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ECB to take all necessary measures for prices: Noyer Page 02
profit.com.pk
Wednesday, 25 April, 2012
FAILING TO CEMENT PRICES
COMMENT
Not so out-of-the-box solutions
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Inflationary trends in Pakistan playing havoc with cement industry: Experts g Cement companies’ balance sheets are all over the place g Cumulative loss of cement units for last FY was Rs 5.681b g Steel prices fare no better g
LAHORE
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STAFF REPORT
N exhaustive analysis of inflationary trends in Pakistan interestingly reveals that ex-factory prices of cement per bag have not increased in proportion to other construction industry inputs in the last ten years, which has rendered the balance sheets of most cement companies impaired and the industry has been recording huge financial losses. During the last financial year i.e. 20102011, 11 cement units suffered loss before taxation aggregating to Rs5.681 billion while 7 cement units, of which 2 are located near Karachi in close proximity to the sea port, earned profit of Rs5.982 billion. At the end of last fiscal, industry debts to financial institutions have risen to a massive
Rs125.3 billion and cement units located in the North are particularly challenged and are unable to service their debts. According to data compiled, the price of bricks has gone up by Rs 2,800 per 1,000 in just 6 months of the current fiscal, while it increased only by Rs 2,400 in the 10 year period from 2000 to 2010. The current price of 1,000 bricks is Rs 7,000 which was Rs 4,200 in the year 2010-11. While the price of the same number of bricks was Rs 1,800 in the year 2000 and reached Rs 4,200 by the year 2010. Similarly, steel prices have increased by Rs 6,000 per ton in just 4 years since 2007-08 and prices witnessed increase of Rs 30,000 in just one year from Rs 40,000 per ton to Rs 70,000 per ton from 2006-07 to 2007-08. Prior to this massive increase, steel prices increased on average by Rs 3,000 in the 7 year period from 2000 to
OVER-PROTECTED
On yer bike, mate! g
40 years and a lot of whining and unbounded volumes of confusion later, govt decides to withdraw protection from motorcycle industry LAHORE IMRAN ADNAN
he federal government has decided to open motorcycle manufacturing after a long protection of four decades as the Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCOI) has directed the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) to slash tariff for new entrants and Completely Built Unit (CBU). Official documents made available to Pakistan Today show that the tariff reduction decision was made in the recent CCOI meeting that instructed the MOC to
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2006. In addition to this, provincial tax on mining has been at the rate of Rs33 per ton for last three years, which was Rs18 in the financial year of 2008-09. This almost doubled in just one year. In the year 2000 it was Rs12 per ton and reached to Rs18 with the increase of Rs6 in the nine years from 2000 to 2008-09. There was an increase of Rs15 in just one year in the year 2009-10. The mentioning of input cost increase in packing prices would not be out of place here as it has witnessed the increase of Rs7.54 per bag in the last 4.6 years, while it had the increase of only Rs3.11 in 8 years from 2000-01 to 2007-08. Currently one bag costs Rs 20.65, and the price of one bag was Rs 13.11 in the year 2007-08, while it was just Rs 10 in the year 2000-01. This means the price of one bag doubled in ten yeaRs. In contrast to the above, ex-factory
cut tariff for new entrant and CBU. “The CCOI unanimously recommended tariff reduction for new entrants from 15 per cent to five per cent for five years duration and CBU from 65 per cent to 35 per cent”, and directed the MoC to move a summary to the CCOI accordingly. The MoC has prepared that summary as per direction, which would be submitted in the forthcoming CCOI meeting. Documents further indicate that a follow-up meeting of tariff rationalisation case of Motorcycle Project in Pakistan was held on 5th April 2012 in which representatives of motorcycle industry and committee members under the Chairmanship of Planning Commission Deputy Chairman participated. The chair inquired about the issues in the tariff rationalisation of motorcycle industry of Pakistan. The Chairman / Minister of State of Board of Investment (BOI) Saleem h Mandiwala pointed out that the high tariff rates were the main hurdle in attracting investment in the motorcycle industry in country. he suggested that there was need to rationalise these rates for new entrants. Similarly, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr Nadeem-ul-haq observed that artificial barriers needed to be removed and no protection to local industry after long period of 40 years of its running “holistic approach pertaining to duty is required rather than imposition/reduction of duty on Components and Subcomponents”, he asserted. The National Tariff Commission Chairman in its presentation highlighted the background of the case and stated that earlier a meeting of the tariff rationalisation committee was held on January 18th, 2012, wherein it was decided that NTC in consultation with engineering Development Board (eDB) would conduct a study and put-forth the recommendations pertaining to rationalisation of
