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Tag: ITALY

  • Italy meets EU recovery fund targets, govt ready to keep supporting economy: PM

    Italy meets EU recovery fund targets, govt ready to keep supporting economy: PM

    Italy has received the first tranche of such funds — about 24.9 billion euros — in August, and would now be able to proceed towards a second tranche…reports Asian Lite News

    Italy has achieved the targets required to receive the funds provided by the European Union (EU) post-Covid recovery programme, and the government is still ready to support the national economy in case of a new slowdown, Prime Minister Mario Draghi has said.

    Speaking at a traditional year-end press conference, he specified that “all of the 51 targets” needed for the country to qualify for the next installment of European funds have been met, Xinhua news agency reported.

    Italy meets EU recovery fund targets, govt ready to keep supporting economy: PM

    Italy is meant to receive 191.5 billion euros ($216.7 billion) in low-interest loans and grants over the next six years. This is its portion of an 806-billion-euro European Recovery Fund provided through the Next Generation EU scheme, which was approved in 2020 to help member states recover from the pandemic.

    In return, Brussels requires all countries to implement a package of reforms to address specific economic or systemic weaknesses and to push digitalisation.

    Italy has received a first tranche of such funds — about 24.9 billion euros — in August, and would now be able to proceed towards a second tranche.

    “Currently, the (European) Commission is discussing the signing of what is called ‘the operative agreement’, which is the step that follows the achievements of the 51 targets required,” Draghi explained.

    “The major challenge for us is to increase our long-term growth rate and solve the structural weaknesses of our economy, beginning with geographical, gender, and generational inequalities,” he specified.

    The prime minister recalled the good performance the Italian economy has overall shown this year, which would end with an expected 6 percent annual growth after a 9 percent decline in 2020.

    “This recovery has allowed us to improve public accounts as well … and the government remains ready to support the economy in case of slowdown,” Draghi stressed.

    ALSO READ: Italy, Germany bow to EU fiscal rules

    On the pandemic situation, he reiterated the need to trust in the ongoing vaccination campaign. Participation so far has been high. As of Wednesday, some 85.4 per cent of people aged over 12 in Italy have been fully vaccinated, according to official data.

    Vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 started in Mid-December, and over 108,000 kids have received a first dose so far.

    On Thursday, Draghi would preside over a special Covid-19 cabinet meeting, which is expected to decide whether to add new restrictions across the country over the period between Christmas and the New Year. (1 euro = $1.13)

  • Italy, Germany bow to EU fiscal rules

    Italy, Germany bow to EU fiscal rules

    As a review of this pact was launched by the EU in October, Draghi and Scholz “briefly discussed” the changes that might be needed to make it consistent with the bloc’s new goals….reports Asian Lite News

    After his first in-person meeting with new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the two nations are likely to bring their positions closer on how they respectively look at the European Union’s (EU) fiscal rules.

    The two countries have long held different views on the EU’s budget and public debt rules (i.e. on how the bloc’s member states should manage their public spending), with Italy pursuing a more flexible approach and Germany a stricter one, reports Xinhua news agency.

    Yet, in the context of the post-Covid phase — and of the 750-billion euro ($846 billion) “Next Generation EU” recovery instrument — the Italian Prime Minister said the bloc needed to proceed further with its integration process and find an agreement on the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact.

    As a review of this pact was launched by the EU in October, Draghi and Scholz “briefly discussed” the changes that might be needed to make it consistent with the bloc’s new goals.

    “In the post-pandemic phase, all our countries are required to fund unprecedented projects in the fields of digital transition, environmental transition, defence, and also in terms of coordination,” Draghi told a joint press conference after their meeting on Monday.

    “These are massive projects, and it will be necessary to see how these projects can be inserted into the new budget rules,” he explained.

    “My guess is that an understanding will be found on this … there will be a narrowing of positions. Perhaps I am being too optimistic, but this is a field easier to tackle than others.”

