and interesting month of April 2022.
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PRESIDENT |
Erwin De Weerdt |
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Роrt Аuthоrіtу mоvеѕ аgаіnѕt соnѕtruсtіоn соmраnу’ѕ vеѕѕеl ассuѕеd оf “роllutіng” Рlасеnсіа Lаgооn
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Соmmіѕѕіоnеr оf thе Веlіzе Роrt Аuthоrіtу, Мајоr Gіlbеrt Ѕwаzо, thіѕ аftеrnооn іnfоrmеd Вrеаkіng Веlіzе Nеwѕ thаt thе оwnеr оf а lаndіng bаrgе ореrаtіng іn thе Рlасеnсіа Lаgооn hаѕ bееn іѕѕuеd а nоtісе оf рrоhіbіtіоn frоm ѕаіlіng untіl іt соrrесtѕ а mесhаnісаl рrоblеm thаt hаѕ bееn саuѕіng роllutіоn оf thе іmроrtаnt wаtеrwау.
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Therefore, it is understandable that many of you got very excited when you heard about the new laws governing importation and investment incentives designed to stimulate post-COVID investment in Costa Rica. It did not help that many trigger-happy lawyers, and certain media hyped it up as though it would take effect the next day. The great rev-up, cough, and sputter. Our second national anthem.
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Innovative solar dryer for sugarcane processing
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Santo Domingo.- The National Evangelical University (UNEV), through the Center for Scientific Research and Technology Development (TECUNEV), an operational research unit, has inaugurated a solar dryer that will dry sugar cane without spoiling the product and dehydrate it by eliminating all the water without affecting its nutrients.
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El Salvador turns to Binance for help on Bitcoin adoption
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The country's adoption of bitcoin has been beset by public skepticism about the cryptocurrency, which has depreciated substantially since hitting a record high in early November.
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Study: Guatemala’s tortilla industry depends on girls’ labor
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Guatemala City (AP) — For millions of Guatemalan families handmade corn tortillas are indispensable with every meal, but many of those tortillas pass through the hands of girls and young women from impoverished families who work extraordinarily hours seven days a week.
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Newly elected Honduras government to ban open-pit mining
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The new government of Honduras has announced that it will ban open-pit mining in the Central American nation. The government, which was sworn in last month, also said that it would cancel environmental permits for mining operations across the country.
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Volcano surfing: Head to Nicaragua for a travel experience you’ll never forget
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Cerro Negro is one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes, with 23 eruptions in the last 150 years ©Getty Images
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By Ben Anthony Horton –At 728 metres tall, Cerro Negro is one of Nicaragua’s most active volcanoes, with dark layers of ash and sand coating its rock-strewn slopes. The last significant eruption was in 1999, and many fear that another could be due any day now. But far from causing alarm, the area has become a haven for thrill seeking tourists eager to try their hand at the country’s favourite pastime. “It's the only place in the world where you can go boarding on an active volcano,” says Lesther Centeno, a tour guide from the Central American nation.
The extreme sport on Cerro Negro dates back to 2006, when locals first tried their hand at the unique art of sandboarding. There are now over 12 tour operators who run excursions to the site, allowing visitors the opportunity to surf the slopes of this ashen paradise.
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Environment Ministry to coordinate probe of declining bird species
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The Ministry of the Environment (MiAmbiente) will promote rapprochement and coordination with scientific research institutions in Panama to investigate the possible causes of the decline in bird populations in the Soberanía National Park.
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Economic Snapshot for Central America |
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GDP growth will cool in 2022 Regional GDP growth will cool this year as economic conditions normalize, leading to more moderate growth in foreign demand, remittances and fixed investment. Tighter monetary policy will further dampen activity. Nonetheless, household spending should remain resilient, partly buoyed by tighter labor markets. Further sanctions would weigh on Nicaragua’s economy.
Inflation to cool in 2022 Preliminary data showed inflation rose from January’s 5.7% to 5.9% in February. A number of regional economies depend largely on imported oil, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses upside risks to the outlook. While direct exposure to Russian oil is limited, it will have an effect due to pricier oil from elsewhere.
