WEATHER ISLAMABAD Mostly Sunny
ISLAMABAD ISSUE: 49 VOL: 1
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Precipitation: 20% Humidity: 59% Wind: 21 km/h Friday – July 07, 2017
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Shawal 12, 1438 AH.
Open trade relations to stimulate growth of global economy: Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that open trade relations based on uniform standards can stimulate growth of the global economy and support progressive development of intergovernmental relations. In his article published in a German daily on Thursday, ahead of G20 summit, Putin wrote that Russia favors an open and rules-based trade order to boost global growth. He strongly opposed the unilaterally imposed and politically motivated sanctions on investment, trade and technology transfer.
CASA-1000 project to uplift standard of living of Pakistan’s people: PM
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Strong air force, aerospace platform imperative for strong Pakistan
Pakistani boxer knocks out Alvarez to claim sixth straight win
Pakistan’s two time World Boxing Council (WBC) silver f ly weight champion, Muhammad Waseem knocked out Panama’s Eliecer Valdez in an eight-round ranking fight to claim his sixth straight win. The WBC world number one boxer has been in Panama since June 29 for the International Challenge fight. The 29-yearold Pakistani who hails from Quetta knocked out his opponent in just the second round while facing him on the undercard of the ‘Puro Poder’ boxing event in Panama. Waseem has been training for what he calls his ‘dream fight’ against World Champion Mayweather Junior expected to take place early next year. Muhammad Waseem will be next seen in the ring on July 29 when he will fight for only the second time in the ongoing event.
India should resume dialogue to resolve K ashm i r d ispute: Mirwaiz
Chairman Hurriyet forum Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said Hurriyet leadership and Pakistan are ready for talks and India should also resume dialogue to resolve Kashmir dispute. In an interview, he said, “The current situation in occupied Kashmir, especially after Burhan Wani’s martyrdom has turned world attention back on Kashmir.” Mirwaiz said, “Meaningful negotiations are the only way forward to resolve this dispute.”
SBP vows stability in financial markets at all costs
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday said it will continue to closely monitor developments in the foreign exchange markets and ensure stability in the financial markets. In a statement, the Bank said the current exchange rate is broadly aligned with the economic fundamentals. It said the Pakistani rupee-US dollar exchange rate in the inter-bank market has depreciated by 3.1 percent from 104.90 to 108.25 per US dollar.
‘Giant’ skeletons found in China’s Shandong
Archaeologists have discovered 5,000-year-old skeletons in eastern China of people who experts claim would have been unusually tall and strong. Bones unearthed at the dig site in Shandong province indicate
PUGUS—Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that CASA-1000 project will help in generating employment and uplift standard of living of the people of Pakistan. Addressing the Quadrilateral Session of CASA-1000 conference in Pugus, PM Nawaz reiterated commitment of Pakistan for early implementation of CASA-1000 project adding that, “Pakistan needs energy for its socio-economic development and run its industrial sector to its full potential.” President of the host country Emomali Rahmon, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov also attended the conference. PM Nawaz expressed satisfaction that, “Some of the world’s leading manufacturers have expressed their keen interest to provide Converter Stations for CASA-1000.” The Prime Minister noted that, “The second meeting of Pak-Tajik JWG on Energy and Infrastructure and Technical Committee was held in Dushanbe on March 16 2017. It is heartening to know that on May 11, 2017 five companies have submitted bids for convertor
stations including all leading manufacturers like ABB, Seimens, Alstonetc, etc.” He pointed out that, “Tenders for transmission lines from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan and from Tajikistan to Afghanistan have been floated and are currently being evaluated.” The Prime Minister hoped that worked on the project would begin very soon. The PM described CASA1000 as a “flagship project” in the region connecting Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia to Afghanistan and Pakistan in South Asia through an electricity grid. He said, “On its completion, Pakistan will get 1,000 MW and Afghanistan 300 MW electricity in summer time, from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan our two brotherly countries that have abundant water resources enabling them to produce i nexpensive and clean hydroelectricity.” He said, “This project will help bring a number of economic, social and environmental benefits to member countries. It will reduce the energy deficit, create jobs, improve trade and reduce carbon dioxide emissions
thanks to the supply of clean energy. It will also contribute to regional integration.” The Prime Minister said, “The project is an important step toward realization of the planned Central Asia South Asia Regional Electricity Market (CASAREM). It will be a good example of promoting cooperation between energy-deficient South Asia and energy-rich Central Asia.” He said, “CASA-1000 Power Project will not only bring revenues to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan but will also mitigate electricity shortages in Pakistan and Afghanistan and increase the prospects for growth. It will also be a source of revenue for Afghanistan opening up greater business and investment opportunities.” At the conclusion of the review of the CASA meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Emomali Rahmon had a stroll along the icecold cascading Varzob River where they discussed issues of mutual interest. They were later joined by President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan and Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov at the luncheon. President Ashraf
Ghani too had a chat with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as they arrived at the Quadrilateral summit after meeting President Emomali Rahmon. Nawaz Sharif and Hamid Karzai walked to the conference hall holding each others’ hand. Although there was no official word about their talk, the atmospherics clearly indicated p osit ive v ib e s. P r i me Minister Nawaz Sharif also visited the agriculture exhibition in Government residence, Pugus Palace, near Dushanbe. The Prime Minister along with the Presidents of Tajikistan, Afghanistan and the Prrime Minister of Kyrgyzstan viewed Agri products in the exhibition. Different stalls of fruits and agriculture items were exhibited to promote Tajik agri products. The Prime Minister praised the quality of local grown fruits. The PM and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon along with other leaders also visited different parts of the Pugus palace. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held an informal meeting in Dushanbe.