    The visiting Chancellor, whose country favours a more rigorous fiscal approach along with other northern EU partners, noted that the current framework of rules already proved flexible but would not reveal whether he would agree to more flexibility.

    “The Stability Pact has shown great flexibility in the past and it is plausible that it would prove flexible in the future as well.

    “Some 750 billion euros have been made available to the whole of Europe, which is unprecedented. Now that we have mobilised a large amount of funds, our ambition now should be to spend that money,” Scholz added.

    Draghi explained that Italy and Germany were willing to strengthen their cooperation in facing “Europe’s big challenges”.

    “We want to strengthen our cooperation in science, technology and research on European projects of common interest, and in sectors crucial to our future, such as hydrogen, microelectronics and electric vehicle batteries,” he said.

    Draghi said the two governments also wanted to accelerate the ecological transition, stressing that bilateral cooperation among European countries would be crucial considering the “very ambitious goals” the EU has set in this regard.

    The Prime Minister added that Italy and Germany agreed on the need for a common defence policy for the EU, which should be complementary and not an alternative to the NATO of which both countries are members.

    ALSO READ: Russia officially pulls out of Open Skies Treaty

  • Italy slaps $1.3 bn fine on Amazon for abusing market position

    Italy slaps $1.3 bn fine on Amazon for abusing market position

    The antitrust watchdog called AGCM was particularly concerned with the benefits Amazon gives to sellers on its platform that also pay to use its FBA logistics service…reports Asian Lite News

    The Italian Competition Authority on Thursday fined e-commerce giant Amazon $1.3 billion (1.1 billion euros) for using its dominance in the online shopping world and harming competing operators in the logistics space via its ‘Fulfilment by Amazon’ (FBA) service.

    The antitrust watchdog called AGCM was particularly concerned with the benefits Amazon gives to sellers on its platform that also pay to use its FBA logistics service.

    Italy slaps $1.3 bn fine on Amazon for abusing market position

    “The investigation found that these are functions of the Amazon.it platform that are crucial for the success of sellers and for increasing their sales. Finally, the stringent performance measurement system to which Amazon subjects non-FBA sellers is not applied to third-party sellers who use FBA, and failure to pass this can also lead to the suspension of the seller’s account,” the AGCM said in a statement.

    In doing so, said the authority, Amazon has harmed competing e-commerce logistics operators by preventing them from proposing themselves to online sellers as providers of services of a quality comparable to that of Amazon’s fulfillment.

    “These conducts have, thus, increased the gap between the power of Amazon and that of the competition in the e-commerce order delivery business,” the statement read.

    In a statement to Engadget, Amazon said: “We strongly disagree with the decision of the Italian Competition Authority (ICA) and we will appeal. The proposed fine and remedies are unjustified and disproportionate.”

    The Italian watchdog said that Amazon must grant sales and visibility privileges on its platform to all the third-party sellers. The ACGM has given Amazon a year to comply with its rulings.

    The fine is one of the largest levied by a EU country over online anti-trust issues.

    Last month, the AGCM fined tech giants Apple and Google around $11.3 million each over violations of the Consumer Code – one for lack of information and another for aggressive practices regarding the acquisition and use of consumer data for commercial purposes.

    ALSO READ: Amazon spends $1.2 bn as legal fees in India

    This was the second time Apple was fined by the Italian regulator last month, after it and Amazon were hit with fines totalling over around $225 million for restricting who’s allowed to sell Apple and Beats products on Amazon’s Italian store.

    Earlier this month, a significant report from a US-based nonprofit organisation claimed that Amazon is exploiting its position as a gatekeeper to impose steep and growing fees on third-party sellers, raking in big moolah.

    In 2019, Amazon pocketed $60 billion in seller fees and this year, its take will soar to $121 billion, according to the report titled ‘Amazon’s Toll Road’ by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

  • Mohammed bin Rashid met Fiji’s PM at the Italy Pavilion in Expo 2020

    Mohammed bin Rashid met Fiji’s PM at the Italy Pavilion in Expo 2020

    The two leaders discussed ties between the UAE and Fiji and explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries…reports Asian Lite News

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today met with Fiji’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, at the country’s Pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai.

