Govt asked to promote organic farming for a healthy society

Govt asked to promote organic farming for a healthy society

Businesswomen asked to explore economic benefits of organic farming

Organic agriculture benefits environment, production and conserve nature

Islamabad: Sept 22

Samina Fazil, founder President, Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) on Sunday asked the government to promote organic farming for a healthy society and prosperous farming community.

The government should adopt an organic farming policy, promote the use of genetically non-modified seeds, launch awareness campaign and bring at least 15 per cent of the land under organic farming, she said.

Businesswomen should to explore opportunities in the lucrative field of organic farming which promises good returns, benefits environment, boost production and conserve nature, she said while speaking at a workshop jointly organised by IWCCI and TheNetwork.

Samina Fazil said that there is a great demand of different varieties among growing number of organic food consumers which can be exploited by the business community.   

She said that organic farming can reduce cost by over 25 per cent by abandoning the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides; it minimise soil erosion by around 50 pc and increasing crop yields up to five-fold within five years.

Organic farming supports wildlife, improve entire ecosystems and reduce contamination in the ground water while dairies can ensure better livestock health, less sickness, and better milk and meat for consumers, said Samina Fazil.

Asking the business community to consider organic food stores across the country, she said that organically grown products are free from harmful chemicals, artificial flavours and preservatives which improve health and reduce healthcare costs.

It reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer because it is not loaded with toxins and chemicals, she informed.

Those who cannot find organic food in the vicinity can start developing good eating habits and reduce the hazardous impact of pesticides from initiating kitchen gardening, she said.

TheNetwork was represented by Rubina Bhatti, Dr. Sobia Faisal, Waheed Iqbal,  Saira Khalid, Sahaab Farooq and Arish Naseem. 

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Embassies, IWCCI to jointly take women empowerment initiatives

Pakistani women have great potential to spark economic growth

Islamabad: August 29

Women's economic empowerment has a crucial role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan therefore we have decided to cooperate with the IWCCI to meet the noble objective.

This was the crux of the speeches delivered by the spouses of Ambassador of Australia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka at a function organised by Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking to businesswomen, Ms. Susan Heyward, Herry Listyawati, and Kumari Weerakkody said that we will jointly take steps to ensure capacity building and empowerment of women so that they can play their due role in the national development.

They said that supporting entrepreneurship is the best way to empower women which helps them realise their potential and fulfil their aspirations.

“We will enrich the women with practical skills for future livelihood endeavours,” they said adding that we will look into introducing some unique income-generating projects for local women.

Advancing women’s participation in all walks of life has become imperative without which a country cannot develop, they observed.

Speaking at the occasion, founder president and incumbent President of the IWCCI Samina Fazil and Farida Rashid said that Pakistani women needs improved access to education, health care and economic resources so that culture of discrimination can be successfully eliminated.

They called upon the developed countries to help business chambers enhance their technical capacity and organizational capability so that businesswomen may not face serious hardships in future.

The leaders of women entrepreneurs said that we are committed to increasing the opportunities and well-being of women and consider gender equality as an integral part of sustainable development.

We will continue to raise public awareness, try to gain influence with decision makers, support and promote women’s leadership agenda, and advocate for a change, said Samina Fazil and Farida Rashid.

Women comprise more than 50 per cent of total population but they have been forced into a systemic gender subordination which has pushed Pakistan at the bottom of Global Gender Gap Report.

Women need to be included in economic activities in order for countries to truly experience development and peace, said Farida Rashid.

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First-ever meeting of Pak-Thai Joint Working Group held

Close partnership to lift millions out of poverty agreed

Both sides agreed to boost trade and investment

Islamabad: August 21

The private sector of Pakistan and Thailand has agreed to boost trade and economic cooperation in various fields and hold meetings of Joint Business Council biannually for future growth and prosperity.

Noted Thai investors have lauded the investment policies and environment of Pakistan and decided to visit Pakistan next month to explore new avenues of investment and economic cooperation.

The development came during the first-ever meeting of joint working group comprising private sector of the two countries.

