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BUSINESS Saturday, 14 September, 2013
Moot held under EU funded TRTA-11 to investigate changes in FDI Regulations KARACHI: Better investment policies are the key to promote investment in the country, said Ms. Rabyia Javeri Agha, Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) while addressing the inaugural session of the training workshop on 09 September on “Trade and Investment” organized at Karachi under the European Union funded TRTA II programme. She mentioned that trade and investment are two sides of the same economic coin and the countries that are integrated in the global supply and investment chain would be the driver of future economic growth. She emphasized that Pakistan needed to become one of those nations by building its capacity and becoming a reliable supplier of goods and services. She further informed the audience that Pakistan has executed Bilateral Investment Treaties with 47 countries and 52 agreements for avoidance of double the EU funded TRTA II programme is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in association with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The training course is jointly conducted by ITC and PITAD in collaboration with TDAP Karachi. The program has three main components where Component 1 is about trade policy capacity building. The training is delivered by Professor Julien Chaisse from the University of Hong Kong. PRESS RELEASE
Pepsi-Cola Pakistan-BURGER KING Restaurants signing deal LAHORE: Jahanzeb Khan Country Head, Pepsi-Cola Pakistan & Afghanistan and Maryam Hassan Chief Executive Officer MCR Pakistan (Pvt) Limited signed an exclusive agreement for supply of carbonated and noncarbonated beverages to BURGER KING in Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by senior leadership teams from both organizations. Burger King is opening its restaurants in Pakistan, starting from Karachi most probably from next month. Pepsi-Cola Pakistan is the leading beverage company in Pakistan, which is an important emerging market for PepsiCo. Pepsi-Cola is a household name that offers a wide range of products like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7UP, Mirinda, Sting, Slice and Aquafina in Pakistan. The company enjoys a leading position in CSD and energy categories and is a strong challenger in juice drinks and water categories. PRESS RELEASE
Business is never so healthy as when, like a chicken, it must do a certain amount of scratching around for what it gets. –Henry Ford
SBP raises rate for first time after IMF loan REGULATOR TIGHTENS MONETARY POLICY TO CURB INFLATION
IMF HAD SUGGESTED EASING INTEREST RATE TO LURE FOREIGN INVESTORS
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OvING quite in contrast to the market sentiments, the State Bank of Pakistan on Friday increased the cost of borrowing by adding 50 basis points to the current 9 percent discount rate. The rate-hike also goes against the inducement of the IMF that had proposed monetary easing to draw foreign investment, something the dollar-hungry country needs as a permanent source of foreign exchange. The central bank instead focused more to curb the burgeoning backbreaking inflationary pressures in the country. As the analysts described it, the unexpected and rapid increase in inflation, driven mainly by rising trend in international oil prices and devaluing rupee, has been a major factor behind the increase in the discount rate. The new policy rate would take effect from Monday, Sept 16. The decision to raise the policy rate was taken at a meeting of the SBP's Central Board of Directors held at SBP under the chairmanship of SBP Governor Yaseen Anwar. "Fundamental issues for sluggish long-term economic growth in Pakistan such as weak economic management and low productivity had largely remained unaddressed," said Anwar while unveiling
the Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) for the next two months during a press conference at the SBP. He said the “economy has experienced bouts of growth and stable inflation but a sustainable performance has remained largely elusive”. According to the SBP governor, a relentless increase in fiscal borrowings and a secular decline in both domestic and foreign investments are only symptoms of structural issues. “The role of monetary policy was always going to be limited in this environment; both in terms of keeping inflation low and stable and supporting private investment activity. However, in the wake of considerable deceleration in inflation over the last two years, the SBP did lower its policy rate by 500 basis points.” Anwar said the SBP also intervened in financial markets by imposing a minimum savings deposit rate at 6 percent and containing volatility in the foreign exchange market. It also calibrated its liquidity operations in a manner that balanced financial stability considerations and medium-term inflation risks. As a result of these actions, he said the weighted average lending rate declined by 423 basis points by end-July 2013 while deposits of the banking system grew by 15.9 percent and the depreciation of exchange rate was limited to 5.1 percent in FY13. He said the real private investment ex-
