Infrastructure Development in Pakistan
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Viper0011.
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first they need to complete the Lahore Ring road they have just completed 50% in 6 years
Old Pics ,, Thanks to PPP Government on starting the project and Chinese on Completing the most Lethal part of Karakoram Highway .. i Know Nawaz sharif will take the credit of reconstruction in next elections lol
Unless there is a business and population IMMEDIATE need, no one builds these larger rings around the city all the way. Even in the US, you plan it, and then build it per the impacted area due to Business growth. All this is supposed to increased business activity so spending billions right away in areas that don't present a serious business justification, makes no sense. In fact, if anyone constructed these kinds of ring roads up front, specially in a country like Pakistan, you are rest assured that a lot of corruption happened in that.
The fact that they are building it phase by phase, per a business case tells you they are using the money carefully and there isn't any corruption involved.
Sulman Badshah
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Faisalabad-Gojra motorway to open in December
TOBA TEK SINGH: The National Highway Authority (NHA) has decided to open for traffic a portion of the motorway project (M-4) between Faisalabad and Gojra from December.
An NHA official said on Saturday the Faisalabad-Multan Motorway (M-4) was financed by The Asian Development Bank.
He said its interchanges from Faisalabad to Gojra were Narwala (Faisalabad) and Chiragh Abad and Gojra-Jhang Road (Gojra).
Its first 58-kilometre section is between Kamalpur and Gojra and it is 330 feet wide with two lanes on each side.
He said the motorists using this section were violating the rules.
He said the primary work was under way on the second portion of the road which will be constructed between Gojra and Shorkot.
Housing sector: HBFC receives Rs11 billion equity injection
Managing director says development would help increase company’s footprint in mortgage market. CREATIVE COMMONS
KARACHI:
House Building Finance Company (HBFC) has received an equity injection of Rs11 billion from the federal government, according to HBFC Managing Director Pervaiz Saeed.
Speaking to The Express Tribune on Thursday, Saeed said the equity injection would play an important role in increasing the HBFC’s footprint in the mortgage market.
The finance ministry and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had decided in the beginning of the current fiscal year that loans acquired by the HBFC from the SBP would be converted into equity.
HBFC is the sole specialised housing bank in Pakistan and enjoys a 24% share in the housing finance market.
“It is a positive development, as the equity injection is likely to result in improved liquidity for the HBFC,” Saeed said.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) Senior Vice Chairman Saleem Kassim Patel demanded that the government should provide the HBFC with further equity given the declining mortgage-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio in Pakistan. It stood at 0.50% as of March 31, according to the SBP.
“The government should inject equity of at least Rs20 billion into the HBFC on an urgent basis,” Patel said, adding that the decline in the mortgage-to-GDP ratio can only be contained by making housing affordable for the middle and lower-middle income groups.
Latest SBP data shows a dip in the gross outstanding housing finance by all banks and development finance institutions (DFIs). It amounted to Rs51.6 billion at the end of March as opposed to Rs52.6 billion a year ago, reflecting a decrease of 1.9%, or Rs1 billion, over a 12-month period.
Outstanding loans of the HBFC decreased to Rs12.2 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2014, which is 2.6% less than the corresponding figure at the end of the first quarter of 2013.
With the exception of Islamic banks, the banking sector decreased its footprint in the mortgage market, recent statistics show. Fresh disbursements of Rs2.3 billion were made to 658 borrowers during the quarter ending March 31. Islamic banks extended new disbursements worth Rs1.3 billion followed by private banks (Rs514 million) and public-sector banks (Rs68 million).
HBFC’s fresh disbursements for the first quarter of 2014 amounted to Rs463 million. Disbursements made in the 12-month period ending on March 31 amounted to Rs1.69 billion.
Patel said private banks should set aside at least 5% of their total loan disbursements for the housing segment. “Forward and backward linkages to 72 allied industries make the housing industry a key driver of economic growth. Banks should step forward and help reinvigorate Pakistan’s economy,” he said.
Agro-research: WPEP focusing on innovation
Progressive farmers of the country should be prepared for exchange of new knowledge, said PARC Chairman. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
ISLAMABAD:
The Wheat Productivity Enhancement Programme (WPEP) has provided an opportunity of global science in Pakistan by giving funds, training young scientists and developing agriculture infrastructure, said Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Iftikhar Ahmad.
Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Annual WPEP Review Meeting 2014 in Islamabad, he asked research institutions to improve wheat, maize and other crops production, and scientists to bring innovation in crop varieties to enhance agricultural production and make better utilisation of Rod Kohi water.
“Progressive farmers of the country should be prepared for close coordination and exchange of new knowledge. Policymakers must work for water storage .”
“With new wheat varieties, it is hoped that this meeting will be helpful in getting increased production in the cropping season 2014-15,” said PARC Member Dr Shahid Masood.
Wooing investors: BoI plans conference to attact investment
Business delegates and investors from other parts of the world will attend the conference to find opportunities existing in different sectors of the Pakistani economy. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGES
ISLAMABAD:
The Board of Investment (BoI) will organise a two-day investment conference on October 27-28, aiming to attract and promote foreign direct investment in the country.
The conference will be held in the federal capital, where over 300 delegates from different countries as well as from across the country are likely to attend, said BoI Chairman Miftah Ismail.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, he said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will inaugurate the event while chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab would also arrange meetings for the delegates in their respective provinces to highlight investment opportunities.
“Business delegates and investors from China, Korea, Turkey and other parts of the world are likely to attend the conference to find opportunities existing in different sectors of the Pakistani economy.”
The BoI chief said that foreign business delegates would also visit Lahore and Karachi during the second day of the conference where they would be apprised about business opportunities.
Pakistani embassies abroad and all embassies of different countries in Islamabad have been informed about the programme.
Additionally, the BoI will also organise conferences in Europe by the end of this year and line up in the Middle East and Far East to highlight trade and business opportunities in the country next year.
“Pakistan is the only country that offers high rate of returns at an average of 17% of investments in power generation sector and 20% in coal power generation,” he said.
Ismail stated that due to the BoI’s efforts, Ashmore Fund of United Kingdom has also showed interest to invest in the country’s first aluminum beverage cans plant near Islamabad with an expected annual capacity of over 700 million cans.
He said this would help create jobs in the country, delivering substantial cost and operational benefits for customers and helping to drive growth in the beverages sector.
First-ever visit: Danish businessmen to fish for trade avenues
We are planning to select certain Pakistani companies for exploring business opportunities and are eager to move into a new era of business. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
KARACHI:
Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan Jesper Moller Sorensen has said the first-ever delegation of Danish businessmen will come on a visit to Pakistan next month to explore trade opportunities between the two countries.
He stated this here on Friday during a meeting with office-bearers of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) – one of the biggest industrial zones in Karachi.
Sorensen said the Danish government was eager to enhance the trade volume between the two countries, which was $400 million. Since Pakistan was a country of 200 million people, the opportunities to boost trade were enormous, he said.
Denmark has already allocated about $50 million for various support programmes in Pakistan, especially for education and clean water.
“To promote commercial activities, the Danish embassy has hired two senior commercial officers,” he said, adding there was vast potential for investment in energy, shipping and health care industries.
“We have very liberal trade policies and our government earnestly believes in making business,” said the ambassador. “We are planning to select certain Pakistani companies for exploring business opportunities and are eager to move into a new era of business.”
KATI President Syed Farrukh Mazhar said Danish investors could take advantage of the vast opportunities of investment in Pakistan.