price of a cement bag was Rs179 in the year 2000-01 and now it stands at Rs370 by this financial year. Despite rapid increases in input costs, cement prices increased only by Rs 139 per one bag. The compounded annual growth rate of cement prices was 6.28% in the last ten years, which is well below the inflation rate. Besides all this, the devaluation of Pakistani rupee against the US dollar has played very negative role for the cement industry by dint of its heavy impact on almost everything. In the year 2000-01 one US dollar was costing Rs63, and now it is at Rs91. There was a devaluation of Rs5 in the 8 years from the year 2000-01 to 2007-08, but gained pace and the Pakistani rupee got devalued by about Rs23 in last 5 yeaRsOne dollar was at Rs68 in the year 2007-08 and now after 6 months of the current financial year it has reached to Rs91.
duty on Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and CBU within a month’s time. NTC after doing all the necessary procedures considered the following issues in consultation with major stakeholders: “Whether the domestic industry is adequately protected or the protection offered an industry is or the higher side; and “Whether the incentive in the existing scheme for new entrants are adequate or not? he further added that in-depth analysis of the issues revealed the following with regard to motor cycle industry in Pakistan: “The industry survived behind high tariff walls. however, due to lack of competition the industry could not be developed as an efficient industry and remained as a ‘negative value added industry’. This conclusion is true for both motorcycle industry and the vendor industry”. “Due to infinite protection, which at present is prohibitive for imports of parts as well as CBU motor cycles, manufacturers heavily depended on easy resulted into lack of research an, development and innovation”. “The Industry is as old as 40 years and no more a ‘nascent industry’. Therefore argument of nascent industry could not apply to the existing industry. It also cannot be argued that the industry could not achieve volume of production necessary or achieving the economies of scale”. “The protection of the vendor industry increased over time in-spite of trade liberalisation in other sectors, after the end of ‘Deletion Policy’ in 2005.
he president does have a calming effect of sorts about him. Be it addressing media frenzy about a (possible) flight to safety, or soothing upset business lobbies, his presence cannot be faulted for leaving too much unanswered for too long. So it was when he sat down with aptma the other day, their concerns about diminishing markets, decreasing exports and dilapidated production all settled in turn, quite amicably. And while energy shortage prompted a call to the petroleum minister, with promise of 5-day uninterrupted supply, the lower interest rate demand got a favourable nod as well. Very interesting. Simply put, aptma has two simple demands. (It has had them for some time actually!). ensure adequate energy and cheaper credit for the country’s largest industrial sector, 45 per cent non-farm labour force employer and 60 per cent export revenue contributor. And really that is about all it is in need of, for the time being. Two questions come up quickly. One, why did it take the president all the way till the end of the government’s term to realise the sector’s centrality to GDP growth (9 per cent)? Two, what did his spokesman really mean (Farhatullah Babar), quoting him, implying industry will needed “out of the box solutions” to grow and succeed and so on and so forth? As is evident by the demands, solutions needed are quite straight forward. Without energy, industry can and will not reach its production possibility frontier. And without credit, investment, both local and foreign, will not come. Plain and simple. Now all that needs doing is ensuring the 5-day uninterrupted supply promise is honoured, and restoring sanity to monetary policy. That, of course, will mean the government must overcome its addiction to cheap money, retreat from the money market, and stop crowding out private sector investment. Text-book really, nothing out-of-the-box about it.
