The value added textile industry facing serious problems,
Mr. Muhammad Jawed Bilwani is the Chairman of Pakistan Apparel Forum, which is the Joint forum of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Pakistan Knitwear and Sweater Exporters Association, Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association and Pakistan Cotton Fashion Apparels Manufacturers & Exporters Association. Mr. Jawed Bilwani was born in Karachi and he got his primary and secondary education from Mumbai Brotherhood School. In the same context he passed his Higher Secondary School examination from St. Patrick, graduation from Islamia College and L.L.B from Islamia Law College. He has also done Master in Political Science. He owns M/s J.B Industries in S.I.T.E Area Karachi. After completing his education he attached to his family business. His family is in the industry & trade from the very beginning. His father had a great name and respect in Yarn business in Pakistan. He introduced polyester yarn and Nylon yarn in Pakistan. He was the first exporter of Polyester yarn and Nylon yarn in Pakistan. He forbade his son not to turn back from his promise despite going in loss. Mr. Bilwani While starting his career in business, firstly he stood by his father in business then he accommodated in Dying Finishing factory and gained too much experience from there. By his continual efforts he constituted Knitting and Hosiery Dying Unit. He exported fabrics and garments to many countries. This is what he have a simple introduction and by the grace of Allah he have a great name in the market.  >>>>>

The GEL is the first dedicated environmental lab in Pakistan
Asim Mehmood while sharing exclusive views with Business Monitor
Mr. Asim Mehmood, the Technical Director of the Global Environmental Lab, has recently explored his technicalities regarding wasted water treatment Plant in Karachi. He has been auditors in companies. He acquired his M. Phil degree in Environment. He achieved the goals in Punjab that he set there and now he is seeking and developing his aims and mission to flourish the industry of karachiites.

By: Mawaiz Khan Akash
Global Environmental Lab (Private) Limited (GEL) was established in 1996, is the first dedicated environmental lab of Pakistan that is owned and managed by the private sector.
After more than a decade of meticulous research and development, the lab has grown from initial operations being limited to the effluent analysis of certain parameters of NEQS to the additions of specialized and highly skilled services. Mr. Asim expressed that today GEL has established its network of laboratories all over Pakistan. This expansion is the outcome of the rising economy and rapid industrial growth that led to the demand for a methodically superior and skilled environmental laboratory which was met only by the foresight and astuteness of the GEL management.  >>>>>

PTA Awards Gold Medals for the Best winners on IT & Telecom
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has awarded gold medals with cash prizes to 12 students of various distinguished educational institutes of the country for the best research projects on IT & telecom for the year 2009. Secretary Cabinet Division, Abdul Rauf Chaudhry presented gold medals to the winners of the competition during a ceremony held at PTA Headquarters, Islamabad today. Chairman PTA, Dr. Mohammed Yaseen, Member (Finance) PTA, Syed Nasrul Karim Ghaznavi, Member (Technical) PTA, Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar were also present on the occasion. The event was attended by faculty members of the universities, parents of the awardees and representatives of the industry. These gold medals have been awarded on the basis of a competition among accredited national universities called by PTA in April 2009 for the best research projects on IT & telecom. Various educational institutes responded to this call and nominated their students for the competition.  >>>>>

State Bank keeps key rate unchanged at 12.5%
The State Bank of Pakistan has decided to keep its Policy Discount Rate unchanged at 12.5 percent. This decision was taken at a meeting of the Central Board of Directors of the State Bank of Pakistan held under the Chairmanship of SBP Governor, Syed Salim Raza in Karachi. The decision to hold the key interest rate unchanged was widely expected by bankers owing to the resurgence in inflation as measured by consumer price index.
Following the meeting the central bank said that the economy is recovering but it lacks the necessary infrastructure and sufficient macroeconomic stability to build on the momentum. Stabilization efforts over the last one and a half year have brought dividends in the shape of contraction in the external current account deficit, containment of excessive money growth, and reduction in inflation, it said. However, the worsening power crisis, which has severely hampered economic activity in the economy, and fiscal weaknesses, continue to impede sustainable recovery and comprehensive macroeconomic stability. At the same time, inflation has started to increase gradually.  >>>>>

