Latest news with #of
Morocco World
42 minutes ago
- Business
- Morocco World
BAM, EBRD and IFC Partner to Boost Women Entrepreneurship in Morocco
Marrakech – Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) signed a Declaration of Intent on Thursday to launch the WE Finance Code initiative. This aims to improve access to financing for very small, small, and medium enterprises (VSMEs) led by women in Morocco. The initiative, which aligns with BAM's ambition to promote financial inclusion and women's economic empowerment, builds on the long-standing collaboration between the three institutions. It capitalizes on the significant progress made by BAM in collecting and analyzing gender-specific data in the financial sector. The WE Finance Code seeks to strengthen the capacity of financial service providers to meet the needs of this important segment of the Moroccan economy by providing targeted technical support. The convention aims to improve access to financing for women-led VSMEs while providing this technical assistance. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Mark Bowman, EBRD Vice-President, Mark Davis, EBRD Director General for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region, and several senior officials from EBRD and BAM. Abderrahim Bouazza, BAM Director General, said that 'the launch of the WE Finance Code reflects our firm commitment to women's financial inclusion in Morocco.' He also expressed his willingness to strengthen productive cooperation with EBRD, IFC, international institutions, and other stakeholders to maximize the positive impact of this initiative and achieve its objectives. Mark Bowman praised 'Bank Al-Maghrib's strong commitment to promoting financial inclusion, particularly by facilitating access to financing for women-led VSMEs.' He reaffirmed 'the EBRD's commitment to supporting Bank Al-Maghrib's initiatives through the implementation of the WE Finance Code. Bank Al-Maghrib is thus positioning itself as a key multilateral player in reducing the gender gap in access to finance in Morocco.' The initiative will provide technical support to strengthen the North African country's efforts in women's economic empowerment. BAM intends to leverage the technical assistance provided by EBRD and IFC under this initiative to build the capacity of Moroccan financial service providers and relevant entities, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and other concerned public bodies. This technical assistance aims to promote women's financial inclusion and develop financial and non-financial products and services tailored to their needs. The Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) is a global multi-stakeholder partnership comprising 14 governments, 8 multilateral development banks, and other public and private stakeholders. It is hosted by the World Bank Group. The EBRD is implementing the Code in Egypt and Morocco and will mobilize financing to support women's entrepreneurship, with a view to promoting gender equality, removing gender-related barriers, and reducing gaps in access to finance for women entrepreneurs. The partnership comes as Morocco, alongside Spain and Portugal, prepares to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with high standards of governance, sustainability, and inclusion. EBRD, which has invested over €5 billion in Morocco to date, sees the event as a catalyst to accelerate climate transition and strengthen social cohesion in the country. EBRD had previously supported Agadir in issuing Morocco's first municipal green bond under the Green Cities program. The bank also assists Morocco in implementing the State Ownership Policy adopted in December 2024 to clarify mandates, enhance transparency, and attract private investment in major infrastructure projects. The EBRD has been active in Morocco since 2012 and has supported a wide range of financial, digital, and green initiatives across the country. In February, BAM and EBRD signed an agreement with a consortium of Korean institutions to bolster Morocco's fintech ecosystem through the 'Boosting Morocco's Regulatory Fintech Ecosystem' technical assistance program. This coincided with the establishment of the Morocco Fintech Center association to support startups and companies in the sector. Tags: Bank Al-MaghribEBRDIFCmoroccan women entrepreneurs
Scotsman
6 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Half of East Lothian's exclusive penthouses already claimed
Positioned on the banks of the River Esk, The Wireworks, an ambitious development by leading Scottish property developer Dundas, has experienced exceptional demand with 50% of the first released penthouses sold off plan. Representing the only opportunity for penthouse living currently available in East Lothian, The Wireworks offers elevated living on a truly impressive scale – with nothing else of its magnitude currently on the market or in planning across the region. Buyers can enjoy panoramic views stretching across to Edinburgh, out towards the iconic Bass Rock in North Berwick, and deep into East Lothian's picturesque countryside – all from the comfort of their own private penthouse. Craig Fairfoull, Sales and Marketing Director at Dundas said: 'The Wireworks has proven to be hugely popular, particularly our penthouse collection which represents the only opportunity for penthouse living in East Lothian. 