penditures have declined for the fifth con- stock of energy sector circular debt, reducsecutive year, reaching 8.7 as percent of tion in electricity tariff related subsidies, GDP in FY13. He said higher interest rates and introduction of some taxation measwere not the major constraining reason for ures the new government has shown intentions to address deeper issues the priafflicting the fiscal accounts. vate secRegarding the external sector, tor credit the SBP governor said the off-take, stress has gradually increased adding with every passing month of that two 2013 due to shrinking net cap“fundaital and financial flows and mental high loan repayments to the factors reIMF. Anwar said despite these sponsible pressures and speculations of a for the drop in the value of the Pak lackluster rupee the foreign exchange increase market had largely remained in credit stable in FY13. He said the demand likeliare: perhood of sistence SBP Governor Yasin Anwar receivof energy i n g shortages higher and deterioration in law and order condifinantions”. He said the increase of Rs1.446 c i a l trillion in budgetary borrowings from the flows banking system during FY13 was almost has inRs 1 trillion higher than the original target creased and was even higher than the total expangiven sion in M2. “Deviation of this scale has significantly constrained effective mone- that a new IMF program has been aptary management, disrupted financial inter- proved for Pakistan in September 2013. mediation in the economy, and has led to a This would ease pressure in the foreign exchange market. Anwar said the impact of sharp increase in domestic debt,” he said. Anwar said that the inability to raise upward adjustments in energy prices on inthe tax-to-GDP ratio was the fundamental flation outlook cannot be under-estimated. source of large fiscal deficits, high borrow- In addition to having a direct effect on CPI ings, and rising debt. He further said that inflation, there is a high likelihood of conwith swift settlement of the outstanding siderable indirect effects as well, he added.
Fundamental issues for sluggish long-term economic growth in Pakistan such as weak economic management and low productivity had largely remained unaddressed.
Stocks market ‘shocked’ over unexpected rate hike BANKS BIGGEST BENEFICIARY OF POLICY RATE HIKE KARACHI STAFF REPORT
Banks will benefit the most as the central bank Friday added 50 basis points to 9 percent discount rate (DR). The upward revision, the analysts believe, was contrary to the market expectations, especially those on the stocks market. It has been approximately 32 months since the policy rate hike was witnessed at 14 percent in January 2011. "SBP's higher inflation outlook shocked market participants who were relying more on government-IMF agreement and expecting no change," said Mohammad Sohail, senior equity analyst and chief executive of Topline Securities. Moreover, he said senior government officials and not the SBP officials, statement of no change gave conflicting
An unexpected and rapid increase in inflation, mainly due to the rising trend observed in international oil prices coupled with depreciation in PKR against USD, has been a major factor behind the increase in discount rate. InvestCap analyst Abdul Azeem signals to the markets. "Time will tell when and for how many months inflation remain above 9.5 percent," said the stocks broker. InvestCap analyst Abdul Azeem commented that an unexpected and rapid increase in inflation, mainly due to the rising trend observed in international oil prices coupled with depreciation in PKR against USD, has been a
major factor behind the increase in discount rate. The SBP expects inflation for the FY14 between 11 and 12 percent. The SBP's decision to increase the DR would not bode well for the equity markets, especially for highly leveraged companies. "We predict the cement sector to be the worst affected by this move; similarly the textile sector and Engro from the fertilizer sector would have a negative impact on their valuations largely due to increase in cost of borrowing eroding the bottomline," said Azeem. However, the banks are expected to be the main beneficiary due to improved spreads after increase in DR. "Also, we reiterate a positive stance on the E&P and power sector consequent to the rising oil prices and negligible debt exposure," the analyst said.