China cancels Xi-Modi G20 meet
Beijing has cancelled an upcoming bilateral meeting of its President Xi Jinping with Indian Prime Minister Narend ra Modi am id a stand-off between the troops of both countries near the trisection of China, India and Bhutan borders. Chinese foreign ministry officials on Thursday said the ‘atmosphere’ was ‘not right’ for a bilateral meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, which begins on today, amid a standoff between the armies of the two countries in Sikkim, the northwestern Indian state. Beijing and New Delhi have been engaged in a standoff
in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan tri-junction for the past three weeks after a Chinese military’s construction team attempted to build a road. China says India militarising border as standoff continues. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region, according to the Press Trust of India. There were reports that Xi and Modi may meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to resolve the standoff. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Military spokesperson Geng Shuang expressed hope that “India can immediately withdraw the border
troops to the Indian side of the boundary to uphold the pace and tranquility of the China and India border areas.” “I think this is the pre-condition for any meaningful peace talks between the two sides,” Shuang replied when asked about the possibility of a Xi-Modi meeting on the sidelines of the summit. After China ‘cancelled’ the meet between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president at the G20 Summit in Germany, India has negated the comment by saying that it did not request for a meeting in the first place. According to a Hindustan Times report, an Indian official, who is part of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s part of delegation in Israel, on condition of anonymity said, “But we did not ask for any meeting, so where is the question of atmosphere being conducive or not.” Adding further, the Indian official said, there was no meeting planned between Modi and Xi and the two countries were likely to allow their armies to resolve the Doklam stand-off. Earlier, there had been reports that Modi and Xi may meet on the sidelines of G20 Summit to resolve the standoff. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry had said that ‘the atmosphere is not right for bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi’.
KAMRA— The groundbrea k i ng ceremony of Aviation Cit y and Air University Aerospace & Aviation Campus was held at PAC Kamra. Mr Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Plan ning, Development and Reforms was the chief guest of the ceremony. Air Chief Marshal, Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was also present at the occasion. Mr Ahsan Iqbal and Air Chief Marshal, Sohail Aman, unveiled the plaque for groundbreaking ceremony of Aviation City and Air University Aerospace & Aviation Campus. Former Air Chiefs, Dr Mukthar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Faaiz Amir, Vice Chancellor Air University and high ranking civil and military officials also attended the ceremony. Aviation City would house various hi-tech and state of the art academic, research and development institutes which would pave way for achieving everlasting self reliance in the field of aviation industry. At the heart of Aviation City lies the Air University Aerospace and Aviation Campus which has been modeled after the internationally acclaimed Aviation Universities in the world and it would focus
hands-on learning in stateof-the-ar t maintenance & avionics repair facilities, and first class simulation centers. An Aviation Research, Indigenization & Development (AvRID) would also be the part of aviation city which would primarily focus multi-disciplinary R&D in specific technologies. Another important institute the Aviation Design Institute (AvDI), being part of this mega project, would utilize the growing R&D potential of PAF and focus capability enhancement of the existing PAF fleet. This institute would also undertake the phase-wise designing, production and evaluation of fifth generation aircraft indigenously. Its airworthiness certification agency would provide credibility to its products and development of this next generation fighter aircraft would be a testimony to this collaboration. While addressing at the occasion, the Air Chief said that this event is an unprecedented milestone in the history of PAF as well as Aviation Sector in Pakistan. He said that the realization of this campus is in fact part of the strategic vision of Pakistan Air Force to develop industry academia linkage in the form
of aviation city. He further added that this is a path to self reliance and it is a dream to let Pakistan aviation industry grow and support country’s economy. The Air Chief also gave his vision of designing a 5th generation fighter aircraft, medium altitude long endurance UAVs and development of advanced weapons as golden opportunities for the engineers to venture into these domains. He further said that we have stepped onto a path which will ensure indigenization of civil/ military aircraft, weapons and avionics which is the need of the hour. Addressing the august gathering, Mr Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan Air Force has rendered countless sacrifices for the elimination of terrorism from the country. He further said that it is imperative to strengthen the Pakistan Air Force for a stronger Pakistan. He appreciated the earnest efforts of Air Chief in establishing a state of the art Aviation City at Kamra and hoped that this mega project would provide quality education with hightech facilities. He, on behalf of the Government also pledged to provide every possible resource for transforming this dream into reality.
Pakistan, China agree to establish Gas Sub Group under Energy Working Group
ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and China on Wednesday agreed to establish a Gas Sub- G roup u nder the Energy Working Group (EWG) aimed at facilitating the existing and future oil and gas sector projects. The agreement reached during a meeting of the Chinese delegation that headed by Ad minist rator National Energ y Ad mi n ist ration (NEA) NurBekri called on Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. During the meeting, the minister said both the Pakistani and Chinese governments were working jointly to meet energy needs of Pakistan. Khaqan Abbasi highlighted dynamics of the petroleum sector of Pakistan and
informed the delegation that oil and gas sector was a completely market based, economically viable and sustainable sector. He apprised the delegation that Pakistan was expected to grow to a 30 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) LNG market within five years and a regulatory regime for LNG providing full third-party access had been developed and several major investments from private sector Terminal developers and LNG producers were in the pipeline. The minister also invited the Chinese oil and gas sector companies to explore multiple investment opportunities in different fields of the petroleum sector of Pakistan including oil and gas exploration and production, setting up a large deep
conversion mid-country oil refinery, laying of gas, crude oil and white oil pipelines, oil storages facilities, and supply of petroleum products. He proposed that the petroleum sector projects can be developed under BOOT or EPCF modes by Chinese companies under G2G sectoral framework agreements. Administrator NurBekri applauded the recent progress achieved by Pakistan in addressing energy shortages by setting up LNG and coal fired power plants. He said the Chinese government would encourage its both state-owned and private sector oil and gas companies to come forward for exploring multiple avenues of opportunities available in the petroleum sector of Pakistan.
2 Friday- July 07, 2017
THE DESTINATION
NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL
Dubai remains the second most important shopping destination in the world
PHOTO OF THE DAY
The Deosai National Park is located between Astore and Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. It has an average elevation of 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level, making the Deosai Plains one of the highest plateaus in the world. The park protects an area of 3,000 square kilometres (1,200 sq mi). It is well known for its rich flora and fauna of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe eco region. In spring, it is covered by sweeps of wildflowers and a wide variety of butterflies. Deosai is second highest plateau after Chang Thang Plateau Tibet.
