In 2008, the IRD (public science and technology research institute for the sustainable development of Southern countries) will set up an office (about 250 people) in Marseilles in the Euroméditerranée complex. 60 engineers and researchers have already been there working closely with local university and research bodies in the areas of science, health (competitiveness cluster Orphème, "infectiopôle" project...), environment (competitiveness clusters "Mer PACA" and "Gestion des risques et vulnérabilités des territoires"...).

Michel Bernard, general director of the IRD, has explained that this decision relies upon the dynamism of research in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, the economic and cultural tradition of Marseilles turned towards the South, which is coherent with the missions of the IRD.

 

Source: Innovation Le Journal 07/18/07 

Within the framework of the development of the Caisse d'épargne savings bank group in the Mediterranean area, the Caisse d'épargne Provence-Alpes-Corse (Cepac) has signed a partnership convention with the Moroccan CIH (Crédit immobilier et hôtelier (hotel and home loan), of which the Caisse d'épargne group is a shareholder). French people or people living in France will be able to buy real assets in Morocco (in euros or dirhams) within the framework of a determined programme. They will also be able to transfer money from a Cepac account to a CIH account, free of charge until € 12 500. The Cepac is playing the role of a test area for this project that should then be extended to the whole French territory.

Source: Sud Infos 07/23/07

On July 23rd, the Consul General of Egypt in Marseilles, Hoda Naguib, has celebrated the Egyptian national holiday in the Bagatelle park in the presence of several consuls located in Marseilles. In her speech, she has called for the twinning of both Mediterranean lighthouses (Marseilles and Alexandria). About 10 000 Egyptian people live in Marseilles, which has already set up a partnership between the Alcazar library and the Alexandria one.

 

Source: La Provence 07/25/07