Afeef focuses on catering to specific needs of customers & clients, says Rashid Ahmad Siddiqui in an especial interview to Business Monitor
Mr. Rashid Ahmad Siddiqui initiated his pragmatic and effective life career in such an age, where people usually are not seemed as much conscious as he was. The curiosity and speculation over spending a contented and happy life made him a very thought-provoking personality. He articulated his untiring efforts and key focus utterly towards his business. He was sixteen years old when he started laying down the foundations of his business from a general store at home while hoping the rays of his future. This wasn't all, he continued his education besides doing small-scale business to have the abreast of new development in this present quagmire. He completed his MBA in Finance and MBS in Marketing. Through these highs and lows, he is now the Chief Executive Officer of Afeef Group of Companies.  >>>>>

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Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world
expresses Qaiser Sharif Country Manager Proctor & Gamble Pakistan
With the growing economy of Pakistan, investment-friendly trade policies and increase in foreign investment, Syed Qaiser Sharif was sure that we are entering a very exciting era in the consumer goods industry, and he looks forward to the opportunity to serve the Pakistani consumers once again. Originally from Pakistan, Qaisar grew up in different parts of the country including Karachi and Rawalpindi. He left Pakistan after completTzing high school and studied business at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey. He then entered the University of Cincinnati to study for his MBA After his graduation, Qaisar joined Procter & Gamble headquarters in Cincinnati, where he worked as assistant brand manager, brand manager and assistant marketing director. With the launch of P&G operations in Pakistan, Qaisar moved back to the country at the end of 1990 as the first country manager. A large part of his initial years here were spent building the foundation for the business - from distribution structure to advertising agencies and, of course, the organization itself. In 1996, Qaisar moved as P&G country head to Ukraine, finally going back to P&G United States in late 1998. During the last seven to eight years, Qaisar has worked in the marketing department of P&G on large CBD teams and in a global role in shopper marketing and FMOT. He also has worked on several systemic intervention projects for the Global CBD organization and for Global Operations.  >>>>>

Malaysia for establishing joint platform for businessmen
KARACHI: Consul General of Malaysia, Mohammad Khalid Abdul Razak, has underscored the need to establish a joint platform for business communities of Pakistan and Malaysia in order to enhance exchange of information and expertise between the countries, which would help expand two-way trade to a greater extent.  >>>>>

6th HEALTH ASIA 2010 Exhibition & Conference
6th Int'l Health Asia Exhibition and Conferences 2010, scheduled from 02 - 04 April, 2010 at Karachi Expo Centre is one such Event of Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd which is a "UFI Approved Event" by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (Paris - France). The event also incorporates Pharma Asia Int'l Exhibition and  >>>>>

Promotion of Sindh's handicrafts
KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce, Rauf Siddiqui presided over the 57th board meeting of the Sindh Small Industries Corporation.Secretary Industries, Mr Ali Ahmed, MD Small Industries Mr Rasheed Solangi and other board members also attended the meeting. The Provincial Minster expressed his displeasure when it was revealed in the meeting that the land allotted for the Hyderabad Extension is seven acres less than the decided 50 acres. The minister constituted an inquiry committee and directed to take action against the elements involved in corruption.He also directed to give allotment papers with immediate effect to those people who have submitted applications for industrial plots in Sukkur. The board members sought implementation of schemes for 2009-10 under the ADP. They said that new schemes should also be introduced to promote handicraft industries in Sindh so that people could earn their livelihood in proper way.

