Fabio a un anno dalla morte

Il 27 maggio del 2012 moriva a Nerja in Spagna in un tragico incidente Fabio Alfonso. Aveva trent’anni appena compiuti. Figlio unico di Riccardo Alfonso e di Manzo Wanda era in Spagna per migliorare la conoscenza dello spagnolo. Si stava preparando, nel frattempo, al test di ammissione al corso di laurea in inglese in biologia dell’alimentazione presso l’università di Camerino. Grande lettore di classici antichi e moderni aveva una nutrita biblioteca che non mancava, durante i suoi viaggi in Gran Bretagna, Francia e Australia, d’arricchire con edizioni ricercate.
Lascia un grande vuoto e i suoi genitori, parenti e amici non se ne fanno ancora una ragione.
E’ stato educato alla scuola dei maristi e dove ha preso la prima comunione e si è cresimato. E’ stato boy scout.
Ha lavorato in Italia e ha frequentato i corsi di perfezionamento in Inglese a Bristol e in Australia.
Aveva una vita piena d’interessi e i suoi amici erano tanti e sparsi in tutto il mondo. Ha lasciato ai suoi genitori una vasta raccolta di pensieri e di corrispondenze dove i temi della vita erano rappresentati copiosamente. Nutriva grandi progetti per il suo futuro ma non nascondeva le difficoltà che incontrava in specie per la ricerca di un lavoro. In proposito non aveva grandi pretese e non trascurava i lavori più umili, ma li praticava con grande dignità. Era fermo e deciso sui principi e i valori della vita. Con i propri cari e gli amici non nascondeva la sua contrarietà sul come taluni suoi coetanei si esprimevano criticamente nei confronti degli immigrati e se poteva li aiutava anche economicamente.
Generoso, affettuoso, sensibile, altruista riempiva la vita dei suoi genitori che a lui si rivolgevano per avere conforto e un sostegno nella sofferenza.
Ora lascia un dolore profondo da impazzire se non fosse venuta in soccorso la Fede.
In sua memoria il prossimo 27 maggio alle ore 18,30 si celebrerà una messa di suffragio officiata da padre Frumenzio presso la basilica di san Lorenzo al Verano e sarà l’occasione per una preghiera, per un gesto d’amore, per un ricordo anche per gli amici e i conoscenti e tutti coloro che vorranno parteciparvi.

Extensive partnership between Volkswagen group of America

New York City/Wolfsburg. The opening of EXPO 1: New York on May 12 marks the apex of the long-term partnership between Volkswagen Group of America, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and MoMA PS1. On the occasion of EXPO’s opening, Hans Dieter Pötsch, Member of the Board of Directors Volkswagen Group of America; Glenn D. Lowry, Director of The Museum of Modern Art; and Klaus Biesenbach, Director of MoMA PS1, and Chief Curator at Large at MoMA, have announced that the partnership will be extended through 2015. The partnership was established in May 2011, originally for a period of two years.
EXPO 1: New York is an exploration of ecological challenges in the context of the economic and socio-political instability of the early 21st century. It comprises components at MoMA PS1, MoMA, and the VW Dome 2 in Rockaway Beach, NY. Based on its corporate values (“innovative, value retentive and responsible”), Volkswagen launched its “Think Blue.” initiative in 2010 with the aim of establishing a foundation for sustainable activity in relation to society and the environment worldwide – both within the company and for the consumer. The partnership between Volkswagen Group of America, MoMA and MoMA PS1 reflects this corporate commitment.