There is a lack of policy for new entrants in motorcycle industry and they are heavily depended up on clones of ‘honda 70’ and Chinese parts only. The existing vendor base of the parts manufacturers helped the mushroom growth of copying assemblers but discouraged the research and development. It seems essential that existing manufacturer as well as new entrants be encouraged to carry out research and development and innovations”, document stated. In the light of the indepth analysis’, the NTC has recommended to maintain zero and 5 per cent tariff for raw material and subcomponent while tariff reduction to 5 per cent from 20 per cent for component and subassemblers.
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Wednesday, 25 April, 2012
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news
PRICE PuZZLE
DOuGH MINTING
ECB to take all necessary MCB’s making measures for prices: Noyer money alright! NEW YORK
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Profit before tax up to Rs8.7b in first quarter g Net income Rs 10.7b, non-markup income up by 20pc to Rs 2.4b g
REUTERS
UROPe’S central bank will take “all necessary measures” to stabilise prices, and banks and governments should see its recent exceptional measures as a “window of opportunity” to make improvements, eCB governing council member Christian Noyer said on Monday. Noyer was one of two eCB policymakers to speak about the importance of remaining focused on the central bank’s mission of keeping prices in check. Recent funding operations to help stave off a liquidity crunch have raised worries about inflation among hard-liners. “First and foremost, we are providing price stability and will continue to take all necessary measures to fulfill this mandate,” Noyer, who is also governor of the Bank of France, said at a conference at the New York Stock exchange. “Moreover, our recent exceptional and temporary measures should be seen as a window of opportunity for banks to strengthen their balance sheets and for governments to step up their efforts in a less troubled financial environment.” German Bundesbank head and eCB governing council member Jens Weidmann, speaking at a separate event in New York, also discussed the importance of this mandate, saying monetary policy must not lose sight of its primary objective to maintain price stability in the euro area. “Monetary policymakers must do what is necessary once upside risks for euro-area inflation increase,” Weidmann said. “Delivering on its primary goal of maintaining price stability is essential for safeguarding the most precious resource a central bank can command: credibility.” Berlin opposes any extension of the eCB’s mission and sees capping inflation as the best way to promote growth, as that keeps down medium and long-term interest rates. The eCB held rates at a record
KARACHI, STAFF REPORT
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low of 1 percent earlier this month, while eCB President Mario Draghi dismissed a German-led push for the bank to start planning an exit from emergency measures. The bank also pumped over 1 trillion euros into the financial system with twin 3-year funding operations, or LTROs, to stave off a credit crunch late last year. Some at the eCB are concerned that the move could fuel inflation pressures. Noyer said the positive effects from the LTROs have already materialized. “It is too early to assess the extent to which these measures will ‘trickle down’ to the financing of the real economy,” he added at the Paris europlace Financial Forum. “But the fact that more banks participated in the second operation... indicates that the money is now closer to small- and mediumsized enterprises than it was before.” “SLEEP MODE”: eCB governing council member ewald Nowotny also weighed in on Monday, saying it makes sense for the central bank to wait and observe the performance of the low-interest loan operations. Nowotny, who is also governor of the National Bank of Austria, characterized the bank’s bond-buying program as being in “sleep
mode,” but said new targeted measures can be decided if need be. The new policy measures could be taken if stress makes a comeback in europe, “but I don’t see a need now,” Nowotny said in a speech at New York University. “This is a common view” of eCB monetary policymakers, added Nowotny. Any new bondbuying would meet strong resistance from the Bundesbank, which has opposed the reactivation of the Securities Market Program (SMP). The program went unused for the sixth week in a row last week, the bank said on Monday, showing no sign of responding to Spain and Italy’s slipping back into the market’s sights in the debt crisis. Over the weekend, top eCB policymakers attending the International Monetary Fund’s spring meetings rebuffed the IMF’s call for the bank to cut its policy interest rate below 1 percent and be prepared to provide more public funding to banks to reduce the risk of a new flare-up of the crisis. Weidmann said the eCB will raise interest rates when there is a growing risk of prices rising above its target, and warned that employing too loose a policy now would increase risks to financial and price stability in the future.