Pakistan side was headed by President FPCCI Zubair Ahmed Malik while Thai side was led by Mr. Isara Vongkusolkit, Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking of Thailand and Chairman of the Board of Trade Thailand.

Both sides agreed to explore investment opportunities in energy, food processing, agriculture, pharmaceutical, auto parts, fisheries, marble, granite, tourism and health tourism and ensure significant progress.

Speaking at the occasion Zubair Ahmed Malik said that Pakistan market presents great opportunities to Thai investors and that we can help enhance their market access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and some Gulf and Middle Eastern nations.

He said that Thailand is world leader in food processing, auto parts manufacturing while it is exporting fisheries worth 10 billion dollars per annum.

Thai investors can explore opportunities is Pakistan’s robust auto industry, food processing and agricultural sector, he said, adding that fish products of Pakistan match western standards.

The FPCCI President said that Pakistan’s marble and granite sector  exports to China and Hong Kong are picking up and he expects Thailand to consider this promising sector for investment.  

Mr. Isara Vongkusolkit took keen interest in the discussion and raised many question regarding reforms agenda, quality of Pakistani products including pharma and rice. He informed that Pakistan can export orange and its juice to Thailand where people prefer it over any other nectar.

He stressed preservation and processing of agriculture and fisheries products terming them important national resource of Pakistan. Thai side also took interest in Pakistan’s energy, gemstones and education sectors and offered scholarships to Pakistani students.

Vongkusolkit encouraged Pakistani businesses to look towards Thailand, a market of 70 million people for business expansion. Thailand can help enhance presence of Pakistan in whole ASEAN region, a market of 600 million people which will become a single market in 2015, he said.

The two sides agreed to forge close partnership to help lift millions of people out of poverty and build a stable, prosperous and democratic future for their respective countries.

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FPCCI chief lauds Chinese cooperation in various fields

China expresses renewed interest in expanding economic ties

High-powered Chinese delegation expresses interest in energy project

Islamabad:

Dated: August 19

China on Monday expressed renewed interest in increasing bilateral economic ties and vowed to resolve Pakistan’s energy crisis by investing the ailing sector.

The pledge was made in a meeting between officials of Policy Research Office, Kunmíng, the capital and largest city of Yunnan province in Southwest China and President FPCCI Zubair Ahmed Malik.

Speaking at the occasion, Director of Policy Research Office Mr Yuan Peiwen, having expertise in solar and wind power, said that they have come to Pakistan to have direct communication with business community to explore ways and means to enhance economic cooperation which include

We are here to improve understanding and to resolve problems of the local exporters, he added.

He said that two-way trade has picked up to 12 billion dollars in last five years Pakistan’s exports registering 48.2 per cent growth in one year. He hoped that target of 15 billion dollar of bilateral trade would be met by 2015.

The biggest increase in Pakistan’s exports to China in 2012 were textiles, vegetable products, ores, mineral products, base metals, marble products etc., said Peiwen adding that Pakistani business community will be provided every possible facility in China.

Speaking on the occasion, President FPCCI Zubair Ahmed Malik said that China is now Pakistan’s biggest trading partner.

He lauded Chinese government and business community is expansion of Pakistani business community in their country saying that opportunities being provided will go a long way in cementing ties.

China is on way to become the largest energy consuming country of the world in which Pakistan is fully cooperating through proposed energy corridor, said Malik.

He said Chinese economic policies are based on partnership and political equality which is highly encouraging.

Lauding the recent pledges by Chinese companies to invest heavily in Pakistan’s energy sector, the leader of the business community said that maximum resources should be utilized for controlling energy crisis for the development of the country.

He said that government is attaching top priority to resolving energy problem and all out encouragement is being extended to local and foreign investors.

China is a trusted friend of Pakistan and has played a commendable role in its development.

Pakistan is a poor country which needs to generate power at minimum cost to cope with the energy problem which has compromised growth, said Zubair Ahmed Malik.

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UK Funds Life-saving food assistant to displaced people in Pakistan's north-west

UK FUNDS LIFE-SAVING FOOD ASSISTANCE TO DISPLACED PEOPLE IN PAKISTAN’S NORTH-WEST

ISLAMABAD – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a contribution of 3 million pounds Sterling (US$4.5 million) from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) for vulnerable displaced communities in the highly volatile north-west of Pakistan.

