A delicate operation was performed at the ISMETT in Palermo on a 38 year old woman from Malta, who in February had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. For this reason, the doctors who were following her in Malta have preferred – as several other times in the last year – to transfer the patient to the Unit of Abdominal Surgery and Abdominal Transplantation of ISMETT.

“The surgery consisted in a total pancreatectomy with replacement of the portal vein and the superior mesenteric vein through the interposition of a venous segment taken from a donor of organs with compatible blood group – Salvatore Gruttadauria, responsible of the Unit, says – the patient was discharged dall’ISMETT ten days after the surgery, and is now well and continues the rehabilitation. “

Four hundred pancreatic resections, over 1,050 liver resections and nearly 1100 liver transplants: these are some figures of the abdominal surgery activity at ISMETT. The Institute is now a real reference point for abdominal surgery in the Euro-Mediterranean basin. Last year, Ismett has attracted patients from Serbia, Cyprus, Malta and other Italian regions, achieving the 2% of the work on non-Sicilian patients.

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews

The company AGC Automotive Induver – formed as a result of a joint venture between the Moroccan company Induver and AGC, subsidiary of the Japanese group Asahi Glass – started the construction of a new factory in the “Atlantic Free Zone” of Kenitra. The new plant will produce tempered glass for the rear windows of cars, side windows and laminated glass windshield. The plant, which will have a total cost of about 130 million euro, will be developed on a total area of 12 hectares and will give jobs to 600 employees. The planned annual production capacity is 1.1 million complete sets of glass for cars, which will be exported annually for an amount of approximately 90 million euro. The new factory director, Gauthier Delmarre, said that the first customers will be the automakers Renault and PSA. The first currently has two factories in Morocco (Tangier and Casablanca), the second will start in 2019 the production in the new plant in Kenitra.

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews

The Head Office for Energy of the Ministry of Infrastructure of Slovenia has published the call for the co-financing grant of small plants for the production of wind and hydro power (power from 50 kW to 10 MW). The funds available are a total of 4 million euro. The following are entitled to apply: businesses, self-employed entrepreneurs and cooperatives registered in Slovenia (as defined in the Companies Act and the Law on Cooperatives). Eligible costs: works and supplies, equipment directly related to the production of wind and hydro energy, construction supervision services (3% of eligible costs of the operation).

The co-financed part will cover up to 20% of eligible costs of the operation with a minimum contribution of the beneficiary of 80%. The operation allowed to co-financing must be completed no later than 24 months from the signing of the concession. The costs are eligible if they incurred in the period between the submission of the application and 31/10/2020.

Applications must be submitted by 28.09.2017 at: Ministrstvo za infrastrukturo, Langusova ulica Ljubljana 4.1535.

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews

The relevance of the European Union in today’s circumstances as it confronts challenges such as Brexit, the economic crisis, immigration and terrorism was at the forefront of a two-day congress held in Malta with the participation of 1,300 delegates from over 40 European countries forming part of the European People’s Party (EPP) . ‘Secure Europe’s Future’ was the main theme of the debate.

The recently elected Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament, stated that only through unity and cooperation can these challenges can be overcome. “We need to work closely together to become stronger”.

The Congress of the EPP was also addressed by Angelino Alfano, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of the New Center-Right Party. He declared: “our job is to save Europe by offering solutions to these challenges. As the founders created Europe, now we need to save it”. He added that strong action needs to be enforced to defend Europe against the challenges posed by Brexit, immigration, terrorism and financial crisis. “Europe is the solution and not the problem as populist politicians assert”.

Tajani pursued his political argument based on Angelino Alfano’s line of thought . “Investment in Africa is pivotal in combatting immigration, whilst terrorism and the exit process of the United Kingdon onset yesterday through the UK government notification need to be addressed through solidarity and cooperation”.

Silvio Berlusconi, Leader of Forza Italia, attended the EPP Congress and held several bilateral talks including a meeting with Simon Busuttil, Leader of the Opposition and of the Nationalist Party in Malta . At the end of the meeting Berlusconi informed the media that the discussion focused on the political situation in Europe, the danger of immigration from Africa and an update on the political situation in Malta presented to him by Dr. Busuttil. It is to be noted that Berlusconi has always been a great friend and supporter of the Malta Nationalist Party leaders.

Addressing the EPP congress, Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council of Ministers affirmed that through the Brexit process, the EU will emerge stronger while Jean-Claude Juncker, President the European Commission, assured that Brexit will not determine the EU’s end.

Jean-Claude Juncker also made subtle cynical reference to the President of the United States, Donald Trump’s position on Brexit as he has encouraged more countries to follow stead. Juncker mockingly stated “If he holds on to this opinion then I will suggest that both Ohio and Texas become independent states”.

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

The production of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) in Algeria has reached 4.3 million m3, with an implementation rate of 83% of the target, representing a decrease by 12% compared to February 2016 and an increase of 41% over to the realizations of the same period of the year 2015. In the area of refining, 4 million tons of crude oil have been transformed, with an implementation rate of 103% compared to the objective, a decrease of 3% compared to the embodiments at the end of February 2016. The amount of condensate treated at the RA2K refinery reached 0.8 million tons, with an implementation rate of 109% of the target, representing an increase by 6% compared to the achievements at the end of February 2016.