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Belize Economic Outlook April 12, 2022 Economic activity expanded 14.8% in Q4 2021, up from Q3’s 13.8%, mainly due to a rebound in the services sector, while industrial activity declined as a drought affected hydroelectric production. Moving on to Q1 2022, the tourism sector likely continued its rebound. Arrivals marked sustained growth through January–February, while the removal of testing requirements for vaccinated travelers from March should have boosted inflows towards the end of the quarter. However, the trade deficit deepened in the first two months of the year, key reasons being high-value imports and the lack of bulk sugar shipments in February. Moving to Q2, the government lifted virtually all remaining Covid-19 restrictions from 1 April, which should be aiding the economic recovery.
Belize Economic Growth GDP growth in 2022 will likely slow from its 2021 rally as the favorable base effect fades. The tourism sector should prop up activity in light of looser travel restrictions; solid private consumption driven by gains in employment will also support growth. Still, possible new Covid-19 outbreaks and rampant global inflation cloud the outlooks for tourism and export growth. FocusEconomics panelists forecast GDP to grow 6.1% in 2022, which is up 0.3 percentage points from the previous month’s forecast. For 2023, the panel sees the economy expanding 3.4%.
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Global Fishing Watch – We celebrate Belize’s leadership to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by publicly sharing the data of their high seas fleet today. Starting today, you can find 50+ Belize fishing vessels illuminated on our map, adding to Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru, whose fleets are also already visible, demonstrating that transparency drives better ocean management. We applaud Belize for its leadership as they pave the way for Caribbean cooperation and set a global challenge for others to follow suit. Learn more about Belize's commitments here: https://globalfishingwatch.org...
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Digi - Our National Telecom is proud to announce the successful launch of DigiWallet - Belize's most innovative mobile wallet solution.
Channel 5 - Digital Financing in Belize.
Read more here: https://edition.channel5belize...
Caribbean News Now - Belize Secures US$25 million from the World Bank for Climate-Resilient Agriculture.'
https://caribbeannewsservice.c...
Global Fishing Watch – We celebrate Belize’s leadership to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by publicly sharing the data of their high seas fleet today. Starting today, you can find 50+ Belize fishing vessels illuminated on our map, adding to Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru, whose fleets are also already visible, demonstrating that transparency drives better ocean management. We applaud Belize for its leadership as they pave the way for Caribbean cooperation and set a global challenge for others to follow suit. Learn more about Belize's commitments here: https://globalfishingwatch.org...
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Costa Rica Economic Outlook April 12, 2022 GDP grew at a slower pace in Q4 2021 amid a tangible slowdown in export growth and surging imports. That said, improving labor market conditions lifted private spending, while investment was likely boosted by solid business sentiment. Turning to 2022, seasonally-adjusted economic activity fell through February in month-on-month terms, amid surging Covid-19 cases and rising price pressures. In politics, April saw former Finance Minister Rodrigo Chaves win the second-round presidential runoff. Chaves—who will assume office in May—has proposed largely business-friendly policies, focused on lowering public debt, avoiding tax hikes, removing red tape and staying in line with IMF recommendations. That said, the president-elect has also shown an anti-establishment streak and spoken of using referendums to overcome the current parliamentary deadlock, which could stoke conflict with congress.
Costa Rica Economic Growth Growth should moderate in 2022 compared to 2021, owing to a fading base effect, slower U.S. growth, and higher inflation and interest rates. Further downside risks to the outlook stem from potential new Covid-19 variants, a fragmented parliament, and sharp monetary tightening in the U.S. causing capital outflows. FocusEconomics panelists see GDP expanding 3.6% in 2022, which is unchanged from last month’s forecast, and 3.0% in 2023.
Bloomberg - Pro-Market Economist Wins Costa Rica Presidential Election. Read more here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news...
Nearshore Americas - Microsoft Unveils its Largest LatAm Office in Costa Rica. Read more here: https://nearshoreamericas.com/...
El Economista - Costa Rica stands out in the OECD for having few barriers to trade in services. The country ranks 17th in a list of 50 nations evaluated, ranking among those that place the least restrictions on services, a sector that creates the majority of jobs in the world.' Read more here (in Spanish): https://www.eleconomista.net/a...
Tico Times - Costa Rica Legalizes Medical Marijuana and Hemp. Read more here: https://ticotimes.net/2022/03/...
