An EC conference in Brussels to discuss the sub-contracting provisions of Directive 2009/81 and cross-border market access for SMEs was described by delegates as “open and frank.” The EC, certain of its dominance, is now likely to report that it has held talks with stakeholders and can continue its policy of squeezing offsets from European trade.
A Portuguese Member of the European Parliament has written an angry letter to José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, attacking the EC’s approach towards offsets. The letter accuses the EC of ignoring its own guidance…. under Directive 2009/81 and of failing to initiate proceedings against those that misuse Article 346 TFEU.
A series of indirect offset projects have been agreed between South African and Malaysian companies, with three MoUs settled and another five under negotiation.
Malaysian Airlines has begun evaluating its fleet replacement. The government has signalled that offsets will be an important consideration. A release by the official news agency Bernama lays the groundwork for a forthcoming battle between Airbus and Boeing.
Iran’s ‘supreme leader’ has called for an “economic jihad” to mobilise his country against the effect of international sanctions over the nuclear program. He said Iran should use barter deals in foreign trade and diversify the origins of its imports.