Archive for the 'technology' Category
Medef to Unemployment Insurance, Union des industries and metal trades (UIMM) becomes very visible social issues. It has always been the heart of its expertise and sphere of influence, but the employers' federation was forced to the discretion, after revelations about the cash withdrawals from his former manager and his huge windfalls anti-strike . IAJ President since late 2007, Frederic Saint-Geours, 59, chief financial officer of SAP, warns against the risks of "clip the wings of the recovery", defends the need for strong industry and answered questions found on the ambitions of "Steelworkers" among employers.
LE FIGARO. – The latest unemployment figure is better. Is this a sign of lasting improvement?
Fr?d?ric SAINT-GEOURS.-feeling of our members on their activities is very varied.Capital goods or export sectors are still in great difficulty. Others are more like the automobile, with the premium snack, or remain at good levels as railway equipment. I have two concerns for the future. First, many companies have exhausted the means for maintaining the relationship with their employees, including partial unemployment. If their order book does not go back, they should ask themselves questions about their workforce. Therefore, the employment situation will not improve substantially until a few months. You have to look if it is possible to extend these devices. Second concern: in two or three months, the companies have completed their 2009 accounts, which are often degraded.If banks apply their analytical tools such classic figures, they refuse many loans – I am not talking about fund investments, but simply increasing needs for working capital resulting from a rebound in activity. The risk is to clip the wings of the recovery. We are working on this with the mediator credit, Gerard Rameix.
You have to participate in the States-General of Industry. The final report sets the goal of "restoring an industrial ambition" to France. Does it still make sense to argue at the national level?
Clearly, yes. Exports from France, this is 80% or 85% of industrial goods.However, if we had kept our market share of ten years ago in world trade, it would be 100 billion euros 'turnover' in addition to France, so perhaps hundreds of thousands of jobs, billions in tax revenue, R & D … But in France, the industry faces obstacles that are not specific to him: taxes, too focused on factors of production, education must increase training to new technologies, new businesses such as green growth, or difficulty in finding long-term financing. Now we need the conclusions of the General does not remain in the state report.
When it comes to the carbon tax, this time you prefer to speak to Europe!
Exactly.The business tax was a mistake French, it is deleted and that is not enough to put French industry at par with its rivals in terms of competitiveness – and I speak of our European rivals, not Chinese! Do not create another anomaly French with the carbon tax.
On behalf of the same desire to save France in the industry, the state interferes in the strategy of Renault and Total. Shoot there too far interventionism?
The State must play its role as guarantor, no manager. The dialogue, the contract may be more effective than law and regulation, because they give companies greater flexibility, flexibility.That is how the UIMM signed agreements on training, employment of older workers, after taking a diagnosis with the unions in the sector.
The Delegate General of the UIMM, Jean-Fran?ois Pilliard, took the head of the Social Protection Committee of the MEDEF. So, does it change the approach to the appointment pensions?
I recommend that we proceed at cross as we used to do in the UIMM: establish a working group, consult widely to build the position of business before entering the "hard" discussions. This must be done quickly, but there are already many tests. Finding a consensus will be difficult, but we must absolutely try.
Your annual convention, March 18, will focus on how employers' organizations can be useful to businesses.Three months after the start of the food industry, the MEDEF should it be seen as a veiled threat?
On the contrary! The subject is exactly one: from business needs and how to respond with a simple, cost control, and effective. Effective, that is to say, which makes a service to members (of the economy, tax, legal, social …) which allows them to best be heard locally and nationally. This suggests the most appropriate organizations. Asking these questions is not a threat, as an aid to employers throughout the world. How many times have we heard of the structural complexity employers!
Should we open the question of the employer's representative?
I can not imagine anyone not treated during the convention. I would add that the UIMM be extremely firm on the joint system: it must develop.We need stronger intermediary bodies to better address important issues, which must generate the widest possible accession. As to the joint management (Insurance Unemployment Agirc-Arco …), it must go further now that the new rules of representation reinforcing the legitimacy of unions. This requires changing the rules of governance, transparency, funding. It is possible the UIMM did in six months.
Do you agree with the criticism of the President of the MEDEF?
There is no question for us to weaken the MEDEF. Businesses need a strong employer representation and united.Our convention and the arrival of Jean-Fran?ois Pilliard as President of the Welfare Committee of MEDEF serve to strengthen it.
But when your delegate said that joining the team of Laurence Parisot does not constitute support for the renewal of its mandate, it is a sign of defiance!