Deutsche Welle: Working together for precious water in Costa Rica. Read more here: https://www.dw.com/en/working-...
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By planting trees, farmers can create shade and help keep their property greener even during droughts
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Domin. Rep. Economic Outlook April 12, 2022 After the economy recorded double-digit growth last year, activity appeared to weaken in Q1 2022, although this was largely due to a tougher base effect. Year-on-year growth in January–February was still robust, with the economy rebounding month-on-month in February amid the removal of remaining Covid-19 restrictions, after contracting month-on-month in January due to the outbreak of Omicron. Moreover, the tourist sector remains vibrant: Annual growth in visitor arrivals in January–February averaged 172%. However, a year-on-year fall in remittances and increased inflation in the first two months of Q1 bode poorly for private spending in the quarter. New government measures such as fuel subsidies will only go some way to cushion the blow to household purchasing power. In other news, the U.S. reduced its alert level for travel to the Dominican Republic in April, which should aid tourism ahead.
Dominican Republic Economic Growth GDP growth should be lower this year due to a less favorable base effect, a normalization of remittances, elevated commodity prices and tighter monetary policy. That said, growth will likely remain healthy due to the recent removal of all Covid-19 restrictions, buoyant tourism and strong investment activity. FocusEconomics panelists see the economy growing 5.2% in 2022, which is down 0.4 percentage points from last month’s forecast, and expanding 4.6% in 2023.
El Dinero – "Dominican Republic gold exports grow due to price, not production In the last five years, the extraction of doré has been practically halved, but the external value is increasing." Read more here (in Spanish): https://eldinero.com.do/193126...
Nearshore Americas - 'Wage Check: A Changing Santo Domingo BPO Still Offers Favorable Rates.' Read more here: https://nearshoreamericas.com/...
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BCRD - The Central Bank concludes the VIII Economic and Financial Week with the Economists of the Future awards ceremony. For five days, 35 institutions offered 60 educational activities.'
Read more here (in Spanish): https://www.bancentral.gov.do/...
Empresa Exterior - "The Dominican Republic offers great business opportunities thanks to its legal certainty and incentives for foreign investment." Read more here (in Spanish): https://empresaexterior.com//a...
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El Salvador Economic Outlook April 12, 2022 Economic growth eased to 3.7% in Q4 from 11.6% in Q3, on the back of softer expansions across the board, with the most notable slowdown recorded by exports of goods and services. Turning to 2022, the economy faltered at the outset of the year, as activity contracted in January for the first time since February 2021, reflecting falling activity in wholesale and retail trade, and information and communication. Furthermore, merchandise exports expanded at a softer rate in January–February. Household consumption will have been dented by softer growth in remittances and rising inflation in the same period. Turning to Q2, activity will take a hit from the 30-day state of emergency announced on 27 March due to spiking gang violence. The violence will hurt business confidence and could fuel social unrest amid discontent with the government.
El Salvador Economic Growth Growth will slow markedly this year amid a less favorable base effect. That said, domestic and foreign demand should firm—despite softer growth rates—as restrictive measures are rolled back and robust remittance inflows bolster household spending. Nonetheless, the balance of risks is skewed to the downside amid heightened debt and fiscal sustainability concerns. Our panelists see GDP expanding 2.5% in 2022, which is down 0.3 percentage points from last month’s forecast, and 1.9% in 2023.
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Benzinga - “After El Salvador’s Congress made Bitcoin legal tender last year, a village in the country made headlines for showing the rapid adoption of Bitcoin in the entire region." https://www.benzinga.com/marke...
Forbes CentroAmérica - 'Bitcoin Towers, the luxury apartment project in El Salvador. There will be four apartment towers, which would resemble the large and luxurious buildings that surround the coast in downtown Miami, Florida.'
Read more here (in Spanish): https://forbescentroamerica.co...
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CentralAmericanData - 'Clean energy generation project. Generation of solar energy in El Salvador to generate 354 Kv, with the installation of 864 photovoltaic panels in an area of three thousand five hundred square meters.'Read more here (in Spanish):
https://www.centralamericadata...
El Economista - 'El Salvador does not encourage investors. IE University presents a report on the valuations of Spanish investors in Ibero-America. Among countries with "best performance" Panama and Costa Rica stand out; although the favorite to invest is Mexico.' Read more here (in Spanish):
https://www.eleconomista.net/e...