The donation comes at a crucial time to enable WFP to continue its assistance over the coming weeks to people affected by law and order operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the Federally Assisted Tribal Agencies (FATA), where WFP currently provides monthly food rations to more than one million people.

“This very timely donation will help to provide the handling costs for the generous wheat contribution from the Government of Pakistan, as well as purchase monthly food rations for about 25,000 families from Tirah Valley and Kurram Agency, affected by the latest spill-over of hostilities. Supporting communities who are at risk of increasing vulnerability is now a priority in the north-west,” said Lola Castro, WFP Representative in Pakistan.

This latest contribution from the UK will allow WFP to procure 2,145 metric tons of fortified mixed food commodities as well as mill, fortify, transport and distribute over 6,500 metric tons of wheat donated by the Government of Pakistan.

Moazzam Malik, Director of DFID’s Western Asia Department said “I am very pleased that DFID is able to support WFP’s efforts to provide essential wheat and food rations for displaced persons. This support is critical as the number of families displaced in the north-west continues to rise and they will be increasingly vulnerable heading into the winter.”

WFP currently requires US$31 million to fully implement its operations in Pakistan until the end of this year, of which US$6 million is still needed to cover costs required for handling of the Government-donated wheat.

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Cell phones most effective poverty alleviation tool

Mobile phone penetration directly linked to GDP growth

Govt asked to reduce taxes on telecom industry to empower masses

Islamabad: August 01

The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) on Thursday said mobile phones are one of the most effective tool to lift people out of poverty and provide opportunities to entrepreneurs therefore government should reduce taxes on telecom industry.

Pakistan’s telecom industry has been paying Rs 57 billion tax per year which is one of the most heavily taxed sectors in the Saarc region, it said.

Mobile phones have brought about remarkable social progress in low-income countries while its impact has been estimated at a quarter of trillion USD in the poverty belt that includes South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, said Farida Rashid, President IWCCI.

Mobile phones is a great productivity tool which make citizens economically strong who in turn make their governments more accountable and friendly to worthy causes including a peaceful and prosperous world, she added.

Farida Rashid said that according to a study of 120 countries conducted by the World Bank, a 10 per cent increase in mobile phone penetration results in a 0.8 per cent increase in economic growth.

From 1996 to 2011, mobile phone penetration in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa combined rose from zero per cent to 63 per cent. During the 15- year period the poverty belt experienced on average an additional one per cent economic growth rate due to mobile phones, the study says.

Within this same period, the combined GDP of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa grew, from $811 billion to $1,870 billion, an average annual growth rate of 5.72 per cent.

Without the impact of mobile phones, these economies would have grown at an annual rate of 4.72 per cent, and the economy of the poverty belt by 2011 would be only $1,620 billion.

Mobiles are not a luxury product became a mass product that advances economic situation of consumer by saving time, money, labour, transportation, and opportunity costs.

Cell phones have resulted in continued economic and social progress in low-income countries therefore telecom industry must be promoted by policymakers, Farida Rashid demanded.

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Thar coal can transform Saarc into energy rich area

 Saarc most energy poor region in the world

Millions of lives, economies can be transformed by access to energy

Islamabad: Dated: July 29

The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) on Sunday said Saarc is the most energy deficient region in the world which has made it home to the majority of the poor living on earth.

Tens of millions of lives can be transformed in Pakistan and whole region by giving masses the access to affordable energy, it said.

Economies can be energised by tackling the problem of energy scarcity for which best use of Thar coal has become imperative, said Farida Rashid, President IWCCI.

Talking to the business community, she said that proper management of Thar coal can resolve issues like stalled economic progress, wealth distribution gaps, high unemployment, soaring inflation and rising oil import bill.

She said that at the twelfth SAARC Summit, the heads of states agreed to strengthen energy cooperation for accelerated and balanced economic growth but little has been done in the last nine years.

Farida Rashid said that all the members of Saarc except Bhutan are energy deficient and oil importing countries which will face a minimum of 200 per cent hike in energy demand in the next fourteen years.