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews

The Tunisian trade deficit grew by 86% in the first two months of this year compared to the same period last year. This was reported by official data of the State Statistics Institute, which added that the deficit widened to 2.51 billion Tunisian dinars (1.1 billion dollars) in January and February of this year, compared with 1.35 billion dinars (560 million dollars) in the same two months of last year. According to an official source, Tunisia will have to take urgent measures in the coming days to reduce its imports.

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews

First meeting in Rome of the Mixed Committee for the implementation of the Italian-Libyan Memorandum on cooperation in the field of development, to combat illegal immigration, trafficking in human beings, smuggling and the strengthening of border security between the Libyan State and the Italian Republic took place. The Committee started the implementation of the agreement on the basis of a comprehensive approach centered on strengthening the capacity of Libya  in controlling land and sea borders, the exchange of information, the promotion of development opportunities and improving conditions in the reception centers. Starting from the intense bilateral and multilateral cooperation in this field, urgent initiatives in the fields of training, the supply of equipment and facilities have been put in place through an integrated program, structured on the basis of a shared priority scheme.

The Committee will continue its work with a brisk pace to give quick answers to the most urgent needs. The will to continue a strong commitment aimed at achieving tangible results was expressed by both parties. The establishment of a working group to define the development initiatives targeting the most affected regions from illegal immigration, as well as the need to actively involve local authorities in the practical implementation of the MoU, was put in place earlier than planned through meetings in the process of programming. The common goal remains the creation of an effective and timely mechanism to ccombat illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings, through the development of a comprehensive strategy that takes into account security, humanitarian and development aspects related to it, on which key partners and the European Union will be involved.

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews

The data published by the Israeli Central Institute of Statistics – Central Bureau of Statistics – show all the solidity of the Israeli economy. The news was reported by all local media and in particular by the financial newspaper Globes.

In 2016 the GDP of Israel and grew by 4%, a better performance than that of 2014 (+.32%) and 2015 (2.5%).

Even the GDP per capita increased: + 2% in 2016, better than the 1.2% recorded in 2014 and 0.5% recorded in 2015.

The main engine of growth was, according to economic analysts, private consumption, which increased by 6.3% during the year under review.

The Central Bureau of Statistics also shows a clear improvement in fixed capital investments, which grew by 11.3% in 2016, after stagnating for the previous two years. Even exports – threatened today by a particularly strong local currency against the dollar and the euro – have marked a + 3% on average with the help of + 6% from the sale of services (excluding tourism and startup).

Even the average wages grew over the year on a positive 2.4% and an average of 9,805 shekels per month (about 2,500 Euros).

Equally positive was the increase in the number of employees (+ 3.1%).

The sector of information and communications guides the ranking with an average monthly wage of 19,161 Shekels (almost 5,000 Euros) for its 172,000 employees. Electricity and water sector follows with 18,237 shekels a month (about 4,600 Euros), and then education (7833 shekels per month, approximately 2000 euro) and catering, at the bottom of the ranking, with 4,519 monthly shekels (a little more than 1000 euros).

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews

A new freight link with a dedicated vessel on the Catania-Malta route. The Onorato Armatori Group continues its consolidation operation in Sicily, with an innovation that as of the end of March will give hauliers an even wider range of routes offered to and from Sicily: the opening of a connection (in addition to that already weekly existing), operated with a dedicated ship, on the Catania-Malta route with four weekly departures from each port and specifically calibrated times on the needs of goods sector, in particular for the food sector. The ship, 1500 linear meters, will transport both trailer and is automobiles. 

Onorato Armatori continues its policy to strengthen its network. In Sicily it is foreseen the reinforcement of the offer with the inclusion of a 2600 ro-ro (20 kts speed) on the route Genoa – Livorno – Catania, which will allow the programming of a more efficient route that will satisfy, even more, the needs of the sector.

In spring, the goods department will be further strengthened with a 3500 mt (27 kts speed) ro-ro that will allow for more efficiency both on journey times and on delivery time of the goods.

“We can only thank all our customers that are strongly supporting us in our major expansion plan – says the Director commercial goods Tirrenia, Pierre Canu -, especially in Sicily. Thanks to their Support, we are confident that in the short term we can complete our offer to provide them with the best service “.

This investment policy is already paying off. In 2017 both Moby and Tirrenia grew significantly. Even in February, the trend remained positive, with an increase of total freight traffic of 10%, doubled compared the previous month. And only in Sicily, in the first two months of 2017, a +24% increase was recorded.

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews

Eni announces that has finalized a farm-in agreement with Total to acquire 50% Participating Interest of Block 11 Offshore Cyprus.

The agreement, by which Total remains the Operator of the Block, has been approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus. With this transaction Eni further reinforces its own position in the Country, acquiring the right of exploring an area of 2,215 square kilometers, nearby the “super giant” Zohr discovery in the Egyptian offshore.

The rights on Block 11 were assigned by the Republic of Cyprus to Total back in 2013 at the conclusion of the second international bid round held by the Country. The exploration well is expected to be drilled in the Block within 2017.

This agreement is part of Eni’s strategy aimed at increasing its own exploration portfolio in the strategic area of Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Eni has been present in Cyprus since 2013 through its subsidiary Eni Cyprus Ltd and holds exploration rights on Blocks 9, 3,2 (Eni 80% Op., Kogas 20%) awarded in the second round. Eni has also been chosen, in the third competitive bid round, as selected bidder for Block 6 (Eni 50% Op.,Total 50%) and Block 8 (Eni 100% Op.).

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews