Author Archives: cosv

In-formare: percorsi di co-sviluppo tra Italia e Marocco

The project aims to support the social and economic development of the migrants from morocco living in Italy and of their region of origin providing training and information on investment possibilities.

The project idea come from the Arab community living in Milano (mainly from Egypt and Morocco) that more and more is requesting information and training on the possibilities of investing in their Countries of origin. In Milano, the relationship with traders, entrepreneurs and Arab associations (in particular Al Ouissal association) showed the need of many of these actors of re-investing in their Countries and finding viable opportunities on which focusing the money they regularly send back home.

A feasibility study has then been run in Morocco in the Tadla Azilal Region, where most of the Moroccan migrants in Lombardia Region come from. CRI (Centre régional des investissements) in Beni Mellal from several years is running projects of training on the possibilities of investment in the Region but has never run information campaigns in Italy or Europe Also the ‘Unione degli Artigiani of Milano Province showed great interest in being a project’s partner both for the possibilities of proposing Arab investment in Italy as well as for training small Arab entrepreneurs in investing in their Countries of origin.

From ideas to businesses: co-development paths between Italy and Morocco

“From ideas to businesses: co-development paths between Italy and Morocco” originates from a pilot co-development project between Italy and Morocco, led by COSV in collaboration with Medinaterranea and Al Ouissal associations, CRI, the Ministry of Moroccans Abroad, Artisans’ Association of the Province of Milan and Monza and the Chamber of Commerce – Chamber of Arbitration.

The positive assessment of the actors involved and the need to give continuity to the pilot experience are behind this second project, led Medinaterranea Association with a wider panel of partners: COSV, ANESSIC, ISMU, PROMOS, Ispramed , Artisans’ Association of the Province of Milan, Ministry of Moroccans abroad, Regional Center of Investment of Tadla Azilal, IntEnt Maroc, Business Creation Foundation of the National Bank of Morocco.

This second project aims at strengthening the supporting system of enterprises creation in the region of Tadla Azilal and investment in Lombardy, to promote the social and economic development of the Moroccan community living in Lombardy and their region of origin.

The partners will create a trans-national service to accompany the creation of businesses, ensure the training on the creation of micro and small enterprises for Moroccans entrepreneurs living in Italy, supporting them in implementing business ideas. An information system for job orientation and migratory experiences enhancement will be established, through a Mediterranean magazine and a research on the returns of Moroccans investment in their country.

Developing Tourism in the north of Montenegro

Describing itself as “the first ecological state of the world,” Montenegro is opening up to international tourism planning a development path attentive to environmental protection, capable of preserving the unspoiled natural beauty of the area and respecting its history, culture and traditions. In fact, while the coastal area has recently seen an explosive development of tourism and infrastructures, other areas are currently economically depressed, and among these the northern area.

For this reason, in the north of the country, COSV and the Montenegrin Ministry of Tourism have embarked on to promote tourism in the area, highly integrated in the territory and its history, with particular emphasis on local enogastronomy . The project runs through the heart of the massif of Durmitor,  recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site. In this area of virgin forests, mountains that are home to one of the largest reserves of European wild animals (ibex, wolves, bears, lynx, eagles), COSV accompanies the birth of new infrastructures and the organization of activities for travelers.

Hiking and mountain biking trails and an Olympic cross-country skiing track have been realized; snowshoeing, orienteering competitions and traditional events have been organized; and training courses on environmental issues and enhancement of the local enogastronomy have been planned.

In the midst of the beautiful karst mountains, a hub for tourist and sports has been created: on the ruins of a memorial house built on the site of an old partisan hospital, realized with the subscriptions of all the former Yugoslavia, today there is the Spomen Dom – ready to welcome tourists. With 40 beds in different kinds of accommodation (apartments, private rooms and dormitory), a restaurant that serves the best traditional local food and wine, the Spomen Sun also offers tourist and climbing guides, a medical clinic, municipal offices and a tourist info point.