Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation moves to Malaysia

Lahore, February 07, 2018 (PPI-OT): All out efforts would be made to enhance Pakistan’s share in Malaysian imports of 163.4 billion. These views were expressed by the LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid while speaking at a dinner hosted by Pakistani High Commissioner in Malaysia Nafees Zakaria in honour of the LCCI delegation that moved to Malaysia from successful Indonesian visit.

The LCCI president said that Pakistan and Malaysia have close and cordial relations since long and this relationship is growing and strengthening with the passage of time but this should be reflected in mutual trade and economic ties. He said that Pakistan’s major exports to Malaysia are cereal, textiles and clothing, rice, vegetables, seafood (fresh, chilled and frozen), chemical and chemical products whereas major imports from Malaysia are palm oil, chemical products, electrical and electronic products.

Other exports from Pakistan to Malaysia include fish, potatoes, onion, maize, cotton yarn, woven fabrics, synthetic staple fibre, bed-linen, electrical apparatus for line telephony and parts and accessories, whereas other imports from Malaysia arerubber, wood, synthetic filament yarn, insecticides, automatic data processing machines and parts and accessories.

He said that China, Singapore, Japan, USA, Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia are the major trade partners of Malaysia. It is a bit discouraging that Pakistan is not in this list despite good relations with Malaysia and having best-of-the-best products in the world. He suggested establishment of display center for Pakistani products in Pakistani embassies abroad to grab the attention of foreign buyers.

The LCCI President said that the balance of trade has always been in favour of Malaysia and this situation is prevailing. Over the last five years this gap is constantly closing but still the total imports from Malaysia are six times of our exports to Malaysia. He said that Malaysia and Pakistan have already signed a Free Trade Agreement which came into effect in January 2008. It has to be taken seriously that we have failed to take some advantage of this FTA. It provided us good platform to be utilized for a win-win situation but Pakistan achieved far lesser than its potential.

He said that the business community is trying its level best to make good use of FTA but there has to be some support provided by the Ministry of Commerce and especially commercial section of our High Commission in Malaysia. He said that we want to acquire some justifiable share in trade with Malaysia. There is a huge potential of exporting Pakistani rice, fresh fruits like citrus and mango to Malaysia.

Malik Tahir Javed said that the FTA does provide our exporters certain edge in the form of duty relief on fruits and vegetables etc. but due to knowing little about the packaging and certain requirements related to certification of food items, they cannot make full utilization of these opportunities. He said that joint ventures in the fields of livestock and dairy, food processing, energy, chemicals, Halal products and especially in light engineering can further strengthen the trade ties between two countries.

He said that we need to develop good liaison with our Mission in Malaysia in order to overcome all the challenges involved in enhancing exports to Malaysia. Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia M. Nafees Zakaria lauded the efforts of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry saying that LCCI is leading from front. He urged Pakistani businessmen to evolve strategy to tap huge potential that exists in Malaysia.

He said that he would make all out efforts to turn Pakistan mission in Malaysia into a match-making point for the business community in the two countries. He said that he would also utilize Malaysian media to highlight the soft image of Pakistan as in today’s world media is a strong tool to propagate information.

The delegation members Shahid Nazir, Awais Saeed Piracha, Muhammad Wasim, Haseeb Khawar, Shabbir Bhatti, Malik Muhammad Islam, Muhammad Farooq, Mian Faisal Majeed and Muhammad Arshad Bhatti also expressed their views about Pak-Malaysia trade relations.

For more information, contact:
Information Department
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)
11-Shahrah-e-Aiwan-e-Tijarat,
Lahore -54000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-222-499
Fax: +92-42-36368854
Website: www.lcci.org.pk

Telenor Microfinance Bank partners-up with IGI General Insurance

Karachi, February 07, 2018 (PPI-OT): Telenor Microfinance Bank has partnered with IGI General Insurance to provide protection packages to vehicle drivers in case of any on-road accident. The agreement was signed by Shahid Mustafa, President and CEO – Telenor Microfinance Bank and Tahir Masaud, CEO – IGI General Insurance on Monday, in the presence of representatives from both organizations.