He appreciated the steps taken by the Danish envoy for improving relations between the two countries, especially with respect to trade. “There is a lot of potential for direct investment by Danish companies as returns are quite lucrative.”
KATI’s Diplomatic Affairs Committee Chairman Masood Naqi stressed the need for exchange of trade delegations for strengthening business ties and said stronger relations were necessary for developing trade relations over the long term.
TOBA TEK SINGH: The National Highway Authority (NHA) has decided to open for traffic a portion of the motorway project (M-4) between Faisalabad and Gojra from December.
An NHA official said on Saturday the Faisalabad-Multan Motorway (M-4) was financed by The Asian Development Bank.
He said its interchanges from Faisalabad to Gojra were Narwala (Faisalabad) and Chiragh Abad and Gojra-Jhang Road (Gojra).
Its first 58-kilometre section is between Kamalpur and Gojra and it is 330 feet wide with two lanes on each side.
He said the motorists using this section were violating the rules.
He said the primary work was under way on the second portion of the road which will be constructed between Gojra and Shorkot.
Housing sector: HBFC receives Rs11 billion equity injection
Managing director says development would help increase company’s footprint in mortgage market. CREATIVE COMMONS
KARACHI:
House Building Finance Company (HBFC) has received an equity injection of Rs11 billion from the federal government, according to HBFC Managing Director Pervaiz Saeed.
Speaking to The Express Tribune on Thursday, Saeed said the equity injection would play an important role in increasing the HBFC’s footprint in the mortgage market.
The finance ministry and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had decided in the beginning of the current fiscal year that loans acquired by the HBFC from the SBP would be converted into equity.
HBFC is the sole specialised housing bank in Pakistan and enjoys a 24% share in the housing finance market.
“It is a positive development, as the equity injection is likely to result in improved liquidity for the HBFC,” Saeed said.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) Senior Vice Chairman Saleem Kassim Patel demanded that the government should provide the HBFC with further equity given the declining mortgage-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio in Pakistan. It stood at 0.50% as of March 31, according to the SBP.
“The government should inject equity of at least Rs20 billion into the HBFC on an urgent basis,” Patel said, adding that the decline in the mortgage-to-GDP ratio can only be contained by making housing affordable for the middle and lower-middle income groups.
Latest SBP data shows a dip in the gross outstanding housing finance by all banks and development finance institutions (DFIs). It amounted to Rs51.6 billion at the end of March as opposed to Rs52.6 billion a year ago, reflecting a decrease of 1.9%, or Rs1 billion, over a 12-month period.
Outstanding loans of the HBFC decreased to Rs12.2 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2014, which is 2.6% less than the corresponding figure at the end of the first quarter of 2013.
With the exception of Islamic banks, the banking sector decreased its footprint in the mortgage market, recent statistics show. Fresh disbursements of Rs2.3 billion were made to 658 borrowers during the quarter ending March 31. Islamic banks extended new disbursements worth Rs1.3 billion followed by private banks (Rs514 million) and public-sector banks (Rs68 million).
HBFC’s fresh disbursements for the first quarter of 2014 amounted to Rs463 million. Disbursements made in the 12-month period ending on March 31 amounted to Rs1.69 billion.
Patel said private banks should set aside at least 5% of their total loan disbursements for the housing segment. “Forward and backward linkages to 72 allied industries make the housing industry a key driver of economic growth. Banks should step forward and help reinvigorate Pakistan’s economy,” he said.
Agro-research: WPEP focusing on innovation
Progressive farmers of the country should be prepared for exchange of new knowledge, said PARC Chairman. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
ISLAMABAD:
The Wheat Productivity Enhancement Programme (WPEP) has provided an opportunity of global science in Pakistan by giving funds, training young scientists and developing agriculture infrastructure, said Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Iftikhar Ahmad.
Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Annual WPEP Review Meeting 2014 in Islamabad, he asked research institutions to improve wheat, maize and other crops production, and scientists to bring innovation in crop varieties to enhance agricultural production and make better utilisation of Rod Kohi water.
“Progressive farmers of the country should be prepared for close coordination and exchange of new knowledge. Policymakers must work for water storage .”
“With new wheat varieties, it is hoped that this meeting will be helpful in getting increased production in the cropping season 2014-15,” said PARC Member Dr Shahid Masood.
Wooing investors: BoI plans conference to attact investment
Business delegates and investors from other parts of the world will attend the conference to find opportunities existing in different sectors of the Pakistani economy. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGES
ISLAMABAD:
The Board of Investment (BoI) will organise a two-day investment conference on October 27-28, aiming to attract and promote foreign direct investment in the country.
The conference will be held in the federal capital, where over 300 delegates from different countries as well as from across the country are likely to attend, said BoI Chairman Miftah Ismail.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, he said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will inaugurate the event while chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab would also arrange meetings for the delegates in their respective provinces to highlight investment opportunities.
“Business delegates and investors from China, Korea, Turkey and other parts of the world are likely to attend the conference to find opportunities existing in different sectors of the Pakistani economy.”
The BoI chief said that foreign business delegates would also visit Lahore and Karachi during the second day of the conference where they would be apprised about business opportunities.
Pakistani embassies abroad and all embassies of different countries in Islamabad have been informed about the programme.
Additionally, the BoI will also organise conferences in Europe by the end of this year and line up in the Middle East and Far East to highlight trade and business opportunities in the country next year.
“Pakistan is the only country that offers high rate of returns at an average of 17% of investments in power generation sector and 20% in coal power generation,” he said.
Ismail stated that due to the BoI’s efforts, Ashmore Fund of United Kingdom has also showed interest to invest in the country’s first aluminum beverage cans plant near Islamabad with an expected annual capacity of over 700 million cans.
He said this would help create jobs in the country, delivering substantial cost and operational benefits for customers and helping to drive growth in the beverages sector.
First-ever visit: Danish businessmen to fish for trade avenues
We are planning to select certain Pakistani companies for exploring business opportunities and are eager to move into a new era of business. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
KARACHI:
Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan Jesper Moller Sorensen has said the first-ever delegation of Danish businessmen will come on a visit to Pakistan next month to explore trade opportunities between the two countries.
He stated this here on Friday during a meeting with office-bearers of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) – one of the biggest industrial zones in Karachi.
Sorensen said the Danish government was eager to enhance the trade volume between the two countries, which was $400 million. Since Pakistan was a country of 200 million people, the opportunities to boost trade were enormous, he said.
Denmark has already allocated about $50 million for various support programmes in Pakistan, especially for education and clean water.
“To promote commercial activities, the Danish embassy has hired two senior commercial officers,” he said, adding there was vast potential for investment in energy, shipping and health care industries.
“We have very liberal trade policies and our government earnestly believes in making business,” said the ambassador. “We are planning to select certain Pakistani companies for exploring business opportunities and are eager to move into a new era of business.”
KATI President Syed Farrukh Mazhar said Danish investors could take advantage of the vast opportunities of investment in Pakistan.
He appreciated the steps taken by the Danish envoy for improving relations between the two countries, especially with respect to trade. “There is a lot of potential for direct investment by Danish companies as returns are quite lucrative.”
KATI’s Diplomatic Affairs Committee Chairman Masood Naqi stressed the need for exchange of trade delegations for strengthening business ties and said stronger relations were necessary for developing trade relations over the long term.
Sulman Badshah
STAFF
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- Feb 22, 2014
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Buyer preference: 1.8L engines may win a race but 1.3L ones remain ahead
Toyota and Honda compete over top-of-the-line vehicle.