MECCAWARD
LINE OF ATTACk
ACCA comes up with the strategy for growth LAHORE STAFF REPORT
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VeRY year, ACCA Pakistan submits its budget proposals to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the theme for the budget proposals 2012-13 is strategy for growth. ACCA Pakistan’s budget proposals support fair taxation policies by making recommendations aimed at enterprise growth, social equality, environment conversion and promoting savings and investments. In order to facilitate industry, government and financial expert engagement and perspective sharing on the shape of the upcoming Federal Budget, ACCA Pakistan is organising a Pre-Budget Seminar at Serena hotel, Islamabad on 27 April 2012. Strong fiscal policies backed by long term stability are the need of the hour for a sustainable economic growth of Pakistan. Fiscal measures with long term strategy are
required to create opportunities for investment, industrialisation and employment generation. Power shortages and inflation are the two key challenges faced by our economy and the improved tax collection system can lead the growth of business in the country. In the session, ACCA Pakistan and other experts will discuss various recommendations on the upcoming budget 2012-13. The seminar speakers include Mumtaz haider Rizvi, Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Yaser Sakhi Butt, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Malik Munir, Member ACCA Pakistan Taxation Sub-committee, and Ayla Majid, Vice Chairperson, ACCA Pakistan Members Network Panel along with Arif Masud Mirza, head of ACCA Pakistan and Noor Aftab, head of ACCA Islamabad. The seminar will be attended by economists, employers and members from the financial fraternity.
PAkISTAN-LIbYA TRADE RELATIONS DISCuSSED AT ICCI
LCCI lauds the three musketeers Izhar Construction, Phrma Health Pakistan and Model Steel earn laurels for the country g Trio among 40 award-winning companies from the Islamic world g
LAHORE
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OARD of Directors of the MCB Bank met Tuesday under the chairmanship of Mian Mohammad Mansha to review the bank’s performance and approve the financial statements for the first quarter that ended March 31. According to Muhammad Kafeel Y. Burney, head of Public Affairs, the bank has registered outstanding results for the 1QCY2012 by posting profit before tax of Rs 8.7 billion and profit after tax of Rs 5.6 billion with an annual increase of 10% and 12%, respectively. The net markup income of the bank, Burney said, was reported at Rs 10.7 billion whereas non-markup income increased by 20% to Rs 2.4 billion. The Administrative expenses witnessed a controlled increase of 11% over corresponding period last year. however, there was a significant decrease in the provisioning expense of 94%, said he. Financial position of the bank, he said,
strengthened with Rs 13.4 billion rise in assets base closing at Rs 666.6 billion as of March 31. Total investments increased by Rs 11 billion of which addition of Rs 10 billion was contributed by PIBs. Gross advances also increased by 2% to Rs. 252.8 billion during the first quarter while the infection ratio improved to 10.39% (Dec 2011: 10.75%) as a result of 2% decrease in nonperforming loans over December 2011. The deposits increased by 4% (YoY: 11%) to Rs 512.1 billion, with 8% increase in savings accounts, 3% increase in current accounts and 2% decrease in term deposits. This improved the CASA ratio to 82% compared to 81% as of December 31, 2011. earnings per share (ePS) for the quarter came to Rs 6.14 compared to Rs. 5.46 for March 31, 2011. Return on assets improved to 3.42%, return on equity improved to 28.09% whereas book value per share stood at 88.94. According to Burney, the bank’s Board declared cash dividend of Rs 3.0 (March 31, 2011: cash dividend Rs. 3.0 per share) for the said quarter.