Civil Liberties Committee makes it easier to confiscate crooks’ assets EU wide

Draft rules to make it easier for national authorities to freeze and confiscate criminals’ assets across the EU were beefed up by the Civil Liberties Committee on Tuesday. However, MEPs also sought to safeguard the right to a fair trial. They also called upon member states to use confiscated assets to fight crime and for social projects. The draft law, which must still be negotiated with national governments, is part of a broader EU strategy to fight fraud and corruption.”‘Follow the money across the border’ should be the driving priority if we want to trace funding for organised crime and terrorism effectively and efficiently. Confiscating criminals’ assets, even where a criminal conviction is not possible, is clearly necessary to recover the proceeds of crime”, said lead MEP Monica Luisa Macovei (EPP, RO).Today, less than 1% of the proceeds of crimes such as drug trafficking, counterfeiting, human trafficking and small arms smuggling are frozen and confiscated. Most of this “dirty money” is laundered and channelled into the licit economy, often in several member states.The new rules would enable national authorities quickly to identify and trace such assets – such as cash held in bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, livestock, artworks, company shares, businesses, and collector’s items – and to freeze, manage and confiscate them consistently across the EU.

World Jewish Congress Plenary Assembly in Budapest

BUDAPEST – The 14th Plenary Assembly of the World Jewish Congress ended on Tuesday with a commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust in Hungary and the presentation of the Nahum Goldmann Award to former Hungarian Prime Minister Miklós Németh. In 1989, Németh was instrumental in opening the Iron Curtain and in helping to secure the emigration of Jews from the Soviet Union. WJC President Ronald S. Lauder told the 500 delegates and guests representing Jewish communities and organizations in more than 70 countries world-wide that “in the 77 years of the World Jewish Congress there have been few gatherings as important as this one.” Lauder was re-elected as WJC head for another four-year term. He has held the position since 2007.“I see this as the top assignment for the Jewish people and I am excited to serve as President of the World Jewish Congress for another four years,” said Lauder.Delegates also elected David de Rothschild from France as the new chairman of the WJC Governing Board and Chella Safra from Brazil as new WJC treasurer. Moshe Kantor, the president of the European Jewish Congress, was elected as chairman of the WJC Policy Council and Mervyn Smith from South Africa as his co-chairman. The assembly also elected 10 WJC vice-presidents ad personam and decided that the heads of the 12 largest Jewish communities in the world (United States, France, Britain, Russia, Canada, Argentina, Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, Australia, Brazil and South Africa) will automatically have a seat on the new WJC Executive. In addition, three young adult representatives, three delegates from international Jewish organizations (ICJW, WIZO and World ORT) and three representatives of small Jewish communities (Czech Republic, Kyrgyzstan, Venezuela) will have a vice-president on the WJC Executive. In addition, the chairs of the five regional WJC affiliates (Euro-Asia, Europe, North America, Israel, Latin America) are ex-officio members of the WJC leadership.The gathering was notably addressed by Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán, who said that “Anti-Semitism today in Hungary is unacceptable and we will show zero tolerance in regards to it.” Introducing Orbán, Ronald Lauder called on Hungary and the government to do more against growing anti-Semitism, notably coming from the extreme-right Jobbik partyMazsihisz President Péter Feldmájer said in his speech at the opening dinner: “I believe that the Jews of the world must unite their forces. This day also shows us that we are not alone, we are all listening to each other no matter where we may be living across the globe. The task we have is no little one to handle.”Germany’s Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in his keynote address on Monday, which was received with a standing ovation by the delegates: “Anti-Semitism has no place neither in Berlin, nor in Budapest, nor anywhere else in Europe or in the world… We are firmly committed to protecting and nourishing Jewish life in our societies and to countering anti-Semitism across the globe. We have to tackle the root causes of anti-Semitism.”Discussions about effective ways to combat the rise of neo-Nazi parties in Europe took center-stage in Budapest, and the Plenary Assembly adopted a resolution which called on Hungary “to recognize that Jobbik and its subsidiaries “pose a fundamental threat to Hungary’s democracy” and that “decisive action … must now be taken to take effective measures including by enacting and enforcing legislation, for the protection of all citizens and residents of this country, in particular vulnerable minorities such as the Roma and the Jews, against threats of violence, racist hate and insults and the denial of the Holocaust.”The WJC also urged national leaders and legislators in Europe to join the 125 legislators from more than 40 countries in signing the London Declaration on Combating Anti-Semitism.In another resolution, the delegates urged the international community to recognize the legitimate rights of Jewish refugees in the Middle East who were forced to flee their countries after 1948.
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments and international organizations. The Plenary Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the organization. It meets every four years and elects the WJC officers. All affiliated Jewish communities are entitled to send a certain number of delegates, depending on the size of their Jewish population.