KARACHI:
When one ventures on deciding which car to buy, the equation would involve numerous variables. The price is most likely to be the biggest factor followed by engine performance, fuel efficiency, shape and design, company’s reputation among a host of other determinants.
When it comes to locally-assembled vehicles, Pakistanis don’t get a lot of choice. If one was to discount imported cars, it would boil down to a handful of players and their limited variants.
Here, we investigate the latest Honda Civic and the recently-launched Toyota Corolla and the factors that may or may not tilt the choice.
Most of us would prefer driving a powerful 1.8L – it gives the driver more power on the road and features are usually grander – but price and fuel efficiency force buyers to re-think.
Hence, Pakistan’s most popular sedans are not 1.8-litre ones.
Analysts and local carmakers say that the number of Pakistanis who prefer engine performance and power over fuel efficiency are still in a minority — the main reason why companies sell 1.3L, 1.5L and 1.6L engine cars.
Despite the popularity of smaller engine capacities, both Honda and Toyota produce 1.8L cars in Pakistan. The companies want to keep their top-of-the-line products to show off their technological muscle.
Pak Suzuki – the largest carmaker with over 50% market share – also produces a popular 1.3L Swift, but a hatchback is not Honda City and Toyota Corolla’s competitor.
In July 2014, Indus Motor launched the first variant of Toyota Corolla in the 1.8L category, marking its response to Honda Civic that released its latest model in 2012.
There is no need to mention that Indus Motor Company gives little room to Honda — not even in the 1.8L engine category where the pie is the smallest.
The company could have launched the series with its most popular 1.3L Corolla variant, but it opted otherwise.
“We wanted to introduce the new Corolla series with the more exciting model first,” Indus Motor spokesperson said.
Probably, Indus learnt its lesson. It launched the 1.8L variant in its previous Corolla series but concentrated more on the 1.6L variant after witnessing high demand in that category. Consequently, the company lost its 1.8L customers, who switched to Honda Civic as it was the only car in that category.
“The makers of Corolla wanted to grab some of the market share of Civic in the 1.8L category. This time, it seems, Indus Motor wants to remain in the 1.8L category,” Global Research analyst Imran Ahmed Patel told The Express Tribune.
Analysts say that there will be healthy competition between the two companies, which is perhaps the reason why Honda has recently started placing Civic advertisements on television channels to tempt customers.
With a 21% market share, Indus Motor is the second biggest carmaker in Pakistan, behind Pak Suzuki but ahead of Honda Atlas Cars. In 2013, Toyota Corolla variants held a strong 60% market share in their segment, down from 79% in fiscal year 2012, according to Indus Motor Company’s latest annual report of 2013.
Commenting on whether Pakistani carmakers are more comfortable in launching 1.8L cars, spokesperson of Honda Atlas Cars said the largest market segment in the country is not 1.8L, implying that this particular engine capacity is not the core focus of carmakers. For Honda, its spokesperson added, 1.8L Civic is the benchmark top-of-the-line car that displays the company’s technology and style.
1.3L sedans remain ahead
Both Indus Motor and Honda Atlas agree that the demand of 1.8L cars is there to stay but the category which both companies rely more on is the 1.3L engine vehicles.
When asked which engine category has been witnessing more growth among its 1.3L, 1.5L or 1.8L variants, spokesperson of Honda Atlas Cars said the 1.3L category has been showing steady growth. This is despite the fact that Honda Atlas is satisfied with the market response that it received on the launch of 1.5L City Aspire variant, which it launched in April 2013.
“Although the demand for 1.8L cars is on a rise, the 1.3L is still the preferred variant in Corolla for many segments of the society primarily due to fuel efficiency,” an official at a local carmaker said.
Analysts agree with industry officials that most of the Pakistani customers keep in mind fuel efficiency while making a decision of selecting car engine category.
Toyota makes 1.3L Corolla variant for a very few countries including Pakistan. The popularity of the 1.3L Corolla variant in Pakistan in the presence of 1.6L and 1.8L variants substantiates the point that a large majority of Pakistanis are ready to compromise on some specifications for fuel efficiency in 1.3L engines, said Patel.
Horticulture exports can be boosted with integrated quality system: Jawad
Director Harvest Tradings Ahmad Jawad said that Pakistani agriculture products are the best in the world, yet the sector has not excelled to its true potential.
He said the focus of untrained people in the horticulture field had been on increasing production rather than on improving the quality of the product.
Talking to Upper Reach GM, Ms Paulina Gallardo, he said Pakistan enjoyed its place as the fifth largest producer of mangoes, fourth largest producer of dates and 13th largest producer of citrus and 10th largest in apples, but the lack of post-harvest and cold chain infrastructure was seriously hampering Pakistan’s horticulture export potential.
As every year, 2.2 million tons of vegetables and 2.8-3 million tons of fruits go waste during and after harvest. This is a big loss roughly 30 per cent of Pakistan’s total vegetable production and about 40 per cent of fruits are being wasted.
However quality-conscious foreign buyers want every exporting country to align their supply chains as per international standards in order to expand its share in the international market, but unfortunately, lack of awareness among Pakistani exporters regarding global food safety standards, cohesive supply chains, and marketing systems are to blame for keeping the volume of the country’s produce export low.
Jawad said the reality was clear: horticulture exports could only be boosted if they could develop an integrated quality system. “If the emerging problem is not resolved on priority basis, country exports may not move as fast, largely because of international sensitivity to quality issues,” added Jawad.
There is, therefore, a need for public-private initiatives to invest in technologies to enhance the shelf life of the produce and boost export prices. Educational training needs to be given to the producers to ensure that fruit quality is improved and post-harvest handling is perfected.
He also urged the government and foreign institutions need to lend financial support to Pakistan’s horticulture sector, since it has been striving for the last couple of years.
Exhibition of local handicrafts attracts tourists
An exhibition of local handicraft was held in a local hotel on Sunday for promoting their skills, attract local and non-local customers, and linkage development to national and international market.
Master pieces of Khow and Kalash culture were displayed at different stalls. The exhibition was organised by Agha Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) in collaboration with different local support organisations of Chitral.
A significant number of local people and foreign tourists visited the exhibition and showed their interest in the products.
Throughout Chitral, women make handicrafts and other domestic use items in their houses, most of them are handmade. Talking to our correspondent, some local women told that they make these items in houses with hands without any machine but they are not getting reasonable price for their products because they don’t have access to national and international market. They said if government and non-governmental organisations introduce these handicrafts in international market they would be able to get suitable price and it would have better economic effects in the area.
They complained about the worst roads infrastructure in Chitral and said if it was improved there would be easy access to international market or buyers/customers would themselves come to the area. Sweaters made of wool with hands are very popular and displayed at different stalls. Dry fruit, decoration pieces, stitched clothes in different designs and other daily use items attracted visitors.
Additional Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Ikram visited the stalls and highly hailed local women for displaying master pieces of handicrafts and decoration pieces. He also distributed certificates among the best stall-holders.
The objective of the exhibitions was to attract the attention of people towards local products and their access to international market that women at home make for their livelihood.
Gems stones and other decoration pieces made from precious stones were special items at the stalls.
Founder Institute’s initiative: Bringing Silicon Valley to Karachi
Young professionals, graduates to be trained by experienced startup CEOs. CREATIVE COMMONS
KARACHI: If you are an aspiring entrepreneur who plans to launch his own venture but lacks the knowledge essential to build up a successful technology company, you might want to show up at “Bringing Silicon Valley to Karachi, an overview of what it takes to startup in Karachi”.