    Mohammed bin Rashid met Fiji’s PM at the Italy Pavilion in Expo 2020

    During the meeting, held in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Fiji’s Prime Minister and conveyed his sincere congratulations to the President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Katonivere for being sworn in as the President of the country.

    The two leaders discussed ties between the UAE and Fiji and explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

    Fiji’s Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama extended his congratulations to the UAE on the occasion of its 50th National Day and expressed his best wishes for the nation’s continued prosperity and progress. He also commended the constructive cooperation between the two countries and conveyed his country’s keenness to further strengthen its relations with the UAE.

    Mohammed bin Rashid met Fiji’s PM at the Italy Pavilion in Expo 2020

    During the tour of the Fiji Pavilion, located in the Opportunity District, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Fiji’s Prime Minister were briefed about the Pavilion’s exhibits that highlight the country’s efforts to tackle the impact of climate change. The Pavilion also showcases the country’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

    Sheikh Mohammed also toured the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020. Under the theme “Beauty connects People”, the Italian Pavilion embraces the concept of reusable design with three full-size, seaworthy boat hulls as its roof and a facade of nautical ropes made from recycled plastic.

    ALSO READ: Mohammed bin Rashid attends graduation ceremony of two leadership development programmes

    The Pavilion incorporates reusable design into its structure via the use of organic elements such as orange peel and coffee grounds in the construction materials and has a natural climate mitigation system that uses shading, misting and ventilation to replace air conditioning. (WAM)

    • Mohammed bin Rashid met Fiji’s PM at the Italy Pavilion in Expo 2020
    • Mohammed bin Rashid met Fiji’s PM at the Italy Pavilion in Expo 2020
  • Expo 2020 celebrated Italy’s National Day

    Expo 2020 celebrated Italy’s National Day

    Expo launches virtual tour of the Italy Pavilion to allow visitors around the world to explore the wonders of the exhibition path…reports Asian Lite News

    Expo 2020 Dubai dons the colors green, white, and red to celebrate Italy’s National Day on November 24. The Universal Exhibition will dedicate an entire day to Italy, scheduling cultural events, high-profile institutional meetings, family activities and entertainment, both inside and outside the pavilion.

    Italy Pavilion Virtual Tour

    Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio leads the institutional delegation that will visit the Italy Pavilion and participate in the special activities kicking off at 10 AM (Dubai time). Al Wasl Plaza, at the heart of the Expo site, will host an event starting with the flag-raising ceremony and the performance of the national anthems of Italy and of the United Arab Emirates, followed by statements by the two countries’ top-ranking authorities. This first phase will close with a performance by the Carabinieri Armed Forces.

    The program will then continue at Expo’s Business Connect Centre, with bilateral and general meetings between top officials.

    Throughout the day, the site of the Expo 2020 Dubai will simultaneously host a sequence of cultural and colorful events which will peak with the highlight of the evening: a concert by the Accademia Teatro alla Scala, an event organized with the sponsorship of the Fondazione Bracco, Founding Member of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala and Gold Sponsor of the Italy Pavilion.

    Italian pavilion-People Queuing –

    Italy Pavilion remains among the most visited in Expo, after receiving 500,000 physical visitors since the opening of the exhibition on October 1st. Virtual visitors totaled 5 million through the website and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube). 

    As the Pavilion celebrates its success in attracting visitors in presence, Expo 2020 Dubai inaugurates a new amazing feature, allowing everyone around the world to enjoy an immersive experience of Italy’s exhibition path with its 360 °virtual tour. (https://virtualexpodubai.com/al-forsan-park/italy).

    ALSO READ: India wants to be preferred textiles partner at Expo

    The National Day’s busy agenda also includes an event dedicated to sport: Coaches of the National Sports Federations will put into play the activities of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), which will be present with its own delegation, with activities for children.