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Guatemala Economic Outlook April 12, 2022 The economy began the year on a relatively solid footing, with economic activity inching higher in January from December, while the merchandise trade deficit narrowed in January versus December, suggesting a softer drag from the external sector. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine likely derailed some of the momentum, as consumer price inflation jumped to a 10-month high in March. This, coupled with softer growth in remittances in the first quarter as a whole, will likely have eaten into consumers’ pockets. In an attempt to limit the negative impact of greater energy prices on household incomes, President Giammattei extended the coverage of electricity subsidies in early March. In early April, in its concluding Article IV statement, the IMF noted a positive outlook despite elevated external risks, and called for continued reform efforts to further strengthen the economy.
Guatemala Economic Growth Economic growth is set to moderate notably this year amid a tougher base of comparison. Softer restrictions on daily life and robust remittance inflows should support domestic demand. The balance of risks is skewed to the downside, however, as lingering pandemic-related uncertainty amid a low vaccination rate and the war in Ukraine cloud the outlook. FocusEconomics panelists estimate the economy to grow 4.0% in 2022, which is down 0.1 percentage points from last month’s forecast, and to expand 3.3% in 2023.
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Forbes CentroAmérica –'Guatemala can become a center for foreign investment, but only if it overcomes several challenges. In the next three or five years, there will be another two million people of productive age in the country who need to work.'
Read more here (in Spanish): https://forbescentroamerica.co...
CentralAmericanData - 'Industrial expansion project in Guatemala. The industrial construction project will be carried out at the Productos del Aire facilities, with an extension of three thousand six hundred square meters.' Read more here (in Spanish):
https://www.centralamericadata...
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Honduras Economic Outlook April 12, 2022 Economic growth moderated to 11.4% year on year in Q4, from 13.0% in Q3. The slight deceleration was driven by a significant reduction in capital outlays growth and cooling private and public consumption. Moreover, price pressures rose in the quarter and ate into consumers’ pockets, weighing on spending. A wider goods trade deficit also dragged on the headline reading. Turning to this year, economic growth likely continued to cool in the first quarter. The Central Bank’s monthly activity index came in at an 11-month low in January, while inflation continued to climb through February, reaching an over seven-year high. More positively, private-sector credit growth accelerated in January and the merchandise trade deficit narrowed in the same month.
Honduras Economic Growth The economy will grow at a reduced speed this year, partly due to a statistical effect. That said, softer restrictions on daily life should support foreign and domestic demand in addition to normalizing economic conditions. Solid remittance inflows will further support household spending. A relatively low domestic Covid-19 vaccination rate clouds the outlook, however. FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast panelists see the economy expanding 3.9% in 2022, which is down 0.2 percentage points from last month’s forecast, and growing 3.5% in 2023.
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Forbes CentroAmérica - 'Honduras sells 723.2 million dollars in coffee, 62.4% more than the last cycle. Honduras, the largest coffee producer in Central America, sold between October 2021 and March 2022 some 3.1 million quintals.'
Read more here (in Spanish): https://forbescentroamerica.co...
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Nicaragua Economic Outlook April 12, 2022 Q4’s growth remained solid and broadly stable from Q3, in light of a boom in government spending, healthy growth in household spending, and the strong performance of the mining and construction sectors. In contrast, investment momentum slowed sharply. Available data from 2022 points to moderating growth: The expansion in economic activity in January dropped below Q4’s average, as transport and fishing output declined. Inflation also rose, which could have dampened private spending in January–March. Still, households probably got a boost from surging remittances in January–February. Looking to Q2, a recently announced temporary fuel price freeze could offer some relief going forward, but will likely be insufficient to offset higher international commodity prices.
Nicaragua Economic Growth In 2022, growth should simmer down due to a fading base effect and small contractions in public spending and private investment. Still, potential investment from the Belt and Road Initiative and deeper trade ties with China may boost activity. Political tensions, repercussions from Russian sanctions and international backlash over 2021’s elections cloud the outlook. FocusEconomics panelists see GDP expanding 2.6% in 2022, which is down 0.3 percentage points from last month’s forecast, and 2.4% in 2023.