Frost & Sullivan: Rising Awareness of Car Sharing Concept Set to Increase Uptake

LONDON Whilst Car sharing as a concept has existed for several years, the uptake rates and emergence of new players in the traditional as well as “Peer to Peer (P2P)” car sharing market has proliferated in the last 5 years. Member numbers increased by over 90 per cent between 2008 and 2012, growing from 500,000 to over 940,000. According to Frost & Sullivan, this trend is set to continue.In an upcoming web conference, entitled Car Sharing – The Voice of the Consumer, taking place on Tuesday, 14 May 2013, at 3.00 p.m. BST, Frost & Sullivan Mobility Programme Manager, Mr. Martyn Briggs, and Programme Manager, Mr. Mohamed Mubarak, will present latest findings from a customer research study on consumer profiles of members currently using car sharing services, including their preferences and aspirations for the car sharing concept in future. The idea of this voice of the consumer study was also to understand from non-members what would encourage them to join such new mobility services, as well as their idea of a ‘winning concept’.To participate in this complimentary web conference, please email Katja Feick at katja.feick@frost.com with your full contact details. Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing at anytime by submitting the aforementioned contact details.A targeted survey of over 2,300 people was conducted in a total of 12 cities in the UK (London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh), France (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse), and Germany (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne). The study used the ‘Adaptive Choice Based Conjoint’ methodology that enables the possibility to create different simulations of car sharing models and generate the respective pricing and market share. The web conference will now give an overview regarding transport usage and commuting profiles, the customer’s / member’s perspective on the current and future usage of car sharing services and the willingness to pay for the service, existing car sharing member profiles, as well as familiarity, interest and adoption amongst non-members.“Our research revealed a potential for over 15 million car sharing members in Europe alone by 2020, but there is a lot of education and behavioural change amongst consumers’ mobility patterns that need to take place to achieve such growth,” outlines Mr. Briggs. “The voice of the consumer survey yielded interesting results; for example, the majority of car sharing members (53 per cent) were under 34, degree educated (67 per cent), and did not own a car (51 per cent).”The survey also illustrates that the market for P2P Car Sharing is still in its nascent stage and is expected to co-exist with traditional car sharing. The interest in using someone else’s car is higher than the interest to providing own car to be used by others. Surprisingly, there exists a correlation between the interest in becoming a car sharing member and the interest in providing the own car to be used by others.From those of the whole sample, who currently own a car and are considering joining a car sharing service, over 40 per cent would consider selling their vehicle. This underlines the continued downward trend in car ownership in major cities that adopt car sharing services.This web conference will benefit car sharing operators, and all parties interested in the perceptions of car sharing, such as automotive manufacturers, transport operators, fleet/leasing companies, and technology providers in particular, but also from transport & mobility professionals, researchers and associated media.Frost & Sullivan will be hosting its two-day interactive workshop on 19-20 June 2013 for the 5th time this year, taking place at the House of Lords and the Siemens Crystal Building in London. Day 1 will feature a high-level debate on the “Death of the car and rise of new mobility business models in an Urban Environment”. Day 2 will consist of 5 different panels, focussing on mega trends and their impact on mobility, new business models, such as mobility integration, car sharing, and new fleet/leasing models, urban logistics and online retailing, the future of public transport, including HSR, BRT buses, PRT and hybrid/electric buses, as well as autonomous driving and infrastructure trends. For more information, visit: http://www.urbanmobility.gilcommunity.com.
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.