STAFF REPORT
zhAR Construction, Phrma health Pakistan and Model Steel earned laurels for the country by winning prestigious Muslim excellence & Competitiveness Corporations’ Award (MeCCAward) at a prestigious ceremony held in Istanbul. The three Pakistani business entities were among the 40 companies from the Islamic countries who won this award at a ceremony held in the presence of presidents of chambers of commerce and industry of Islamic countries as well as top managers of successful organizations from Islamic countries. To celebrate this unmatched and marvelous accomplishment of these Pakistani companies, the LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh, Senior Vice President Kashif Younis Meher and Commissioner MeeCAwards for Pakistan hasnain Reza Mirza during a meeting with the Chief executive Officers of these companies at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry paid rich tributes to them for earning respect for Pakistan. The LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said that it is a great achievement that would go a long way in giving good name to Pakistani companies working around the globe.
The LCCI Senior Vice President Kashif Younis Meher said that these Pakistani companies by winning MeeCAwards have proved that they are second top none. he said that it was a great thing that the MeeCAwards Certificates were handed over by the President of MeCCAward Dr. Mohammad Nahavanian, Assistant Secretary General of Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ms Attia Nawazish Ali in the presence of hundreds of businessmen from the Islamic world. The Chief executives of Izhar Construction and Pharma health Pakistan, Yaqoob Tahir Izhar, Khawaja shahzeb Akram and Manager Branding Amir Dar received the appreciation certificates from the LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh while the LCCI former President Mian Muzaffar ali was also present on the occasion. earlier, the Commissioner MeeCAwards for Pakistan hasnain Reza Mirza gave a detailed briefing on the selection criteria of MeeCAwards. he said that only those companies were selected which either had received their National Business excellence award, or demonstrated a satisfactory performance in sustainable improvement, identified by MeCCAward Secretariat. The countries recognized for Islamic World appreciation are Azerbaija, Jordan, Turkey, Bahrain, egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait, Kazkhstan, Tunis, Syria, UAe, Malaysia, Qatar, Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Historical relations: Check Religious commonality: Check Economic ties: Err… ISLAMABAD APP
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AKISTAN and Libya need to improve their commercial and economic relations to promote bilateral trade and investment by taking advantage of new business opportunities. This was stated by the head of Libyan Mission, Abdel Salam Mahdi Ali al-Rqxi while talking to President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Yassar Sakhi Butt here on Tuesday. The head of Libyan Mission said that both the countries have common historical relations that could provide a sound base for promoting and strengthening trade and economic ties. he informed that Pakistani business community could get
new lucrative opportunities in Libya in sectors of textiles, leather, pharmaceutical and construction. There is an increasing demand for Pakistani sheep in Libya, thus, Pakistani businessmen should consider Libya for joint ventures in the area of common interest. Speaking on the occasion, President ICCI said that Pakistan and Libya has still unexplored market for businessmen of both countries. he said frequent exchange of business delegations and establishing direct B2B contacts are the options which should be used to exploit untapped bilateral trade and investment potential in both countries. President ICCI said that Pakistan and Libya have low trade volume which should
further be enhanced through emphasizing on non-traditional items for the mutual benefit of the people of two countries. he said Pakistani products including rice, sports goods, surgical instruments, pharmaceutical, leather & textile products could be exported to Libya and proposed that Libyan businessmen should look into the opportunities to develop business relation in the identified areas. Yassar Sakhi Butt also underlined the need to enhance cooperation in the field of defense and Liquefied Petroleum Gas that would provide an opportunity to both the countries to come closer. ICCI President said that the business communities of Pakistan and Libya have to play a vital role for promotion of bilateral trade and their greater mutual interaction is needed to achieve the ultimate objectives. he ensured full support of ICCI in emerging trade and investment activities adding that organizing of joint cultural shows was the option which could be used to exploit untapped bilateral trade and investment potential in both countries.
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Wednesday, 25 April, 2012
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PMEX announces listing of 10oz gold futures contract KARACHI STAFF REPORT
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AKISTAN Mercantile exchange Limited (PMeX) has announced the listing of the gold 10 ounces futures contract this week. Trading in the newly-inducted contract started right after the listing. PMeX has currently three contracts at the months of June, July and August expiries. The listing of the 10 oz gold contract has added further depth to the market for the investors who actively invest and trade regularly in the commodity. PMeX 10 Oz gold contracts are cash settled futures contracts. Trading Unit for the contract is 10 Troy Ounces and the price quotation is in US dollars per troy ounce while the tick size is .10 per troy ounce. Primary advantage of the contract is to provide market participants with more options to trade and hedge over a transparent platform. PMeX will continue to follow the tight risk management procedures and controls that it has pioneered in Pakistan and that have stood it in good stead, especially in recent times of immense volatility in the international markets.