  • Italy is the third largest supplier to UAE’S oil and gas industry

    Italy is the third largest supplier to UAE’S oil and gas industry

    Italy’s oil and gas exports to the UAE represents 10per cent of the global market…reports Asian Lite News

    With a value of almost Euro 135 million (annual Avg), Italy is the 3rd largest supplier of components to the UAE’s oil and gas industry, making up 10% of global exports in the sector. With a strong trade relationship with the UAE, Italy is showcasing 130 specialized companies at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference 2021 (ADIPC 2021), this week.

    Foreign Delegates at the Italy Pavilion @ ADIPEC 2021

    The official Italy country Pavilion (28 companies) is organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy in the UAE, the Consulate General of Italy in Dubai and Italian associations ANIE- National Federation of Electrotechnical and Electronic Companies, ANIMA- Federation of Italian Associations of Mechanical and Engineering Industries, ANIMP – Italian Association of Industrial Plant Engineering and FEDERTEC- Italian Association of Mechatronic Technologies and Components for Fluid Power, Power Transmission, Smart Automation and Control of Industrial Products and Processes.

    Italian expertise on display at the ADNEC Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre includes manufacturers of valves, pumps, turbines, actuators, welders, compressors and pressure equipment.

    ADIPEC 2021 is the first global energy forum post the pandemic to discuss the key decisions from the UN climate meeting, COP26, which took place in the UK earlier this month. This week’s forum will provide the thought leadership, direction and strategies that will shape the strategic and policy responses for the oil and gas industry as it pivots to deliver net-zero energy.

    HIS EXCELLENCY NICOLA LENER, AMBASSADOR OF ITALY TO THE UAE: “Italy is continuing its drive for international expansion across multiple sectors, including smart and prudent investment in oil and gas, to remain a leader in the sector. With the increasing drive to push towards renewables, increased hydrogen uptake and a carbon neutral future, Italy’s investment in R&D will enable the country to remain at the forefront of this exciting transition. Many of the Italian companies who are joining us this week at ADIPEC, stand out for their technological leadership and they are helping to identify opportunities that will unlock new value in an evolving energy landscape.”

    Amedeo Scarpa, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE continued, “Italian expertise in the energy sector is renowned and appreciate all over the world. Italy is in fact, among the main suppliers of components to the UAE’s oil and gas sector. In the 1st semester of 2021, exports of Italian components to the UAE were valued at Euro 69 million, and for the same period in 2019, it was Euro 49 million. This shows that Italy has completely recovered its position after the pandemic, and the strength and reliability of our UAE Italy win-win trade relations are again stronger than ever in this sector.”

    Inauguration of the Italian Pavilion @ ADIPEC 2021

    Commenting on the participation to ADIPEC, Maria Antonietta Portaluri, General Director ANIE, said “With a trade balance in surplus of about 500 million euros, the UAE represent a strategic area for the internationalization of Italian electrical engineering and electronic companies who look, in particular, to the Oil & Gas market. ADIPEC is a showcase of excellence for Made in Italy technologies, involved in recent years in a process of renewal of the product portfolio in response to the new challenges of the scenario. This role is even more important in the current recovery phase – after the dropdown caused by the Covid crisis – which sees the start of new investments at a global level also in the Oil & Gas sector.”

    ANTONIO CAREDDU, PRESIDENT ANIMP: “The Italian industrial plants and related components and services industry, which overall approaches 200 B€ in revenues and employs over 500,000 people worldwide, views the UAE as one of its most important global markets. Traditionally very active in huge oil&gas, refining, petrochemicals, power and generally infrastructural projects, in recent years our industry has appreciated the increasingly active involvement of the Emirates also in renewable energies and in other most advanced market segments. Indeed, we commend the UAE industry for being at the absolute forefront of most modern trends. Furthermore, our industrial establishment has also complied – and indeed encouraged – the application of various aspects of the In-Country Value programs . ADIPEC is a major reference point to our Companies, a stalwart event of our industry and for our specialized players, so we are delighted to be able participate also this year, now that the Covid restrictions have eased.”

