Latest news with #Barroso
The Star
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Angola's oil export revenue drops by 18 pct in Q1
LUANDA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Angola generated 6.4 billion U.S. dollars in crude oil export revenue during the first quarter of 2025, marking an 18 percent year-on-year decline, Secretary of State for Oil and Gas Jose Barroso said on Thursday. According to Barroso, Angola exported 85.14 million barrels during the period, recording a 13.5 percent reduction from the previous quarter and a 9.8 percent drop year-on-year. China remained the top destination for Angolan crude, followed by India, Indonesia, Spain, and Malaysia. Barroso attributed the decline in revenue to a volatile Brent crude price during the first three months of the year, with a general downward trend driven by weaker global demand, tariff measures, and market expectations of further interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Oil exports remain the backbone of Angola's public finances. A recent article republished by local media outlet Angola24Horas warned that trade tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump "strike at the heart of Angola," contributing to an economic slowdown, weaker oil demand, and falling prices. Currently, international crude prices have fallen below the 70-dollar-per-barrel benchmark on which Angola's 2025 national budget was based.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Community helps rebuild food truck swept away in Hurricane Helene
Christian Barroso says he's used to overcoming obstacles. He remembers his path to opening his food truck in Asheville's mountains as an uphill battle. 'I feel like people doubted us because they're like, 'Oh, there's no way there's authentic Cuban food in Asheville,' but once they try it, they're believers,' Barroso said. He says those believers followed his mobile food trailer to the River Arts District. He opened the 'El Patio De Guajiro' bar across from the Swannanoa River last summer, and he parked his food truck next to the building. 'It was like a sister bar that we opened because we weren't allowed to serve drinks through a food truck,' Barroso said. SPECIAL SECTION >> Hurricane Helene stories The food truck was still parked along the river before Hurricane Helene. After the storm hit in September 2024, Barroso said it was missing for days. He realized it was overrun by the flood waters, and he found it swept away. 'We went out there and we couldn't even see the food truck. The water was above it, so we thought it was still there, but once the water came down, we noticed that it wasn't there,' Barroso said. It took weeks to clean the mud out of his bar, which is still without power six months later. But Barroso says his supporters helped raise $50,000 to help him buy his new food truck. It's now parked at one of Asheville's most popular breweries. 'We don't move from here, we have an agreement with Hi-Wire [Brewing], and as long we have to stay here, as long as they're open, we're here,' Barroso said. Barroso says he's happy to be serving customers so soon after Helene ravaged the community. 'I got a tattoo, actually, it says, 'Be here now,' and that this reminds me to be in the moment, because I feel like it's so easy to just get lost in everything that's going on,' Barroso said. (VIDEO: Asheville hotel reopens rooftop bar months after Helene)
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 Ministerial Panel: Republic of Congo to Promote Onshore Acreage in Upcoming Bid Round
The Republic of Congo's Ministry of Hydrocarbons announced that the upcoming 2025 licensing round will focus on onshore blocks in the country's continental basin. The announcement was made on March 25 by Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, during a ministerial panel discussion at the inaugural Congo Energy&investment Forum in Brazzaville. 'Our national development plan [aims to] develop the economy, but we cannot start without the development of hydrocarbons. We have no choice but to take care of hydrocarbons to give the country the capacity to develop,' Minister Itoua stated. During the panel session, Minister Itoua also highlighted the Ministry's plans to collaborate with oil and gas company Trident Energy to valorize associated gas from the country's N'Kossa oil field. The Minister announced it will launch an entity to monetize associated gas not used by international oil companies operating in the country as part of a strategy to reach zero flaring by 2030. Meanwhile, Aimé Sakombi Molendo, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announced that the country will hold discussions with the Republic of Congo on March 26 to explore bilateral cooperation and the possibility of co-developing hydrocarbon resources in cross-border basins. This comes as the DRC and Angola are set to kick off discussions with energy major Chevron for the joint development of the common interest zone between the two countries, with a governance agreement having been ratified in December last year. 'We will be discussing with the Republic of Congo bilaterally to see to what extent the two countries can benefit from co-development of our abundant hydrocarbon resources,' Minister Molendo stated. José Barroso, Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas for Angola, indicated the potential for developing joint projects in the energy sector with both the Republic of Congo and the DRC. Barroso highlighted the need to create the requisite technical conditions to incentivize national companies to participate in their respective markets in the three countries. 'In the pipeline, we have projects that we are discussing amongst ourselves, and in the short future, we will be able to communicate more on this,' Barroso stated. Meanwhile, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), discussed the role the upcoming African Energy Bank will have on resource monetization and development in Africa. Spearheaded by APPO and the African Export-Import Bank, the bank aims to facilitate, promote and finance the development of Africa's oil, gas and energy industries. According to Dr. Farouk, both the bank and the private sector will have an important role to play in ensuring that regional markets move forward and drive cross-border development. 'None of our countries have what it takes to address the challenges of energy by themselves. The African Energy Bank is an example of how Africa wants to be independent and be in control of its resources,' Dr. Farouk stated. An outline of the Republic of Congo's 2025 licensing round will be presented during the Congo Energy&Investment Forum. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. About the Congo Energy&Investment Forum: The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