Bulls cement authority, index up 49 points KARACHI
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STAFF REPORT
he bulls kept dominating Karachi stocks market on Tuesday with benchmark, KSe 100-share index gained 49.15 points. The day saw the index closing up by 0.35 percent at 14,132.59 points against 14,083.44 points of first working day of the week Monday. higher global commodities, rising local and export cement prices, expectations for stronger quarter-end results played a catalyst role in bullish sentiments at KSe, said Abdul Azeem, an analyst at InvestCap. On Tuesday, the trading volumes at the readycounter were recorded higher at 297.163 million shares against 213.340 million shares of the previous day. The trading value increased to Rs 8.864 billion compared to Rs 5.367 billion of the previous session. The intraday high and low, respectively, stood at 14,223.39 and 14,083.44 points. he added that the Pakistan Stocks closed higher amid renewed institutional & foreign interest lead by third tier stocks. The market capitalization increased to Rs 3.617 trillion
from Rs 3.605 trillion a day earlier. Of the total 372 traded scrips, 171 gained, 145 lost and 56 finished as unchanged. The free-float KSe-30 index also gained 16.46 points to close at 12,382.87 points against the previous 12,366.41 points. D.G.K Cement was the day’s volume leader counting its traded shares at 35.756 million with the opening and closing rates standing at Rs 44.71 and Rs 42.59, followed by Lafarge Pakistan, Fauji Cement, P.T.C.L.A and National Bank XDXB with turnover of 25.307 million, 20.969 million, 19.626 million and 12.882 million shares respectively. According to analyst the Index remained over a narrow range amid investor interest in selected oil, cement and banking stocks ahead of key quarter end earning announcements due next week. On the future market, the turnover remains higher by over one million shares to 24.885 million against 23.426 million shares of Monday. The UniLever Pakistan Limited XD and Rafhan Maize XD, up Rs 149.43 and Rs 113.88, led highest price gainers while, Wyeth Pakistan Limited XD and Bata Pakistan XD, down Rs 37.71 and Rs 31.57 respectively, led the losers.
Major Gainers Company
Open
High
Low
Close
Change
Turnover
UniLever Pak Ltd Bata (Pak) XD Indus Motor Company Shezan Inter. National Foods
5930.00 649.17 270.65 129.49 122.58
6215.00 681.62 283.75 135.96 128.70
5900.00 650.00 262.10 124.10 121.00
5971.83 678.19 280.17 135.89 128.37
41.83 49 29.02 96 9.52 1,739 6.40 1,208 5.79 18,837
Major Losers Rafhan MaizeXD Indus Dyeing Nestle PakXD Colgate Palmolive Packages Ltd.XD
2717.88 384.61 4318.45 791.00 102.74
2750.00 365.50 4530.00 805.00 105.00
2582.00 365.38 4252.00 776.00 97.61
2590.31 365.40 4301.05 781.00 98.35
13.82 14.27 18.98 5.53 7.02
12.88 13.20 18.00 4.85 6.68
13.09 13.92 18.09 5.15 6.77
-127.57 306 -19.21 121 -17.40 225 -10.00 60 -4.39 43,739
Volume Leaders Engro Polymer P.T.C.L.A Jah.Sidd. Co. Lafarge Pakistan Fauji Cement
12.82 13.27 18.83 5.41 6.88
0.27 0.65 -0.74 -0.26 -0.11
27,867,103 22,743,410 18,563,518 14,894,981 12,882,622
Interbank Rates US Dollar UK Pound Japanese Yen euro
90.7126 146.0110 1.1096 119.4504
Dollar East US Dollar Euro Great Britain Pound Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar Hong Kong Dollar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal Australian Dollar
Buy
Sell
91.00 119.48 145.88 1.1033 90.98 11.57 24.70 24.20 93.24
91.60 120.60 147.21 1.1133 92.32 11.74 24.90 24.39 95.55
CORPORATE CORNER New SAP Managing Director for Pakistan, emerging markets
KARACHI: SAP Pakistan recently announced the appointment of Darren Rushworth as executive Managing Director of SAP Pakistan and the emerging Markets. The appointment comes into effect from April 01, 2012. “Darren has lived in Asia for 16 years and has extensive experience in Sales, Marketing, Strategic Alliance and Management. Before joining SAP, Rushworth was the Managing Director and the Vice President of a software company in Asia Pacific for more than 20 years. Darren has been in the information technology industry for over 20 years, the past 16 based in Asia. he is very experienced in doing business in Pakistan and the adjoining region and has been involved in initiatives and promoting private-public partnerships through academic programs across the expanse. On the occasion of the announcement, Rushworth said, “I am excited to be part of SAP Pakistan and the emerging Markets as the region is poised to grow further. We are also confident that we can meet this year’s targets and effectively address the company’s 4 points, namely technology innovation, SMe solutions, ecosystems and cloud computing.” PRESS RELEASE