In the region, 29 per cent of energy demand in satisfied with oil, 48 pc with coal, 15 pc with natural gas, 7 pc with hydel and one pc with nuclear energy, she said adding that energy mix of majority of the countries is not sustainable.

Farida Rashid said that there is a direct relationship between economic growth and increased demand of energy as well as its continuous supply.

She said that it is very important to explore all possible options to ensure and enhance regular supply of energy to support the economic growth and help alleviate poverty.

Saarc is home to 23 per cent of total world population where 500 million lives below the poverty line that deserves a better life.

Further delay in exploitation of Thar coal will have very negative consequences for Pakistan, warned Farida Rashid.

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Flawed education system a threat to future generations

Flawed education system a threat to future generations

Islamabad: (July 24)

Pakistan is going through a severe education crisis as ever tenth illiterate school-age child in the world is a Pakistani, an educationist said Wednesday.

Decades of apathy has placed Pakistan in second position on the global ranking of out-of-school children after Nigeria, said Dr Naeem Ghani, Chairman Sultana Foundation.

Majority of the poorest countries would allocate more resources to the education leaving Pakistan with one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world, he said while speaking at a seminar.

Dr Naeem Ghani said that lack of financial support and commitment on the part of governments has left a minimum of 25 million children without schools while their number could swell to 50 million in fifteen years with disastrous social and economic consequences.

He said that 17.6 per cent of children are working instead of going to school while 23 per cent of all school-age children, mostly girls in rural areas, are still out of school for various reasons that include absence of like separate toilets.

Currently a minimum of 1,000 schools have no building, 30,000 school buildings are shambling and many more have no boundary walls, he said.

Teachers and students in many government schools have to focus more of roof than education to save themselves from loose bricks that can fall on them anytime.

Education of the girl child is extremely important as no education policy can work without gender balance which is yet to be taken seriously, he said.

Child labour is a result of the poor economic conditions of the country which can be tackled through government’s move to ensure equitable distribution of wealth, the veteran educationist said.

He said that government funds are skewed towards higher education while the lower income classes are unable to enjoy subsidies and opportunities.

Quality of education is declining due to shortage and quality of teachers, out-dated curriculum, poorly equipped laboratories, cheating, lack of facilities and overcrowded classrooms, he noted.

Ghani said that policymakers can consider making government jobs conditional to providing education to few unschooled.

He said that Sultana Foundation has prepared special modules for all segments of school-less children which are being implemented in Moqa Schools set up in rural areas of twin cities.

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Pakistan’s future linked to elimination of power subsidies

Pakistan’s future linked to elimination of power subsidies

Islamabad: July 07

The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) said on Sunday lauded the decision of the government to phase out power subsidies gradually terming it in the best interest of country.

It is very difficult for Pakistan to survive without foreign aid in presence of power sector and energy subsidies, she said.

Talking to Chairman Coordination FPCCI Sheikh Abdul Razzaque, VP FPCCI Muhammad Ali, Chairman Media FPCCI Malik Sohail and others, Farida Rashid said that subsidies have not benefited poor but rich while it misbalances the budget.

She said that subsidies leave little funds with government to spend of public welfare, it boost demand while reduces investment in renewables.

Subsidies also contributes to social injustice, discourages private sector and push up the global warming, she added.

She said that losses of the power subsidy have reached to an extent that it has become an issue of national security.

At the occasion, Sheikh Abdul Razzaque said that different national are paying around two trillion dollar in power subsidies which if abolished will reduce global demand and decrease global warming by 13 per cent.

Last year our oil import bill was $ 14 billion which will touch mark of $ 50 billion in seven years, enough to leave Pakistan bankrupt, he said.

He said that country will be unable to cope with Rs 500 billion circular debt in presence of power subsidies which is deterring local and foreign investors.

Thar holds 99 per cent more energy than whole gas reserves of Pakistan put together but the speed of development is frustrating, he observed.

He said that plight of poor of the country must be considered while abolishing subsidies.

The masses and business community will soon see the positive impact of the decisions of the government which are presently viewed by some as unfavourable, remarked Sheikh Abdul Razzaque.