Imposition of VAT on poultry feed
Imposition of value added tax on poultry feed would not only cause sharp decline in the demand of poultry meat but may also cause the closure of 25 to 30 percent poultry farms in the country, alleged the Office bearers of Pak Poultry Association while forecasting a crisis in the face VAT being imposed by the present government. "The imposition of this unjustified tax on the poultry sector would push prices of poultry meat up by a range of 25 to 30 percent, bringing down its demand sharply as consumers are ill-prepared to pay higher prices of the commodity," claimed Central Convener of Pak Poultry Association, Abdul Maroof Siddiqui, while replying to a query of the scribe. He said the reasons for expecting a price increase of poultry related products includes the anticipated six percent upward revision in electricity tariff and enhanced labour charges as government has already fixed Rs 6,000 as the minimum wage. He said that the exceptional increase in the rates of chicken feed - made of millet, rice and pulses - during the last few months is already causing financial hardship to poultry farmers who are already facing a decline in demand of chicken meat during the ongoing summer season. In response to a question related to ingredients of the poultry feed, Mr. Maroof said that it comprises of 18 to 20 items some of which are imported. He claimed that due to the increase in fuel prices, most of the transporters involved in transporting chicken from poultry farms to thousands of retail outlets across the city raised their daily charges, which has added to the overall costs of chicken meat. Central Convener of the PPA said that currently, owing to higher rates of beef and mutton, Chicken meat is catering to demand of large segment of the population as they are fulfilling their protein demand through the same. He maintained that in the next one month, the demand of the chicken meat may take a nose dive, which would not only serve as a blow for the sector but would also have a devastating impact on employment of thousands of workers related to this sector.

Mobilising resources to meet the five-year-plan targets
Mawaiz Khan Akash
The 10th five-year plan (2010-15) depicts a highly ambitious and optimistic economic picture, in the backdrop of gloomy macro-economic conditions. If everything flows through smoothly, then the economy would grow by an annual average rate of 5.5 per cent and it would expand to almost 7 per cent by 2015, supported by agricultural output of 4.8 per cent, manufacturing 8.5 per cent and services sector 6.4 per cent. If such is the reality in the days to come, then trade and literacy levels would escalate with a reduction in poverty and unemployment. Furthermore, social and economic disparities among the people will narrow down and those living in the rural and remote areas of the country will have access to basic public services, like safe drinking water, healthcare and education etc. The plan estimates the growth rate for large-scale manufacturing to reach 9.5 per cent of GDP till 2014/15 against one per cent in 2009/10. Services sector growth is estimated at 6.0 per cent, and wholesale and retail trade at 6.9 per cent. Moreover, the plan foresees that by 2015 wheat output will reach 30 million tons, rice 7.5 million tons, and cotton 20.7 million bales, against 25 million tones of wheat, 5.9 million tones of rice and 13.0 million bales of cotton respectively in 2010.  >>>>>

TWO HOLIDAYS A WEEK OPPOSED BY LEATHER INDUSTRY
Mr. Gulzar Firoz, Chairman, Pakistan Tanners Association strongly criticized the Government decision to observe 2-holidays in a week as a result of which Banks and Government Departments including Custom Offices are not functioning on Saturday. Because of this additional holiday in a week businessmen are suffering a lot. The manufacturing units particularly of Leather Sector Industry are much disturbed for non-clearance of their consignments as the production activities are adversely affected. For not only business community it is also a great financial loss to the national exchequer. He further averred that the export of leather industry is already on the continuous decline. The harmful decision is further aggravating the situation and it would be well nigh impossible to achieve the export target in these circumstances. Recently, during the meeting of Business Persons Council (BPC) held on 4th May'2010 at Islamabad under the chairmanship of the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance and in separate meetings with the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan as well as Honourable President of Pakistan, Mr. Gulzar Firoz, Chairman, PTA raised this important point which was supported by the representatives of other industries and stressed the need for withdrawing the decision to observe 2-holidays in a week without delay to save specially the export oriented industries from heavy recurring loss.