The event, which promises to bring the collaborative knowledge-sharing of Silicon Valley to Karachi, is being organised by Founder Institute (FI), the world’s largest entrepreneur training and startup launch programme based in the US.
The institute, which is in the process of launching its Karachi chapter, helps aspiring founders across the globe to build technology companies. It runs an early-stage accelerator and global launch network that helps entrepreneurs create meaningful and enduring technology companies, its website says.
While entrepreneurs in many countries made the most from this programme, the nearest chapter Pakistanis could go to was in Ahmedabad, India.
However, that visit required a visa, making the process complicated and difficult. This was the reason the programme’s director, Hassan Qureshi, decided to bring this to Pakistan.
“I wanted such training for myself but none was available in Pakistan,” said Qureshi, explaining what led him to bring FI to Pakistan.
In its five years of operation, the programme has helped launch over 1,230 companies across 66 cities and six continents, making it the world’s largest startup accelerator. It was covered by prominent publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes,Business Week and TechCrunch to name a few.
“We will teach our students the same things that are taught to the founders in Silicon Valley – how to find a company, the legal aspects and revenue models for example,” FI’s co-director Sumaan Azmi told The Express Tribune while referring to their four-month, part-time programme, which they plan to commence in January 2015.
Silicon Valley is respected all over the world for creating the world’s best technology companies, according to the officials. “Over the years, we’ve learnt that the Silicon Valley mindset can be replicated in other entrepreneurial ecosystems and we can benefit greatly from the growth of technology companies locally.”
Karachi has a fast growing startup ecosystem. However, what many people don’t know about all of the resources available to them is the differences between these resources or what resources are right for them, says the website.
“The programme will revolutionise the local startup scenario by bringing in global best practices through its extensive network and support from around the world,” it says.
The FI’s local representatives are in the process of organising information events for applicants. “We would like to have 30 people enrolled to start our first batch,” Azmi said.
While there is a $450 fee for the full course, FI will offer 100% scholarships to women – subject to their eligibility to the programme, according to Azmi. Those admitted will receive expert training, feedback and support from experienced startup chief executive officers (CEO).
The local CEOs understand the mindset of home entrepreneurs, thus best suited to mentor these aspiring founders, Azmi says.
The FI has already got on board some of the industry’s leading startup CEOs. Some of these mentors include Afaque Riaz Ahmed, founder and Chairman, Board of Governors, Karachi Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (KITE) – also the venue for the aforesaid event; Badar Khushnood, Google Country Consultant for Pakistan and Farzal Dojki, founder and CEO of Next Generation Innovation.
“We are talking to many other CEOs who are also the founders of their companies. We plan to have about 25 top CEOs on board to mentor this programme,” Hassan Qureshi, the director, said.
The target audience for this are young professionals and fresh graduates. “Our job is to create a startup eco-system and provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a platform,” Azmi said. These graduates will have to take it further because it is mandatory for them to form a company. “We [FI] are not building employees, we are building companies,” Azmi said.
The writer is a staff correspondent
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ sees frenzy of Indian buyers on the weekend
Lifestyle expo ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ saw a weekend frenzy as shoppers came in huge numbers to get a piece of Pakistani fashion and lifestyle.
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Both Hall No 14 & 18 were packed with gleeful visitors who were seen carrying a bunch of shopping bags from brands from across the border like Bareeze, Orient, Khaadi, Gul Ahmed, Dynasty, Dawood Textiles, Hadiqua Kiyani, kidswear brand Pinks & Blues, and home décor company Salman Traders for their marble wares, to name a few. As many as 300 exhibitors from the neighbouring country are showcasing fashion and lifestyle products at ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ exhibition which is on till September 14th.
There were a number of happy faces in the crowd. Visitors thronged the exhibition that opened in the morning with an exuberant display of fashionable garments, accessories, home décor essentials, footwears, handicrafts and jewelry. When asked about their experience of ‘Aalishan Pakistan’, visitors joyfully remarked that it was an overwhelming experience shopping for Pakistani suits, palazzos, lawn fabric and print.
They wish that the expo happens every year so that they can get their slice of Pakistani fashion. Exhibitors too are overjoyed with the phenomenal response and recognition that their brands have received by the Indian buyers, and would be happy to return again whenever there is an opportunity to exhibit in India. Many of the participants who are showcasing their products at ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ this year have also been a part of ‘Lifestyle Pakistan’ which was held in 2012.
Speaking on ‘Aalishan Pakistan’, Sher Afgan who is official spokesperson for TDAP, said: “As we had anticipated, Aalishan Pakistan has been a great success notwithstanding it is being held after two years. We are more interested in Pakistani textiles as we have a unique blend which is very popular in South-Asian countries including India. We have also some of our finest designers here who have been able to showcase their creations equally well. Two years ago at Lifestyle Pakistan we had just one hall, and this time around we have two halls and both of them are doing really well.”
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ opened with a fashion show showcasing the best of Pakistani couture that was held at Taj Palace, New Delhi, on September 10th. Famed design houses like Kayseria, Rang Ja, Lala Textiles, Faiza Samee, Deepak Perwani, Wardha Saleem, FNKAsia, Ahan and Farnaz Mustafa showcased their latest collection on the ramp and awed the audiences. A four-day art exhibition titled ‘Pakistan Art Today’, showcasing the new works of 11 Pakistani contemporary artists was inaugurated at Art Junction, The Lalit, by Padma Vibhushan Shri Satish Gujral and High Commission of Pakistan Abdul Basit together with other dignitaries, eminent artists and guests.
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ is an initiative of TDAP to further build on the efforts of the governments of Pakistan and India to normalise trade between the two countries. It is the second showcase of top quality export products of Pakistan under one roof in India. The exhibition will have over 350 stalls while TDAP’s own kiosk has been designed by students of Asian Institute of Fashion Design. With a trade potential of billions of dollars between the two countries, the event will not only offer a unique opportunity to trade community of India to interact with Pakistani counterparts, but also a first-hand opportunity for customers to feel and own the best quality products Pakistan has to offer.
The first Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition helped in generating business of around US$ 7 million and future prospect deals of around US$ 20-25 million were made during business-to-business meetings. Due to tremendous response received, many of Pakistani exhibitors like Gul Ahmed and Junaid Jamshed have inaugurated their outlets in different cities of India.
KARACHI: Royal Park a high-rise residential project inaugurated by His Excellency Nasser Abdulla Lootah and Marketing Alliance Signing Ceremony with Dubai Islamic Bank on 12th September 2014.
Project includes a mall at base and five high-rise residential towers
Toyota and Honda compete over top-of-the-line vehicle.
KARACHI:
When one ventures on deciding which car to buy, the equation would involve numerous variables. The price is most likely to be the biggest factor followed by engine performance, fuel efficiency, shape and design, company’s reputation among a host of other determinants.
When it comes to locally-assembled vehicles, Pakistanis don’t get a lot of choice. If one was to discount imported cars, it would boil down to a handful of players and their limited variants.
Here, we investigate the latest Honda Civic and the recently-launched Toyota Corolla and the factors that may or may not tilt the choice.
Most of us would prefer driving a powerful 1.8L – it gives the driver more power on the road and features are usually grander – but price and fuel efficiency force buyers to re-think.
Hence, Pakistan’s most popular sedans are not 1.8-litre ones.