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Taking South Asia seriously is manifesto of the Government

Rising trust between Pakistan, India to boost S Asia: Khurram Dastagir

Islamabad: Dated: July 06

State Minister for Privatization Engr. Khurram Dastagir Khan on Saturday said government has attached top priority to the welfare of the masses which is difficult without regional cooperation and deeper integration of Saarc countries.

He said that the rise in trust level between Pakistan and India will boost regional cooperation in South Asia and help addressing allied issues effectively.

Khurram Dastagir Khan said this while speaking at a seminar titled, “Creating Synergies for Regional Cooperation in South Asia,” organised by Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The minister further added that Pakistan and India are lacking proper linkages, infrastructure, banking channels, telecommunications and other facilities which are impeding bilateral trade which was currently lowest in the world.

VP Saarc Chamber Iftikhar Ali Malik, Gen. (Retd) Abdul Quyum, Secretary Commerce Qasim Niaz, VP FPCCI Sheikh Muhammad Ali, Sec. Gen. Saarc Chamber Iqbal Tabish also addressed at the inaugural session.

Speaking on the occasion, VP Saarc Chamber Iftikhar Ali Malik said that the new government has given new hope for improving Pakistan’s ties with India in particular and south Asian countries in general which would help promote economic relationship and boost the morale of the private sector of Pakistan. Private sector has a role in creating synergies for which creativity is an integral component, said Malik.

Addressing the technical session, DG South Asia Foreign Ministry Riffat Masood, DG SASSI Maira Sultan, DG Saarc Arbitration Council Syed Sultan Ahmed, DG Saarc HRD Riffat Ayesha Anis, Director Saarc energy Centre Hilal A Raza, President ICCI Zafar bakhtawri, and Advisor Unilever Pakistan Basharat Ahmed were of the opinion that the Saarc region as a whole could grow provided all regional conflicts are addressed in acceptable manner.

The speakers argued that despite having enormous potential, Saarc was home to twenty two per cent of the global population where around 50 per cent are living in poverty due to questionable priorities of the policymakers.

Safta has been operational since five years but the regional trade was dismal due to political sensitivities and misleading conceptions, they said. 

They emphasised for creating synergies through promoting cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, energy, tourism, and effective supply chain mechanism.

They said that lack of transportation facilities and cumbersome procedures and restrictions by neighbouring states hikes cost of doing business and cost of commodities up to 30 per cent which if brought down will benefit tens of millions of people.

Chairman Media FPCCI Malik Sohail facilitated the seminar.

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US want to lift Pakistani business community: Sarah Peck

Top US official visits women’s chamber

IWCCI demand expanded bilateral economic engagement

   

Islamabad: July 28^th

Sarah C. Peck, Executive Director US-Pakistan Women’s Council, US Department of State on Friday said her country is taking keen interest in expanding relations with Pakistan and promote the women entrepreneurs.

The representative of Pakistan’s most important trading partner said that US is trying to lift the standard of living of people of Pakistan and support the business community.

I have come to Pakistan to review the situation and forward recommendations for increased trade relaxations, she said while speaking to female entrepreneurs.

Founder President Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) Samina Fazil, President Farida Rashid, Secretary General IWCCI Sara Ansari and others were also present on the occasion.

US official Sarah C. Peck, flanked with the staff of US Embassy, said lauded the efforts of IWCCI in supporting women and said that a MOU will be signed to promote cooperation and empower women.

“I will seriously consider the proposal to establish a think-tank for designers from the two countries which will broaden ties between private sectors of both countries,” she said. .

Speaking at the occasion, Samina Fazil and Farida Rashid hoped that there will be a positive outcome of the meeting which will result in quick progress.

Pakistani exporters are facing different barriers hampering the bilateral trade which is already below the potential, they remarked.

Pakistani textiles should gain access to the US market on favourable terms or at least on similar terms as offered to other least developed countries, the IWCCI leaders demanded.

Future cooperation can be ensured through better understanding which can be ensured through frequent exchange of delegations, the said.

Farida Rashid asked the US to hold an investment conference in Pakistan and step forward to resolve energy crisis which has shaken the foundations of economy.