Germany on top after two-year wait ZURICH—Germany have capped a sensational week on the international stage by returning to the top of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)/Coca-Cola World Ranking for the first time since being knocked off the top spot exactly two years ago. Following their 1-0 win over Chile (7th, down
3) in Saint Petersbu rg, the newly crowned FIFA Confederations Cup champions have narrowly overtaken Brazil (2nd, down 1) and leapfrogged Argentina (3rd, down 1). European neighbours Poland (6th, up 4) also have cause to celebrate, having risen to their bestever ranking, said a FIFA press release issued here on
Thursday. Following 177 matches around the globe, many UEFA members will be looking back on the last month fondly. Portugal (4th, up 4) and Switzerland (5th, up 4) have made strong gains in the top ten, while Sweden (18th, up 16) and Iceland (19th, up 3) – their best-ever placing – have climbed into the top 20. Andorra (129th,
up 57) were the month’s biggest movers and the likes of Peru (14th, up 1), Northern Ireland (22nd, up 6), Congo DR (28th, up 11), Curaçao (68th, up 2), and Mauritania (81st, up 23) all join Poland and Iceland in registering their highest positions to date. The next FIFA/CocaCola World Ranking will be published on 10 August 2017.
DUBAI—Dubai remained the second most important shopping destination in the world for a sixth consecutive year, just closely behind London, according to CBRE’s latest report on the global retail industry. In its How Global is the Business of Retail? report, the property consultant said that Dubai now has a presence of 57.3 percent of international retailers, compared with 57 percent in 2016, as against London’s 57.9 percent. The study analyzed the operational networks of global retailers in 51 countries and 166 cities. The emirate welcomed 59 new international retailers in 2016, a third of them specialist sellers
for athletic-leisure brands including Under Armour, Jordan, New Balance and GapFit, attracted by sustained consumer demand from both overseas tourists and residents. “These fashion-inf used sportswear retailers are targeting the young working population of the emirate,” CBRE said. Elsewhere in the region, Doha jumped six places in the new entrants’ ranking with 58 new brands in 2016, compared with 29 previously, as global retailers positioned themselves in anticipation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup which Qatar estimates will attract at least 1 million visitors. The 500,000-square meter
Mall of Qatar, which opened in late 2016, welcomed 66 percent of the new international retailers, most of them in the food and beverage sector. Major brands that were introduced at the mall include Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch. CBRE meanwhile cautioned that Dubai’s retail sector is starting to show signs of stress despite a steady rise in the number of prime bricks-and-mortar retailers. “Sustained economic pressures, the strong US dollar and lower growth in tourism are impacting sales figures,” the consultancy said, adding Dubai’s ballooning retail developments on the pipeline could likely bloat
Haqqani Network operates from Afghanistan: Zakaria
MoU signed for phase II of establishment of computer labs in govt girls’ schools ISLAMABAD—A Memorandum of Underst a nd i ng ( MOU ) signing ceremony of the phase II of project for “Establishment of Computer Labs in Government Girls’ Scho ols i n Isla m aba d Capital Ter ritor y” took place at Ministry of IT in Islamabad on Thursday. M i n i s t e r fo r I T a n d Telecom, Anusha Rahman and Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD), Dr. Tariq Fazal C h a u d h a r y h ave w itne sse d t he ce re mony. T he sig ning ceremony was held at Ministry of Information Technology a n d Tel e c o m ( MoI T ) where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Universal Ser vice Fu nd ( USF) /
MOITT and the Federal Directorate of Education (CADD), for phase II of the project for establishment of Computer Labs in 119 Government Girls’ Schools in Islamabad Capital Territory. CEO-USF, Haaris Chaudhary signed the MOU with Di rector General of Federal Directorate of Education. Through Phase II of this project, state of the art ICT facilities and trained human resource will be provided to 119 girls’ schools of Islamabad Capital Territory. As per the project details, 119 teachers will be hired to train 85,581 students. This project is being run in collaboration with Microsoft, which later will impart computer technical technical training skills including coding and clou computing
etc to students. It aims to benefits the girls at these schools by fostering digital coding skills and building early stage aptitude for ICT related careers. The project is expected to empower these girls by equipping them with modern IT knowledge and opening the doors of the IT sector to them. This will also facilitate these young girls in becoming entrepreneurs, contributors to the knowledge-based economy, and the future builders of the nation. Earlier on, through phase I of the project, computer labs are being established in 107 schools in Islamabad Capital Territory. Minister for IT and Telecom said, “The project will improve the lives of many young girls by equipping them with ICT skills. ICT is the lever of economic
progress. We are using this lever to empower the girls from the marginalized sections of society.” “Through this initiative, we aim to help girls’ students by making them computer literate and bringing them at par with students elsewhere in the world. She said that this programme for girls will also help to reduce the gender disparity.” On the occasion, Minister of State for CADD thanked all the stakeholders for their commitment to this project, and said that the project will help in bridging the IT and education gap between the urban and rural areas of Pakistan. Senior officials of Ministry of IT and Telecom, CADD, FDE and USF also attended the ceremony.