Analysts and local carmakers say that the number of Pakistanis who prefer engine performance and power over fuel efficiency are still in a minority — the main reason why companies sell 1.3L, 1.5L and 1.6L engine cars.
Despite the popularity of smaller engine capacities, both Honda and Toyota produce 1.8L cars in Pakistan. The companies want to keep their top-of-the-line products to show off their technological muscle.
Pak Suzuki – the largest carmaker with over 50% market share – also produces a popular 1.3L Swift, but a hatchback is not Honda City and Toyota Corolla’s competitor.
In July 2014, Indus Motor launched the first variant of Toyota Corolla in the 1.8L category, marking its response to Honda Civic that released its latest model in 2012.
There is no need to mention that Indus Motor Company gives little room to Honda — not even in the 1.8L engine category where the pie is the smallest.
The company could have launched the series with its most popular 1.3L Corolla variant, but it opted otherwise.
“We wanted to introduce the new Corolla series with the more exciting model first,” Indus Motor spokesperson said.
Probably, Indus learnt its lesson. It launched the 1.8L variant in its previous Corolla series but concentrated more on the 1.6L variant after witnessing high demand in that category. Consequently, the company lost its 1.8L customers, who switched to Honda Civic as it was the only car in that category.
“The makers of Corolla wanted to grab some of the market share of Civic in the 1.8L category. This time, it seems, Indus Motor wants to remain in the 1.8L category,” Global Research analyst Imran Ahmed Patel told The Express Tribune.
Analysts say that there will be healthy competition between the two companies, which is perhaps the reason why Honda has recently started placing Civic advertisements on television channels to tempt customers.
With a 21% market share, Indus Motor is the second biggest carmaker in Pakistan, behind Pak Suzuki but ahead of Honda Atlas Cars. In 2013, Toyota Corolla variants held a strong 60% market share in their segment, down from 79% in fiscal year 2012, according to Indus Motor Company’s latest annual report of 2013.
Commenting on whether Pakistani carmakers are more comfortable in launching 1.8L cars, spokesperson of Honda Atlas Cars said the largest market segment in the country is not 1.8L, implying that this particular engine capacity is not the core focus of carmakers. For Honda, its spokesperson added, 1.8L Civic is the benchmark top-of-the-line car that displays the company’s technology and style.
1.3L sedans remain ahead
Both Indus Motor and Honda Atlas agree that the demand of 1.8L cars is there to stay but the category which both companies rely more on is the 1.3L engine vehicles.
When asked which engine category has been witnessing more growth among its 1.3L, 1.5L or 1.8L variants, spokesperson of Honda Atlas Cars said the 1.3L category has been showing steady growth. This is despite the fact that Honda Atlas is satisfied with the market response that it received on the launch of 1.5L City Aspire variant, which it launched in April 2013.
“Although the demand for 1.8L cars is on a rise, the 1.3L is still the preferred variant in Corolla for many segments of the society primarily due to fuel efficiency,” an official at a local carmaker said.
Analysts agree with industry officials that most of the Pakistani customers keep in mind fuel efficiency while making a decision of selecting car engine category.
Toyota makes 1.3L Corolla variant for a very few countries including Pakistan. The popularity of the 1.3L Corolla variant in Pakistan in the presence of 1.6L and 1.8L variants substantiates the point that a large majority of Pakistanis are ready to compromise on some specifications for fuel efficiency in 1.3L engines, said Patel.
Horticulture exports can be boosted with integrated quality system: Jawad
Director Harvest Tradings Ahmad Jawad said that Pakistani agriculture products are the best in the world, yet the sector has not excelled to its true potential.
He said the focus of untrained people in the horticulture field had been on increasing production rather than on improving the quality of the product.
Talking to Upper Reach GM, Ms Paulina Gallardo, he said Pakistan enjoyed its place as the fifth largest producer of mangoes, fourth largest producer of dates and 13th largest producer of citrus and 10th largest in apples, but the lack of post-harvest and cold chain infrastructure was seriously hampering Pakistan’s horticulture export potential.
As every year, 2.2 million tons of vegetables and 2.8-3 million tons of fruits go waste during and after harvest. This is a big loss roughly 30 per cent of Pakistan’s total vegetable production and about 40 per cent of fruits are being wasted.
However quality-conscious foreign buyers want every exporting country to align their supply chains as per international standards in order to expand its share in the international market, but unfortunately, lack of awareness among Pakistani exporters regarding global food safety standards, cohesive supply chains, and marketing systems are to blame for keeping the volume of the country’s produce export low.
Jawad said the reality was clear: horticulture exports could only be boosted if they could develop an integrated quality system. “If the emerging problem is not resolved on priority basis, country exports may not move as fast, largely because of international sensitivity to quality issues,” added Jawad.
There is, therefore, a need for public-private initiatives to invest in technologies to enhance the shelf life of the produce and boost export prices. Educational training needs to be given to the producers to ensure that fruit quality is improved and post-harvest handling is perfected.
He also urged the government and foreign institutions need to lend financial support to Pakistan’s horticulture sector, since it has been striving for the last couple of years.
Exhibition of local handicrafts attracts tourists
An exhibition of local handicraft was held in a local hotel on Sunday for promoting their skills, attract local and non-local customers, and linkage development to national and international market.
Master pieces of Khow and Kalash culture were displayed at different stalls. The exhibition was organised by Agha Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) in collaboration with different local support organisations of Chitral.
A significant number of local people and foreign tourists visited the exhibition and showed their interest in the products.
Throughout Chitral, women make handicrafts and other domestic use items in their houses, most of them are handmade. Talking to our correspondent, some local women told that they make these items in houses with hands without any machine but they are not getting reasonable price for their products because they don’t have access to national and international market. They said if government and non-governmental organisations introduce these handicrafts in international market they would be able to get suitable price and it would have better economic effects in the area.
They complained about the worst roads infrastructure in Chitral and said if it was improved there would be easy access to international market or buyers/customers would themselves come to the area. Sweaters made of wool with hands are very popular and displayed at different stalls. Dry fruit, decoration pieces, stitched clothes in different designs and other daily use items attracted visitors.
Additional Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Ikram visited the stalls and highly hailed local women for displaying master pieces of handicrafts and decoration pieces. He also distributed certificates among the best stall-holders.
The objective of the exhibitions was to attract the attention of people towards local products and their access to international market that women at home make for their livelihood.
Gems stones and other decoration pieces made from precious stones were special items at the stalls.
Founder Institute’s initiative: Bringing Silicon Valley to Karachi
Young professionals, graduates to be trained by experienced startup CEOs. CREATIVE COMMONS
KARACHI: If you are an aspiring entrepreneur who plans to launch his own venture but lacks the knowledge essential to build up a successful technology company, you might want to show up at “Bringing Silicon Valley to Karachi, an overview of what it takes to startup in Karachi”.
The event, which promises to bring the collaborative knowledge-sharing of Silicon Valley to Karachi, is being organised by Founder Institute (FI), the world’s largest entrepreneur training and startup launch programme based in the US.
The institute, which is in the process of launching its Karachi chapter, helps aspiring founders across the globe to build technology companies. It runs an early-stage accelerator and global launch network that helps entrepreneurs create meaningful and enduring technology companies, its website says.
While entrepreneurs in many countries made the most from this programme, the nearest chapter Pakistanis could go to was in Ahmedabad, India.
However, that visit required a visa, making the process complicated and difficult. This was the reason the programme’s director, Hassan Qureshi, decided to bring this to Pakistan.