Prime minister woos foreign investors
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has invited foreign investors to make investment in Pakistan, saying the country is being made a regional hub for trade and energy deals. He was speaking at the Brands of the Year award ceremony at the Governor's House on Friday. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Acting Governor Nisar A Khuhro were also present. Gilani said that Pakistan has already liberalised its economy and is blessed with immense untapped potential. "Our private sector has assumed the role of a frontline player in the economic field." "Strategically positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia, we aspire to make Pakistan a hub of regional trade and energy transactions," he added. Gilani pointed out that Pakistan with a population of 170 million people was a large market with a sizable workforce equipped with skills and expertise. He said the government has assured support and cooperation to local and foreign investors and welcomes them to look at Pakistan as a preferred investment destination. Gilani added that a number of recognised international brands were utilising raw material and skilled manpower of Pakistan to produce world-renowned products which are manufactured and tagged here in the country. However, "we could not produce such a single internationally acclaimed brand of our own." He said "Pakistan produces world-class brands as we are the one who manufacture footballs which have been used in the world's popular game of soccer since decades." Similarly, foreign companies are marketing Pakistan's surgical instruments with their brand names all over the world. "It is a challenge for our business community and entrepreneurs to introduce our own brands without wasting any further time," he said. The government was ready to extend all possible support but businessmen have to put their own house in order, he said. Gilani expressed confidence that Pakistani entrepreneurs would be able to establish their brand identity in the near future and the brands would soon be marketed the world over with the tag "Made in Pakistan". He also gave away awards to the top brand winners.

KCCI expresses reservations on VAT
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed concerns over the implementation of VAT, saying that it is inappropriate to implement VAT under the present difficult situation and circumstances faced by commerce and industry. Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli and current President Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad said that due to existing problems in the form of energy crisis, highest-ever tariffs of utilities, rising inflation, multiplicity of taxes and levies setting forth the highest-ever and further increasing cost of manufacturing and doing business, imposition of VAT would be impractical. VAT should only be implemented after introducing it gradually while giving proper education and awareness to the masses, they maintained. They further stated that the sectors, which are already zero-rated, must not be changed. They articulated that decision for zero-rating was made after thorough study and meetings with stakeholders and the government, considering all the aspects of trade, it was felt appropriate that in order to support the exports it is most essential that these sectors are zero-rated.

Aptma fears mass closures after duty on yarn
The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) has strongly criticised the government for imposing 15 per cent regulatory duty on export of cotton yarn. This will result in large scale closure of spinning mills, which could not afford to produce yarn from expensive imported cotton and sell it at lesser price. This was stated by the Aptma central chairman Anwar Tata, while talking to Dawn on Thursday. He said that the spinners were at a loss to know on what basis and wisdom the government had imposed  >>>>>

Committee formed to buy cheaper fabric from abroad
The downstream textile industry has set up a body to facilitate exporters in procuring fabric from different world sources at competitive price. Exporters are facing difficulty in meeting their export commitments owing to shortage and high yarn prices in domestic market. Disappointed over indifferent attitude of the government to sort out the worst yarn crisis, the downstream industry has found a way out  >>>>>

Millers demand ban on export of cotton, yarn
Millers and workers staged a demonstration and took out a rally, demanding a complete ban on the export of cotton and yarn, which is plunging the value-added textile industry into an abyss. The Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA), All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA), Tajir-Mazdoor Industry Ittehad (TMIE), Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), All Pakistan  >>>>>

KCA urges govt to reopen cotton hedge trading
The Karachi Cotton Association has urged the government to reopen cotton hedge trading, ensure continuity of free market mechanism and initiate steps for an increase in cotton production to meet the country's growing demand. "In the New York cotton market, hedge trading resulted in an increase in cotton price and, at present, it is hovering around 90 cents per pound against 60 cents during July last year," Sohail Naseem, Chairman, Karachi Cotton Association told The News on Saturday. "In Pakistan, no government has so far resumed futures trading after  >>>>>