This coverage will be offered to motorists using ‘AUXO’, a state of the art tracking car tracking system which provides real time insights on factors such as speed, location etc. Part of Telenor Pakistan’s Internet of Things (IoT) portfolio, Auxo uses an internet enabled SIM to communicate updates from the car to smartphones or web portals for management purposes.

Sharing his thoughts on the agreement, Shahid Mustafa, President and CEO-Telenor Microfinance Bank said “Our overarching goal is to provide convenient and cost-effective financial solutions to the people of Pakistan. By collaborating with industry players, we are adding value to our customer’s lives, enhancing their ability to manage their financial future.

Tahir Masaud, CEO IGI General Insurance added: “We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with a forward looking organization like Telenor Pakistan and Telenor Bank who understands that in this digital age the key to success is to adapt to the changing waves of time. IGI General Insurance is committed to positively contribute to digital disruption.”

For more information, contact:
Head Office,
Telenor Microfinance Bank Limited
15-A Block 7-8 Central Commercial Area,
K.C.H.S Union, 75350, Karachi, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-111-004, +92-21-111-826-337
Email: info@telenorbank.pk
Website: www.telenorbank.pk

Chairman CDA assures to resolve key issues of business community

Islamabad, February 07, 2018 (PPI-OT): A delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President Sheikh Amir Waheed visited CDA Headquarters to congratulate Usman Akhtar Bajwa on being appointed as Chairman CDA. Addressing the delegation, Usman Akhtar Bajwa said that Islamabad was facing many problems as there was no long-term strategy or plan in CDA for the development of residential and industrial areas in the federal capital.

However, he said that he would prioritize the issues according to their importance and take measures to address them. He said he would try to utilize IT and technology to bring efficiency and improvement in the performance of CDA and to provide online services to people. However, he said that he needed the cooperation and support of business community for development of markets and industrial areas.

Usman Akhtar Bajwa said that CDA byelaws and rules have become outdated and needed upgradation to bring them in line with the current day requirements. He said he would like to work with ICCI on three priority areas i.e. improving the environment, better development of market places and improving sanitation in Islamabad.

He said CDA was not an authority to rule over the lives of people and he would work to transform CDA into a service delivery organization to provide smart services to the citizens. He assured that he would continue to interact with ICCI for redress of key issues of business community and for the better development of Islamabad as it was the face of Pakistan.

Speaking at the occasion, Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulated Usman Akhtar Bajwa on being appointed as Chairman CDA and hoped that he would turn CDA into a smart organization to deliver better services to the people. He highlighted key issues of the business community for urgent redress. He said that the local business community was facing great problems in renewal of leases of commercial plots and CDA should streamline this process.

He said all commercial leases should be extended up to 99 years that would enable business community to focus on better promotion of business activities. He said CDA should allow multiple trades on industrial plots except for negative list as current procedure of change of trade was a hindrance in promoting business activities.

Nisar Mirza Vice President ICCI, Tariq Sadiq, Mian Akram Farid, Mian Shaukat Masud, Khalid Iqbal Malik, Zafar Bakhtawari, Ch. Waheed ud Din, Fareedun Khattak, Nasir Qureshi, Ahmed Mughal, Khalid Chaudhry, Raja Abdul Majeed and Mehmood Warraich also spoke at the occasion and highlighted various issues of business community.

It was pointed out that CDA should focus on better development of industrial areas and markets and provide facilities like filtration plants, streetlights, public toilets, carpeting of roads, repair of footpaths, improvement of sanitation and sewerage systems in business areas to facilitate the growth of business activities.