Frost & Sullivan: Omni-Channel Strategy to Revolutionise Future of Car Retailing

LONDON – In a futuristic scenario automotive retail will be influenced by social media, fashion, apparel and the consumer electronics industry. While new cars today are sold via traditional bricks & mortar dealerships, a revolutionary, omni-channel approach will evolve, operating one unified integrated channel of ‘bricks and clicks’, with the entire new car buying process being carried out online as well as mobile and/or non-mobile. This will include finance and insurance deals, with minimal to possibly no need for brick & mortar dealerships. In the future, car retailers are therefore expected to operate both: brick & mortar as well as online or mobile showrooms in independent silos.In an upcoming complimentary web conference, entitled The Future of Car Retailing, taking place on Wednesday, 8 May 2013, at 3.00 p.m. BST, Frost & Sullivan Partner and Global Practice Director Automotive & Transportation, Mr. Sarwant Singh, and Growth Consulting Director, Mrs. Julia Saini, will give a comprehensive analysis of a new omni-channel retail strategy in the automotive industry and discuss opportunities for an every growing value chain. In a recent study, they found that about 4 per cent of all future new cars could be sold completely on-line by 2020, amounting to about 4.5 million cars.To participate in this complimentary web conference, please email Katja Feick at katja.feick@frost.com with your full contact details. Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing at anytime by submitting the aforementioned contact details.The web conference will focus on success stories of automotive OEMs in online retailing and future focus points for retailing in an open opportune market. It will also look at digital retailing and how it impacts hard and soft KPIs.
Frost & Sullivan will be hosting its two-day interactive workshop on 19-20 June 2013 for the 5th time this year, taking place at the House of Lords and the Siemens Crystal Building in London. Day 1 will feature a high-level debate on the “Death of the car and rise of new mobility business models in an Urban Environment”. Day 2 will consist of 5 different panels, focussing on mega trends and their impact on mobility, new business models, such as mobility integration, car sharing, and new fleet/leasing models, urban logistics and online retailing, the future of public transport, including HSR, BRT buses, PRT and hybrid/electric buses, as well as autonomous driving and infrastructure trends. For more information, visit: http://www.urbanmobility.gilcommunity.com.
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure. The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?

“Austrian Company Leads Development of the La Quinta Trade Gateway”

Corpus Christi, TX – Port Commissioners and voestalpine Texas Holdings, LLC., representatives officially signed the lease agreement for part of the La Quinta Trade Gateway on a special commission meeting held Tuesday, April 30, 2013.The official signing of the lease agreement made voestalpine Texas Holding, LLC., the anchor investor for the development of the Port’s La Quinta Trade Gateway. The Austrian company will lease approximately 475 acres of upland property and about 11 acres of submerged land for an initial lease term of 50 years with two 15-year options. voestalpine will construct the Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) plant and a 1,060-foot long high-performance dock on the easternmost portion of the PCCA’s waterfront, capable of unloading iron ore pellets and loading HBI. In his speech Bernarhard Schlattl, voestalpine Texas Holding LLC., CEO said; “Everything begins with an idea. An idea whose time has come. There’s nothing more powerful. But ideas need fertile ground on which to grow and flourish. And, above all, an idea needs passion. Only then it will develop into a dream, a vision, a reality. The signing of this lease agreement is an important step of turning our dream into reality.” Schlattl continues, “Our dream is about building and operating the most modern, environmentally-friendly and successful direct reduction plant. One and a half years ago we set off, highly motivated, to search around the world for the most suitable location. We wanted to set benchmarks in our site selection, both in terms of time and quality. I believe we have mastered this step with flying colors! Apart from the excellent framework conditions, it was the people at POCCA, the CCREDC, the elected officials from San Patricio County and the City of Corpus Christi who finally made the difference. We were very impressed by your openness, hospitality and professionalism.”Headquartered in Linz, Austria, The voestalpine group is a steelmaking, processing, and technology group that operates worldwide and manufactures, processes and develops high-quality steel products. With 500 production and sales companies in more than 50 countries on five continents, the group has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1995. With its top-quality flat steel products, the group is one of the leading partners to the automotive and domestic-appliance industries in Europe and to the oil and gas industries worldwide. The voestalpine group is also the world market leader in railway switch technology, special rails, tool steel, and special sections. In the 2011/12 business year, the voestalpine group staffs roughly 46,500 employees worldwide. “Port Commissioners and staff as well as representatives of the Coastal Bend Region involved in the evolution of the project look forward to the full development of voestalpine Texas Holding, LLC. We were impressed with the values of the organization and the creation of this strong relationship needed to move forward. It gave all of us a level of trust about the project.” Said Mike Carrell, Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi Commission.Port Corpus Christi acquired the La Quinta property (1100 acres) in 1998. In 1999, Port and U.S. Corp of Engineering (COE) initiated a feasibility study for Ship Channel Improvements including extending La Quinta Channel. The U.S. Congress authorized la Quinta Channel Extension to reach the La Quinta Property. In 2007 The Gulf Cotton Compress became the first tenant on La Quinta Property – anticipating the container terminal in the future. La Quinta Channel Extension project was possible through a $58 million Congressional appropriation in 2010. Extension to be complete summer 2013. The construction of the La Quinta Channel extension, supports the development of the La Quinta Property as a multi-purpose container terminal.
As the primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is the fifth largest port in the United States in total tonnage. The Port’s mission is to “serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business.” Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight 45’ deep channel, (with a channel improvement project permitted and authorized to 52’) the Port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The Port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with on-site and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The Port is protected by a state-of-the-art security department and an award-winning Environmental Management System. With outstanding management and operations staff, Port Corpus Christi is clearly “The Port of the Lone Star State.”