“I wanted such training for myself but none was available in Pakistan,” said Qureshi, explaining what led him to bring FI to Pakistan.
In its five years of operation, the programme has helped launch over 1,230 companies across 66 cities and six continents, making it the world’s largest startup accelerator. It was covered by prominent publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes,Business Week and TechCrunch to name a few.
“We will teach our students the same things that are taught to the founders in Silicon Valley – how to find a company, the legal aspects and revenue models for example,” FI’s co-director Sumaan Azmi told The Express Tribune while referring to their four-month, part-time programme, which they plan to commence in January 2015.
Silicon Valley is respected all over the world for creating the world’s best technology companies, according to the officials. “Over the years, we’ve learnt that the Silicon Valley mindset can be replicated in other entrepreneurial ecosystems and we can benefit greatly from the growth of technology companies locally.”
Karachi has a fast growing startup ecosystem. However, what many people don’t know about all of the resources available to them is the differences between these resources or what resources are right for them, says the website.
“The programme will revolutionise the local startup scenario by bringing in global best practices through its extensive network and support from around the world,” it says.
The FI’s local representatives are in the process of organising information events for applicants. “We would like to have 30 people enrolled to start our first batch,” Azmi said.
While there is a $450 fee for the full course, FI will offer 100% scholarships to women – subject to their eligibility to the programme, according to Azmi. Those admitted will receive expert training, feedback and support from experienced startup chief executive officers (CEO).
The local CEOs understand the mindset of home entrepreneurs, thus best suited to mentor these aspiring founders, Azmi says.
The FI has already got on board some of the industry’s leading startup CEOs. Some of these mentors include Afaque Riaz Ahmed, founder and Chairman, Board of Governors, Karachi Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (KITE) – also the venue for the aforesaid event; Badar Khushnood, Google Country Consultant for Pakistan and Farzal Dojki, founder and CEO of Next Generation Innovation.
“We are talking to many other CEOs who are also the founders of their companies. We plan to have about 25 top CEOs on board to mentor this programme,” Hassan Qureshi, the director, said.
The target audience for this are young professionals and fresh graduates. “Our job is to create a startup eco-system and provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a platform,” Azmi said. These graduates will have to take it further because it is mandatory for them to form a company. “We [FI] are not building employees, we are building companies,” Azmi said.
The writer is a staff correspondent
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ sees frenzy of Indian buyers on the weekend
Lifestyle expo ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ saw a weekend frenzy as shoppers came in huge numbers to get a piece of Pakistani fashion and lifestyle.
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Both Hall No 14 & 18 were packed with gleeful visitors who were seen carrying a bunch of shopping bags from brands from across the border like Bareeze, Orient, Khaadi, Gul Ahmed, Dynasty, Dawood Textiles, Hadiqua Kiyani, kidswear brand Pinks & Blues, and home décor company Salman Traders for their marble wares, to name a few. As many as 300 exhibitors from the neighbouring country are showcasing fashion and lifestyle products at ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ exhibition which is on till September 14th.
There were a number of happy faces in the crowd. Visitors thronged the exhibition that opened in the morning with an exuberant display of fashionable garments, accessories, home décor essentials, footwears, handicrafts and jewelry. When asked about their experience of ‘Aalishan Pakistan’, visitors joyfully remarked that it was an overwhelming experience shopping for Pakistani suits, palazzos, lawn fabric and print.
They wish that the expo happens every year so that they can get their slice of Pakistani fashion. Exhibitors too are overjoyed with the phenomenal response and recognition that their brands have received by the Indian buyers, and would be happy to return again whenever there is an opportunity to exhibit in India. Many of the participants who are showcasing their products at ‘Aalishan Pakistan’ this year have also been a part of ‘Lifestyle Pakistan’ which was held in 2012.
Speaking on ‘Aalishan Pakistan’, Sher Afgan who is official spokesperson for TDAP, said: “As we had anticipated, Aalishan Pakistan has been a great success notwithstanding it is being held after two years. We are more interested in Pakistani textiles as we have a unique blend which is very popular in South-Asian countries including India. We have also some of our finest designers here who have been able to showcase their creations equally well. Two years ago at Lifestyle Pakistan we had just one hall, and this time around we have two halls and both of them are doing really well.”
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ opened with a fashion show showcasing the best of Pakistani couture that was held at Taj Palace, New Delhi, on September 10th. Famed design houses like Kayseria, Rang Ja, Lala Textiles, Faiza Samee, Deepak Perwani, Wardha Saleem, FNKAsia, Ahan and Farnaz Mustafa showcased their latest collection on the ramp and awed the audiences. A four-day art exhibition titled ‘Pakistan Art Today’, showcasing the new works of 11 Pakistani contemporary artists was inaugurated at Art Junction, The Lalit, by Padma Vibhushan Shri Satish Gujral and High Commission of Pakistan Abdul Basit together with other dignitaries, eminent artists and guests.
‘Aalishan Pakistan’ is an initiative of TDAP to further build on the efforts of the governments of Pakistan and India to normalise trade between the two countries. It is the second showcase of top quality export products of Pakistan under one roof in India. The exhibition will have over 350 stalls while TDAP’s own kiosk has been designed by students of Asian Institute of Fashion Design. With a trade potential of billions of dollars between the two countries, the event will not only offer a unique opportunity to trade community of India to interact with Pakistani counterparts, but also a first-hand opportunity for customers to feel and own the best quality products Pakistan has to offer.
The first Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition helped in generating business of around US$ 7 million and future prospect deals of around US$ 20-25 million were made during business-to-business meetings. Due to tremendous response received, many of Pakistani exhibitors like Gul Ahmed and Junaid Jamshed have inaugurated their outlets in different cities of India.
KARACHI: Royal Park a high-rise residential project inaugurated by His Excellency Nasser Abdulla Lootah and Marketing Alliance Signing Ceremony with Dubai Islamic Bank on 12th September 2014.
Project includes a mall at base and five high-rise residential towers
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What make a diesel hybrid solar panels different then other ??? I mean its benefits that overwhelm normal solar panels
PUNJAB: Pakistan Railways train with dual steam locomotives passing between Dandot and Malikwal in the Salt Range. Steam locomotives, which are used only on special occasions, are no longer used in regular train services by Pakistan Railways, which now uses diesel locomotives
Opportunity beckons: Eying to tap the Russian fruit, vegetable market
Russia’s ban on importing food items from Europe and North America has caused Pakistani exporters to turn their attention towards that market. PHOTO: ONLINE
KARACHI: Russia’s ban on importing food items from Europe and North America has caused Pakistani exporters to turn their attention towards that market.
Sensing the opportunity, a delegation of 20 Pakistani companies has left for Russia to participate in the three-day World Food Moscow exhibition that will conclude on September 18.
Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) Co-Chairman Waheed Ahmed told The Express Tribune that chances to secure big import orders is high after the Russian ban.
“Our association has already chalked out a strategy to increase our exports to Russian markets,” he said.
The World Food Moscow is Russia’s premier international exhibition for the food and drink industry. This is its 23rd year and it expects to welcome exhibitors from 70 countries.
Six of the companies that have left for Russia were also setting up their stalls in the exhibition where they display fruits, vegetables and their value-added products, added Ahmed.
“To increase the penetration of Pakistani food exports to Russia, our government needs to make some efforts on the diplomatic level as well,” he stressed.