For more information, contact:
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)
Chamber House, Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat Road,
Mauve Area, G-8/1,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +9251 225 0526, 2253145, 8432676
Fax: +9251 225 2950
Email: icci@brain.net.pk
Website: www.icci.com.pk

European Union delegation meets Chairman of Council of Islamic Ideology

Islamabad, February 07, 2018 (PPI-OT): Jean-Francois Cautain, Ambassador of European Union at Islamabad called on Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology today, the 7th February. The Ambassador was accompanied by First Counsellor Franck-Olivier Roux and Anne Kofoed, First Secretary. Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq, Secretary to the Council was also present.

They discussed bilateral issues and explored how to develop common areas of cooperation between the two organizations. The Ambassador raised the issue of minorities in Pakistan. The Chairman of the Council informed him of the proposed policy document of the State on this issue which is on the agenda of the Council its tomorrow’s meeting.

For more information, contact:
Council of Islamic Ideology
Plot # 46, Ataturk Avenue,
Sector G-5/2, Islamabad
Pakistan.
Tel: +92-51-9205652
Fax: +92-51-9217381
Email: contact@cii.gov.pk

Pakistan Navy Ship ASLAT seizes huge cache of Drugs in the North Arabian Sea

Islamabad, February 07, 2018 (PPI-OT): Pakistan Navy Ship ASLAT seized 5000 kg of Hashish valued in millions of Dollars while operating at North Arabian Sea. The operation by PNS ASLAT was carried out while undertaking Maritime Security Operations in Pakistani Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The successful seizure of narcotics by Pakistan Navy was the result of a complex and risky operation involving surveillance and analysis in the area and conduct of Special Operations.

After gathering credible evidence, Special Warfare teams of PNS ASLAT boarded the suspected vessel, undertook search operation and seized 5000 kg of Hashish. Later, the sized drugs and suspects were handed over to Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) Ship for further legal proceedings and its disposal as per law.

During this operation, Pakistan Navy ship crew demonstrated impeccable professionalism, selfless devotion and utmost courage in the face of harsh environment. The success of Pakistan Navy Ship in interrupting the flow of narcotics highlights the importance accorded by Pakistan Navy in patrolling the waters of North Indian Ocean to ensure free flow of legitimate commerce and deny use of High Seas to terrorists and all associated miscreants.

Successful operation by Pakistan Navy Ship resulting in seizure of huge quantity of narcotics is a testimony to the fact that Government of Pakistan and Pak Navy remain committed in ensuring freedom of High Seas and preventing its use for any unlawful purposes. Pakistan Navy has been instrumental in curbing illegal transportation of contraband goods and will continue to shoulder its national obligation and responsibility for making the sea lanes across Indian Ocean safe and secure.

PNS ASLAT is a F-22P frigate capable of undertaking wide variety of combat as well as full spectrum Maritime Security Operations at sea. The ship was deployed as part of the Multinational Combined Task Force-150 (CTF-150), which is part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The Task Force-150 is mandated to ensure maritime security to prevent counter terrorism and associated illegal activities.

For more information, contact:
Directorate of Public Relations,
Pakistan Navy
Naval Headquarters, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-20062326
Cell: +92-300-8506486
Website: www.paknavy.gov.pk

Semi-Finals and Final of Brighto Paints presents Cool and Cool National One day Cup

Lahore, February 07, 2018 (PPI-OT): The Semi-finals and Final of Brighto Paints Presents Cool and Cool National One day Cup – Regions 2017-2018 will be played as per following detail:-

First Semi Final

8th February: Karachi Region (W) Vs Peshawar Region at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Umpires: Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz

Referee: Aziz-ur-Rehman

Official Scorer: Shakeel Ahmed

Second Semi Final

9th February: Rawalpindi Region Vs Islamabad Region at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi

Umpires: Ahsan Raza and Khalid Mahmood Sr.