the emirate’s retail vacancy rates. A JLL study reported that 350,000 square meters of retail space are scheduled for release in Dubai this year, with another 367,000 square meters listed for completion in 2018. CBRE also took note of the rapid evolution of e-commerce in the region, which is complimenting “bricks-and-mortar stores and aiding the physical shopping experience for consumers”. A study from Dubai’s Depar t ment of Economic Development and Visa reported that 56 per cent of consumers shop frequently online, making a purchase at least once a week at an average basket price of Dh1,479. “With a dynamic, young population and one of the highest global per capita internet penetration levels, the online spending potential is quickly emerging as one of the highest in the world,” CBRE said. Amazon this week completed its $650 million (SR2.44 billion) acquisition of Souq. com, a Dubai-based online retailer which accounts for as much as 78 percent of the e-commerce market in the Middle East and North Africa region
Foreign Office has emphatically stated that there is no organized presence of any terror outfit including TTP, Jamaat-ul Ahrar, Daesh and Al-Qaeda on Pakistani land. This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakariya at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday. He said the allegations about presence of Haqqani network in tribal areas are mere rhetoric. This is only aimed at putting the blame of its own failures on Pakistan. He said the killing of a number of commanders of Haqqani network in Afghanistan clearly indicate that the group is based in Afghanistan and not
operating from Pakistan. He maintained that as result of effective counter terrorism operations, the terrorists are on the run and their infrastructure has been dismantled. This is also manifested in improved security situation in the country. Nafees Zakariya said during the visit of the US delegation headed by Senator McCain, matters pertaining to Afghanistan were also discussed. He said Pakistan believes in an Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process. Peace and stability in Afghanistan has direct bearing on peace and stability in Pakistan. He said Pakistan is ready
to assist in all efforts aimed at bringing peace to the neighboring country. He said India on the other hand is part of problem in Afghanistan and it does not want peace prevailing in the country. He said the people of Pakistan are the most sincere friends of Afghanistan. The spokesperson said Pakistan welcomes Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei’s recent statement in which he urged the Muslims worldwide to support the oppressed people of Kashmir. He said the entire Muslim Ummah is concerned over gross human rights violations in occupied Kashmir. He said the OIC
has repeatedly called for sending fact finding missions to the valley for investigation into the human rights violations there. The spokesperson said Indian reportedly is using ammunition containing chemical agents to kill the innocent Kashmiri people and damage their properties. He said the international organizations should investigate these reports which if confirmed will be sheer violation of international norms and conventions. When asked about the sale of advanced weapons to India by different countries, the spokesperson said Pakistan is deeply concerned on the matter which undermines the objectives of preserving strategic balance in the region. He said Pakistan will continue to raise its voice at the international fora which should objectively assess its actions and policies towards South Asian region. He said Pakistan is not oblivious to safeguarding its national security.
Pakistan backs Guterres’ plan to revamp UN development system UNITED NATIONS—Pakistan has thrown its weight behind the steps outlined by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to better position the UN to deliver tangible results in the lives of the people it services, as the organisation moves towards implementing the ambitious 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. The UN chief’s recommendations, made in a speech to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), included the establishment of a “Funding Compact” between member states, strengthening the role of
resident coordinators of country teams and shifting the chairmanship of the development system to the United Nations Deputy Secretary. In her preliminary comments on Guterres’ recommendations, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi stressed the importance of setting a clear path for consultations with member states as the process goes forward. The secretary-general’s outlined vision will be translated into a full-blown report in December for consideration by ECOSOC, and later, the General
Assembly, she said. “As for the report itself, we fully support the principal objective of the review, which is to ensure that the UN development system is well positioned to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in a comprehensive manner,” she said. On his part, the UN chief thanked ambassador Lodhi for her support and comments. “While we agree that sustainable development builds resilience and sustains peace, and durable peace enables sustainable development, an over-emphasis
on prevention within the development context could fundamentally change the nature of the UN development system,” the Pakistani envoy said. “Maintaining the development focus of the system is critical,” she added. Guterres said he agreed with ambassador Lodhi that centrality of development should be maintained and all the work of the UN’s development system should be focused to this end. “Humanitarian and other aspects of our work will never be allowed to sacrifice the development focus of the system,” he
added. Addressing the growing imbalance between core and non-core financing of the UN development system and how it undermines predictability, effectiveness, coordination and accountability, ambassador Lodhi said addressing this will be critical to measuring the success of the reform. At the same time, she voiced concern that the “modest approach” outlined in dealing with the gaps associated with the SDGs coverage, saying the UN development system should be able to assist countries in implementing them in a comprehensive manner.
Canadian Trudeau melts hearts again
The tiny cracks inside North Korea
RAK to have seven new power stations worth Dh750m
In India an aspiring air hostess stabbed multiple times, critical
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada has become one of the most beloved PM across the globe. The world has fallen in love with Trudeau over his good looks and youthful exuberance. Recently, we came across a where Trudeau gave a five-year-old girl Bella, an opportunity to become a Prime Minister of Canada for a day. Bella Thompson, who hails from Manitoba, Ontario won the ‘Canada Day Special’s contest’ held by CBC Kids in May 2017. We know how Justin Trudeau is around kids. He and Bella did some ‘redecoration’ in his office. Trudeau can be seen building a cushion fort in his office, he also spend an entire with the little kid.
With conspicuous ceremony on the Fourth of July, North Korea launched a missile that had more than a technological purpose. It aimed to promote fear. The test suggested that North Korean missiles can now reach Alaska. That does not mean the United States is now in North Korea’s nuclear range. Both the missile and the nuclear program appear to need further development before those dots can be connected. But with each new test, North Korea is clearly trying to send a message: With each passing day, its circles of destruction widen. “Kim Jong-un’s days are numbered,” said the diplomat, Thae Yong-ho.
The Federal Electricity and Water Authority, known as Fewa, is to build seven new power stations, worth Dh750 million, in Ras Al Khaimah. The projects, in line with the national agenda and Emirates 2021 Vision, are meant to meet the needs of housing, tourist, industrial, commercial and residential sectors, according to Mohammed Saleh, Director General of FEWA. The new power stations publicly tendered include three main stations, he added. “The three main stations, worth Dh500 million, are to be built at the areas of Al Gheil, Al Jazirat Al Hamra, and Al Sharisha.” These are added to four power substations and stand at Dh250 million.”
A 21-year-old aspiring airhostess was critically injured yesterday after she was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a man in full public view in Mansarovar Park area of Shahdara, India, police said. The woman is currently undergoing treatment at a city hospital, where her condition is stated to be critical, they said, adding that the 22-year-old accused, Adil is absconding and a manhunt has been launched to arrest him. The incident took place in a busy market area where there are many shops. Even though the incident has not been captured on the CCTV, but footage shows that the accused and the victim talking to each other, the police said.
THE DESTINATION
Friday- July 07, 2017
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NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL Imran Haider Hamdani Source: tourismthailand.org
with a gracious smile.