Not at all. What is being done every day, Jean-Fran?ois Pilliard and me? We work. In UIMM and MEDEF. We are all employers who are negotiating delegations, which met the government. No confidence, we serve the cross. I do not say it was easy every day …
The present UIMM Does a candidate for President of the MEDEF?
We will do things in order. We will set our direction in our convention. We'll see if one candidate or another the endorsement.Otherwise, we'll see.
Where are your projects using your famous "kitty"?
Again, the idea is to use these reserves heritage as a service to businesses. What are their issues? Develop. In January alone, our system of capital development has taken investment decisions totaling 9 million euros, and these are multiplied by 4 to 10 other investors. Second issue, recruit. We will launch the next wave of our communication campaign in the spring, to show young people that may be realized in the industry. And we've released several million as part of our integration fund to help companies find skills, including among those furthest from employment. Finally last challenge, innovate.Our other endowment funds joint research projects university-industry or education programs that meet the needs of businesses.
The case of the possible relocation of the future of Renault Clio in Turkey is still rising a notch. Nicolas Sarkozy has expressed Wednesday his irritation with his vows to parliamentarians at the Elysee, "We do not put so much money to support our manufacturers to ensure that all plants go outside." And this message the head of state has to pass directly to Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault, he will receive Saturday at the Elysee.
Wednesday Christian Estrosi, Minister of Industry, has shown the same firmness after a meeting with Patrick Pelata Bercy, the CEO of Renault. The Minister has shelled the long list of grants awarded since the beginning of 2009. Three billion loan was granted to Renault (all PSA).Flins received aid from 100 million euros for the production of Zoe, electric cars Renault (launch scheduled in 2012) and 150 million euros from the ISP for its project to produce batteries. In addition, there are 600 million euros bonus for breaking, which allowed the sale of 600 000 additional cars and the abolition of the tax.
"The government has enough evidence to say an industrial strategy," says the minister said that the state holds a 15% shareholding in Renault and two posts. It is also possible that the state seeks more seats on the board.But the number of directors is proportional to the percentage of equity held by an Act of October 30, 1935.
Wednesday, Patrick Pelata played the card of appeasement, saying that "no decision has yet been taken regarding the future production of Clio in 2013. Several scenarios are possible. The production will be maintained at Clio Flins, "as Zoe does not saturate the capacity of the site, which would be a fantastic scenario," said the skipper of the brand. However he also said that "production in France is good for vehicles with high added value. It is difficult in the low range. A shade as the government seems unwilling to consider.
A Clio for France
He asked three requirements to Renault, which has only a few days to find answers.Firstly, the group must incorporate as possible suppliers and subcontractors French to its industrial. More components must be manufactured in France.
Then, Christian Estrosi does not decrease production or declining enrollment in Flins, which currently produces 150 000 Clio. Finally, the Government intends to maintain the territory the production of Clio, regardless of the success of Zoe. Renault will have to determine what other sites the French Clio IV could be fabricated. No way to transfer the production in Bursa in Turkey, which are currently produced 180 000 Clio.Christian Estrosi does not want the share Flins parte in Bursa, but remains in France.
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The gross public debt (government, social security and local authorities) continues to rise. At the end of the third quarter, gross debt under the Maastricht amounted to 1457.4 billion, up from 29.4 billion the previous quarter, according to figures published by INSEE on Tuesday. "Expressed as a percentage of GDP, it is approximately 75.8%, up 1.9 points," says the National Institute of Statistics. In the second quarter, the debt had reached 73.9% of GDP.
The increase over the period, less than that observed in the second quarter (61.1 billion euros), was driven in particular by the increase in debt of the state. To finance the budget deficit, the state has cut its debt of 23.4 billion euros.The debt has also funded a stake in the Company making state participation in a French bank, Cr?dit Agricole 3 billion, INSEE said.
The social security funds have also contributed to the increase in gross public debt to the tune of 5.9 billion euros, "particularly as a result of increased indebtedness of the ACOSS (3, 9 billion euros), "details the INSEE.
The government has included in his bill to finance the debt was still progress to 77.9% of GDP at the end of the year. In 2010, it expects debt to 84% of GDP, without taking into account the large loan.
Moreover, net public debt, which includes cash and short-term is highest increase over the period, the gross debt.It was heavy with 57.1 billion euros over the second quarter, rising late September to 1331.5 billion. In case a "sharp decrease in cash of the State (-28.3 billion), returning to a level close to that of a year ago," said INSEE.