Euronet Launches Prepaid Card Issuing, Processing and BIN Sponsorship Solutions Across Europe

LEAWOOD, Kan. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Euronet 360 Finance Ltd., a subsidiary of Euronet Worldwide (Nasdaq:EEFT), announces the launch of end-to-end prepaid card issuing, processing and BIN sponsorship solutions in Europe.Euronet 360 Finance Ltd., under the supervision of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), is now providing both electronic money and payment services through card issuing, BIN sponsorship and payment card acquiring. By passporting the e-money license across the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) territory (except Monaco), Euronet 360 Finance Ltd. is able to issue cards and process transactions across the entire European Economic Area (EEA).Euronet 360 Finance Ltd. is also a member of MasterCard Europe sprl., thus allowing issuing of open loop products across the SEPA region containing MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus brands. Open loop cards provide cardholders the ability to use electronic funds at any MasterCard branded locations around the world.The European prepaid cards market is forecast for year-on-year double digit growth and widely acknowledged as the sector with the greatest growth opportunities in the next five years. Euronet’s complete prepaid card solution provides non-FCA licensed organizations with the ability to quickly, easily and cost effectively enter the prepaid card arena. Card users have the optimal ability to reload their cards using the vast POS, ATM and partner bank network of Euronet Worldwide in addition to its epay and RIA subsidiaries throughout Europe.Standard features of Euronet’s prepaid card solution include the support of physical and virtual cards, for one-time, gift card or reloadable use. Contactless functionality is also supported by MasterCard Paypass, allowing low value transactions to be performed on appropriate devices without the need to insert a card or PIN into a terminal. With prepaid card solutions live or under implementation in 10 European markets, Euronet 360 Finance Ltd. understands the underlying needs of each individual EEA market and is at the forefront of developing relevant and profitable features to meet customer needs.”Euronet Worldwide’s technological infrastructure, combined with the reach, capability and proven track record of its existing client base, clearly positions Euronet 360 Finance Ltd. and its partners to monetize the projected growth of this sector,” stated Ian Dickinson, Managing Director of Euronet 360 Finance Ltd. “Euronet’s processing pedigree, combined with our extensive capability and geographic footprint provides our customers and prospects with an opportunity to offer solutions to their clients without any material up-front expenditures, ensuring their ability to protect, grow and evolve their business and market share with speed and security,” added Nikos Fountas, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Euronet Europe EFT Division.Euronet Worldwide is an industry leader in processing secure electronic financial transactions. The Company offers payment and transaction processing solutions to financial institutions, retailers, service providers and individual consumers. These services include comprehensive ATM, POS and card outsourcing services, card issuing and merchant acquiring services, software solutions, consumer money transfer and bill payment services, and electronic distribution for prepaid mobile phone time and other prepaid products.