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Confidencial - 'Four years after the April 2018 rebellion in Nicaragua.' Read more here: https://www.confidencial.com.n...
Forbes CentroAmérica - 'Panama and Nicaragua will trigger the development of solar energy in Central America. Panama and Nicaragua have important solar energy projects.'
Read more here (in Spanish): https://forbescentroamerica.co...
BCIE / CABEI - 'Progress is being made in the improvement and rehabilitation of highways to benefit the socioeconomic development of Nicaraguans.'
Read more here: https://www.bcie.org/en/news-a...
Nicaragua Exporta - An extraordinary year for Nicaraguan tobacco. Read more here (in Spanish):
https://revistanicaraguaexport...
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Panama Economic Outlook April 12, 2022 The economy grew rapidly but lost some steam in Q4, largely due to a tougher base effect. Looking at the details, both services and industrial sector outputs softened. Within services, subsectors such as hotels and restaurants, retail trade and real estate slowed substantially. Meanwhile, in industry, mining production recorded a sharp deceleration. That said, agricultural production picked up, benefiting from strong fishing activity. At the start of Q1 2022, demand appeared solid, with new vehicle and fuel sales expanding at solid paces in January, while high-frequency data for Panama Canal activity suggested a healthy transportation sector. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to rising energy and food prices, which should have hurt private consumption in the final month of the quarter, with consumer confidence averaging markedly lower in Q1 2022 compared to Q4 2021.
Panama Economic Growth The economy should continue to recover this year, albeit losing some steam following last year’s strong rebound. Growth should be fueled by an improving transportation sector and healthy copper exports. The effect of the war in Ukraine on commodity prices plus global trade and finance clouds the outlook. FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast panelists foresee the economy expanding 7.1% in 2022, which is up 0.7 percentage points from last month’s forecast. For 2023, the economy is seen growing 5.2%.
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Forbes CentroAmérica - 'In 2023 you will be able to get to know the Caribbean on a cruise from Panama Undertaking a journey through this unforgettable region will no longer require going to Miami, now tourists will be able to embark without leaving Central America. After a long absence, Royal Caribbean will return to Latin America from the 2023-2024 season.' Read more here:
https://forbescentroamerica.co...
Canal de Panamá - 'Costa Rica & Multinacionales, sala Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua y Honduras, sala Panamá & Caribe.' Read more here:
https://pancanal.com/en/the-pa...
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BCIE / CABEI - CABEI promotes dialogue to strengthen the development of value chains in the region.' Read more here: https://www.bcie.org/en/news-a...
Freshplaza - Central American fruit and vegetable companies find market in Europe.' Read more here: https://www.freshplaza.com/art...
SIECA - CentroAmerica Hoy' Newsletter. See following link (in Spanish): https://mailchi.mp/815b292abe4...
El Economista –Central America expects higher inflation and lower economic growth in 2022. Why? Central America will not escape the effects of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which is why there is already talk of possible scenarios for the region in terms of inflation and economic growth.' Read more here (in Spanish): https://www.eleconomista.net/e...
SICA –EU and SICA launch call for the first Hackathon of Copernicus Central America' for prevention, reduction of disaster risk. Read more here (in Spanish): https://www.sica.int/noticias/...
CEPAL/ECLAC – " Experts Reiterate the Importance of Innovation, Technological Development and Public-Private Cooperation for a Green, Inclusive and Sustainable Recovery in the Region The SDG Business Forum in Latin America and the Caribbean 2022 was held in the framework of the Fifth Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, which took place in San José, Costa Rica." Read more here: https://cepal.org/en/news/expe...
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NEWS FROM BELGIUM & EUROPE |
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Belgian company merges to create world’s largest oil tanker fleet Friday, 8 April 2022, by Dylan Carter
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The merger of Belgian fuel tanker company Euronav and Bermuda-registered Frontline has been approved, according to a press release by Euronav. As a result, the new joint company will be the largest tanker fleet in the world.
Euronav, based in the port of Antwerp, is a large tanker company that transports oil by sea to and from major European ports. The company offers charter services to major oil majors, refiners, and traders such as Valero, Petrobras, Total, and Repsol. The Belgian shipping company controls a fleet of 70 ships, which fly the flags of Belgium, Greece, France, Liberia, the Marshall Islands, and others.