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Five-star hotels in France? Yes, it is possible since the introduction in June by the government, a new classification. The list already has sixty places, especially in Paris, Courchevel and the Cote d'Azur. For hotels, a small revolution is underway. Their institutions were previously rated by criteria that had not changed since 1986 and they did not understand that the fifth star has long existed abroad. The world record is held even by a hotel worthy of megalomania, the Atlantis Palm in Dubai, which displays seven stars!
"In Portugal, there are 6 star hotels which are no better than our 4-star, said Georges Panayotis, founder of research firm and consultancy MKG.And even for congresses, the French destinations were penalized with no five-star hotels for VIPs. "
According to Herv? Novelli, Secretary of State for Tourism, some 200 hotels could eventually claim win five stars, including 30 to 40 with an additional distinction reserved for best of the best, the "palaces".
But the goal that the government had set, finished 2009 with a hundred five-star hotels will be missed. "The application process was somewhat longer than expected. But the candidates are there, "he defends one in the entourage of the Minister where there promised that the establishment of a new procedure will go faster next year.
"It's not very complicated to have the fifth star, half of the 750 four-star hotels can claim without doing much work, yet adds Georges Panayotis.But with the crisis, many are reluctant to ask. Applicants were fewer than expected. Be a candidate takes time and money. Vis-?-vis a business clientele, this is not the time to raise prices and display an image of luxury. Some employees have instructions from their companies do not reside in five star hotels. "
Then there are the unsuccessful applicants. Reportedly, about 15% of cases were retoques.Among the mandatory criteria, which require the most hoteliers questioned: the size of rooms, room service 24 hours on 24 or even the use of two languages by staff, including English.
A bid of 70 000 ?
In the district of Saint-Germain-des-Pres in Paris, the Hotel Bel Ami (four stars) was in the starting blocks in the month of June to submit an application. He has still not done, but considering the first quarter of 2010. "Other priorities have taken over as the work of redecorating in a few rooms," says Vincent Tissier, Director General. But we remain candidates, while some of our competitors are reluctant because of the economy. "To comply with the new schedule, he has already made investments. He equipped the rooms with a service and an extra chair.It also increased the number of electrical outlets, bought lamps and roof rack. "For us it is an application to ? 70 000," says Vincent Tissier.
The hotel part with a disability are 15 rooms for less than 24 square meters, the minimum area required. "We do not fulfill all mandatory criteria, but we have our chances because we can compensate this problem by gaining points optional," says its director. In Bel Ami, there is indeed "a spa, meeting rooms, a hall larger than the minimum required, a team of janitors, many more points for the fifth star. Whatever happens, Vincent Tissier is serene: "For teams, it would be a satisfaction. The U.S. travel agencies are also susceptible.But the provision of Bel Ami and its price will not change. "
Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris, the Fouquet's Barri?re was among the first to win his fifth star in June For this, he installed air conditioning and WiFi in the restaurant Fouquet's classified and bought 27 blankets. The hotel was rated four-star luxury since its opening in October 2006. "As we were the last to arrive on the market, we wanted to be the first to have five-star hotel with a very good note," said Eric Boonstoppel, general manager of the Hotel Fouquet's Barri?re. We have lost a few points marginalized because, for example, the telephone line is directly in the room on request. Vis-?-vis our international customers, visibility and legibility are important. But we do not mean increased prices.If the government wants to create a category "Premium" We are ready! "
The staff of Leica range in France climbs in France. No more view on the device and Gennevilliers. The teams of the prestigious manufacturer of optics and cameras, whose headquarters was located in the suburbs of Paris for 25 years, have won the exchange. Now they literally dive on Lake Annecy in Savoy, where an old factory has been refurbished to accommodate the fifteen employees at headquarters. "We carry nearly a quarter of our turnover in optics, said St?phane Manara, the manager of Leica Camera Western Europe.It was difficult to offer our customers to try before you buy if we gave a large surface on the device.
The lucky few who spend an average of 5500 euros for a box and from 2,000 to 8,000 euros for the optical can now follow short training courses in outdoor seat in the new Alpine Leica 350m2 terrace where they are dedicated.
Another major innovation for the brand fetish Cartier Bresson: a shop owned outright by the company was opened in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, Rue de la Pompe. Others have also opened in London, Tokyo and Moscow. Until then, the brand had on reseller partners. But leaders of the German company wanted to better control their distribution.Especially in recent months, the manufacturer has launched several new digital cameras aimed at different audiences: The S2 for professionals, the X1, a compact for a wider audience and the M9, the first 24X36 trademark. Not forgetting his first monocular pocket for hikers
President of Leica Acting, Andreas Kaufmann, the representative of the family owns a small cottage industry, announced in 2008 the deployment of a twenty Leica shops in the world and "shopping shops" nestled in large signs. Since last spring, Andreas Kaufmann has passed the torch to Rudolf Spiller, the new CEO of Leica, Zeiss former. The latter must take Leica red where it fell this year. Indeed, the group posted a net loss of 4.8 milion euros (against a profit of 3 million) for a turnover of 134.2 million.
