All Countries and All Sectors

The future of Bulgaria’s proposed Belene nuclear power plant (NPP) once again hangs in the balance after the decision formally to suspend the project while reassessment takes place. The 2000-MW station is seen as central to meeting Bulgaria’s energy needs and has strong government backing, yet questions of financing and safety remain. A new plant should also help boost the economy as Bulgaria is south-eastern Europe’s biggest electricity exporter, doubling its power exports last year, according to the international press.

As Turkey’s internet usage rises and opportunities for online shopping gain traction, the rapid expansion of the e-commerce market has attracted the attention of international players.

Long seen as a future powerhouse in the emirate’s diversified economy, Dubai’s aviation sector is starting to live up to expectations. Local carriers have been posting strong profits and expanding their network of routes, though the risk of turbulence remains.

Sur le marché marocain de l’immobilier résidentiel, les prix se maintiennent en 2011 ; le léger recul global est en effet compensé par une hausse des prix dans le segment clé des appartements, ainsi que dans certaines régions du pays où la demande est particulièrement élevée. Le segment des locations résidentielles a lui aussi bien résisté. Malgré la vague d'agitation politique qui a touché l'Afrique du Nord au début de l’année, le développement de projets immobiliers d'envergure est globalement bien engagé, et les investisseurs nationaux et les logements à bas prix devraient stimuler la croissance.

Having bounced back from a lean period in 2008-09, when its main airport was shut by protests and overseas visitor numbers fell following the onset of the global economic downturn, Thailand’s aviation industry is now looking to expand its ground facilities and fleet size.

As part of the Sultanate’s plans to overhaul the national education system, Brunei Darussalam’s education professionals are being taught new skills to better equip them to teach the new generation of managers. Efforts in this area are part of the shift in focus away from what has been described as “chalk and talk” teaching to a curriculum that is designed to meet the future needs of students in a changing working environment.