3rd generation Intel Core processors bring exciting new experiences to the PC ISLAMABAD: Intel Corporation today introduced the quad-core 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor family, delivering dramatic visual and performance computing gains for gamers, media enthusiasts and mainstream users alike. Available now in powerful, high-end desktop, laptop and sleek all-in-one (AIO) designs, the new processors are the first chips in the world made using Intel’s 22-nanometer (nm) 3-D tri-Gate transistor technology. The combination of Intel’s cutting-edge 3-D tri-gate transistor technology and architectural enhancements help make possible up to double the 3-D graphics and hD media processing performance compared with
Intel’s previous generation of chips. PRESS RELEASE
Engro Corp announces new president, CEO ISLAMABAD: The Board of Directors of engro Corporation Limited today announced the appointment of Muhammad Aliuddin Ansari as the new President & CeO of engro Corp. Mr. Ansari takes over the Company from the outgoing President & CeO, Asad Umar who had served engro for over 27 years in various roles before taking over as the President in 2004. Prior to joining engro Corp. Muhammad Aliuddin was the CeO of Dewan Drilling, Pakistan’s first independent Oil & Gas drilling Company. he started off his career as an Investment Manager at WorldInvest/ Bank of America in London and has also served as the CeO of AKD Securities and COO, emerging europe for Credit Lyonnais Securities. he has also served on the board s of Lucky Cement, the Karachi Stock exchange, National Clearing Company of Pakistan and Al Meezan Investment Management. he has been a member of the engro Corp board since 2009 and is also on the Board Audit Committee and is the Chairman of the Board Investment Committee. PRESS RELEASE
PTCL holds painting extravaganza on energy conservation
Pakistan is today celebrating its 3rd birthday with great zest and enthusiasm, the organization which has achieved ultimate and tremendous hallmarks in this short span of time. The Group went to the peak of success due to the high profiled vision and mission of Group’s Chairman engr. Jawed Salim Qureshi and due to the untiring efforts of the group’s employees. In these 3 years, the Group managed to open Pakistan’s largest agricultural franchise network Tarzan Markaz spread all over the country with more than 600 branches providing high quality agricultural products and services at the same time. The group also opened top of the line franchise network BioTraders across the country with presently more than 300 branches. Group Chairman’s peaked vision managed the Group’s employees work hard and launched Corporate Farming on over more than 5000 acres land all over Pakistan, which is a new and diversified concept in the Pakistan agro history. PRESS RELEASE
APC by Schneider Electric Delivers White Paper on Data Centre Management Software
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL ) held a painting exhibition on the theme of “energy Conservation for Future Generations” for its employees and their families as part of its employee engagement drive. held at the PTCL headquarters, the colorful exhibition was inaugurated by PTCL President & CeO, Mr. Walid Irshaid. Senior executive Vice President hR, Mr. Syed Mazhar hussain; Director Jharoka Art Gallery, Mrs. Nahida Raza; Senior Art Professor, Ms. Geytee Ara; and Contemporary Artist & Curator, Ms. Shehlla Moazzam were also present on the occasion. More than 500 paintings were submitted by PTCL employees and their families from all over Pakistan, which were evaluated by the guest artists. Of these, 40 paintings have been short-listed from all regions for participation in the final event of the ‘Painting extravaganza’ to be held later this month. Following its inauguration, the exhibition was opened for all employees to visit along with their families and enjoy the colorful display of paintings depicting PTCL’s rich diversity of age groups and regions. PRESS RELEASE