Govt working on long term power projects: Khwaja Asif ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Water and Power Khwaja Asif has said that the government was working on long term power projects to generate 20,000 MW for overcoming power crisis within five years. PTV, he said that government had decided to introduce modern technology such as smart meters to overcome electricity pilferage in the country, adding that legislation had also been made for effective campaign against power theft. To a question, he stressed the people to avoid extra usage of electricity. He said that about 2500 MW electricity could be saved by checking power pilferage and extra usage. He said that Gomal Zam Dam project in South Waziristan was completed at a cost of Rs 22 billion, adding that it had capacity to produce 17.4 MW electricity. The Minister said that government was paying attention to generate electricity through coal as it was a cheaper source of energy production. APP
ECNEC APPROVES 10 PROJECTS WORTH RS 51,791M ISLAMABAD APP
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday approved 10 developmental projects amounting to Rs 51791.435 million. The meeting of the Committee was held under the Chairmanship of the Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar. The ECNEC which had earlier constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, to review the Kachi Canal Project was informed that the committee had decided to visit the site to ascertain the
progress tomorrow. The field visit report would be submitted to ECNEC later. Three projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be completed with a total funding of Rs. 7160.16 million, while the allocation for one project in Sindh is Rs.2094.747 million, with one project amounting to Rs.4795.80 million in Balochistan, while two projects amounting to Rs.10116.288 million and three Federal Projects amounting to Rs.27684.260 million were also approved by ECNEC in its meeting. The project Reconstruction of Nawabshah-Sanghar Road was approved by ECNEC with the condition that if it would not attract funds from donors/agencies the entire cost would be borne by the Govern-
ment of Sindh. It envisages reconstruction of the existing 61 km road along with the improvement of existing culverts and bridges to improve the existing road width ranging 6-7.3m to 7.3m with 2.5m wide treaded shoulders on both sides. The Dirgi Shabozai (N-70) to Taunsa Sharif road construction project was also approved on the condition that the Balochistan Government would allocate Rs.250 million in its current budget for 2013-2014, while the Federal Government would include its share in the budget 201415 for the project. The plan had been lingering for the past four years, and would reduce the distance between Punjab and Balochistan by 90 kilometers.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chairs a meeting of Executive Committee of National Economic Council. Online
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If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable. –Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Money laundering via equity markets: A skeleton in regulators' closet KARACHI
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HE regulators have finalised some outof-the-box regulatory measures to effectively deal with money laundering that, the local and international detractors claim, is still being carried out by the terrorist networks and other unscrupulous elements through the country's stock markets. British magazine The Economist being the latest one, the critics smell a rat in the intentions of Pakistani regulators who in January 2012 announced a two-year amnesty for the equity investors. The SECP-backed amnesty allows the market participants to buy stocks until June 2014 without divulging the source of funds, much of which is undocumented. The British weekly, in July 27 issue, reported that some people have characterised this amnesty as a gift to corrupt officials and criminals, a statement vehemently contradicted by the KSE management. The apex and front regulators, respectively, at SECP and KSE though refute the claims that black money was being laundered through local bourses they agree that it is "impossible" to put a full stop to the anomaly. Nadeem Naqvi, Managing Director of Karachi Stock Exchange, does not rule out the possibility of money being laundered through the local stocks markets. "Theoretically, some money may have been laundered but we have no evidence of it," Naqvi told Pakistan Today. Even if it was, the MD said, the amount involved must be "negligible" in percentage. "In fact, it is impossible to stop the criminal minded people who would always manage to make their
way," he viewed and was quick to add "But, we can create deterrence against the irregularity to make those involved face the music." Naqvi said the apex regulator, SECP, had long been striving to curb the scourge. Most prominently, the SECP had made it mandatory for every broker on the stocks market to know their customer. Moreover, having already centralised the investors' data at National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL), the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is now all set to axe the role of stocks brokers in the K n o w - Yo u r Customer procedures. "The SECP has initiated the process whereby the K n o w - Yo u r Customer procedure will be centralised at the NCCPL and taken out of the hands of brokers," the managing director said. He said the rules and regulations were finalised and the system software to launch this initiative was at an advanced stage of development. The completion deadline is the current fiscal year. About The Economist's claims, Naqvi said the foreign weekly had over-emphasised the role of Jan 2012 amnesty. Also, he said, the magazine's closing remarks that "you have been warned" were exceedingly unjustified and appeared to display a "discriminatory mindset". Also, the SECP, on May 8, 2012, clarified
that the exemption in question was not available for income derived from a criminal activity under any other law for the time being in force. "The provisions shall only be applicable under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and does not bar asking source of income under any other law including Anti Money Laundering Act, 2010," the Commission maintained. International watchdog like Transparency International-Pakistan (TIP) appears critical of the apex and front regulators' role in curbing illegal activities on the equity market. "There are traders involved in insider trading but SECP instead of taking action is legalising all the negativity," said Adil Gilani, TIP's advisor. "The KSE management too is not acting as per NAB Act 1999," Gilani claimed. Further, Aqeel Kareem Dhedhy, a business tycoon and chairman of AKD Group, tends to take grey areas like money laundering, insider trading and market manipulation, a bit lightly. "It happens everywhere. We are so lenient in punishments. The rules should be stricter," AKD suggested. The stocks broker criticised the elements responsible for removing the regulators who were trying to be fair. "The regulators who tried to be strict and fair were ruthlessly kicked out of the way," claimed Dhedhy.
