Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)’s Post

🇧🇪#Belgium's comprehensive approach towards EV technology and smart mobility, combining infrastructure readiness, industry leadership, a conducive innovation ecosystem, and strong policy support, positions it as an attractive partner for businesses and investors in these sectors. Its strategic location and commitment to sustainable mobility further enhance its appeal, making it a key player in the transition towards a greener, smarter automotive future. 🇧🇪Belgium is an interesting partner in the Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology and Smart Mobility sectors for several reasons, organized across key areas such as infrastructure, industry leadership, innovation ecosystem, and policy support. 1. Strong Infrastructure for EVs - Charging Network: Belgium has a growing network of EV charging stations, supported by both public and private investments, ensuring accessibility and convenience for EV users. - Logistical Hub: Situated at the heart of Europe, Belgium's ports like Antwerp and Zeebrugge, and its well-connected road and rail networks offer strategic logistical advantages for the distribution of EVs and related components. 2. Industry Leadership - Automotive Presence: Home to assembly plants of several leading automotive manufacturers, Belgium has a significant automotive industry that is pivoting towards EV production. - Innovation in Battery Technology: Belgian companies and research institutions are at the forefront of battery technology and energy storage solutions, essential components of EV technology. 3. Innovation Ecosystem - Research and Development: Belgium boasts a robust R&D environment, supported by world-class universities and research institutions specializing in automotive technology, sustainable mobility, and smart cities. - Start-up and Scale-up Support: The country has a vibrant start-up ecosystem with numerous accelerators, incubators, and venture capital investors focusing on green technology and smart mobility solutions. 4. Policy and Regulatory Support - Government Initiatives: The Belgian government has implemented various incentives for EV buyers, including tax reductions and subsidies, driving the adoption of EVs. - Sustainable Mobility Goals: Belgium is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing sustainable mobility, aligning with the European Green Deal objectives. This includes investments in public transport and cycling infrastructure, complementing the EV ecosystem. 5. Strategic Partnerships - European Collaboration: As a member of the European Union, Belgium is part of EU-wide initiatives to promote EV adoption and smart mobility solutions, facilitating cross-border partnerships and funding opportunities. - Global Connectivity: Belgium's multilingual workforce and its strategic location make it an ideal partner for global companies looking to enter or expand within the European EV and smart mobility markets. Public Investment Fund (PIF) NEOM Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum

Strengthening ties: The Morocco-France Partnernship. Yersterday, on October 28,2024, Morocco and France took another inspiring step forward in a partnership that's not just diplomatic but deeply rooted in mutual respect, shared history, and a vision for the future. Watching this collaboration unfold, I can't help but feel a genuine sense of pride and excitement for possibilities it brings. This recent gathering reinforced the bond between our two nations, with ambitions plans to tackle challenges in critical areas like innovation, renewable energy, and economic development. It's a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we can combine expertise and resources, working together for a common goal. But beyond the strategies and goals, what truly moves me is the spirit of collaboration itself. The drive to uplift each other, to support growth, and to inspire progress across our societies feels incredibly meaningful. As Morocco, with its young, dynamic workforce, joins hands with France's innovation-driven culture, this partnership holds so much promise - not just for our respectives countries but for the entire region. Witnessing these efforts fills me with optimism. Partnernships like these remind us of the strength in unity and the profound impact of shared vision. I am genuinely eager to see where this journey takes us and how it will inspire others to come together for a brighter, more connected future.

