CM to inaugurate 4th annual
International Halal Conference
Lahore (Staff Reporter): The two-day annual International Halal Conference & Expo, organized by Punjab Halal Development Agency, Al Huda Centre of Islamic Banking & Economics and USAID-PEEP, will be held today (Tuesday) at Fletti’s Hotel Lahore. Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the event and Federal Minister Sikandar Hiat Bosan will also participate.  Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer of Al Huda Centre of Islamic Banking & Economics stated that bBusiness delegations from Turkey, Switzerland, United Arab Emirate, Nigeria, Bahrain, Egypt and other Halal industry expert have confirmed their participation in the event whereas PHDA has facilitated the delegates with return air tickets and local accommodations.
Dozens of Business MoUs are expected in the event. Exhibition will continue for two days whereas Conference will remain for one day. Meat, Poultry, Dairy and by-products, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Beverages, Islamic Financing and other related industries are appearing in the stalling activities in the exhibition.

Positive economic indicators reflect growing strength
Lahore (Staff Reporter): The PML-N Traders Wing general secretary Shahid Nazir has said that positive economic indicators reflect the growing strength of the national economy. He said country’s foreign exchange reserves are around 16 billion dollars.  He said inflation has been controlled through firm measures. The Sensitive Price Index has also shown a major decline over the last one year. He said the successful sixth International Monetary Fund quarterly review was a testament to the policies of the Government. He said that the government was according high priority to resolving the energy issue as it was the key to overall economic progress in the country.
He apprised that a number of energy projects were being undertaken to resolve the issue of electricity shortages. He said a total amount of 18,783.6 million dollars was allocated to ongoing power sector projects that would make a major contribution towards alleviating power shortage.

Improvement of Peshawar Dry Port
needed to boost Pak-Afghan trade
PESHAWAR (APP): Director Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Vice Chairman All Pakistan Customs Agents Association, Ziaul Haq Sarhadi Monday met with Director Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and apprised him regarding the problems faced by stakeholders of Pak-Afghan trade. Ziaul Haq Sarhadi said that Export Development Funds has enough money to utilize for up-gradation of Peshawar dry-port adding the exporter are facing difficulties due to unavailability of dry-port. He said the exporters are now using Karachi dry-port for custom clearance and GD file to export their shipment to other countries due unavailability of facility at Pesahwar.
He also demanded to review the new agreement of Afghan Transit Trade and urged TDAP to play its role in this regard.
Director TDAP Nauman Bashir assured his cooperation to remove the concerns and reservations highlighted by Ziaul Haq Sarhadi. He said that result oriented steps would be taken to highlight the recommendations regarding Afghan Transit Trade with concerned authorities.

Punjab Industrial Expo in April

Lahore (Staff Reporter): Chairman Punjab Industrial Estates Development & Management Company (PIEDMC) S M Tanveer has said that PIEDMC is organising “Punjab Industrial Expo 2015” from 3rd – 5th April, 2015 at the Expo Centre, Lahore. This exhibition is meant to promote industrial potential of the Punjab. Following the huge success of the show in 2014, the PIEDMC Chief said, this year’s show plans to be even bigger in terms of the participation of companies and guests. Foreign companies and delegates will also participate. Almost 160 leading industries will participating in this exhibition. Entertainment activities for visitors including daily lucky draw, distribution of gift hampers, food courts and live music concert will also be a salient feature of the event.

LCCI, LSE sign MoU

Lahore (Staff Reporter): With a view to further strengthening industry-academia linkage, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Lahore School of Economics (LSE) Monday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would pave way for joint research and seminars on economic issues.  The LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz and Rector of Lahore School of Economics Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry inked the MOU on behalf of their respective organizations. The Memorandum of Understanding aims at capacity building programs through training and empowerment; by a mutual collaboration between the business community and educational institutions.
The Lahore chamber of Commerce & Industry and Lahore School of Economics would collaborate for the development of joint research activities and enhancement of capacity building. LCCI and LSE have also decided to form a Coordination Committee.
LCCI and LSE would collaborate and undertake projects to help the industry compete with the challenges faced in the 21st century. Both organizations would hold workshops, conferences, symposia and seminars for mutual benefits.
Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that the Memorandum of Understanding between LCCI and LSE is a significant step in bringing the institutions/academia and trade, industry together. He said that the economic challenges being faced by the country need tailor-made and workable solutions and this is only possible through strong academia and industry linkage.
He said that there is no dearth of resources in Pakistan but it is far behind in the economic race because we have failed to properly tap these resources.
He said that in the developed economies there is a strong linkage between the academia and industry and Pakistan today also needs to adopt that pattern to overcome its multiple issues.
He also threw light on ongoing economic challenges and stressed the need for collective approach to bring country out of these problems. He said that both the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the LSE have their own strengths and the joining of hands by the two institutions would bring positive change at the economic front.
He said that Pakistan could not make an impact at international level only because of lack of awareness about latest business methodologies. Had awareness been there for the business community, the situation would have been far better today.
The Rector of the Lahore School of Economics Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry said that LSE would provide support to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the economic issues. He said that the Lahore School of Economics would also conduct subject-specific workshops and seminars to equip the businessmen with latest working techniques.
He said that LSE would provide support to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry for finalization of budget proposals.