Latest news with #Tsakiris
African Manager
26-04-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris to pay official visit April 28-29
Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), will pay an official visit to Tunisia on April 28–29, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the EU bank and Tunisia. This visit, his second to Tunisia since assuming office in 2024, will focus on advancing collaboration in water, energy, environment, innovation, and sustainable development. During his mission, the Vice-President will meet several Tunisian Government officials and sign new financing and grant agreements supported by the European Union. The program includes visits to several projects supported by the EIB, including Enfidha airport, the first public-private partnership project in Tunisia, and Sousse Technopole (Novation City), an emblematic innovation ecosystem designed to boost Tunisia's competitiveness in emerging sectors. The mission will also mark the 20th anniversary of the Bank's representative office in Tunisia. 'Tunisia is a priority partner for the EIB in the Southern Neighbourhood region,' stated Tsakiris ahead of his visit. He added: 'Through these new agreements, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the country's priorities in energy transition, climate resilience, and social development. This visit underscores our dedication to amplifying our impact for the Tunisian people through long-term partnership.' Since 2017, the EIB has mobilized over €1.8 billion for transformative projects in Tunisia, spanning water and sanitation, transport, education, energy transition, and private sector support.
CBS News
24-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Businesses near Key Bridge collapse fight to recover as they await rebuild
The collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge had a significant impact on Baltimore's small business community. Locally owned businesses felt the immediate impact of the collapse, from layoffs, cutbacks, and even closures. But amid the chaos, creativity and resilience emerged. In May 2024, 64% of Baltimore County-based small businesses said they lost revenue due to the collapse, according to a report released by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. For restaurants, truck drivers, and port workers who relied on the bridge, uncertainty loomed. The Boulevard Diner, just miles from the Port of Baltimore, saw an initial surge of visitors. "The immediate aftermath, I would say, was busier than normal," said co-owner Marc Tsakiris. "I think a lot of people were coming from out of the area to see the damage themselves, maybe take pictures." But Tsakiris says that rush faded quickly. "We did see about a 25 to 30% loss, and that pretty much lasted through until the holidays," Tsakiris said. "You don't realize how many people use the bridge until that happens," Scotto said. "So we felt it instantly." The Boulevard Diner and Vinny's Café serve different menus, but they share a customer base. Without the bridge, traffic congestion kept many regulars away. "We saw a customer that we hadn't seen in a long time, and he just told us-it's the bridge," Scotto said. "In the blink of an eye, your whole life could change," said Karen Hughes Rupinski, a port worker. "And for a lot of people, it did, hon." Rupinski, a regular at the Boulevard Diner, used to have lunch there with her cousin while working at the port. When the bridge fell, those lunches stopped. "The uncertainty of it was mind-boggling," she said. "It's very difficult every day not to know what tonight could bring or tomorrow." When they finally returned to the diner, it was a welcome reunion. "It was good. It was very good," she said. "Yes, we were happy. They missed us too." For truck drivers, 2024 was especially tough. "I think I've been in the business for 47 years-2024 was the most difficult, for sure," Getty said. With Baltimore-bound ships docking in other states, drivers had to act fast. "Finding the containers, getting the rates in place, and getting movement done had to do all of that within 48 hours," Getty said. Atlantic Nationwide Trucking shifted its business model, finding ways to compete in other port cities while still serving customers in the Baltimore region. "We shifted from being a local trucker to a more over-the-road trucker," Getty said. "We went to these facilities with as many as 20 trucks a day. We have not recovered all of the business we lost, but I'd say we've recovered about 75%." Now, businesses are counting down to a new bridge-one that will restore not just physical connections, but also Baltimore's economic flow. "It would be amazing to try to get the bridge back as fast as possible," Tsakiris said. "That way, we can keep the community going." "When it comes back up, I hope everything goes back to normal," Scotto said. "And if anything, I hope we gain more business-not just us, but everyone around here." For now, small businesses continue to get creative, working to bring customers back after a year of struggle. The tough, industrial side of Baltimore County is coming together, determined to build back stronger. The Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024, after the Dali, a cargo ship, struck one of the bridge's columns. The collapse resulted in the deaths of six construction workers. Last week, the NTSB said the Maryland Transportation Authority failed to conduct a critical vulnerability assessment that would have allowed officials to identify structural risks with the Key Bridge. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, however, maintained that the blame should be on the owners and operators of the Dali. Moore said no U.S. bridge could have withstood the impact of a ship the size of the Dali. The governor also said that the Key Bridge has passed every federal assessment for over 30 years.
Morocco World
05-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
EIB Committed to Continue Supporting Morocco's Development Plans
Rabat – The European Investment Bank (EIB) has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting Morocco's development plans through its financing fund, including a €500 million budget in financing for 2024 A statement shared with Morocco World News said the financing budget for 2024 shows a 56% increase compared to 2023, with EIB committed to strengthening its support for Morocco's strategic priorities. 'This level of engagement reflects a reinforced mobilization in favor of sustainable development and the economic resilience of the country,' EIB said in its statement, noting that the bank surpassed the €10 billion investment mark to fund major projects in different Moroccan industries, including education, water, transport, and more. Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice President of the EIB, commended the partnership between Morocco and the bank, noting that the North African country is a strategic partner for the bank and the European Union. 'By strengthening our commitment and collaborations, notably with key players like the CDG and the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, we are encouraging investment in strategic infrastructure, supporting the energy transition, and fostering inclusive and sustainable development for the direct benefit of citizens, businesses, and Morocco's economic fabric,' Tsakiris said. The EIB statement detailed the number of projects it has funded in Morocco, including its €1 billion commitment allocated to contribute to Morocco's recovery from the 2023 devastating earthquake that struck Al Haouz in September of that year. In October 2024, the EIB signed-off on the first portion of €500 million from the overall budget to reconstruct schools, hospitals, and roads damaged by the earthquake. The fund also aims to help in revamping essential infrastructure in health and transport, and completes a €225 million grant from the EU. As part of its assistance plans, EIB, the EU delegation in Morocco, and the Ministry of Education launched a €6 million technical assistance program over five years to support the construction of 150 community schools in rural areas. This is in addition to the bank's technical assistance to Morocco's railway operator ONCF towards developing a climate adaptation strategy to cope with extreme weather events. Last year in December, EIB also reaffirmed its commitment during a high-level meeting with the Caisse de Depot et de Gestion (CDG), with the aim of supporting industrial zones as well as enhancing small and medium enterprises. 'Since the beginning of their collaboration, over $445 million has been committed by the EIB to support strategic projects led by the CDG and its subsidiaries,' the statement said. As for 2025, the bank said it is committed to continuing to support Morocco's strategic infrastructure, focusing on financing small businesses, renewable energy and sustainable transport. Adrien de Bassompierre, Head of the EIB's representation in Morocco, celebrated the two parties' partnership, saying that the global budget of €10 billion invested in Morocco reflects a milestone and demonstrates the 'strength of our partnership and long-term commitment.' 'These investments have a tangible impact: They improve citizens' daily lives, enhance competitiveness of businesses and accelerate the transition to a more resilient and sustainable economy,' de Bassompierre said in a statement. He reiterated the European bank's commitment to continue the momentum to support the country's development and ambitions. Tags: 'Morocco in processEIB