    Bruno Fierro, Vice-President for Internalization ANIMA, about the important role of the Italian Pavilion said “The Italian Pavilion at ADIPEC is an important opportunity of growth for our companies and a good example of cooperation between ITA and ANIMA. To be at ADIPEC is a concrete opportunity to get in touch with major players in the Oil & Gas sector at the most important world fair. Participation is always at a high level, and particularly significant this year of EXPO in Dubai and the resumption of international activities after the lockdown.”

    ASLO READ: Algeria to cement ties with Italy

    “FEDERTEC – Italian Association of Mechatronic Technologies and Components for Fluid Power, Power Transmission, Smart Automation and Control of Industrial Products and Processes – is proud to represent and promote the Italian companies in ADIPEC 2022 a very interesting chance for the Italian companies to establish new commercial relationship and to show the most innovative products and technologies, so promoting the “Made in Italy” also in this important industrial sector” concluded Marco Ferrara, Managing Director FEDERTEC.

    • Italy is the third largest supplier to UAE’S oil and gas industry
    • Inauguration of the Italian Pavilion @ ADIPEC 2021
    • Foreign Delegates at the Italy Pavilion @ ADIPEC 2021
  • Algeria to cement ties with Italy

    Algeria to cement ties with Italy

    Mattarella began on Saturday a two-day visit to Algeria to boost cooperation, notably in the economic field…reports Asian Lite News

    Algeria and Italy will strengthen cooperation in various fields, according to a joint statement made by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his visiting Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella.

    During a signing ceremony of partnership agreements between the two countries in the fields of justice, education and culture, Tebboune on Saturday said he expected Italy to help Algeria develop its small and medium-sized industry platform.

    Algeria to cement ties with Italy

    For his part, Mattarella said he looked forward to developing their cooperation, adding the forthcoming high-level Intergovernmental Committee will be an opportunity to reinforce their bilateral partnership, Xinhua news agency reported.

    The Italian President added that Italy encourages Europe to invest more in the southern Mediterranean region, given that it is a doorway for partnership with the African continent, and “Algeria is a key element in this context.”

    Mattarella began on Saturday a two-day visit to Algeria to boost cooperation, notably in the economic field.

    The visit provides an opportunity for Italy and Algeria to discuss political and economic issues of common interest, as part of the strategic relations between the two countries.

    ALSO READ: India, Italy Agree to Boost Energy Ties

    In the energy sector, Algeria feeds 40 per cent of Italian natural gas need through the 1,200-km-long gas pipeline linking the two countries.

    Bilateral trade in the first half of 2021 hit $5.9 billion, of which $4.2 billion were Algerian exports to Italy, according to the official figures.

    As many as 384 Italian companies are investing in different fields in Algeria, including construction, manufacturing, mining, and engineering.

  • Eight countries involved in search and rescue drill off Cypriot coast

    Eight countries involved in search and rescue drill off Cypriot coast

    An emergency drill involving military personnel from eight countries was carried out off the southern coast of Cyprus, Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides announced…reports Asian Lite News

    Military personnel participating in the drill on Tuesday, code-named “Nemesi 2021,” came from Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, France, Israel, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States, Xinhua news agency reported.

    Petrides explained that aim of the exercise, which is being coordinated by the Joint Search and Rescue Operation (MRCC) in the southern Cypriot city of Larnaca, was to improve procedures for dealing with emergency situations. These include anti-terrorism operations, search and rescue, and pollution of the marine environment, all within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.

    The military personnel were trained in dealing with a terrorist attack on a drilling platform, as well as in the search and rescue of people working on the platform.

    ALSO READ:

    “This will be the eighth consecutive Nemesis exercise, which is based primarily on the level of cooperation and coordination among the participants,” Petrides added.

