Egypt’s cabinet on Wednesday approved the use of coal for power generation, a move likely to bring relief to the energy-hungry cement industry but anger those who see the pollutant fuel as a potential public health hazard. [Reuters]

 

Following two days of increased power cuts, Egypt’s government on Wednesday announced plans to increase the country’s supply of electricity by importing natural gas and diesel in the short term and beginning construction on three new power plants. Energy consumption is currently peaking at around 22,000 megawatts (mW), much less than the 34,000 mW used in the hottest months of summer – which raises concerns about continuing fuel shortages in the coming months. [Ahram]

 

Caretaker President of the Republic Moncef Marzouki requested the Belgian government to cancel the Tunisian debts or convert them in investment projects during a meeting on Tuesday in Brussels, with president of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives André Flahaut and President of the Belgian Senate Sabine de Bethune. [TAP]

 

Tunisia: flow of foreign investment down 33.7 percent
The flow of foreign investment reached a total of TND 192.4 million in the first two months of 2014 against TND 290.4 million in the same period of 2013, recording a decrease of 33.7 percent, based on the latest figures from the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA).[L’Economiste Magharebin]

 

 

 

World Bank grants Egypt $300 million for SMEs | WB

Libya says could finalize port-opening deal with rebels in 2-3 days | Reuters

Tunisia Premier wants to fix economy | AP

WEF: Tunisia ranks 76th in international trade | Report

Yemen’s ongoing energy crisis | Yemen Times