B
angkok As the political, economic, cultural, culinary, and spiritual capital of Thailand, Bangkok features both old-world charm and modern convenience, at times served up in an apparently chaotic manner, but always
Chiang Mai Founder and Chief Editor: Rana Tahir Shahbaz Editor: Tayyaba Imran Contact #: 051-8314196 Fax#: 051-8315196 Mob#: 0300-8503803, 0347-5959747 www.thedestination.com.pk info@thedestination.com.pk
THAILAND
Hua Hin
Satun
Top Destinations
The seaside town of Hua Hin, meaning “Stone Head”, was named after the rocks at the north end of the powdery sand beach. Hua Hin became Thailand’s first beach resort after a train line was laid in the 1920’s to provide access from Bangkok and King Rama VII established his summer retreat in the area. With a 5 kilometer-long beach that features numerous activities, the laid back and hospitable town of Hua Hin continues to draw both tourists and Thais. In addition to beach fun and games, outstanding seafood restaurants, and a vibrant night market, Hua Hin is well known for having some of the finest golf courses in Thailand, as well as some of the most renowned resorts and destination spas in the world.
Ko Samui
kilometers north of the present town. The present provincial capital is a relatively newer town built by King Rama III in 1833. The town itself is a place to relax, watching the water from the banks of the river, inside a raft house, or from a riverside restaurant. Many visitors like to rest along the river with a cold drink and a good book. Many of them come here just for a couple days but stay for weeks in order to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding countryside. Along with visiting spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, and three of Thailand’s largest reservoirs, white water rafting, elephant trekking, and golfing are popular activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is an excellent tourist destination for nature lovers.
Phetchaburi
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi city, the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, is a popular resort town; picturesque and worthy of a visit in its own right, it is frequently visited as base of operations for exploring the many cultural, natural, and historical attractions in the surrounding countryside. Located at the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers, Kanchanaburi lies at the source of the Mae Klong River, and these majestic bodies of water are defining characteristics of the town. The original town of Kanchanaburi was established by King Rama I as a first line of defense against the Burmese, whom he believed might use the old invasion route through the Three Pagodas Pass at the Siam-Myanmar border. According to most historians, the old town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16
FM asks Canadian investors to explore business opportunities in Pakistan and investment cooperation between the two countries and added joint efforts should be made by both sides to this end. He said Pakistan was committed to eradication of polio, and all efforts were being made to this end. Excha ngi ng views on `debt for education’ swap, the minister said present government laid strong emphasis on promotion of education at all levels. He welcomed all initiatives to achieve this objective. Ishaq Dar said after having achieved macro-economic stability, Pakistan was now fully focused on achieving higher, sustainable and inclusive economic growth. He appreciated Canada’s support for development projects in Pakistan and said the government was keen to further strengthen bi l a t e r a l p a r t n e r s h i p bet ween Pakistan and Canada. The high commissioner said there had been
robust economic growth and a visible improvement in security situation in Pakistan which provided a good opportunity for further strengthening economic and business linkages between the two countries. He said Canadian companies were already explori ng o p p o r t u n it ie s i n Pakistan in various sectors including solar energy and Information Technology (IT). He highlighted that level of bilateral trade was currently at a record level and said steps had been taken to re-activate bilateral Trade and Investment Working Group to help promote economic cooperation. He apprised the minister about Canada’s International Development Policy which had been launched recently. The high commissioner appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio.
China to uphold its territorial integrity along Indian border at all costs
China says it will uphold its territorial integrity along the Indian border at all costs. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement in Beijing, that the transgression across the Sikkim border by Indian troops is a violation of the 1890 convention and the basic norms that guide international relations. The Ministry said the restraint being shown by the Chinese side is preventing a flare up in the region.
Open trade relations with uniform standards can stimulate growth of global economy: Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that open trade relations based on uniform standards can stimulate growth of the global economy and support progressive development of intergovernmental relations. In his article published in a German daily on Thursday, ahead of G20 summit, Putin wrote that Russia favors an open and rules-based trade order to boost global growth. He strongly opposed the unilaterally imposed and politically motivated sanctions on investment, trade and technology transfer.
With its strategic location at the top of the Malay Peninsula, on the Gulf of Thailand, and protected from Myanmar (Burma) by the Bilauktuang Range, Petchaburi has long been an important region. The area has thus been continuously inhabited for well over 1,000 years and there are many historic buildings, temples, and palaces to attest to its importance. As the location is conveniently located for visitors heading south either by road or rail, Petchaburi is now a major stop for sightseeing along the way to Hua Hin or beach towns in Southern Thailand. In addition to a splendid historical park and many historical temples, Petchaburi features wonderful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of local food.
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Indonesian, U.S. navies hold joint military exercise
JAKARTA (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian and the U.S. navies’ mariner units commenced a joint military exercise aimed at improving combat planning of both nations’ mariner units. The joint exercise, entitled Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) on Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), will run until Friday. It is being held in Indonesian mariner’s base of Gedangan in the city of Sidoargo in East Java province. “The SMEE MDMP program was created to enhance Indonesian navy’s defense cooperation, particularly between Indonesian and the U.S. mariners so as to improve their war planning skills in every element,”
Satun is a quiet southern province known primarily by travelers for its spectacular if infrequently visited islands, particularly Koh Lipe and Koh Tarutao.
Pattaya
One of the hottest beach-resort destinations in Thailand, Pattaya may not be idyllic but it certainly makes up for it with a wide variety of activities, accommodation and nightlife venues.
Ko Chang
Ko Samui is the premier island destination in the Gulf of Thailand. Samui is easily accessible, features beautiful beaches and a variety of activities, and caters to visitors on any budget.
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar Wednesday asked Canadian investors and firms to explore and benefit from business and invest ment oppor t unities available in Pakistan. Talking to Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Perry Calderwood, who called on him here, Ishaq Dar highlighted that international investors and companies from various countries are currently investing and setting up businesses in the country. Both the finance minister and the high commissioner discussed current state of bilateral ties including economic cooperation between the two countries. The minister said Canada and Pakistan enjoyed friendly and longstanding bilateral ties and welcomed re-activation of Working Group. He said there was an ample room to further enhance trade
Thailand’s “Rose of the North” is a cultural and natural wonderland with ethnic diversity, a multitude of attractions and welcoming hospitality.