Paris, Palais des congr?s. This Thursday, the huge amphitheater, Pierre Gadonneix presided as expected its last general meeting of shareholders of EDF. Re-elected director of the group with 96.5% of the votes, Henri Proglio, already designated by the State, has been inducted as the new chairman of EDF. His appointment should be approved definitively by the Council of Ministers on 25 November. The person will thus serve as head of the electrical lights at the end of the month.
Henri Proglio Photo credits: AFP
The financial crisis has undoubtedly reduced the weight of the United States and Europe to Asia. Suddenly, the latter will take the opportunity to strengthen its influence in the world.
From this Friday until Sunday evening, leaders of ten ASEAN countries (Association of the South-Eastern Asia) met in Thailand. They are joined this morning by China, Japan, South Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia. Countries whose recovery from crisis is much faster than in the West and for many of them are already preparing to abandon their recovery plans.
All concerned now the weak dollar, which they provide relief whenever necessary.And none of them has any interest in seeing the U.S. financial system to deteriorate, while exports remain the primary engine of growth.
"Stress tests" for Chinese banks
But the crisis was already moving lines. The model was that the United States absorb massive exports to Asia is in the process of shifting. In China and India, consumption explodes and is progressively taking over from the American buyer. ASEAN and its 600 million consumers will take over.
However, to enjoy the recovery, Asia should not repeat the mistakes of the Americans. Beijing has understood that today called for Chinese banks to conduct stress tests, stress tests each quarter to better manage credit and liquidity supply in the country.
It must also strengthen its cohesion.If in ten years exports of ASEAN have been multiplied by three, 1 700 billion, and its trade with China by ten, the regional bloc to just build a true economic community. Theoretically scheduled for 2015, it would then be extended to China, South Korea and Japan.
A dream which currently faces the political weakness of ASEAN. Nobody can believe the Committee on Human Rights that it has put in place, while Burma is a dictatorship where every opponent is going to jail and that Laos and Vietnam are two blocks Communists closed.
But Asia is a force. She has already lived through the 1998 crisis and emerged stronger than before.
"The Chinese economy is running at full speed
"Tokyo is seeking a new motor recovery
Yogurt machine is restarted. Thanks to price cuts, promotions and new standards more accessible, sales of Danone's dairy products rose 7% in volume in the third quarter. It's the largest increase since mid-2007.
So far, Danone had mostly favored the move upmarket with its brands Activia, Actimel and Danacol and rate increases. These were also made compulsory by the soaring price of milk. But the crisis had led to an alarming decline in volumes last year. In January, the group has initiated a program called reset ( "reset"). To boost volumes, each subsidiary has revised its product positioning and pricing in each of its markets (yoghurt, water, infant nutrition and medical nutrition).
Franck Riboud, Danone's boss has welcomed the success of these "operational adjustments."We did not only correct, but have been effective and rapid implementation, said without false modesty, the CEO. We have completed the repositioning of our products before the end of the year. "
A year ago, Danone was advised that because of the deteriorating economy, growing its sales in 2009 would be "less than a few points" in its medium-term target of between 8 and + + 10%. According to details made this Friday, the group table in fact now an annual growth of 2.8%.
While this is a very sharp slowdown in growth of sales, Danone has proven its ability to react and managed to accelerate the pace since January.In the third quarter, all regions are growing, even Europe, which was down in the first half.
Volvic and Evian in progress
Above all, "we gained market share in the three quarters of our markets," insists Peter Andre T?risse, the CFO. He also noted that milk prices would increase, "but return to significant increases in 2008." Danone may therefore increase some of its prices, "while remaining competitive."
Other good news: the return to form of the bottled water division, which is experiencing its strongest growth since early 2008. "Danone has its strong presence in Asia, the area that draws economic recovery," said Lee Linthium, head of research for Euromonitor.The institute predicts that sales of bottled water will increase by 8% in Asia this year, thanks to economic recovery in urban areas, where consumption of these products is higher.
Even in developed countries, Danone waters are rising again this summer, especially in France, the United Kingdom and Germany. With the impact of weather, but not only. "The sales made under Volvic promotion grew by 40%," says one Danone. In recent weeks, the promotion efforts made on Evian, the brand's flagship division, are even more important. Here again, priority is given to the volumes to boost sales.
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