APTMA forms 'Elders Committee'to tackle cotton crisis
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) said APTMA's 'Elders' Committee' has been formed to negotiate further with the Ministry of Textile Industry (MinTex) on prevailing cotton crisis, and has apprised the ministry extensively of cotton shortage, leading to yarn crisis and subsequent implication on the textile value chain in general. The APTMA Central Executive Committee unanimously resolved and authorised the Acting Chairman Shahzad Ahmed and Chairman APTMA Punjab Gohar Ejaz to form an Elders' Committee with the mandate to negotiate with the MinTex on behalf of APTMA. The Elders' Committee comprised of senior members representing their respective regions along with Chairman & Vice Chairman APTMA. The Elders' Committee presented APTMA stance to MinTex authorities on serious cotton shortage scenario in 3rd of May meeting in Islamabad. The Elders' Committee also apprised the Ministry that the spinning industry is likely to discontinue operations in such a grave disappointing situation, resulting into closure of about 70 percent of the spinning industry due to cotton shortage. This situation may trigger yarn shortage in the country, which is likely to affect the ancillary industry badly for its inability to import yarn from any international source.

Auto sector shows growth in sales
Sale of Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki bikes rose to 391,105, 101,798 and 14,038 units in the last 10 months of 2009-2010 as compared to 285,720, 46,390 and 12,651 units in the same period of last fiscal year.
The overall auto sector showed a positive growth in sales during July-April 2009-2010 in which sales of tractors, buses, trucks, light commercial vehicles and two/three wheelers rose by 21, 4.79, 17.6, 1.15 and 48.24 per cent respectively as compared to corresponding period of last fiscal year.  >>>>>

Karachi share market desperately awaits support
The Karachi share market after dropping down below the psychological 10,000-point level following nervousness from both global pressures and the upcoming budget coinciding with the technical weakness is desperately looking for triggers. Any positive news flow regarding the capital gains tax, Value-Added Tax and the monetary policy statement in the upcoming week would serve the purpose, dealers said. "The market awaits only good news as all the likely negative developments have already been discounted," said Ahsan Mehanti, Chief Executive  >>>>>

Govt to promote auto sector: Bijarani
Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani terming auto industry as one of the key drivers of Pakistan's economy has assured that government would made efforts to develop the industry and solve its problems for the economic growth of the country. The Minister stated this during his visit to Indus Motor Company (IMC) Karachi, says a press release issued by the Ministry of Industries.  >>>>>

SITE association supports value-added sector's strike
In support of the strike call given by value added sector for Tuesday, members of SITE Association of Trade & Industry have announced to suspend loading export shipments' containers on Tuesday. "No container of value added products will come out on streets," said Saleem Parekh, Chairman of SITE Association of Trade & Industry. The value added sector, especially the textile, has announced to observe strike on Tuesday against the export of yarn. In their solidarity, the SITE Association of Trade & Industry will suspend loading of containers to the ports on Tuesday and hold a peaceful protest on the same day. Value added textile sector would hold protest in all five zones of the city, said Parekh. Razzak Hashim Paracha, Chairman of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI), confirmed that value added sector would also hold protest in his industrial zone as well.

Efficient use of energy can rescue Pak industry
Efficient use of electrical energy is extremely important for the country as it can save 30 to 40 per cent energy, this was stated by Chairman, Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Pakistan (IEEEP) Eng. Tahir Saleem at a seminar held by Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) on "Electrical Energy Conservation". In his presentation, Tahir said that Pakistan has paid very little attention to the efficient use of energy in industrial sector. He however, said that present energy  >>>>>

POL prices increase is sheer extortion: trade & industry
The trade and industry has termed the increase in POL prices as 'extortion'. Patron In-Chief Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), S M Muneer said the government has once again taken a cruel step of increasing POL prices. He said it has been proven that the decision is nothing but the government's incompetence and it has nothing to do with price fluctuations in the international market. "When the oil  >>>>>