    The drill is being conducted in several Cypriot off-shore fields, in which a handful of international energy companies have been licensed to carry out natural gas drilling. Diplomatic staff from the participating countries and officials from ExxonMobil, ENI and Total energy companies attended the launch of the exercise at JRCC’s (Joint Rescue Coordination Center) base.

  • Roberto Speranza visits Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dante Labs

    Roberto Speranza visits Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dante Labs

    Dante Group was founded in 2016 mainly focusing its activities on genomic sequencing tests…reports Asian Lite News

    Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and Dante Group received Roberto Speranza, Minister of Health of the Republic of Italy, at Dante Labs Genomics, the Group’s first in the region and the fifth genetic lab worldwide, at Dubai Digital Park (DDP) in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).

    Through the AED22 million investment in an operational laboratory fully financed by Dante Labs Holding, Dante Labs Genomics aims to become a center of excellence for genomics in the UAE and across the region.

    Roberto Speranza visits Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dante Labs

    Roberto Speranza, was welcomed by Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, in the presence of Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, Carlo Logli, Managing Director of Dante Labs Genomics, Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Deputy CEO of DSOA, and Badr Al Olama, Chairman of Emirates Post Group (EPG), Strata and Sanad.

    Commenting on his visit, Speranza said: “We are proud to witness Italian companies tie-up with strategic partners like DSOA as we seek to advocate for and champion a healthy population empowered by impactful healthcare models. We continue to work in synergy with strategic partners in the healthcare sector, to achieve a future healthcare system for humanity. Hence, we are keen to support health-tech entrepreneurs and startups and are proud to be part of Dante Group’s global expansion.”

    DR MOHAMMED AL ZAROONI, VICE CHAIRMAN AND CEO, DSOA : “Earlier this year His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the formation of the UAE Genomics Council in line with the country’s vision to create a world-class healthcare system. We are pleased to welcome Dante Labs, a global leader in the field of Genomics, to our ever-evolving business community. Dante Labs move is directly aligned with the country’s directions to incorporate genomics into the healthcare ecosystem as part of the UAE’s efforts to carry out preventive programs that help reduce the prevalence of genetic disorders, disabilities, and mortality rates.”

    Speaking on the UAE-Italy relations, he added: “Italy is one of Dubai’s top European trade partners, and we have seen this relationship evolve as the emirate expanded. In 2020, Italy was the first European trade partner of the UAE, with US$10.1 billion of trade value. The UAE has always been keen to continuously enhance its existing trade relations with Italy by building partnerships focused on innovation and SMEs, thereby boosting the contribution of these sectors to the country’s GDP.”

    ALSO READ: India, Italy Agree to Boost Energy Ties

    Carlo Logli said: “We are proud to expand our operations into the UAE, and more specifically Dubai Silicon Oasis. We found Dubai to be a true comprehensive and advanced hub to successfully develop our presence in the market and to become a center of excellence in the genomic diagnostics and therapeutics in the Middle East. Dubai Digital Park, as the first smart city in the region with an advanced and integrated infrastructure, will serve as a key enabler of Dante Labs’ successful expansion into the UAE, and from the UAE to the MENA region.”

    He added: “Utilising advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and state of the art patented software, Dante Labs Group’s laboratories have sequenced more than 50,000 genomes to date. We have also contributed significantly to the Italian and British health authorities’ battle against COVID-19, conducting more than five million PCR tests. We are confident that through our new expansion we will succeed in achieving our revenue forecasts for 2021.”to surpass €150 million in 2021close the 2021 well beyond the budgeted figures.”

    ITALY PAVILION AT EXPO 2020

    Nicola Lener said: “Italy and the UAE share a longstanding relationship that we are committed to further strengthen by fostering bilateral cooperation in research and innovation and their technological applications, such as the ones implemented at Dante Labs. The same objective is embodied in the Italian Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai, which under the theme ‘Beauty Connects People’, showcases the role of innovation throughout our history up to the most recent solutions to contribute to the global efforts for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world.”