'With 50% of our first released penthouses already sold, this latest release presents an exclusive chance to secure a remarkable home, while further penthouses will arrive later this year in Block Four.' Offering a mix of immediate and future availability, buyers can choose between move-in ready residences or homes that will be completed within the next 10-12 weeks. All feature contemporary design, premium finishes, and spacious layouts. The Wireworks is a £35 million regeneration of Musselburgh's former Brunton Wireworks site, delivering a collection of high-spec one to three-bedroom apartments. Each home features high-spec fittings throughout, from SMEG kitchen appliances and Porcelanosa tiling to Hive-controlled heating - combining style with energy efficiency. Designed by Michael Laird Architects, The Wireworks draws inspiration from the site's industrial heritage while prioritising light, space and practical design. Recently awarded Apartment of the Year at The Herald Property Awards, The Wireworks reflects Dundas' mission to create homes that make people feel great. Headquartered in Livingston, the proudly Scottish developer is known for its higher-than-average specifications and commitment to a smooth, stress-free buying experience. To learn more about The Wireworks, visit: 1 . Contributed Kitchen of exclusive penthouse at The Wireworks development by Dundas Estates Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Master Bedroom of exclusive penthouse at The Wireworks development by Dundas Estates Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Living room of exclusive penthouse at The Wireworks development by Dundas Estates Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Hallway of exclusive penthouse at The Wireworks development by Dundas Estates Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: East Lothian
Scotsman
6 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
50% of East Lothian's exclusive penthouses already claimed
Positioned on the banks of the River Esk, The Wireworks, an ambitious development by leading Scottish property developer Dundas, has experienced exceptional demand with 50% of the first released penthouses sold off plan. Representing the only opportunity for penthouse living currently available in East Lothian, The Wireworks offers elevated living on a truly impressive scale – with nothing else of its magnitude currently on the market or in planning across the region. Buyers can enjoy panoramic views stretching across to Edinburgh, out towards the iconic Bass Rock in North Berwick, and deep into East Lothian's picturesque countryside – all from the comfort of their own private penthouse. Craig Fairfoull, Sales and Marketing Director at Dundas said: 'The Wireworks has proven to be hugely popular, particularly our penthouse collection which represents the only opportunity for penthouse living in East Lothian. 'With 50% of our first released penthouses already sold, this latest release presents an exclusive chance to secure a remarkable home, while further penthouses will arrive later this year in Block Four.' Offering a mix of immediate and future availability, buyers can choose between move-in ready residences or homes that will be completed within the next 10-12 weeks. All feature contemporary design, premium finishes, and spacious layouts. The Wireworks is a £35 million regeneration of Musselburgh's former Brunton Wireworks site, delivering a collection of high-spec one to three-bedroom apartments. Each home features high-spec fittings throughout, from SMEG kitchen appliances and Porcelanosa tiling to Hive-controlled heating - combining style with energy efficiency. Designed by Michael Laird Architects, The Wireworks draws inspiration from the site's industrial heritage while prioritising light, space and practical design. Recently awarded Apartment of the Year at The Herald Property Awards, The Wireworks reflects Dundas' mission to create homes that make people feel great. Headquartered in Livingston, the proudly Scottish developer is known for its higher-than-average specifications and commitment to a smooth, stress-free buying experience. To learn more about The Wireworks, visit: 1 . Contributed Living room of exclusive penthouses at The Wireworks, development Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Hallway of exclusive penthouses at The Wireworks, development Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Kitchen of exclusive penthouses at The Wireworks, development Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Balcony of exclusive penthouses at The Wireworks, development Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pak Datacom signs MoU with intl broadband satellite service provider
Pak Datacom Limited (PDL) announced on Thursday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an international-based broadband satellite services operator. The agreement was signed after a successful limited test and trial-based arrangement with them, the PDL said in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). PDL, which did not disclose the name of its international collaborator, added that the international operator was an established next-generation satellite broadband operator based in the Asia-Pacific region. 'The collaboration is aligned with PDL's long-term vision of supporting digital connectivity footprint in the broadband satellite services market,' read the notice to the bourse. Pak Datacom Limited (PSX: PAKD) was incorporated in Pakistan as a private limited company in 1992 and was converted into a public limited company in 1994. The principal activity of the company is setting up, operating, and maintaining a network of data communication and serving the needs of the customers.