Ras Al-Khaimah Free Trade Zone
As many as 285 Pakistani companies are operating in Ras Al-Khaimah Free Trade Zone, UAE, mainly in the trading sector, and several others have applied to get registered there due to tax exemptions and business-friendly environment, an official said on Tuesday. "Pakistani companies are mainly working in areas of foodstuff, textile, computer software, engineering equipment, basic industrial chemicals, management consulting and real estate there," said Niloofer Faaliyat, Business Development Manager, Ras Al-Khaimah Free Trade Zone. In a presentation to members of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, she said that the zone offers nine to 50 years lease of land on 100 per cent ownership basis and is exempted from income tax. The free trade zone could be a good  >>>>>

Condolence Meeting in KATI?
A condolence meeting under the chairmanship of Najmul Arfeen, Acting Chairman was conducted in KATI to offer Fateha to the departed soul of brother-in-law of Razzak Hashim Paracha, Chairman-KATI. The participants offered Fateha and prayed that Almighty Allah rest the deceased soul in peace and give highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give courage to deceased family to bear this loss. Patron-in-Chief, S.M.Muneer, Vice Chairman Amjad Ullah Khan, Former Chairmen Mian Zahid Hussain, S.M.Ilyas, S.M.Yahya, Mohammad Zubair Chhaya, Farhan-ur-Rehman, Gulzar Firoz, Executive Committee Members Shahid Jawed Qureshi, Niaz Ahmed, Syed Wajid Hussain, Shahla Ahmed, Zahid Saeed, Niaz Ahmed, Dr.Samiuzzaman, Syed Johar Ali Qandhari and Kashif Ali Khan, Farhat Ali Khan offered their deep sorrow on this sad demise.

Pharmaceutical sector growth slowing down: BMI
Pakistan's $1.61 billion pharmaceutical market is now expected to post a five-year compound annual growth of 8.95 per cent, down from 9.39 per cent forecast in the previous quarter, according to Business Monitor International, a global business intelligence firm. The research firm estimates that the country's macroeconomic indicators have deteriorated  >>>>>

Business community is the backbone of the economy: Jameel Soomro
Provincial Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh on Information Mr. Jameel Ahmed Soomro has said that despite a recession at the International Level, the present democratic government is trying for the strengthening of the economy and providing a better living standard to the people, because the development  >>>>>

Pakistan-Iran investment body likely
The Special Working Group of Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission has expressed concern over delay in setting up of a branch of Bank Melli Iran in Karachi. The commission has also finalised measures for increasing bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries and promote business activities among the two neighbours. The meetings of the special working group held recently in Islamabad  >>>>>

Qubee invests over $70m in telecom sector
Internet penetration in Pakistan is growing at an unprecedented rate with broadband penetration forecast to reach 4.3 million people by the end of 2013, said Mubashir Naqvi CEO Qubee. He was addressing a Press conference with Martin Harriman at a local hotel while announcing the launch of Qubee the internet broadband service in Pakistan. Mubashir Naqvi said that it is an incredibly exciting time to be a wireless  >>>>>

Rufi Pearl City A unique Style in its existence
A HEAVEN OF DREAMS
Karachi is a metropolitan city with a complete vision; the largest city, the seaport and the financial capital of Pakistan holds the prominent position of being the 9th largest city of the world in terms of population. Home to more than 20 million, it offers a strikingly contrasting landscape, from lush green suburbs to skyscrapers of downtown. Its coastline offer fascinating scenery of untamed and pristine beaches. The city benefits from a metropolitan outlook in a stable environment with a vibrant economy brimming with new opportunities and a diverse talent pool. Auspiciously placed in the heart of sea trade route, it accounts for a lion's share in Pakistan's revenue generation and the mega development projects launched recently have made it a city that offers a lifestyle to match any of the world's most prestigious cities. Opulence, opportunities and gratification have made people from far-flung corners of the country to settle here and make it their heaven of dreams.  >>>>>