📣 The Bulgarian Industrial Association/Българска стопанска камара (BIA), together with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), organizes a thematic event "𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘯-𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 - 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢", on 𝟮𝟰 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭𝟬:𝟬𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟱:𝟬𝟬, 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 - 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗮. 💡 The event is part of preparing an opinion on the same topic, rapporteur on which is Mariya Mincheva – Vice President of BIA and member of the EESC. 💡 One of the main priorities of BIA is Bulgaria's accession to Schengen, the Eurozone and the OECD. While lifting the air and sea border controls can be defined as a step in the right direction, the continued land border controls for Bulgaria and Romania lead to significant costs, environmental damage and missed benefits not only for the economies of both countries but also for the entire EU internal market. 💡 The EESC opinion will address the issue of lost benefits and direct losses related to the continued land border controls for Bulgaria and Romania, but also for the EU internal market, which leads to restrictions on trade and tourism, reduced competitiveness and increased costs for business, political and social costs and negative environmental impacts. Further emphasis will be placed on the need to set a specific date for the abolition of checks at internal land borders. Within the framework of the drafting of the opinion, 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱. 💡 The discussion on 24 September, in addition to the members of the working group on the preparation of the EESC opinion, will include ambassadors of the EU Member States, members of the European Parliament and the National Assembly, representatives of the Bulgarian Ministries, business stakeholders from Bulgaria and Romania, the President and Vice-Presidents of the Economic and Social Council of Bulgaria and Romania and the Bulgarian Academy of the sciences. 🎯 Attendance at the event is by invitation only. Program and details 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dj5TkgqE EESC opinion page 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d2puz5bH #BIA #EESC #Schengen

💡 Riga is the hub to discuss fresh ideas and learn more about global challenges. 🍁 The annual Rīga Conference organized by LATO is fast approaching but there is something completely new around the corner. 🤩  We are beyond thrilled to announce that this year to the conference list we will add another one: Latvian and Nordic Youth Conference “The Importance of Global Conventions”. 🚀 This event will bring together young minds from Latvia, Norway, Sweden and Finland to discuss the importance of resilience, cooperation between actors, global security and peace. 🚀 If you are a young person from Latgale’s region, through the project Latgale=Latvija we are providing a chance for you to come and join our event. Apply 👉 https://lnkd.in/d4tunrn2 The project is supported by the United States Embassy - Riga, Latvia, Nordic Council of Ministers and Royal Norwegian Embassy in Riga. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the coordinators of this project and does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the United States Embassy - Riga, Latvia, Nordic Council of Ministers and Royal Norwegian Embassy in Riga.  #wearenato | #strongertogether | #youth | #resilience 

🇪🇺 #EUROPEDAY: THIS IS HOW WE CELEBRATE EUROPE... 🇪🇺 Among the various activities that our company carries out, there is also the management of European-funded projects with the corresponding technical assistance, primarily those funded by 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗘𝗧𝗖). 👉 Specifically, the service consists of efficiently managing the administrative and financial part of the projects, ensuring their timely implementation, the complete absorption of funding, and the monitoring of activities. Moreover, we take care of the general coordination together with the Managing Authorities and the Joint Secretariats of the Programs, and 𝘄𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. We are currently providing technical assistance to partners involved in the following projects: Interreg Italy-Croatia 2021-27: BRICS Interreg Italy-Croatia 2021-27: BEST4.0 Interreg Europe: LEEWAY Interreg Europe: SPOTLOG Interreg Europe: NOTRE | Interreg EUROPE Interreg Europe: Green Hydra Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme: PopUpUrbanSpaces Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme: TeBiCE Territorial Biorefineries #EuropeDay #Naxta #Naxtacooperation #interreg #interregeurope #interregcentraleurope #interregitalycroatia #EU #BRICS #BEST4 #LEEWAY #SPOTLOG #NOTRE #greenhydra #popupurbanspaces #TeBiCe

📢”Interreg NEXT MED is key for Mediterranean cooperation” says Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Explore the full article highlighting the Italian national event for #InterregNEXT MED 2021-2027! Tajani shares insights on the importance of initiatives like Interreg NEXT MED Programme, emphasising its design by and for #Mediterranean territories. This reflects the EU's commitment to a smarter, greener, and more inclusive regions 🇪🇺🌿 The first call for proposal worth  1️⃣ 0️⃣ 3️⃣ million euros 💶,  has already been launched, aimed at addressing complex challenges through collaboration among 15 countries 🌐 Read the full article here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/egAW3MGW #EU #CrossBorderCooperation #MediterraneanCooperation #GreenInitiatives

Yesterday, the Embassy hosted the closing reception for the Southeast Asia Young Leaders’ Programme, celebrating another highly successful Shangri-La Dialogue organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The IISS Southeast Asia Young Leaders’ Programme brings a new generation of strategic thinkers from Southeast Asia and countries of strategic importance to the region to the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue each year. They engage in high-level discussions on complex regional security challenges and expand their networks through meetings with ministers and high-ranking officials. The region holds significant importance for Norway, with next year marking a decade since we became a sectoral dialogue partner with ASEAN. This partnership is highly valued and prioritized by both sides, and our collaboration has yielded substantial benefits, particularly in the maritime field and driving the green transition. Shared visions and close cooperation continue to strengthen the bonds between Norway and ASEAN. Photo: Norwegian Embassy

𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧: 𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 🇩🇪🤝🇧🇭 Diplomatic ties between #Germany and #Bahrain have been flourishing for over 50 years, with relations officially established in May 1972. As German Ambassador HE Clemens Hach enters his third year in Bahrain, the bilateral relationship continues to strengthen across multiple sectors. 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀: 🔴Trade volume between the two countries reached $608 million in 2022. 🔴Germany is Bahrain's 9th largest import partner and 23rd largest export partner. 🔴Bahraini exports to Germany have seen remarkable growth, increasing by 667% from 2018 to 2022. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 1️⃣Renewable Energy: Germany, a world leader in renewable energy, is collaborating with Bahrain on sustainability projects and environmental goals. 2️⃣ Cultural Exchange: The German Embassy organises events like 'German Weeks' in Bahrain, featuring Oktoberfest celebrations and music concerts to promote cultural understanding. 3️⃣Education: Germany is a popular destination for Bahraini students, offering high-quality, affordable education options. 4️⃣Business: Several German companies have regional headquarters or operations in Bahrain, valuing its strong investment climate. 5️⃣Healthcare: Collaboration in medical technology and research, leveraging Germany's advanced healthcare sector. 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀: Ambassador Hach emphasizes the potential for further investment and collaboration in promising sectors such as #healthcare, #energy, #environmental technologies, and #ICT. The reactivation of the Bahrain-German Friendship Association is expected to boost people-to-people exchanges and offer German language courses. As both countries look to the future, their partnership continues to evolve, focusing on renewable energy, cultural ties, and economic cooperation, creating a strong foundation for mutual growth and understanding in the years to come. Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany | Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry | Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)

Our network's Roma for Europe 2030 agenda suggests ways to realise the full potential of the Roma—for the good of Europe. Read more at the link in the comments. #romaforeurope2030

 🤝 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞'𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐨 ⁣ ⁣ Le Desk reports that French President Emmanuel Macron will accompany a delegation of 150 influential French leaders from a remarkable range of industries on his upcoming visit to Morocco. This delegation will represent 35 of France's largest companies, from aerospace to defense, energy, transportation and more. These companies are major players in global markets and their visit signals the potential for extensive bilateral cooperation. 🚀⁣ ⁣ 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬:⁣ ⁣ 𝐀𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬: Airbus, Safran and Thales want to explore opportunities in Moroccan aerospace.⁣ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Alstom and CMA CGM are leaders in the railroad and international logistics sectors.⁣ 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲: TotalEnergies, ENGIE and HDF Energy have expertise in renewable and clean energy.⁣ 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Veolia and SUEZ offer insights into sustainable resource solutions.⁣ 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: Avril (cosmétique bio) and MYCOPHYTO contribute to innovative, sustainable agriculture.⁣ ….and many other sectors that are crucial for future-oriented partnerships between Morocco and France!⁣ ⁣ 💬 ̲𝚀̲̲𝚞̲̲𝚎̲̲𝚜̲̲𝚝̲̲𝚒̲̲𝚘̲̲𝚗̲ ̲𝚏̲̲𝚘̲̲𝚛̲ ̲𝚘̲̲𝚞̲̲𝚛̲ ̲𝚊̲̲𝚞̲̲𝚍̲̲𝚒̲̲𝚎̲̲𝚗̲̲𝚌̲̲𝚎̲: 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞? Let us know your thoughts!⁣ ⁣ 🔔 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐏𝐄 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐨'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬! #Morocco #France #Geopolitics #EconomicDevelopment #Aviation #Transport #Energy #Investment #GPEMoroccanNews #StrategicAlliances #BilateralGrowth #NorthAfrica #RenewableInnovation #DefenseIndustry #InfrastructureDevelopment #InnovationLeadership #MarketExpansion #SustainableGrowth #MoroccanEconomy #GlobalPartnerships