EU fight against organised crime: first set of legislative measures and other actions to be approved

The next meeting of the Special Committee on Organised Crime, Corruption and Money Laundering (CRIM) will take place on Tuesday 7 May, in room JAN 4Q2. The committee will vote on the interim report drafted by CRIM rapporteur Salvatore Iacolino. Almost 750 amendments have been tabled.
The committee will also hold an interparliamentary committee meeting with representatives from the relevant national parliaments’ committees to debate their experiences and role in the fight against organised crime, corruption and money laundering. The keynote speech will be given by Ms Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Home Affairs. Mr Iacolino will also address the meeting.

American Chemical Society honors Senator Udall, Congressman Smith and OSTP Director Holdren for Public Service

WASHINGTON.White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director John P. Holdren, Ph.D., U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and U.S. Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) will receive the American Chemical Society’s (ACS’) 2013 Public Service Award for their vision and leadership in public policy that benefits science, engineering and innovation.
Holdren, Smith and Udall will be honored at a Capitol Hill ceremony and public reception on Wednesday, April 24, which will be held in B-338-340 Rayburn House Office Building, 5-7 p.m. To attend, RSVP by Tuesday, April 23, at http://tinyurl.com/acspsa2013 or publicaffairs@acs.org.“ACS is pleased to recognize three national leaders who have dedicated their talents to public service and advanced science and engineering to secure the future of American innovation,” said ACS President Marinda Li Wu, Ph.D. “We are honoring Sen. Udall, Rep. Smith and Director Holdren for their contributions that span critical policy areas that help science, engineering and innovation to thrive: scientific research; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education; and a business climate that fosters innovation and U.S. global competitiveness.“Our nation has grown and benefitted enormously over many decades thanks to our scientists, engineers and innovators,” said Wu. “Their work and their contributions are made possible thanks to the essential policies that support science, research and education that these three leaders have championed. Truly, their work has been in the service of the American public.”

Romania Modernizes Revenue Administration

WASHINGTON.The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the EUR70 million Revenue Administration Modernization project for Romania. Through this project, the World Bank is partnering with the country to increase effectiveness and efficiency in the collection of taxes and social contributions; increase tax compliance; and reduce the administrative burden on taxpayers to comply with their responsibilities under the tax laws. The National Agency for Fiscal Administration (NAFA) will manage the implementation of the project.Modernization of revenue administration is an important component of the Government’s economic reform program. Despite recent fiscal adjustment efforts, the external environment in Europe and weak growth in Romania will continue to pose a risk to macroeconomic stability. Given the limited headroom for new spending there is a strong interest in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue collection. The government of Romania places importance on an effective tax administration that can encourage voluntary compliance and deal with tax evasion in a more efficient and technology-aided environment.The World Bank’s Doing Business Report 2013 shows that in Romania there is still much to be done to improve the ease of paying taxes and reduce the high number of tax payments. Also, Romania has a large number of small taxpayers facing a complex tax regime – both taxpayers and NAFA must use resources to manage their responsibilities disproportionate to the revenue contribution made by this segment of the economy.Revenue performance gains during the boom years of 2004-07 were modest with the revenue-GDP ratio rising from 27.2 to 29.0 percent; while revenue losses during the recession were severe, with tax-GDP ratio dropping back to 27.2 percent in 2010. Romania’s tax efficiency index is one of the lowest in EU countries, at 54 percent and 61 percent for VAT and social contributions respectively.Investments in key government institutions, including and not limited to revenue administration, are an important pre-condition for Romania to continue its convergence with the European Union.A modernized NAFA means one that is more efficient and effective. In general, a modern tax administration will seek to minimize direct contact with the taxpayer, and taxpayer service is provided through the use of a robust self-service website, through an accessible call center, and other means available. Reduced physical contact also minimizes opportunities for corrupt behavior. The project will implement an improved taxpayer service function to meet these challenges. Once the project will be completed, NAFA staff will be properly trained and distributed across the organization, with a focus on staff re-assignment to key areas such as audit and debt collection.The development of the project design has been informed by past work, including a recent World Bank functional review of the Ministry of Public Finance, several International Monetary Fund (IMF) diagnostic reports, and various European Union (EU) studies. There are four main project components: (1) institutional development; (2) increasing operational effectiveness and efficiency; (3) taxpayer services and corporate communication; and (4) project coordination and management. The loan is a LIBOR-based Euro single currency IBRD Flexible Loan plus fixed spread, with 12-year maturity, including a five-year grace period, with level repayment pattern. The expected effectiveness date is October 2013.