Indonesia’s Mariner’s Third Infantry Battalion Commander Prasetyo Pinandito said. He said that the exercise has significantly improved the skills of the two countries’ mariner units in combat planning, operation and created tactical warfare strategies after it was held in the last several years. He asked every soldier taking part in the exercise to improve the “Marines Brotherhood” by making more intensive communication. “By doing so, it would improve relations between the two nations and their mariners as well. I hope this exercise can be sequentially conducted in the future,” he said in a statement.
With no less than 50 offshore isles, Koh Chang boasts the finest red gems, sweet Rakam fruits, indigenous dogs, the historic Koh Chang Naval engagement, and is the eastern-most province in Thailand.
Krabi
Krabi Province, which lies along the coast of the Andaman sea in Southern Thailand, is a top tourist destination as a result of its plentiful natural attractions including, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, extensive coral reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls, and over 130 islands, including Koh Lanta and the jewels of the Andaman coast, the six islands of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. While not the top destination in and of itself, Krabi Town is a charming provincial capital located along the banks of a river that leads to the nearby Andaman Sea. Consequently, Krabi is an important port city for both local fisherman as well as boats ferrying visitors to the nearby attractions, including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Railey Beach, one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world.
Singapore, Brunei bounded by deep ties of friendship: Singapore president
SI NGAPOR E (Xinhua) -Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam said that Singapore and Brunei share similar views on the world and are bound by deep ties of friendship, the Straits Times reported. He said the two countries can count on the strong bonds between them to remain a constant in a world made uncertain by rapid changes. Tan also paid tribute to the
special relationship between the two countries at a state banquet he was hosting in honor of Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is on a two-day state visit to Singapore. The Sultan said it is such bonds of friendship that over time has developed into robust forms of cooperation. Earlier in the day, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the Sultan marked
the golden jubilee of an agreement that allows both countries to accept the currency issued by the other and exchange them at par and without charge, into their own currency. Lee called the agreement a hallmark of the longstanding and unique relationship between the two countries, while the Sultan said its success is a tribute to the countries’ enduring friendship.
US threatens to use force against North Korea
Washington is prepared to cut off trade with countries trading with North Korea in violation of UN. The United States has threatened to use force against North Korea to stop its nuclear missile program. US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told UN Security Council that North Korea’s actions were quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution and the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies. She also warned that Washington is prepared to cut off trade with countries trading with North Korea in violation of UN resolutions. Meanwhile, China told the UN Security Council that military action was not an option for addressing the crisis over North Korea.
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Egypt agree to continue diplomatic, trade sanctions against Qatar
Egypt’s FM says Qatar lacked understanding of seriousness and gravity of situation. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have said that diplomatic and trade sanctions against Qatar will continue. Speaking after a meeting of foreign ministers in Cairo, Egypt’s foreign minister Sameh Shoukry said Qatar lacked understanding of the seriousness and gravity of the situation. However, no new sanctions have been imposed against Doha. Meanwhile, the UN political chief, Jeffrey Feltman, is in Kuwait for talks on ending the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors. Published by Rana Tahir Shahbaz from Office # 2 , First Floor, Abbasi Plaza , Bani Gala Islamabad (ph: 051-8314196, fax: 051-8315196) & Printed at Roohani Art Press Islamabad
THE DESTINATION
4 Friday- July 07, 2017
Economic Watch: China heads for slower, stable growth, more balanced structure
BEIJING (Xinhua) -- Fresh data confirmed economic stabilization in China with a more balanced economic structure, soothing investors. The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) beat market forecasts and rose from 51.2 the previous month to June’s 51.7, the second highest reading of the year. The official nonmanufacturing PMI also expanded for the second consecutive month to the highest level this year. According to private surveys by financial information service provider Markit and Caixin Media, which mainly focuses on smaller firms, manufacturing PMI for June expanded to a three-month high of 50.4. The survey also showed that service PMI slowed slightly in June, but remained above the 50-mark that separates
expansion from contraction. The PMI reading reinforced a flurry of May data, including accelerating growth in industrial profits as well as strong increases in industrial production and retail sales, revealing positive changes in the economy. Pan Jiancheng, an official with the National Bureau of Statistics, said economic growth was better than expected and more optimized in structure in the first half of the year, with indicators pointing to solid growth, increasing jobs, stable prices and a sound balance of international payments. Both the industrial and service sectors are improving, while consu mption has become a major engine for growth, suggesting the “inherent momentum” of the economy has been enhancing, Pan said. Consumption
contributed 77.2 percent to economic growth in the first quarter, up from 64.6 percent the prior year. Services contributed 61.7 percent of Q1 GDP. High-tech industry’s value-added output for January-March increased 13.4 percent. Pan expects China’s first-half GDP growth to be at 6.8 or 6.9 percent, and to slow in the second half because of a higher comparative base from last year, a possible weakening of the real estate sector and changes in the international trade environment. Analysts also forecast slower but stable growth for the rest of the year, expecting a cooling property sector and reduced leverage weighing on growth. The Bank of Communications said in the second half of the year, signs of stress may emerge in the corporate sector as deleveraging makes financing harder and costlier. Lian Ping, chief economist at the bank, said the central bank will leave benchmark interest rates on hold, but will appropriately manage liquidity. Policy makers should ensure credit supply to small and mediumsized companies, and unveil measures to boost investment for stable growth and progress in economic rebalancing, Lian said.
China to launch cargo service to Pakistan through CPEC
BEIJING—China is planning to launch a road and rail freight service to Pakistan through the multi-billion dollar ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The new line will start from Lanzhou, the capital of northwestern China’s Gansu Province, travelling through Kashgar in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) to the Gwadar Port of Pakistan, Xu Chunhua, director of Lanzhou International Trade and Logistic Park, was quoted as saying by state-run. In May last year, a rail and road
cargo service opened between Lanzhou and Kathmandu. Xu said the cargo service has been welcomed by South Asian countries. Last November, China launched the first trade convoy car r ying Chinese goods for export through the western route of the $50 billion CPEC being laid through Azad Jammu and Kashmir and shipped it through Gwadar port. The CPEC plan included a train service connecting both the countries, in addition to the road connectivity. The goods were brought by train
till Xinjiang and then taken by trucks through the Karakoram mountains. The goods will be exported to countries in the Middle East and Africa. Pakistan’s Gwadar for ms the southern Pakistan hub of a $57 billion CPEC infrastructure and energy projects Beijing announced in 2014. Pakistan welcomed the first large shipment of Chinese goods at Gwadar, where the China Overseas Port Holding Company took over operations in 2013. It plans to eventually handle 300 million to 400 million tonnes of cargo a year. The route through Gwadar offers China its shortest path to the oil-rich Middle East, Africa, and most of the Western hemisphere, besides promising to open up remote, landlocked Xinjiang.