Referee: Muhammad Anees

Official Scorer: Shakeel Ahmed

Final

11th February: Winner of First Semi Final Vs Winner of Second Semi Final at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi

For more information, contact:
Media Manager
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +9242 571 7231 -4
Fax: +9242 571 1860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

PCJCCI and E-Commerce Gateway Pakistan successfully engrossed for initiating Pak China Inter Industrial Mobility Program

Lahore, February 07, 2018 (PPI-OT): Pak China joint chamber of commerce and industry successfully initiated “Pak China Inter Industrial Mobility Program” with the collaboration of Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, with a prime objective to mobilize the potential industries of both China and Pakistan through a series of Trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences, and symposiums.

A ceremony was held on Wednesday at PCJCCI secretariat for the official commencement of this program where Mr. Muddassar Tipu, Consul General of Pakistan in Chengdu appeared as Chief Guest while prominent business leaders including FPCCI Vice Chairman Haji Arfan Yousaf, Chinese nationals, entrepreneurs and various renowned industrialists also participated the launching ceremony.

The ceremony started with the address of Mr. S.M. Naveed, President PCJCCI in which he told about the idea behind the initiation of such program. He referred Inter Industrial Mobilization as a systematic approach of mobilizing Industries of two countries through which the participants are provided an opportunity to visit, see and learn about the market trends, potentials, operations and challenges of each other’s industries.

According to him, Industrial Mobilization provides a good understanding of key issues, available opportunities, prospects, and remedial measures during the mobilization process. Moreover, S.M Naveed correlated the significance of such mobilization with the upcoming and ongoing CPEC Projects. S.M Naveed said that Pak China Inter Industrial Mobility program encompasses a four-pronged strategy i.e. to expand Market Linkages, Promote Industrial Relocation, Technology Transfer and ultimately to bring massive employment opportunities in Pakistan.

Adding to this Dr. Khursheed Nizam, President Ecommerce Gateway said that this industrial mobility initiative jointly taken by PCJCCI and Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan would serve as a convention for entrepreneurs and investors from Pakistan and China to identify new investment opportunities in different manufacturing and services sectors.

Appreciating the initiative of PCJCCI and Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, Vice Chairman FPCCI and Incharge Regional Office, FPCCI Lahore Haji Arfan Yousaf apprised about the industrial revolution that is associated with the relocation of Chinese Industry to Pakistan. He appreciated the PCJCCI initiatives and also urged the other Chambers to develop such development programs.

Dr. Iqbal Qureshi, senior vice president PCJCCI in his speech talked on the technology transfer facilities to channel Chinese technology in a bid to support and groom the local Pakistani industry. Furthermore Mr. Ijaz Azeem, GM marketing PIEMDC shared his valuable insight and knowledge regarding SEZ’s while Mr. Monis Rehman CEO Rozee.pk talked about the extensive employment opportunities created under the umbrella of CPEC.

Closing Remarks were expressed by the honourable Chief Guest, Mr. Muddasar Tipu. He congratulated PCJCCI and Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan on the commencement of this highly productive initiative. He informed the participants that Chengdu had a lot of business opportunities for Pakistani businessmen for mutual cooperation in plenty of the potential areas of trade and industry.

He apprised that Majority of 500 fortune innovative companies are located in Chengdu which clearly depicts the economic importance of Chengdu City. He identified various sectors including; Tourism, hospitality, Education, Dental surgery equipment, Information Technology and machinery that has vast potential in Chengdu. He offered his services to extend maximum possible facilitations to Pakistani Delegations organized by PCJCCI.

He said that he will do business matchmaking of the Pakistani investors with Chinese Investors in Chengdu. The ceremony ended with the question answer and feedback session in which positive remarks were expressed by the participants for both PCJCCI and Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan.

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI)
Mega Tower, 309 – 6th Floor,
Main Boulevard, Gulberg II,
Lahore, Punjab – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35777460-02, +92-42-37032203, +92-42-35874353
Fax: +92-42-35777524
Cell: +92-324-4925611
Email: info@pcjcci.org
Website: www.pcjcci.org