Relationship between two countries is heading towards stability which can improve rapidly if US focus on trade and not just aid to expand bilateral economic engagement.

Farida Rashid lauded the policy of the government, supported by the US, to expand economic cooperation with its neighbours including India, Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics.

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IWCCI asks Govt. to complete IMF package deal urgently

Govt lauded for showing true picture of economy

Move helped restore confidence of business community

Broadening tax base better option than printing money

IWCCI asks Govt to complete IMF package deal urgently

Islamabad: June 23

The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) on Sunday lauded the government for showing true state of economy to the nation which has improved confidence of business community in their leadership.

The statement of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar that the government would have to look towards the IMF and other donors to start returning foreign debts calls for an urgent action, said Farida Rashid.

She said that former government damaged the economy, took 200 per cent loan of Pakistan’s quota and left Rs500 billion circular debt unsettled, now the country will face a default if it failed to return three billion dollars to IMF during 2013-2014.

She asked the government to finalise a deal with IMF for a loan of five billion dollar minimum on urgent basis so that Pakistan can avert a default.

The current situation is result of the inaction of the previous government which signed the loan agreement with the IMF in 2008 but failed to reform the tax system, state corporations, energy sector, eliminate subsidies and bring down fiscal deficit to 4 per cent as promised during negotiations.

The indecision of former unpopular rulers has brought country on the brink again which cannot make it on its own, she noted.

Farida Rashid said that new IML loan will restore the confidence of World Bank, ADB, and other donors to support Pakistan.

It will improve investment climate, result in continuity of policies, reduce flight of capital and relocation of industries and erosion of local currency to stabilise exchange rate.

Farida said that unlike former rulers, the incumbent government has decided to stop printing excessive currency and broaden the tax net which is a very positive development.

She said that government should think about the impression that it plans to burden masses through taxes while sparing wealthy.

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Congestion at ports making imports costly, exports uncompetitive

Govt promoting intra-Saarc trade through liberalisation, connectivity: Micheal

Ferry service between Karachi, Gujarat ports under consideration: Minister

Trade liberalisation to boost economic ties, ensure lasting peace: Malik

Congestion at ports making imports costly, exports uncompetitive

Islamabad: June 23

Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Michael on Sunday said government is promoting intra-regional trade through confidence building measures,liberalisation, and improved connectivity.

The strategy will unlock growth potential of the region marred with lowest level of intra-regional trade in the world, he said.

Speaking at a reception jointly organised by Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Pakistan Forum, Kamran Michael said that only way to bring billions of people out of poverty is enhanced regional trade for which full equipped ports are imperative.

VP Saarc Chamber Iftikhar Ali Malik, Zubair Tufail, VP FPCCI Naveed Jan Baloch, Tariq Haleem, Raheel Khan Bhatti, MNA Pervaiz Malik, MNA Qaisar Shaikh, Senator Haji Adeel, Gen (Retd) Abdul Quyum, DG DTO Jaweed Qureshi, Kunwar Qutbuddin, Iqbal Tabish, Malik Sohail, Farida Rashid, Zafar Bakhtawri, Munawal Mughal and Tariq Sadiq and others were also present on the occasion.

Mr Michael said that around a quarter of the world’s population lives in Saarc but we produce less than two per cent of global GDP due to political conflicts and lack of lack sufficient competencies and capacities.

We need expanding regional production networks, integration into the global economy, foreign direct investment, removal of trade and investment barriers, and heightened demand for which we need to improve infrastructure, he said.

Integration of trade between Pakistan and India has made some progress but remained limited due to trade barriers and insufficient regional cooperation which is now being tackled on a fast pace, he informed.

Mr Michael said that government is seriously considering launching ferry service between ports of Karachi and Gujarat. Ferry service between the two parts of world continued in ancient times, it peaked during British Raj and ended in 1965.

Earlier, Iftikhar Ali Malik apprised the minister of congestion on ports which is hurting the imports and exports and demanded deepening of the ports so that larger cargo shipscan be anchored there.

The container terminals are going to face an acute congestion if no timely expansion in existing facilities or no new terminals are developed to meet annual growth in the traffic of containerised cargo, said former VP FPCCI Zubair Tufail.