It happens everywhere. We are lenient in punishments. The rules should be stricter.
Aqeel Kareem Dhedhy
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Saturday, 14 September, 2013
Major Gainers ComPAny Wyeth Pak Ltd Bhanero Tex. Service Ind.Ltd Pak.Int.Cont.SD Faisal Spinning
oPen 3400.00 399.99 301.50 220.10 120.00
HIgH 3570.00 419.98 316.57 229.00 126.00
LoW 3310.00 419.00 305.00 220.00 123.60
CLoSe CHAnge 3500.00 100.00 419.00 19.01 316.57 15.07 227.94 7.84 126.00 6.00
TURnoveR 6,260 700 13,700 10,100 2,000
1615.00 315.00 255.00 360.00 209.01
1615.00 285.00 245.75 350.00 209.00
1615.00 285.00 245.79 350.00 209.01
-84.99 -15.00 -12.89 -11.00 -10.99
60 200 30,000 1,000 8,200
11.40 13.09 8.24 25.97 3.20
10.52 12.60 7.50 24.15 2.77
10.62 12.69 7.83 25.77 3.10
-0.23 0.06 -0.05 1.03 0.34
19,768,500 17,151,500 16,440,000 15,424,000 11,639,000
Major Losers Colgate PalmolivXDXB 1699.99 Khyber Tobacco 300.00 Treet Corporat 258.68 Philip Morris Pak. 361.00 Sunrays Textile 220.00
Volume Leaders Jah.Sidd. Co. B.O.Punjab Pak Elektron(R) Maple Leaf Cement Dewan Salman
10.85 12.63 7.88 24.74 2.76
Interbank Rates USD GBP JPY EURO
PKR 104.9590 PKR 165.8982 PKR 1.0530 PKR 139.4485
Forex Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar China Yuan Euro Japanese Yen Saudi Riyal U.A.E Dirham UK Pound Sterling US Dollar
BUy
SeLL
97.25 101 16.5 140 1.052 28.05 28.7 166.5 105.5
97.5 101.25 16.75 140.25 1.065 28.3 28.95 166.75 105.75
CORPORATE CORNER PIA operates five flights on fourth day of Haj operations
Buksh Energy launches solar water filtration plant in rural Sahiwal LAHORE: Buksh Energy installed its first solar water filtration plant in Chak 115 – Sahiwal District. The installation is part of the initiative Buksh Energy has taken with its sister company, Buksh Foundation, one of many ways in which the two organizations work to support and uplift the rural communities of Pakistan. Together, they founded the Lighting a Million Lives (LAML) project, which collaborates with local multilateral corporations to sponsor the conversion of villages in rural Punjab, which suffer from severe load shedding or are not connected to the grid at all, to solar power. Having received recognition for their exemplary social contributions both locally and internationally, Buksh Energy is, with this latest project, building on the existing base in the alternative energy sector and ushering it into another aspect of village life in Pakistan which requires much attention and improvement: the dearth of clean water. These solar water filtration plants function based on the principle of reverse osmosis, providing sanitary and hygienic water in areas with a low water table. A single plant will supply unpolluted water for drinking, cleaning, cooking and irrigation to 100 – 150 households. The filtration plant installed in Sahiwal is only 240W, but for the people of Chak 115, it is plenty. Since the plant is not excessively large, it will not require any alternate source of energy, such as a generator or electricity from the grid. Its water delivery is of 700 – 900 liters per hour and has the capacity to store up to 6,000 liters of water. PRESS RELEASE
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines on the fourth day of its Hajj Operation operated five special hajj flights while carrying around 2200 Hujjaj to the Holy Land. On Thursday, PIA’s PK2107 carrying 503 Hujjaj left Islam Abad at 5.20AM, another flight from PK2207 carrying 501 Islamabad at 11.25, from Peshawar PK2007 carrying 329 at 2.00PM, from Lahore PK2307 took off at 7.20PM carrying 503 and from Quetta PK2707 carrying 329 pilgrims left to Jeddah. The departure and arrival of all flights was on time. Till now the total uplift of intending pilgrims stand at7, 000 by seventeen hajj flights. So far, two Hajj flights from Karachi carried 602, four flights from Lahore 1,951; six flights from Islamabad 2,810; three flights from Peshawar 903 and two flights from Quetta carried 656 Hujjaj to Saudi Arabia. On Friday, 13th September, a total of five special flights are scheduled to operate; two from Lahore and one each from Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad. PIA Spokesperson concluded. PRESS RELEASE