    Badr Al Olama said: “There is no doubt that healthcare is a critical sector and can be severely impacted by the slightest disruption in logistics. Reminiscing what the world encountered during the coronavirus pandemic, localisation of supply chains emerged as a potential solution. Dante Labs Genomics’ opening in Dubai will serve the UAE’s and MENA region’s demand for genomic science.”

    Dante Group was founded in 2016 mainly focusing its activities on genomic sequencing tests. In the last year, Dante Labs has grown significantly acting as a genomic diagnostic and therapeutic platform whose main goal is to save human lives.

    Currently employing a 250-person workforce worldwide, the lab at DSO is the company’s first genetic lab in the MENA region and fifth genetic lab worldwide, and the first in the MENA region.

  • India, Italy Agree to Boost Energy Ties

    India, Italy Agree to Boost Energy Ties

    India and Italy agreed on the utmost importance of cost effective integration of a growing amount of renewable energy into their respective power systems, as a key asset for an effective clean transition, reports Asian Lite News

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met his Italian counterpart Mario Draghi on the sidelines of G-20 Leaders’ Summit in Rome and both sides acknowledged significant progress in bilateral relations since the adoption of the Action Plan for an enhanced partnership between India and Italy (2020 –2024) on November 6, 2020, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement issued on Saturday.

    As per joint statement issued on Italy-India Strategic Partnership in Energy Transition, both sides expressed their resolve to strengthen cooperation in the strategic sectors addressed by the Action Plan, including the cross-cutting issue of accelerating the clean energy transition to fight climate change, central to both the G20 Leaders Summit in Rome and the COP26 in Glasgow.

    They also recalled the India-EU Leaders’ Meeting held in Porto on May 8, 2021, where the European Union and India highlighted the urgency of addressing the interdependent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and agreed to deepen cooperation for accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, including deployment of innovative renewable technologies such as offshore wind energy and exploiting the potential of green hydrogen, promoting energy efficiency, developing smart grids and storage technologies, modernizing the electricity market, the joint statement maintained.

    In addition, both sides agreed on the utmost importance of cost effective integration of a growing amount of renewable energy into their respective power systems, as a key asset for an effective clean transition that generates jobs, GDP growth, reinforces universal energy access while eradicating energy poverty.

    In this perspective, the two Prime Ministers appreciated India’s resolve to deploy 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030 as well as Italy’s prompt ratification and active support to the International Solar Alliance, and agreed to launch a bilateral strategic partnership in the domain of energy transition, read the joint statement.

    Such a partnership could build on existing bilateral mechanisms, including by giving new impetus to the cooperation on renewable energy and sustainable development between the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition and its Indian counterparts, namely the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

    In order to promote their partnership in energy transition, Italy and India will:

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met his Italian counterpart Mario Draghi

    Task the “Joint Working Group” established by the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Energy, signed in Delhi on October 30, 2017, to explore cooperation in areas such as: Smart Cities; mobility; smart-grids, electricity distribution and storage solutions; gas transportation and promoting natural gas as a bridge fuel; integrated waste management (“waste-to-wealth”); and green energies (green hydrogen; CNG & LNG; bio-methane; bio-refinery; second-generation bio-ethanol; castor oil; bio-oil –waste to fuel).

    Initiate a dialogue to support the development and deployment of green hydrogen and related technologies in India.

    Consider working together to support a large size green corridor project in India to capitalize on India’s target to produce and integrate 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

    Encourage Italian and Indian companies to develop joint projects in natural gas sector, technological innovation for decarbonisation, Smart Cities and other specific domains (i.e.: electrification of urban public transport).

    Encourage joint investments of Indian and Italian companies in energy transition-related fields.

    Share useful information and experiences especially in the field of policy and regulatory framework, including possible means to facilitate the transition to cleaner and commercially viable fuels/technologies, long-term grid planning, incentivizing schemes for renewables and efficiency measures, as well as with regard to financial instruments for accelerating clean energy transition. (India News Network)

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