Chairman FPPCI Committee on Ports and Shipping Tariq Haleem said the under the present competitive world market, our exports and imports are becoming costly anduncompetitive against the regional countries due to want of better facilities.

The business community demanded to appoint one representative of the private sector on the boards of Port Qasim and other entities working under the Ministry of Ports and Shipping to improve its efficiency and ensure national development. 

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FPCCI hosts farewell dinner in honour of outgoing Ambassadors

FPCCI hosts farewell dinner in honour of outgoing Ambassadors

Diplomats should strive for improved economic relations: Zubair Ahmed Malik

Pakistan has resources, skills to become a developed nation soon: Envoys

Islamabad: Dated: June 19

Zubair Ahmed Malik, President FPCCI hosted a farewell dinner in honour of the outgoing Ambassadors and High Commissioners who have completed their term in Pakistan.

Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomats of USA, Japan, Denmark, Kenya, India, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Brazil, Sudan, Nigeria, Algeria, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and other countries were present on the occasion.

Besides, leaders of the business community, politicians, former and serving top government officials and people representing other walks of life were also present at the well-attended gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Zubair Ahmed Malik said that all the outgoing Ambassadors and High Commissioners have workeddedicatedly to bring Pakistan closer to their respective countries.

Business community acknowledges your devotion and sincere efforts to broaden bilateral ties by creating opportunities for trade and business, he said.

Zubair Ahmed Malik said, “I hope you successors will help improve already cordial relations and work for enhanced economic cooperation while keeping relations with the local business community intact.”

Advocating relationship on sustained upward trajectory, the national business leader said that we should use trade as the engine for enhanced bilateral partnership. Malik praised the diplomats for their dedicated work in helping improved ties.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassadors and High Commissioners congratulated Pakistan on successful elections and peaceful transition.

The Ambassadors said that Pakistan has all the resources, skills and leadership to become a developed nation soon. They hoped that dynamic people of Pakistan will soon overcome all challenges to bring the country out of the different problems confronting it.

The envoys assured that their countries would continue to cooperate with Pakistan and serve its interests in best possible way. “Ourcountries will continue to strive for broad-based relationship, focusing on people-to-people contact and promoting trade and development,” they pledged.

The said that Pakistan is a beautiful, dynamic and robust country with great potential and its people are friendly as well as hospitable; here we felt at home and learned a lot.

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Pakistan beauticians participate in Beauty Eurasia

IWCCI holding two-day lifestyle expo

Pakistan beauticians participate in Beauty Eurasia

Islamabad: June 18

Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) on Tuesday said it is holding a two-day lifestyle exhibition in Islamabad.

The 20^th lifestyle exhibition will be held on June 21^st and 22^nd at a local hotel in Blue Area, Naima Ansari, Chairperson IWCCI Standing Committee on Fairs and Exhibitions said here while speaking to women entrepreneurs.

Holding up a long standing relationship between businesswomen and IWCCI, we are holding the annual event which has always proved to be an exceptional cultivating ground for small and large companies and entrepreneurs, she said.

Naima Ansari said that women from every nook and corner of the country are taking part in the event which will be a great opportunity for them to market products.

Moreover, the exhibition has always drawn in some popular brands catching the attention of nearly every participant.

One of our aims is to help skilled women who cannot own a shop, to promote their products to retailers, wholesalers and distributors, she said.

She said that the expo will be a great learning, shopping, and entertainment experience and an opportunity for women from different backgrounds to share their work and goals towards a prosperous future.

Samina Fazil, founder president IWCCI said that this will be an opening for women dealing in handmade garments, arts and crafts, home decor, gems and jewellery, furniture, stones and decoration pieces etc.

We will continue efforts to help women attain economic freedom through different empowerment initiatives, she said.

She informed that IWCCI has sent a group of fifteen beauticians to participate in Beauty Eurasia 2013 held in Istanbul, Turkey.

Participation of Pakistani beauticians in expo regarding for beauty products, cosmetics, perfumery, beauty, hair salons, packaging, and wellness was a great experience for them.

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