Events to look out for
The importance of Intellectual Property in the process of internationalisation in Latin America – 8 March, Brussels (BE). The workshop will include an overview of different types of IP protection existent in Latin America and practical case studies in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Colombia.
Funding available
Investment Plan for Europe: EUR 20 million for SMEs in Luxembourg. The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Mutualité de Cautionnement (MC) have signed a COSME agreement in Luxembourg that will allow MC to provide guarantees supporting more than EUR 20 million of loans to small and medium-sized Luxembourgish businesses. The new partnership will provide access to loans to more than 200 SMEs many of which are expected to be start-ups and business transfers.
EU policies for better business
Mozambique joins the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Southern African States. The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) includes five other countries – Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South-Africa, and Swaziland. Implementing the EPA means that Mozambique will not have to pay customs duties on its exports to the EU. On the EU side, European businesses are increasingly investing in the region. Mozambique will progressively reduce or eliminate customs duties for many of EU exports. Trade between the EU and Mozambique is currently about €2 billion annually.
Trade Defence: European Commission imposes definitive anti-dumping duties on Chinese corrosion resistant steel. As of last week the Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on corrosion resistant steel from China. An investigation confirmed that Chinese producers were dumping the product on the EU market, a finding that already led to imposition of provisional duties in August 2017. The measures that will be in place for the next 5 years range from 17.2% to 27.9%.
Get involved
Does your company buy or sell construction products? Have your say in the public consultation on EU rules for products used in buildings and infrastructure works. The consultation is open until 16 April 2018.
Want practical advice on adopting digital technology for your tourism business? Watch these webinars! The Tourism Business Portal is a one-stop-shop platform for existing businesses or start-ups to learn more about setting up, managing, promoting and expanding their businesses on European and international markets. They provide free webinars to help you find new customers, build your online brand and expand your business.
Develop your Copernicus-based business with the Copernicus Incubation Programme. The Copernicus Incubation was launched by the European Commission to assist start-ups and scale-ups in using the opportunities brought by the Copernicus full, free and open data. The Programme will award 50,000 EUR equity-free funding to 20 start-ups every year to boost EO data-based businesses. Applications are open until 12 April 2018.