World Bank Continues Helping Industrial Enterprises in Uzbekistan Become More Energy Efficient

WASHINGTON. The World Bank’s Board of Directors today approved a US$100 million credit to the Republic of Uzbekistan as an Additional Financing to the Energy Efficiency Facility for Industrial Enterprises Project (UZEEF). The project is helping improve energy efficiency in the industrial sector resulting in reduction of power and fuel usage, and greenhouse gas emission. The proposed additional credit will co-finance energy efficiency sub-projects in industrial enterprises and ensure transfer of state-of-the-art technologies.Uzbekistan is one of the most energy intensive countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and a large carbon dioxide emitter. Reducing energy consumption and conserving energy are top economic priorities of the government. There is a wide consensus that the potential for energy savings is huge through implementation of energy efficiency measures in the industrial sector that uses outdated machinery and equipment. The project’s objective is to improve energy efficiency in industrial enterprises by designing and establishing a financing mechanism for energy saving investments. Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption in industrial enterprises will improve the overall competitiveness of the Uzbek economy, free up scarce energy resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.The original UZEEF project has been successful and it is expected that the credit will be fully disbursed by the end of 2014, about 12 months ahead of original plans. The original project finances sub-projects with estimated energy savings of more than 50,000 MWh. The additional financing would further enhance and scale up the development impact of the project by financing more energy efficiency sub-projects with approximately 200,000 MWh energy saving potential and 400,000 tons of CO2 emissions reduction cumulatively.Two state-owned banks (Asaka Bank and Uzpromstroybank) and a private bank (Hamkorbank) are the financial intermediaries for the project. Although the industrial sector is quite varied, typical energy efficiency investments involve simple replacements or upgrades of boilers, replacement of outdated equipment and machinery, installation of variable speed drives, and the use of wasted heat for power generation. Energy intensive industries, such as metallurgy, chemical, building materials, and the food processing, with a relative high share of energy consumption in total production costs, are particularly good candidates for energy efficient investments.

World Bank Continues to Support Croatia’s Innovation Potential

WASHINGTON.The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the Second Science and Technology Project (STP II) in the amount of EURO20 million (USD$26.24 million equivalent). STP II will help those involved in research and innovation, including public research institutions, scientific communities, high performing scientists, and young researchers, to fully benefit from EU accession by increasing their capacity to apply for and implement EU-funded projects.STP II builds on a successful previous Science and Technology Project designed to strengthen Croatia’s innovation potential and increase its competitiveness by supporting the design and implementation of R&D programs managed by the Business Innovation Croatian Agency (BICRO) and the Unity through Knowledge Fund (UKF). It also assisted public research organizations to commercialize their research and improve the collaboration with the business sector.STP II will continue to support programs for small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) and scientists helping them to benefit from EU funds. This will be done by assisting selected public sector institutions design proposals and implement projects financed by EU funds. Through R&D financing, the project will help stimulate the demand for EU funds from the business and scientific communities, particularly SMEs, high performing scientists, and young researchers.“Experience from other EU member states shows that efficient use of EU funds for R&D and innovation has led to growth and productivity increases as well as creation of high skilled jobs, including for youth and women. This is of particular importance in times of economic crisis when public and private investments in R&D and innovation are limited.” said Mamta Murthi, Country Director for Central Europe and the Baltic Countries. “It is, therefore, vital for Croatia to seize the opportunity and efficiently use the forthcoming EU funds to further boost Croatia’s innovation potential. We are very pleased that Croatia has again chosen the World Bank to partner in this effort.”Since joining the World Bank in 1993, Croatia received support from the global development institution in the form of financial and technical assistance, policy advice, and analytical services. To date, the Bank has supported 48 projects in the amount of US$3.3 billion, and it has approved 52 grants with a total value of US$70 million.