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Port of Zeebrugge extends concession agreement with COSCO
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This extension will allow CSP to further invest in superstructure and handling equipment. With the hub strategy, activity will also increase, and additional capacity needs to be provided. The Port of Zeebrugge initially entered into a concession agreement with APM Terminals on 15 December 2004 for a period of 36 years. In January 2018, CSP Zeebrugge acquired all of APM Terminals’ shares, bringing the same concession agreement into the hands of COSCO Shipping Ports. The newly announced extension will see both COSCO and Zeebrugge cooperate closer than before.
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In early January of this year, the Port of Zeebrugge announced that it has extended its concession agreement with COSCO Shipping Ports for another 15 years. The extended concession period for the CSP Zeebrugge container terminal, located at the Albert II dock, took effect from 1 January 2022, and will now run until 31 December 2055.
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Јumbо раѕѕеngеr рlаnе соmрlеtеѕ flіghtѕ whіlе runnіng оn fuеl mаdе frоm сооkіng оіl
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Рhоtо Сrеdіt: СNN
Ву Веnјаmіn Flоwеrѕ - СNN rероrtѕ thаt аn Аіrbuѕ А380 јumbо рlаnе hаd соmрlеtеd twо flіghtѕ іn Frаnсе whіlе runnіng оn Ѕuѕtаіnаblе Аvіаtіоn Fuеl (ЅАF) whісh іѕ mаdе, рrеdоmіnаntlу, оf uѕеd сооkіng оіl аnd wаѕtе fаtѕ.
Тhе tеѕt flіght, dоnе оn Маrсh 25, rаn fоr thrее hоurѕ, wіth thе рlаnе ореrаtіng оn а ѕіnglе Rоllѕ-Rоусе Тrеnt 900 еngіnе. А ѕесоnd flіght wаѕ dоnе оn Маrсh 29, frоm thе сіtу оf Тоulоuѕе tо Nісе, whісh hаѕ аn аvеrаgе tіmе оf аn hоur аnd fіftееn mіnutеѕ.
Тhе соmраnу ѕuррlуіng thе ЅАF, ТоtаlЕnеrgіеѕ, whісh іѕ bаѕеd іn Frаnсе’ѕ Nоrmаndу rеgіоn, ѕауѕ thаt thе uѕе оf thе fuеl іѕ thе kеу tо rеduсіng glоbаl саrbоn еmіѕѕіоnѕ, bу 2050, сlаіmіng thаt thе fuеl соuld rеduсе еmіѕѕіоnѕ bеtwееn 53-71 реrсеnt. Ѕіmіlаr tеѕtѕ hаvе bееn dоnе uѕіng ЅАF wіth ѕmаllеr аіrрlаnеѕ, іnсludіng аn А350 whісh wаѕ tеѕtеd іn Маrсh 2021, аnd аn А319nео ѕіnglе-аіѕlе аіrсrаft.
https://www.breakingbelizenews...
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Hidden Belgium: The world’s most complicated clock
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The little town of Lier contains three extraordinary clocks constructed in the 1930s by the local watchmaker and amateur astronomer Lodewijk Zimmer.
He began by building a beautiful astronomical clock on the outside wall of an abandoned tower from the fourteenth century. It features two globes decorated in blue and gold and ten clock faces with signs of the zodiac, tides in Lier, phases of the moon, days of the month, months of the year and other arcane facts.
Zimmer went on to design a Wonder Clock which he exhibited at New York’s World Fair in 1935. Described by the New York Museum of Science as ‘the outstanding wonder of the age,’ it is now displayed in a small pavilion next to the Zimmer Tower. Three years in the making, it was an extraordinary construction with 93 small dials and 14 automata. The various clocks display the time divisions of the world, the movements of the planets, high and low tides in the world’s principal ports and dozens of other details. The fastest clock hands revolve once around the dial in one-hundredth of a second, while the slowest rotates once every 26,000 years.
A small crowd gathers each hour on the square in front of the Zimmer Tower to watch a mechanical show on the side wall. An old man strikes a bell, the red shutters flip open and a series of portraits slowly slide into view, representing one hundred years of Belgian history.
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