Pakistan, Italy agree to improve economic relations
ISLAMABAD (NNI): Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, Stefano Pontecorvo called on Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Water and Power and Defense here in his office at Ministry of Water & Power. Areas of mutual interest, bilateral relations and investment opportunities in the power and defense sector in Pakistan came under discussion. The ambassador commended the cordial relations Pakistan and Italy are enjoying at various levels. Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador said that Pakistan has many lucrative sectors where Italy would like to invest. The minister said that Pakistan is looking for strengthening relations with every country. He said that there is a lot of potential in Pakistan in the field of energy, defense, trade and scientific and technological development which needs to be exploited. The Minister said that the energy sector is being made appealing for the investors and that foreign investment in the coal and hydel power generation will help to meet the country’s future requirements.
“Investment in micro-hydel and run of the river projects as well as in transmission and distribution in Pakistan will not only benefit Pakistan but will also be profitable for Italy”, added the minister.
The ambassador assured full support of govt of Italy in the fulfillment of development agenda of the government particularly in the power sector and said that Italian investors are also have keen interest for more investment.
PIA chairman for ensuring better service to passengers
ISLAMABAD (PR): Chairman PIA Azam Saigol has chaired a meeting to review matters relating to the launch of PIA's Premier Service. CEO Bernd Hildenbrand was also present during the meeting. PIA chairman emphasized that all departments of the airline must gear up efforts to ensure provision of better services to airline's premier customers. He particularly stressed on better quality food and a proper in-flight entertainment system. The meeting was informed that about 50 of PIA's cabin crew staff are undergoing training at the PIA Training Center Karachi, which is being jointly conducted by Pakistani and Sri Lankan trainers. PIA's premier service aircraft A-330, being obtained on wet lease, would fly six times a week to London's Heathrow airport including three flights from Islamabad and three from Lahore. After change of livery the aircraft would initially start operating on "Route Proofing Flights" for few days before the premier service is formally launched on 14th August.
FPCCI will continue to support female entrepreneurs: Rauf Alam
ISLAMABAD (INP): The FPCCI on Thursday said it will continue to support female entrepreneurs as economic expansion and prosperity of the country is closely linked to success of women. Women empowerment has a very positive impact on the economy and the generations therefore it should be given top priority, said Abdul Rauf Alam, President FPCCI. Talking to a delegation of Multan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said that the chamber has topped the list of institutions conducting exhibitions. He said that the Apex chamber will continue to support businesswomen to remove obstacles that hinder their growth as our sustainable future requires significant participation by women in the economic activities. President FPCCI said that my institution is committed to the development of the next generation of women entrepreneurs and business leaders and we are focusing on women micro-entrepreneurs and other neglected sectors.
Empowered and financially literate women can help us attain goal of creating a socially just, democratic, and gender responsive society, he noted. Multan Women Chamber has become a notable advocate of women empowerment by providing a platform to women to pursue economic opportunities, invest additional capital, access resources and grow their businesses. Women with big or small business should be given confidence, technical training and exposure, he observed.
CPEC to bring more Chinese investment, says LCCI SVP
LAHORE (Online): The ongoing projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have already laid the foundation to inspire more Chinese businessmen to get attracted towards Pakistan. This was stated by LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder while addressing a nine-member Yantai trade delegation from Shandong Province, China here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Thursday. Former LCCI President Syed Mohsin Raza Bukhari, LCCI Vice President Nasir Saeed, leader of the delegation Wang Han, President of Shandong Chamber of Commerce & Industry Cheng Xiaoyan and Zhai Jun also spoke on the occasion. Former LCCI Vice President Aftab Ahmed Vohra, Executive Committee members Amjad Ali Jawa, Mian Abdul Razzaq, Tariq Mahmood, Rizwan Akhter Shamsi, Haji Muhammad Akram and Syed Mukhtar Ali were prominent among the other participants.
Almas Hyder said that Pakistan is looking for foreign investors and buyers especially belonging to China. It will not be wrong to say that at present it is the most appropriate time and environment where both countries can add a new dimension to their bilateral ties. The LCCI Senior Vice President said that the government of Pakistan is trying its level best to facilitate the foreign investors to do business here and has ensured that transfer of their funds and profits is easily carried out.