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Monaco opens path for use of unmanned craft

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/02/2022
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The government has introduced new air mobility regulation designed to safeguard Monaco’s airspace and the population while boosting the use of unmanned craft like drones in the Principality.

In June 2019, Monaco’s Civil Aviation Department, supported by Air Space Drone, a company that provides the FlySafe digital platform, and MC-Clic, a Monegasque company specialising in the design of drones and aerial photography, inaugurated a new low altitude airspace management system. The Principality therefore became the first country in the world to deploy a specific program relating to drones and other unmanned aircraft.

In order for air mobility to progress, however, safety must be addressed, so Monaco has now introduced a new regulatory framework that aims to ensure better management of its airspace while adjusting national regulations to the technological developments observed in the aeronautics sector.

Professional drone companies will now be able to apply for an annual permit giving them access to Monaco airspace. They must still obtain prior authorisation for each flight though.

Meanwhile, technical and safety equipment are compulsory in an effort to improve the visibility of drones. The craft must, among other things, be equipped with a parachute to limit risks on the ground and better protect the population against an accidental fall.

Authorised drones must also be equipped with a signaling device compatible with the FlySafe platform, which allows for their identification as well as the monitoring of flights on Monegasque territory.

The new regulations became effective on Sunday 6th February when Ministerial Order No. 2021-532 was published in the Journal de Monaco.

 

SEE ALSO: 

Monaco unveils new FlySafe programme

 

Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash

 

 

Germany’s KSB group signs on as OceanoScientific sponsor

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/02/2022

The OceanoScientific Expedition, headed by explorer navigator Yvan Griboval, has gained another supporter, this time the KSB group.

The OceanoScientific Expedition will see Yvan Griboval embark on a 10,200km journey from Toulon, France, to Antwerp, Belgium, via Monaco on the zero-emission catamaran ‘Love The Ocean’. He will be collecting physico-chemical data at the air-sea interface to assist scientists in studying the components of climate change and chemical and noise pollution.

Is also designed to raise young people’s awareness of sea trades by encouraging them to respect and love the ocean.

In signing the partnership, the KSB group was represented by Bruno Monjoint, Regional Executive Officer KSB Western Europe, and Boris Lombard, President of KSB SAS.

Founded in 1871, KSB is a German group established throughout the world that produces and markets pumps, industrial valves, fluid management systems and offers associated services. For 150 years, KSB has transported all types of fluids in the building, industry, water and energy sectors, on land and at sea.

“We are proud to embark on this ambitious expedition,” said Boris Lombard. “It involves combining oceanographic research and collective intelligence to raise our level of knowledge of the ocean today, in order to act more responsibly tomorrow.”

Dr. Stephan Timmermann, Chief Executive Officer of the KSB Group, added: “Combining ecology, economy and corporate culture is a central and essential subject for us in charting our path towards ecological transition. Investing in research and the acquisition of accessible data makes it possible to share the encouraging prospects of sustainable development with as many people as possible. This is also the responsibility of a major industrial brand like KSB.”

Director of OceanoScientific Expeditions Yvan Griboval thanked the KSB managers for their commitment, saying, “It is important to wear the colours of companies that put industrial technology at the service of the sustainable preservation of Nature’s resources.”

 

 

Photo from left to right: Boris Lombard, Yvan Griboval, Dr. Stephan Timmermann and Bruno Monjoint. 

 

 

 

Chinese president speaks of Olympic, economic bond with Prince Albert

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/02/2022
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Prince Albert II met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday in Beijing, where the president praised Prince Albert’s Olympic achievements while encouraging more enterprises in Monaco to invest in China.

In a video captured by state media CGTN, Prince Albert II of Monaco is gifted a dough figurine of Bing Dwen Dwen, the Beijing Winter Olympics mascot, at the Great Hall of the People. The head of state then says politely, “Can I ask you a big favour, can I have a second one, because I have twins, so if I only bring back one…”

It is a moment that clearly delighted Chinese President Xi Jinping when the pair met a short time later.

“You chose a pair of lovely Bing Dwen Dwens as souvenirs for your children,” said the president affectionately. “We hope your children will grow up to be as talented and passionate as you about winter sports in the future.”

Prince of Monaco Albert II meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on 6th February 2022. Source: Xinhua

The relationship between the Chinese President and Prince Albert was strengthened during a state visit to the Principality in 2019. On Sunday, the president reportedly pointed out that since that visit, bilateral ties have moved forward with fruitful results including environmental protection, sports, arts and telecommunication, primarily the joint establishment of a 5G telecom network that covers the whole of Monaco, the first of its kind in the world.

The Chinese president also reportedly stressed that the two countries should consolidate the traditional friendship and political trust, strengthen communication and coordination in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions and international affairs, and jointly safeguard multilateralism.

Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping encouraged more enterprises from Monaco to attend the China International Import Expo in November, to increase investment in China, to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, and explore cooperation in third-party markets.

He also welcomed Monaco’s participation in the second phase of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which will take place in Kunming from 25th April to 8th May.

Prince Albert II said that China’s successful Winter Olympics opening ceremony has sent a strong message of peace and solidarity, which is exactly what the world urgently needs.

 

Photo source: Xinhua News Agency

 

 

 

ASM to play its part in fight against cancer

by: Luke Entwistle
03/02/2022
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Saturday night’s fixture against Lyon will not only be a meeting of two Ligue 1 giants, but recognition of the incredible work done by the Monaco Scientific Centre (CSM) and the Flavien Foundation.

To commemorate World Cancer Day, which takes place on 4th February, AS Monaco will highlight the CSM and the Flavien Foundation’s commitment in the fight against paediatric cancer on the 5th through auctions, jersey presentations and exclusive experiences.