DUBAI—Shares in Saudi Arabia’s cement and steel sectors surged in early trade on Thursday after the government cut export tariffs, but Gulf stock markets were mostly weak after a slide in oil prices. The Saudi government said it was cancelling all export duties on steel for two years to encourage local industries, and would slash cement export tariffs by 50 percent. Najran Cement jumped 6.2 percent in unusually high volume and was the top gainer in Riyadh after 35 minutes of trade. All other stocks among the top 10 gainers were also from the building materials sector, including Al Yamamah
Steel Industries, which rose 2.1 percent. Building materials producers have been hurt hard in the past couple of years by a construction industry slump caused by the government’s austerity policies. Qatar’s index fell 0.5 percent. Four Arab states decided in a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday not to slap fresh sanctions on Qatar for now, but voiced disappointment at its “negative” response to their demands and warned of the possibility of further action against Doha. In Dubai the index was down 0.5 percent, hit by a 1.4 percent drop in shares of blue chip Emaar
Properties and a 0.9 percent fall in peer DAMAC Properties In Abu Dhabi, Dana Gas fell 1.4 percent after sources told Reuters that London’s High Court planned to hold a full hearing in September on efforts by the company to restructure $700 million of its Islamic bonds. A High Court judge upheld an interim injunction there blocking holders of the sukuk, due to mature in October, from enforcing claims against Dana. But he also ordered Dana to cancel an injunction in a court in the emirate of Sharjah and seek a stay of its proceedings there. The Abu Dhabi index was down 0.6 percent.
Saudi steel, cement cheer export tariff cuts in mostly weak region
Acting US Ambassador calls on Ishaq Dar
Acting US Ambassador, Mr. Jonathan Pratt called on Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here. The Finance Minister and the Acting Ambassador exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. The US Envoy apprised the Minister of the US Embassy’s efforts for enhancing the trade and economic relations between the two countries. The Finance Minister appreciated the efforts and, referring to the recent visit of US Congressmen, said that exchange of high level visits was important as these help the two sides understand each other’s perspective and promote mutual understanding. Finance Minister on the occasion underscored Pakistan’s continued and
concerted efforts aimed at economic development with due focus on forging regional cooperation. He also highlighted Pakistan’s resolve of having good neighbourly relations and its all out support for peace in the region which he said was very important for development. Finance Minister said Pakistan wished to strengthen a strong and all round Pak-US partnership which was significant to address issues confronting the region. He also highlighted the economic turnaround that manifested in enhanced investor interest and added that Pakistan wou ld also welcome increased investment by US companies.
The second round of negotiations between Pakistan and Iran on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be held here from July, 10 to discuss ways and means for enhancing bilateral trade. Reviewing mutual trade list and FTAs text will be on the agenda of the talks for finalizing the agreement, a senior official of the Ministry of Commerce said. He said that Iranian delegation would reach Islamabad on July,10 for negotiation
on FTAs between the two countries was scheduled from July 10-12. “We are looking forward for talks to enhance bilateral trade and export to Iran,” he added. Regarding FTA with China, he said its second phase was also due. However, Pakistan was desirous to have duty relaxation on 50 products before its launch, he added. “We want unilateral relaxation on 50 products for a few years before signing Phase-II of the FTA,” the official said.
Another round of Pak-Iran FTA talks start from July,10
Turkey to reject EU proposal to drop accession talks, EU min. says ANKARA—Turkey will reject any proposal by the EU to drop accession talks in favor of cooperation in other areas and continue to maintain the accession process, EU Minister Ömer Çelik said Thursday before a meeting with European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Joh a n ne s Ha h n. “ T he backbone of the relationship between Turkey and the EU is accession negotiations,” Çelik said, before Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) vote for 2016 Commission Report on Turkey. Çelik highlighted that the democratic solidarity should be at the top of the agenda, but the bloc has failed to display it following the coup attempt in Turkey. “We have not received any serious support from the European Parliament in regards to terrorist threats and the [July 15] coup attempt… the EU has made wrong decisions so far,” he stated, adding that the
Turkey-EU alliance was very important for the region. Last year’s deadly coup on July 15, undertaken by Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) operatives within the military, failed due to serious public backlash. The government declared a state of emergency a few days later, allowing the firing of tens of thousands of public servants linked to the terrorist group. The government has also set up a commission to review objections to the firings. Turkey has criticized the bloc for failing to show solidarity with the country, and also for offering asylum to FETÖlinked coup perpetrators. Çelik added that Turkey will continue to strive to open more chapters in EU accession negotiations. The 2016 Commission Report on Turkey calls on EU member states to suspend Turkey’s accession talks without delay in the case that the constitutional reforms passed in the April 16 referendum are implemented.
EU, Japan iron out differences in free trade talks BRUSSELS (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and Japan solved the disagreements in their free trade talks on Wednesday, paving way for a bilateral summit scheduled to sign an official deal on Thursday, said EU Trade Commissioner Cecelia Malmstrom. “We ironed out the few remaining differences in the EU-Japan trade negotiations,” Malmstrom tweeted. “We’ve reached polit ical ag reement at Ministerial level on an EU-Japan trade deal. We now recommend to leaders to confirm this at summit,” she added. Brussels and Tokyo have been making their final pith for a trade deal as both
off icials and diplomats crisscrossed for intensive negotiations, aiming to forge such an accord on the eve of G20 summit and send a strong signal against Washington’s protectionism policy. The two sides accelerated the talks following the U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew his country from Japan-involved TransPacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal and left talks with the EU on the Transatlantic Tr a de a nd I nvest ment Partnership (TTIP) in standoff. Malmstrom’s remarks came after her meeting with visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida earlier this day in Brussels. The commissioner, together
with the EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, spent the weekend in Tokyo to solve disagreements, mainly on farming and auto sectors. The European Council President Donald Tusk and President of the Eu ropea n Com m ission Jean-Claude Juncker are set to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at EU-Japan Summit and agree on such a deal on Thursday, a day before the G20 summit scheduled on July 7-8 in Germany’s Hamburg. Japan is the EU’s second largest trade partner in Asia. The two sides launched free trade talks in March 2013.