The delegation will conduct meetings with Russian fruit importers as well as their officials during the event to create business opportunities, he said. However, the absence of direct banking channels between Russia and Pakistan are creating problems for Pakistani businesses, which is a big problem that needs to resolve immediately.
Fruit and vegetable exporters say that Russia is in search of alternative markets to import fruits and vegetables worth $2 billion. Pakistan can manage to capture 5-10% of this market, added the exporters.
Apart from fruits and vegetables, exporters say there is also a big opportunity for poultry, red meat, dairy and wheat exports as Russia is looking forward to find alternative markets for these items.
Pakistan’s noticeable exports to Russia are kinnow (mandarin) and potato, while other commodities are also sent but in small quantities.
Exporters say that a lack of understanding and collaboration between the two countries on quarantine protocols often creates problems.
In 2012, Russia warned Pakistan that it may completely ban fruit import and vegetable imports from Pakistan because of serious quality issues and non-implementation of quarantine standards. Russian quarantine department also raised serious reservations over the lack of government control on Pakistani fruit and vegetable exports.
But, diplomatic efforts from the Pakistani government partially resolved the issue.
State-of-the-art: MoIT working on system for crop estimation
Rs25.5m is the total cost of the project which is expected to be completed by 2016. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoIT) is working to develop a Crop Estimation and Geographic Mapping System (CEGMaS) to improve tobacco crop acreage estimation.
The CEGMaS will use state-of-the-art technology tools to acquire updated crop acreage estimates and quality pallets of the tobacco crop in the pilot regions of Shergarh (District Mardan) and Sawabi – two of the most tobacco producing regions of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
The project is being executed by the National ICT Research and Development Fund, in collaboration with University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar at a cost of Rs25.5 million. The project is expected complete in 2016.
Official sources have stated that the system will involve minimal complexity and provide user-friendly interfaces for users of varying backgrounds.
They said a robust and reliable ground-truth surveying mechanism would be developed, using mobile development tools and communication technologies. “The handheld devices will have a CEGMaS mobile application that will enable mobile equipment to acquire location information from GPS satellites and send the location and field information in a pre-designed form to a secure web-server,” they said.
The information acquired during the field surveys will be compared with the crop estimates obtained through the hyper-spectral remote sensing data for establishing and re-calibrating the accuracy of the estimation process.
Sources said after the successful development and field trials of CEGMaS, it can further be used for other crops such as wheat, cotton, rice, sugarcane among others. Tobacco is one of the main cash crops for farmers, and its growing is regulated by the government through Pakistan Tobacco Board to establish a measure of quantitative estimates yield.
In demand: 3G user base expanding, market surges forward
In its fourth phase of commercial rollout, Telenor – the country’s second largest telecom operator by subscriber base – will add 13 more cities to its 3G network, according to officials. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
KARACHI: On the back of strong public interest in the arrival of third-generation (3G) services, Telenor Pakistan announced its plans to expand its 3G network to 32 cities by the end of 2014.
“We have witnessed a strong surge in the uptake of services. Majority of our customers – who used free or test service – have been opting for the paid service,” said Telenor Pakistan Chief Marketing Officer Irfan Wahab Khan in the company’s first post-3G media roundtable here on Monday.
Though 3G mobile users are just a small fraction of the company’s 8-million internet user base, the average data volume usage of its 3G customers is more than double compared with the average data volume of its 2G users. Applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Line and online classified services have mainly spurred this growth.
“Users of 3G services are consuming high amounts of data because of better user experience and internet speed,” said Khan, adding that the Pakistani subsidiary of the Norwegian telecom giant is the country’s fastest growing mobile broadband network.
Referring to the company’s strategy, Khan said the company did not want to confine only to urban centres but expand to rural areas as well.
In its fourth phase of commercial rollout, Telenor – the country’s second largest telecom operator by subscriber base – will add 13 more cities to its 3G network, according to officials. These cities include Attock, Bahawalpur, Bannu, DI Khan, Jhelum, Kohat, Mardan, Muzaffargarh, Okara, Pakpatan, Sahiwal, Wah and Taxila.
Sharing statistics about the Telenor App Store, which they launched in July 2014, Khan said a 55% month-on-month increase in traffic has been witnessed. “There are 137,000 unique users who have downloaded more than 50,000 apps.”
Telenor App Store is providing access to global content, such as Gameloft, EA games, Disney and features 90% free-to-download games, officials say. The store is powered with mobile payments company Fortumo’s direct career billing feature, Khan added, which allows its customers to make purchases with their mobile phone balance.
“Our app store is an opportunity for local developers,” he said, noting most of the apps were developed for international audience. “There are many local developers who are developing high-quality apps for international market. They can translate this into the local market as well.”
Khan also announced the launch of the company’s upcoming entertainment app, which will provide Pakistani, Indian and international music – the app is currently in a testing phase.
While being optimistic about the industry’s growth prospects, he used the platform to put forward challenges facing the telecom sector.
Pakistan’s telecom sector is the third highest-taxed industry, Khan said, adding the government should make the services more affordable by reducing the rate. He also insisted the government should come up with a telecom policy that can address challenges and has a technology neutral regime.
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Energy solutions: LNG import a game changer, to save $2.5b in oil imports
LNG price would depend on market forces and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has no role in that regard. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that consumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the compressed natural gas (CNG) industry will prove to be a game changer as it will save $2.5 billion per annum in oil imports and ensure employment to about one million people.
Speaking at a press conference along with All Pakistan CNG Association supreme council Chairman Ghayas Paracha here on Monday, Abbasi said gas utilities – Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and Sui Southern Gas Company – would provide infrastructure for transporting 500 million cubic feet of LNG per day (mmcfd) to CNG filling stations.
“Gas supply to CNG stations will be for seven days a week and CNG will be 30% to 35% cheaper than petrol,” he said, stressing Pakistan had a wide infrastructure network in place for CNG pumps and provision of LNG would lead to consumption of clean energy in the country.
He pointed out that CNG stations had provided jobs to 500,000 to 700,000 people and the number would go up to one million following revival of the industry on the back of LNG injection.
“The private sector will import LNG worth billions of dollars and 250 to 300 mmcfd will be left after its supply to CNG stations. This saved gas will be provided to power or fertiliser plants,” he said.
The private sector would also bear the impact of unaccounted-for-gas (UFG), he added, referring to gas theft and leakage.
The country can transport 500 mmcfd of LNG by using the current transmission infrastructure of gas utilities, but additional infrastructure will be developed to handle more LNG supplies.
The minister made it clear that LNG price would depend on market forces, ruling out any role for the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) in that regard.
However, he said, it would be 30% to 35% cheaper than petrol and the government would give tax relief to make it affordable for the consumers. It will take 18 months to induct LNG into the CNG industry.
Blaming long marches by two political parties for having a negative impact on foreign investment, he expressed the hope that the issue would be resolved and foreign capital would continue to land in the oil and gas sector.
The long marchers were creating a negative perception about LNG price, which the government had not yet finalised with any party, he said, adding he had written a letter to parliamentary leaders including Sheikh Rasheed, asking them to bring any party with LNG supply offer at a cheaper rate. But nobody has responded.
Abbasi pointed out that construction of an LNG terminal had got under way after past governments failed for five times, adding they were following a transparent process.
All Pakistan CNG Association Chairman Ghayas Paracha claimed that the CNG industry’s worth would jump from Rs450 billion to Rs600 billion after LNG supply to the filling stations.
“The number of CNG-powered vehicles will reach 4.5 million compared to existing 3.7 million and consumers will be able to save Rs12,000 per month in the wake of continuous LNG supply,” he said.