Pre-match, AS Monaco Vice-President Oleg Petrov will offer a jersey to the organisations as a symbol of the club’s support.

The club will also stage a ‘My Wish’ experience, whereby two children, supported by the Flavien Foundation, will have the unique experience of watching the match from backstage. Their families, as well as other members of the Flavien Foundation, will be invited to attend the game.

Completing the club’s tribute is an auction of the jerseys worn by Monaco players on the night. The auction will begin on Sunday 6th on the MatchWornShirt platform and continue until 13th February, with the profits being shared 50/50 between the two organisations.

The CSM and the Flavien Foundation have been collaborating since 2015 in order to improve knowledge and develop potential therapies for paediatric cancer.

The announcement comes just days after the Principality hosted the Biennial Cancer Conference at the Grimaldi Forum, which was organised by the CSM and took place under the patronage of Prince Albert II.

AS Monaco’s fixture against Lorient next weekend will also commemorate the work done by local associations who work with children with cancer. World Child Cancer Day is on 15th February, with Monaco playing just two days before. The club will therefore invite fans and volunteers from local associations to enjoy the match at the Stade Louis II.

 

 

 

Monaco businesses strengthen ties with Dubai through MEB

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/02/2022
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Local businessman Chris Clavel was among a 30-strong delegation to Dubai for a trade mission to strengthen ties between the regions, that also included the signing of a MOU with world trade hub DMCC.

It has been a good start to the year for the Monaco Economic Board (MEB), which just returned from a multi-day trade mission to Dubai that ran from 25th to 29th January.

Dubai has long been associated with growth, ambition and innovation, and is widely known to be the Middle East’s premiere trading hub. The MEB has leapt at the opportunity to explore this vast and fast-growing market via this recent trip.

Previous visits to the city, which included a Monaco National Day trip on 13th November 2021 and meetings at the Dubai World Expo, were followed up by the 30-plus member delegation that included figures from the worlds of technology, real estate, finance and industry.

A highlight was the formalisation of ties between the MEB and the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, designed to create more business opportunities between the two regions.

Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC Ahmed Bin Sulayem and MEB Chairman Michel Dotta sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Dubai, source MEB

The DMCC was established in 2002 to promote commerce in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is now one of the biggest free trade zones in the world. It boasts a membership exceeding 20,000 companies and a business community of 100,000 people.

“The UAE offers great opportunities to Monaco’s business community, with DMCC being a key strategic partner for their international expansion,” said MEB Chairman Michel Dotta in a speech during the meeting. “The agreement will consolidate our efforts and will stimulate growth, providing our respective business communities with access to new and fast-growing markets. We look forward to working closely with DMCC to facilitate trade, increase economic activity, and support the businesses of Monaco in navigating Dubai’s vibrant business environment.”

It was Chris Clavel’s (left) 16th trade mission with the MEB

One of the Monegasque entrepreneurs to benefit from this relationship is Chris Clavel, Director of the digital technology company Baccana Group.

“Between the B2B meetings organised by the MEB at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the networking sessions at the Monaco Pavilion at the Dubai Expo, I managed to make 20 valuable contacts,” Chris Clavel told Monaco Life. “One is gently leading to a contract soon with a Dubai-based tourism marketplace needing our online marketing and SEO expertise for the European market. I have some follow up to do with the chambers of commerce of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman and Kuwait. I am also in discussion with the Tourism and Investment board of the Emirate of Sharjah, as well as with the Abu Dhabi University of Artificial Intelligence.

“All of this within three days. So, one can say that the MEB’s trade mission in Dubai was a success for my part, but I know that it was also the case for many other members of the delegation.”

Clavel says he will join the MEB delegation when they return to Dubai from 5th to 10th March for the Dubai International Boat Show.

Other MEB missions are being planned to St. Petersburg in June and Madrid in October.

 

By Cassandra Tanti and Stephanie Horsman. Photos by Chris Clavel unless otherwise specified

 

 

 

 

Monaco strengthens legislative arsenal against financial crime

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/02/2022
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The National Council has passed two bills aimed at combating financial crime in Monaco. Among them, a widening of the scope of justice to confiscate capital and sanction fraudulent virtual currency transfers.

The National Council voted unanimously on Monday 31st January on two bills submitted by the Government relating to the prevention and the fight against financial crime.

“These legislative developments testify to the Principality’s desire to continue to adapt its legislation to the best standards and international commitments in the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing and corruption,” said the government in a statement on Wednesday. “Under the impetus of the Sovereign Prince, the objective pursued by the Principality is, in particular, to maintain the Monegasque banking and financial centre at a high level of standards.”

The government says the bills were produced after discussions between itself and professionals, on the one hand, and between the government and the National Council, on the other.

“In line with the objective pursued by the Principality to strengthen its system in a complex and constantly changing field, exchanges, both at the institutional level and between the public and private sectors, are continuing, in particular within the framework of meetings of the Committee for the Coordination and Monitoring of the National Strategy to Combat Money Laundering, the Financing of Terrorism, the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Corruption, which will meet for the first time on 3rd February under the chairmanship of the Minister of State, Pierre Dartout,” said the government.

The new mechanism voted Monday evening reinforces the capacity of justice to confiscate capital that it finds to be fraudulent in origin. It also widens the scope of application of offences relating to payment instruments, insofar as it can sanction a fraudulent transfer, not only money or monetary in value, but also virtual currency.

The legislation also specifies some of the obligations that are incumbent on professionals subject to the fight against money laundering, particularly in the presence of atypical transactions.

Meanwhile, “the list of subject professionals has been supplemented following the conclusions of the National Risk Assessment (ENR2), with the aim of finding the right balance between the efficient apprehension of risks and the preservation of the attractiveness of Monaco,” added the government.

 

Photo source: National Council of Monaco