‘Smart technologies and sustainability lead the way in facility management'
The future of facility management in the Middle East is driven by technology, sustainability, and efficiency, Luis Carlos Barroso, ME Facility Services Director, ACCIONA. The coming years is expected to see an increased adoption of AI and automation to enhance predictive maintenance and resource allocation, he said in an interview with Zawya Projects. Other trends include greater emphasis on green solutions in line with regional sustainability goals and enhanced digitalisation that enable real-time monitoring and performance optimisation. 'Unlike traditional facility management providers, we customise our solutions to fit the unique needs of each client, whether in healthcare, education, or large infrastructure projects,' Barroso said. Other differentiators are integration of smart technologies such as IoT, automation, and robotics to optimise operations and prioritising sustainability by reducing chemical usage, improving air quality, and enhancing energy efficiency. In the Gulf region, the company has been quite active in Qatar with prominent clients such as Hamad Medical Corporation and SEK International School. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Acciona employees were on the front line working to help contain the virus, noted Barroso. 'Our teams ensured uninterrupted availability of hospital services, maintaining a 100 percent service rate, and performed rapid and meticulous disinfections to guarantee a safe environment for both medical staff and patients,' he said. The company's collaboration with SEK International School, one of its first clients in Qatar, allowed it to expand and consolidate its position as leaders in the educational sector, providing services to more than 50 schools private and public. 'By offering management solutions that prioritise children's safety and comfort in the educational environment, we have consolidated our presence in the sector, positioning ourselves as a reliable and adaptable partner for our clients' needs,' said the Acciona executive Excerpts from the interview: Coould you elaborate on Acciona's role in facility management sector across the Middle East? Acciona has been a key player in the Middle East since 2008, providing integrated infrastructure and energy solutions. Our Facility Service division has grown substantially, supporting critical projects such as Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Aspetar Hospital in Qatar, where we are providing advanced cleaning and disinfection services for world-class healthcare facilities. We are delivering high-quality maintenance and sustainability-driven solutions in Muscat and Salalah International Airports in Oman. In Saudi Arabia, Haramain High-Speed Railway and My Clinic Hospital showcase our expertise in facility management in high-traffic and high-demand environments. We are committed to driving innovation and operational excellence across the region, ensuring that our services meet the highest global standards in sustainability and efficiency. What are some of the biggest facility management challenges in the region, and how is Acciona addressing them? One of the primary challenges is ensuring operational efficiency while maintaining sustainability. The demand for facility management services in hospitals, airports, and large-scale infrastructure requires cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions. Some different ways that we have to address these challenges are: • Leveraging robotics and automation to enhance efficiency and reduce human exposure to high-risk areas. • Implementing predictive maintenance tools to optimise resource usage and reduce downtime. • Prioritising eco-friendly cleaning solutions to minimse environmental impact. Could you elaborate on robotic solutions in facility management, and what makes these innovations a game-changer for the industry in the Middle East? The introduction of our autonomous cleaning, duct-cleaning, and disinfection robots marks a significant shift in how we approach hygiene and operational efficiency. These robotic solutions not only enhance cleaning precision, disinfection and air quality but also optimise the use of resources, reducing the environmental footprint. For example, at HMC and the American School of Doha, our robotic solutions have transformed traditional cleaning methods by reaching hard-to-access areas, improving hygiene standards, and ensuring strict compliance with health and safety regulations. The integration of HEPA filtration in our duct-cleaning robots and UV-C light disinfection technology in medical facilities is setting a new benchmark for sustainable facility management. The use of our own ultraviolet disinfection robot, for example, allows us to ensure optimal levels of disinfection, especially in high-demand and high-risk sectors, such as hospitals. This robot provides an autonomous solution that quickly disinfects rooms and enclosed spaces effectively, helping to create a safe and efficient environment, reducing labor time and manpower. Our robotic solutions help in reducing chemical waste by ensuring precise dosing of disinfectants; minimising energy and water consumption through efficient cleaning technologies; enhancing indoor air quality, which directly impacts public health and well-being. How is facility management becoming a part of the clients' ESG narrative? Our facility management services are actively enhancing clients' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) narratives by integrating sustainable and innovative practices across various sectors. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and quality, Acciona aligns its facility services with clients' ESG objectives, contributing positively to their environmental and social goals. Incorporating ESG principles into facility management involves adopting sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact, promoting social responsibility through ethical labor practices and community engagement, and ensuring robust governance structures. Acciona's commitment to these areas supports clients in achieving their ESG targets, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering a positive corporate reputation. Finally, what is next for your facility management business in the Middle East? Our focus is on expanding our presence and strengthening our expertise in key sectors, such as healthcare, education, aviation and transportation and smart cities and sustainable infrastructure. We are committed to delivering excellence, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring that our facility management services continue to set new industry benchmarks across the region. (Reporting by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Euronews
27-02-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Germany's Merz ‘resolute and determined,' former EU chief Barroso says
Merz's centre-right CDU emerged as the largest party in Sunday's federal elections, winning 208 seats in the 630-seat German parliament. ADVERTISEMENT Former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has expressed strong confidence in Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next Chancellor, describing him as a 'resolute and determined' leader poised to prioritise the country's economic and defence needs. In a recent interview with Euronews, Barroso lauded Merz's understanding of Germany's current challenges and his potential to provide critical leadership, not only to Germany but also to the European continent. 'I think he's going to make it clear that the priorities for Germany are the economy and defence, which for me is obvious. That's where the politicians in Germany should focus their attention,' Barroso stated. He went on to highlight Merz's potential to steer Germany and Europe toward greater unity, particularly at a time when leadership is needed most. Merz, the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has already outlined three key topics that he aims to address in upcoming coalition negotiations: curbing migration, strengthening the economy and determining Europe's foreign and security policy. With a specific focus on economic revitalisation, Merz has underscored the importance of safeguarding Germany's industrial base, a sentiment he hopes will resonate with his coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), led by the incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz. 'We have to preserveindustrial jobs in Germany,' Merz emphasised, acknowledging the significant role the sector plays in the country's economic strength. In a broader European context, Merz faces the challenge of uniting a continent where many leaders are preoccupied with domestic concerns. Yet, the stakes are high for Merz to bridge the gap and provide leadership at a time when recent shifts in US policy have strained the transatlantic alliance. His leadership is seen as crucial in filling a leadership vacuum within the European Union, particularly as European nations confront global challenges. As part of his strategy, Merz has emphasised the importance of European unity, particularly in matters concerning NATO's future role and defence spending. The upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, scheduled for late June, looms as a critical moment for Merz and European leaders to come together and make key decisions on transatlantic relations and Europe's defence commitments. "We will have a NATO summit in The Hague at the end of June. By then at the latest, it must be clear how the transatlantic relationship will develop. And by then at the latest, it must also be clear what contribution Europe is prepared to make to defence within NATO,' Merz stated. One of Merz's more notable pledges is to reduce Europe's dependence on the United States, an ambition that has garnered praise from Barroso, who described Merz's stance as "exceptional." Despite Merz's historically pro-American stance - having worked with US companies for a large chunk of his career - he has made it clear that Europe must take a stronger leadership role, especially in light of recent international developments. "Friedrich Merz has been an 'Atlanticist,' he's a pro-American. In fact, in his professional life, he's also worked with United States companies," Barroso explained. "So he has no prejudice against the United States," Barroso continued. "On the contrary, considering the latest developments, he thinks it's important to show leadership on the European level, and that is what I think Europe needs now." ADVERTISEMENT While Merz remains hopeful that the US will continue to view European stability as an integral part of its own interests, he also warned of the unacceptable notion of the US striking deals with Russia without consulting European allies. "It is unacceptable if the Americans strike a deal with Russia over the heads of the Europeans, over the heads of Ukraine," Merz said, underscoring his commitment to ensuring that Europe has a seat at the table in critical geopolitical discussions. As Merz prepares for what could be a pivotal role in Germany's leadership, all eyes will be on his ability to navigate domestic challenges while fostering a united, strong European front on the world stage.