Load shedding for Industry to go by end of November: IESCO Chief ISLA M A BA D — Ba sit Zaman, Chief Executive Officer, Islamabad Electric Supply Company has said that work on many energy projects was in full swing and load shedding for industry would be eliminated by the end of November this year. He was talking to a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry that called on him in his office led by Khalid Iqbal Malik, President. Khalid Javed, Tariq Sadiq, Ch. Waheed ud Din, Muhammad Zikria A Zia and other local industrialists were in the delegation. Basit Zaman said that due to energy shortage, local industries will have to face load shedding for few months. However, he assured that by the end of November this year, energy crisis would be resolved and industry would be provided uninterrupted power supply. He said T&D losses in IESCO were in
single digit and there was no electricity theft in the cities. He directed the IESCO relevant authorities to improve the maintenance of feeders in Industrial Areas to ensure regular power supply to the industry. He said ICCI should provide list of processing industries and IESCO would consider exempting them from load shedding. He assured that ICCI proposal for change of load shedding schedule for industry would be given due consideration for implementation. Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that government has announced uninterrupted power supply for industry, but the industries in Islamabad were facing 4 hours daily load shedding due to which their production was badly suffering. He said that current load
shedding schedule from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm was causing losses to the local industry and IESCO should reschedule it from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm in order to minimize the losses of industrial sector. He said the processing industry was suffering huge losses due to load shedding and IESCO should exempt it from power shut downs. He said IESCO should also fix specific date of month for taking meter reading of industrial meters as taking monthly meter readings on different dates was creating billing problems for industrialists. Khalid Javed, Tariq Sadiq, Ch. Waheed ud Din, Zikria A Zia and other industrialists also apprised the CEO, IESCO of the problems being faced by the local industry due to load shedding and urged that IESCO should minimize load shedding in industrial areas.
Confidence of taxpayers increased by upgrading tax refund system, President President Mamnoon Hussain has emphasized the need for cooperation and consultation with the business community to strengthen tax collection regime. He appreciated that the confidence of taxpayers has increased with the improvement in tax refund system. The President was talking to outgoing Federal
Tax Ombudsman Abdur Rauf Chaudhry who paid a farewell call on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Thursday. The President commended the services of Mr. Abdur Rauf Chaudhry during his tenure as Federal Tax Ombudsman. He also praised his efforts to make the tax collection regime
people friendly and transparent. Moreover, he also lauded the use of modern means of communication to create awareness among the taxpayers. President Mamnoon Hussain wished the outgoing Federal Tax Ombudsman well in his future endeavors.
Ukraine to seek FTA with Britain after Brexit: PM
KIEV (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said on Wednesday his country will pursue a free trade agreement (FTA) with Britain after Brexit. “Taking into account the UK’s decision
to leave the European Union (EU), the so-called Brexit, we need to consider a new basis for our economic cooperation,” Groysman said on Facebook after his meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May in London. The
consultations on the establishment of the FTA between Ukraine and Britain may start as soon as the Brexit formally occurs, Groysman said. He noted that the possible FTA could help the two parties double their annual trade volume to about 3.5 billion U.S. dollars. In January 2016, Ukraine launched the free trade area with the EU, which removed custom tariffs over 90 percent of goods traded between the two sides. Groysman arrived at London earlier Wednesday for a three-day visit.
Country witnesses 1.67pc increase in petroleum production
Cotton yarn worth US$ 1.134 billion exported in 11 months
Readymade garments worth US$2.073 billion exported in last 11 months
Nokia smartphones to feature ZEISS optics
The petroleum production grew by 1.67 percent during 10 months of last fiscal year from July to April as compared to the corresponding period of year 2015-16. The petroleum products that contributed in the positive growth included, jet fuel, production of which grew by 3.08 percent during July-April (2016-17), officials sources said. The output of motor spirits grew by 11.61 percent during the period under review while there has been 3.06 percent growth in the output of high speed diesel. The production of jute batching oil surged by 37.71 percent while the production of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) increased by 9.59 percent. While, production of furnace oil witnessed 1.76 percent increase.
Cotton yarn worth US$ 1.134 billion exported during 11 months of last financial year (2016-17) as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from July-May, 2016-17, about 413,749 metric tons of cotton yarn worth US$ 1.134 billion exported as compared the exports of 392,302 metric tons valuing US$ 1.176 billion of same period last year. The exports of cotton yarn during the period under review decreased by 3.64 percent as against the exports of the same period of last year. The exports of cotton carded or combe recorded increase of 71.94 % and reached at US$ 239,000 as compared the exports of US$ US$ 14,000 of same period of last year.
Readymade garments worth US$ 2.073 billion were exported during last eleven months of financial year 2016-17 as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year. The exports of readymade garments from the country during the period from July-May, 2016-17 grew by 4.10 percent as against the same period of last year. According the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, during the period under review about 30.689 thousand dozen of the readymade garments valuing US$ 2.073 billion were exported. The readymade garments exports from the country in eleven months of last financial year were recorded at 29,584 thousand dozen valuing US$ 1.992 billion, it added.
HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, and ZEISS today jointly announced the signing of an exclusive partnership that aims to set new imaging standards within the smartphone industry. This long-term agreement builds on the shared history and expertise between ZEISS and Nokia smartphones. With a joint ambition to advance the quality of the total imaging experience on smartphones spanning the entire ecosystem from software, services, through to screen quality, and optic design, the partnership will see ZEISS and HMD Global co-develop standard-defining imaging capabilities and will bring the ZEISS brand back to Nokia smartphones.