Micron’s Hybrid Memory Cube Named Memory Product of the Year by EE Times and EDN

Boise, Idaho, 2013-04-24 21:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Micron Technology, Inc., (Nasdaq:MU) announced today that its Hybrid Memory Cube was named the Memory Product of the Year by a panel of industry experts. The award was announced this week at the EE Times and EDN ACE Awards Event at Design West, the annual technical conference for electronics design engineers, entrepreneurs and technology professionals. This year’s awards mark a critical juncture in the industry, as system designers across a broad range of applications look for new memory system designs that will support increased demands for bandwidth, density and power efficiency. Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC) has been recognized by industry leaders and influencers as the long-awaited answer to the growing gap between the performance improvement rate of DRAM versus processor data consumption rate – a dilemma known as the “memory wall.”"Electronic Design News and EE Times are two of the industry’s most influential and well-read publications by design engineers and system architects,” said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron’s DRAM solutions group. “We are honored that they share our vision for the unprecedented impact and value that Hybrid Memory Cube brings to the electronics industry.”An industry breakthrough, HMC uses advanced through-silicon vias (TSVs) – vertical conduits that electrically connect a stack of individual chips – to combine high-performance logic with Micron’s state-of-the-art DRAM chips. HMC delivers bandwidth and efficiencies a leap beyond current device capabilities, blasting data 15 times faster than a DDR3 module and using 70 percent less energy and 90 percent less space than existing technologies. Micron expects to ship the first engineering samples of this revolutionary technology later this year.
Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets a full range of DRAM, NAND and NOR flash memory, as well as other innovative memory technologies, packaging solutions and semiconductor systems for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, embedded and mobile products. Micron’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit http://www.micron.com.©2013 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information is subject to change without notice. Micron and the Micron orbit logo are trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the production of Hybrid Memory Cube. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents Micron files on a consolidated basis from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically Micron’s most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause the actual results for Micron on a consolidated basis to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements (see Certain Factors). Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Italian Videogames and Digital Contents Conference (IVDC)

E’ giunta alla sua settima edizione e celebra questo storico traguardo rinnovando la collaborazione con l’evento che aveva ospitato la sua prima edizione: LUDICA, il Festival Italiano del Gioco e del Videogioco organizzato da Italia Crea, azienda leader in Italia nel settore delle manifestazioni “business-to-consumer”.IVDC 2013, organizzata da VIGAMUS, il Museo del Videogioco, si svolgerà sabato 30 novembre 2013 presso il Nuovo Centro Congressi di Fiera Roma, nell’ambito di LUDICA ROMA 2013 (29 novembre – 1 dicembre), e vedrà come sempre la partecipazione di grandi star nazionali e internazionali del mondo dei videogiochi, che racconteranno la loro esperienza e si confronteranno con appassionati, fan e cultori dei videogames.«IVDC è nata all’interno di LUDICA, manifestazione senza la quale nulla sarebbe stato possibile», ha dichiarato Marco Accordi Rickards, Direttore di VIGAMUS. «Riportare il nostro marchio storico all’interno di questo meraviglioso evento è per noi il modo più bello di festeggiare la settima edizione della conferenza».«Siamo onorati di tornare a ospitare nell’ambito di Ludica questa prestigiosa convention», ha dichiarato Marco Pinetti, Presidente di Italia Crea. «Un evento dedicato esclusivamente all’universo dei videogames, che permette finalmente anche alla capitale di affermarsi come punto di riferimento di un settore in continua crescita, divenuto ormai un fenomeno sociale di massa». Nelle prossime settimane verranno comunicati i nomi dei primi ospiti e maggiori dettagli sull’evento.