Linked2Balkan news, the 25th of January 2011 edition

Macedonian business tendency in the manufacturing industry

According to the data of the State Statistical Office, the business situation in December 2010 according to the managers is more satisfactory compared to the previous month, as well as compared to December 2009. The situation with the present volume of production orders is more satisfactory compared to the previous month.

Albanian foreign trade in december 2010

During December 2010 were exported 13,743 mln leke commodities, decreasing 3.5 percent compared with November 2010 and increasing 39.4 percent compared with December 2009. There were imported 48,843 mln leke commodities increasing 16.9 percent compared with November 2010 and increasing 13.1 percent compared with December 2009.

Airport helps Adria, Ljubljana writes off debt

The fight for Adria’s survival continues this week. The indebted Slovenian carrier received some good news yesterday evening when Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport said it would write off 2.4 million Euros, which Adria owes to its hub, the Slovenian News Agency reports.

Secret committee paving way for euro reform

A little known EU committee is busy rewriting the EU’s rules on bailouts and national debt without the glare of the media. On the menu of talks are tax co-ordination, national debt brakes and the ins and outs of euro bailouts.

European Commission proposals to ease cross-border trade advance as EU countries agree on Consumer Rights Directive

The European Commission’s proposal to give consumers more confidence when they shop online advanced today when EU Member States formally adopted the Consumer Rights Directive. The agreement follows a discussion at the Competitiveness Council on 10 December.

MediGene Adds Romania and Bulgaria to Existing Partnership Agreement with Meditrina for the Commercialization of Veregen

The biotech company MediGene AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard) announced today that its existing partnership with Meditrina Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Greece, for the commercialization of Veregen Ointment has been expanded to include Romania and Bulgaria. The previous agreement had been concluded for the commercialization of Veregen in Greece and Cyprus.

EBRD supports development of rural leasing in Romania

The EBRD is diversifying the availability of financing for small and medium-sized companies in Romania with a €7 million loan to IMPULS-Leasing Romania IFN SA (ILRO) to support the extension of leasing services in rural areas. IMPULS-Leasing Romania IFN SA, one of the fastest growing leasing companies in Romania.

Good growth prospects in emerging Europe, overshadowed by downside risks

The economic recovery that began in most parts of emerging Europe last year is continuing in 2011 but facing increased downside risks. In its latest quarterly economic report on the region, the EBRD said growth in 2011 is likely to remain reasonably strong.