Gas exploration: PPL announces second hydrocarbon find
Discovery takes place in Hala block, follows the one in Gambat South. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
KARACHI:
The Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a gas and condensate discovery in Hala block, located in Sindh’s Sanghar and Matiari districts. This is its second hydrocarbon find within six weeks.
The company said that it found 18.6 million standard cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas and 31 barrels per day (bpd) of condensate in exploratory well Adam West X-1.
“Exploration well Adam West X-1 was spud on May 21, 2014 and reached final depth of 4,057 metres on July 29, 2014,” the company said.
“At current estimates, flow potential of Adam West X-1 translates into approximately 3,200 barrels per day in oil equivalent, resulting in potential foreign exchange saving of $355,000 per day.”
Hala is a joint venture between PPL and Mari Petroleum Company Limited, with 65 and 35 percent working interest, respectively. It covers as area of about 395 square kilometres. The exploration licence for Hala was granted to PPL in March 2004. Subsequently, the first exploratory well Adam X-1 was drilled in 2007, resulting in the discovery, according to PPL’s website.
The recoverable gas reserves from the field are stated to be around 18 billion cubic feet. Hala supplies gas to Sui Southern Gas Company and condensate to National Refinery Limited.
PPL currently produces 10 mmcfd of gas and 150 bpd of condensate from another well in the same block.
It announced two other discoveries in the Gambat South block, located in Sanghar district of Sindh, last year.
In August, the company discovered 42 mmcfd of gas in the Gambat South block, its third and biggest discovery in that particular block. At the time, production from the well was expected to go up to 60 mmscfd.
“Two additional zones have been identified that will be tested later, resulting in an expected cumulative production of 60 mmscfd, translating into approximately 7,400 barrels per day in oil equivalent and foreign exchange saving of $0.75 million per day,” the company announced.
PPL has a portfolio of 47 exploration blocks and has been aggressively searching for new hydrocarbon finds since last year to compensate for the decrease in production from its established fields like Sui. It has also been trying to cut the depletion rate of its fields by installing compressor plants and drilling more wells.
The company accounts for 22% of the country’s gas production. In fiscal year 2013-14, it posted a profit of Rs51.41 billion, up 23% over the previous year. During last fiscal year, Rs10 billion were earmarked to be spent on exploration activities with focus on Gambat South.
PPL’s six producing fields include Sui, Kandhkot, Adhi, Mazrani, Chachar and Hala, while it has working interest in eight partner-operated fields. It also has working interest in offshore fields in Iraq and Yemen.
LNG price would depend on market forces and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has no role in that regard. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that consumption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the compressed natural gas (CNG) industry will prove to be a game changer as it will save $2.5 billion per annum in oil imports and ensure employment to about one million people.
Speaking at a press conference along with All Pakistan CNG Association supreme council Chairman Ghayas Paracha here on Monday, Abbasi said gas utilities – Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and Sui Southern Gas Company – would provide infrastructure for transporting 500 million cubic feet of LNG per day (mmcfd) to CNG filling stations.
“Gas supply to CNG stations will be for seven days a week and CNG will be 30% to 35% cheaper than petrol,” he said, stressing Pakistan had a wide infrastructure network in place for CNG pumps and provision of LNG would lead to consumption of clean energy in the country.
He pointed out that CNG stations had provided jobs to 500,000 to 700,000 people and the number would go up to one million following revival of the industry on the back of LNG injection.
“The private sector will import LNG worth billions of dollars and 250 to 300 mmcfd will be left after its supply to CNG stations. This saved gas will be provided to power or fertiliser plants,” he said.
The private sector would also bear the impact of unaccounted-for-gas (UFG), he added, referring to gas theft and leakage.
The country can transport 500 mmcfd of LNG by using the current transmission infrastructure of gas utilities, but additional infrastructure will be developed to handle more LNG supplies.
The minister made it clear that LNG price would depend on market forces, ruling out any role for the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) in that regard.
However, he said, it would be 30% to 35% cheaper than petrol and the government would give tax relief to make it affordable for the consumers. It will take 18 months to induct LNG into the CNG industry.
Blaming long marches by two political parties for having a negative impact on foreign investment, he expressed the hope that the issue would be resolved and foreign capital would continue to land in the oil and gas sector.
The long marchers were creating a negative perception about LNG price, which the government had not yet finalised with any party, he said, adding he had written a letter to parliamentary leaders including Sheikh Rasheed, asking them to bring any party with LNG supply offer at a cheaper rate. But nobody has responded.
Abbasi pointed out that construction of an LNG terminal had got under way after past governments failed for five times, adding they were following a transparent process.
All Pakistan CNG Association Chairman Ghayas Paracha claimed that the CNG industry’s worth would jump from Rs450 billion to Rs600 billion after LNG supply to the filling stations.
“The number of CNG-powered vehicles will reach 4.5 million compared to existing 3.7 million and consumers will be able to save Rs12,000 per month in the wake of continuous LNG supply,” he said.
Gas exploration: PPL announces second hydrocarbon find
Discovery takes place in Hala block, follows the one in Gambat South. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
KARACHI:
The Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a gas and condensate discovery in Hala block, located in Sindh’s Sanghar and Matiari districts. This is its second hydrocarbon find within six weeks.
The company said that it found 18.6 million standard cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas and 31 barrels per day (bpd) of condensate in exploratory well Adam West X-1.
“Exploration well Adam West X-1 was spud on May 21, 2014 and reached final depth of 4,057 metres on July 29, 2014,” the company said.
“At current estimates, flow potential of Adam West X-1 translates into approximately 3,200 barrels per day in oil equivalent, resulting in potential foreign exchange saving of $355,000 per day.”
Hala is a joint venture between PPL and Mari Petroleum Company Limited, with 65 and 35 percent working interest, respectively. It covers as area of about 395 square kilometres. The exploration licence for Hala was granted to PPL in March 2004. Subsequently, the first exploratory well Adam X-1 was drilled in 2007, resulting in the discovery, according to PPL’s website.
The recoverable gas reserves from the field are stated to be around 18 billion cubic feet. Hala supplies gas to Sui Southern Gas Company and condensate to National Refinery Limited.
PPL currently produces 10 mmcfd of gas and 150 bpd of condensate from another well in the same block.
It announced two other discoveries in the Gambat South block, located in Sanghar district of Sindh, last year.
In August, the company discovered 42 mmcfd of gas in the Gambat South block, its third and biggest discovery in that particular block. At the time, production from the well was expected to go up to 60 mmscfd.
“Two additional zones have been identified that will be tested later, resulting in an expected cumulative production of 60 mmscfd, translating into approximately 7,400 barrels per day in oil equivalent and foreign exchange saving of $0.75 million per day,” the company announced.
PPL has a portfolio of 47 exploration blocks and has been aggressively searching for new hydrocarbon finds since last year to compensate for the decrease in production from its established fields like Sui. It has also been trying to cut the depletion rate of its fields by installing compressor plants and drilling more wells.
The company accounts for 22% of the country’s gas production. In fiscal year 2013-14, it posted a profit of Rs51.41 billion, up 23% over the previous year. During last fiscal year, Rs10 billion were earmarked to be spent on exploration activities with focus on Gambat South.
PPL’s six producing fields include Sui, Kandhkot, Adhi, Mazrani, Chachar and Hala, while it has working interest in eight partner-operated fields. It also has working interest in offshore fields in Iraq and Yemen.
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