NBP awards Gujranwala customers LAHORE: NBP distributed prizes in Gujranwala among its customers as part of the remittance promotional activities in the city. A marketing campaign in collaboration with Western Union was recently conducted to reward our customers. NBP’s SEVP/Group Chief & Chairman NBP Exchange Co. Ltd, Mr. Khalid Bin Shaheen along with Senior Regional Executives distributed valuable prizes amongst the lucky winners who collected home remittance payments from the NBP branches sent from Saudi Arabia. National Bank of Pakistan is truly the nation’s bank. NBP is working hard to extend its outreach to customers both inside and outside the country to facilitate overseas remitters and their loved ones at home. The prizes were distributed to customers collecting home remittance payment from NBP branches. The prizes consisted of Umrah Ticket and Android PC Tablet. PRESS RELEASE
PTCL offers discount on landline, broadband ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), the largest integrated ICT services provider has kicked off a new ‘reconnect campaign’ offering its landline and broadband customers 50% discount in outstanding dues on reviving their landline connections. The offer is available to customers who have disconnected their landline or broadband connection before August 31, 2013. Customers availing this offer will also be able to enjoy 50% discount on monthly broadband charges till March 2014, while no fee will be charged on reconnecting. As Pakistan’s fastest and most affordable broadband service, PTCL’s ‘Broadband Pakistan’ offers seamless internet experience, uninterrupted streaming and fastest downloading speeds. PTCL landline and broadband remains the backbone of the telecom and internet industry of Pakistan and is the largest voice and data network in the country. The landline service of the company also offers the most affordable rates, enabling customers to stay connected with their relatives and friends. PRESS RELEASE
Bahrians celebrate International Literacy Day ISLAMABAD: Literacy is a right and a foundation for lifelong learning, better well-being and livelihoods. Also, it is a driver for sustainable and inclusive development. Bahria University Islamabad has taken an initiative for International Literacy Day and celebrated in the Village of Klanjer, near Naval Headquarters from 9th to 11th September 2013 where the Bahria Students organized healthy activities for the children and their parents. Bahrian Student Volunteers added colors in this activity. The activity was based on three days sessions for the village children every day; tutoring activity, awareness lecture and outdoor games. Awareness programs were held by the volunteer student telling them about the basic standards of education, also awareness lectures on personal hygiene, general etiquettes, environmental pollution and ‘Say No to Drugs’ talks. The sessions ended with the distribution of small handbags having coloring books, stationery, and lunch boxes which were the expression of our dedication and adoration towards them. Finally, before leaving with the promises of bringing more help and betterment to the village, the importance of education was highlighted to all children and their parents to ensure that they are all directed towards the right path despite their constraints. PRESS RELEASE