Daily Express
10 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Energy Asia 2025 ends with call for urgent regional transition action
Published on: Thursday, June 19, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 19, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Taufik (right) with Dr Daniel Yergin (middle) and Dr Atul Arya during the closing session of Energy Asia 2025. KUALA LUMPUR: Energy Asia by Petronas and its Knowledge Partner, CERAWeek by S&P Global, concluded on Wednesday with a strong call for urgent, inclusive, and actionable delivery of the energy transition. Over the course of three days, the conference gathered more than 4,000 attendees from 60 countries and 38 industries, including policymakers, financiers, technologists, and energy professionals. Advertisement Government and business leaders acknowledged that, while the region has made significant progress in setting targets and forming partnerships, the focus must now shift decisively towards implementation at speed and scale. Amid intensifying global challenges, leaders reaffirmed Asia's critical role in the energy transition, noting that the region's rising energy demand, economic growth, and development needs require strategies that are locally grounded and prioritise energy access, affordability, and socioeconomic advancement. Transitions in developing nations and emerging economies, however, must remain rooted in access and affordability and cannot come at the expense of energy security and sustainability. Officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the conference was themed 'Delivering Asia's Energy Transition' and featured more than 50 strategic dialogues that encouraged pragmatic, multi-stakeholder collaboration with a shared sense of urgency. Advertisement Speaking at the closing ceremony, Petronas President and Group CEO Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, who also chairs Energy Asia, said the objective of Energy Asia 2025 is to address the region-specific realities of the energy transition. He noted that discussions over the past three days had surfaced both existing and emerging challenges while underscoring the need to build a resilient energy system. A key highlight of this year's conference was the inaugural Energy Asia Global Leadership Executive Forum—a closed-door gathering of over 30 global CEOs and C-suite leaders from the energy, finance, technology, and professional services sectors. This high-level dialogue resulted in alignment on four priority areas: sharing best practices to build resilient energy systems; enhancing project bankability to unlock capital flows; reducing emissions while delivering social impact; and accelerating innovation and the adoption of decarbonisation technologies. Demonstrating real momentum, Energy Asia 2025 also saw the signing of 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and progress on several high-impact initiatives spanning technologies, geographies, and business models. Key announcements included a Strategic Cooperation Agreement and Farm-Out Agreements between Petronas and TotalEnergies to deepen upstream collaboration in Malaysia; a Joint Venture Framework Agreement between Petronas and Eni for regional upstream exploration; and the award of the Temaris Cluster Small Field Asset PSC by Petronas, through Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), to Seascape Energy Asia (One) Sdn Bhd. Additional milestones included an LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement between Petronas LNG Ltd. and Commonwealth LNG to strengthen supply diversification via the United States; and an MoU between Petronas and Jera to enhance collaboration across the gas value chain, supporting Japan's energy security and sustainability goals. Energy transition-focused initiatives announced during the event included: The launch of the Blue Carbon Collective by Petronas in collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, the University of São Paulo, and Universiti Putra Malaysia to advance mangrove-based carbon capture and storage research. The establishment of the Petronas Energy Transition Academy (P-ETA) to equip the energy workforce with skills for a low-carbon future. The formation of Jules Nautica Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Petronas CCS Ventures, MISC Berhad, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, to own and operate liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) carriers for carbon capture and storage (CCS). Running concurrently with the Executive Conference, the Energy Park welcomed nearly 14,000 visitors who explored exhibitions on innovation, emerging technologies, and solutions presented by Energy Asia's partners and collaborators. Energy Asia aims to propel the region's Net Zero ambitions by convening policymakers, industry leaders, and energy professionals around practical solutions for a just and responsible energy transition. Spanning three days from 16 to 18 June at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the event featured high-level dialogues and showcases of cutting-edge technologies. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