LAHORE: APC by Schneider electric, a global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, has published a new White Paper on ‘how Data Centre Management Software Improves Planning and Cuts Operational Costs’. The document demonstrates the ability of data centres to help businesses respond more quickly to changing market demands and mark a significant growth on the bottom line. According to Uptime Institute, a division of the 451 Group, the market for data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) systems will grow from US$500 million in 2010 to US$7.5 billion by 2020. Forecasts indicate that challenges of higher-density computing, dynamic workloads and the need for efficient energy consumption will drive demand for software to help organisations plan, operate at low cost, and analyse systems for workflow improvement. Furthermore, Uptime Institute suggests IT and business executives are aware that improved physical infrastructure planning, minor system reconfiguration, and small process changes can save significant financial spend on energy and operations. however, only higher visibility, more control, and improved automation can help deliver on the commitment of producing business value. PRESS RELEASE
Four brothers Group Pakistan celebrates 3rd anniversary
4TH Pakistan Oil & Gas Forum 2012 in Islamabad on May 12
KARACHI: Internationally famous and Pakistan’s top agricultural organization Four Brothers Group
LAHORE: The 4Th Pakistan Oil & Gas Forum 2012 organized annually by Shamrock Conferences
International will be held on May 12 at the Serena hotel Islamabad. The theme of this year’s premier oil & gas meeting is “energy to Drive Pakistan and Resources to Fuel Growth”. The Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, Dr. Asim hussain has been invited to inaugurate the conference which comes at a crucial juncture in the quest for addressing the country’s energy challenges and the pipelines dilemma. The Secretary Petroleum, Mr. M. ejaz Choudhry, is expected to deliver the Keynote Address and highlight the salient features of the new Petroleum Policy 2012. PRESS RELEASE
HbFCL condemns defamatory campaign by vested interests LAHORE: The house Building Finance Company Limited (hBFCL) strongly condemns the concerted campaign being carried out by unscrupulous vested interests, to defame the country’s leading housing finance institution and its management through the media. Recent news reports appearing in various newspapers and an online portal bear highly defamatory and malicious allegations that distort facts and aim at spreading mistrust and confusion. It is surprising that an organization like Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) which projects itself as the protector of public interest, has apparently also being misguided by this nefarious campaign by releasing statements to the media, without even exercising basic transparency itself by first seeking hBFCL’s viewpoint on these issues. PRESS RELEASE
IkRF, bISP sign MOu regarding mutual cooperation TEHRAN: Federal Minister and Chairperson BISP Madame Farzana Raja, on her second day of high level visit to Iran, signed an important MoU with head of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation (IKRF) Mr. hossein Anvari. According to this MoU, both parties express their willingness to strengthen the humanitarian and relief activities for the promotion of social security of needy and disadvantaged people, which will strengthen and safeguard their well-being, honor and dignity. This agreement further calls for closer relations between the humanitarian organizations of the two countries, in collaboration of IKRF and BISP. By signing this agreement BISP and IKRF has pledged for utilizing their useful experience in presenting successful management and supportive models in the field of social services including employment through vocational & technical education, providing livelihood and health services, providing shelter and education for the needy and empowerment of women. PRESS RELEASE