'SBP to ensure ample liquidity for export-oriented sector'
KARACHI: The central bank would ensure that ample liquidity is available in the market for financing export-oriented sector, said Syed Salim Raza, governor State Bank of Pakistan. Speaking at a luncheon meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday, Mr Raza said, "SBP has taken a number of measures to provide liquidity to corporate entities at low interest rates."
Talking about specific incentives for the export-oriented sector, SBP governor said that since January this year the central bank has given additional concessions under its refinance schemes. He pointed out that some of the significant incentives include one-year grace period on principal repayments, debt-swap for the non-textile sector, refinance for second-hand plants and machinery as well as for generators and captive power plants under Long Term Financing Facility (LTFF).
Similarly, under Export Finance Scheme (EFS) incentives and relaxations pertaining to performance-based mark-up rates, extension in repayment period under Part-I of EFS and relaxation for export  >>>>>

Scope of E-Commerce in Pakistan
By: Mawaiz Khan Akash
E-Commerce is very important issue now days because it is the Era of Information Technology. In these days IT can play an important role in the development of economies of the world. The Government of Pakistan took initiative of Information Technology and in E-Commerce in early 2000. Use of Internet is rapidly going to change the whole world. According to government's survey for 2006/07 there are 2.4 million subscribes and 10.7 million Internet users in Pakistan. Lot of telecom companies are working to provide the best facilities to their users. Some Companies are spreading Fiber Optics network in whole over Pakistan.  >>>>>

Another sugar crisis looming
The government disclosed the names of three big sugar mills and said they were responsible for the current crisis and hoarding of the commodity. The mills are Tandliawala Sugar Mills, Brother Sugar Mills and Kashmir Sugar Mills. According to the statement, the mills have held back 240,000 tons of the government-purchased sugar, creating an artificial shortage in the  >>>>>

Gas supply stoppage
KARACHI: Vulnerable industrial workers, especially daily-wagers are about to face tough times as the energy-starved industry braces itself for gas load management, which may lead to a low output.As the government struggles to cope with gas shortage in winter, especially in Punjab and the NWFP, industrialists are worried over the declining production figures. On Wednesday, the federal cabinet announced a gas load management plan to curtail supplies to industries for two days a week on rotational basis.Sharafat Ali Mubarak, former president of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry,  >>>>>

Islamic banking touches milestone despite worldwide financial crunch
Karachi-3rd International Conference and Exhibition on Islamic Banking and Takaful 2009 ends up with the superlative success in which delegates from more than 22 countries partook including delegates from Malaysia, Bahrain, UAE, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Kenya etc.  >>>>>

The NBP gets authentic position on world level of its 60 years
Karachi. The National Bank of Pakistan, a renowned institution, has fulfilled of its successful 60 years of significant public services. It is pertinent to note that it has been established due to an ordinance, which made pragmatic and effective position as a financial  >>>>>

Faysal Bank, Engro Chemicals sign agreement
KARACHI: Faysal Bank Limited and Engro Chemical Pakistan Limited (ECPL) have signed an agreement whereby Faysal Bank is extending a financing facility of Rs1,500 million for a term of 7 years for ECPL's Urea Expansion Project at Dharki. The project entails setting up a new plant with a production capacity of 1,300 kt per annum. The addition of this new plant will make Engro the single largest urea manufacturer of Pakistan. The total cost of this project is $1,050 million and is expected to be completed by mid 2010. ECPL has interests in fertilizers, chemicals, food and dairy, terminal handling and IT.

The SBP has withdrawn the conditions placed on commercial bank
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has withdrawn the conditions placed on commercial banks for giving financing facilities to the private sector for procurement of wheat with immediate effect. "Banks are now free to extend financing facilities to the private sector for procurement of wheat, keeping in view their lending policies, business consideration, risk profile of borrowers and compliance with SBP regulations," says a circular of the SBP issued here on Tuesday. It may be recalled that earlier this year, the central bank had placed several conditions on banks which included fresh financing to eligible borrowers (licensed functional flour mills) only against the pledge of fresh indigenous wheat only, cash margin restrictions and adjustment of loans by January 31, 2010.

PBA slams forced closure of MCB branches
KARACHI: Pakistan Banks' Association has expressed concern over the forced closure of MCB branches by some miscreants for the last two weeks. "High-handedness and forced closure of MCB branches by a group of miscreants is alarming for the banking community and if such activities are allowed to continue, unrest and lawlessness could spread to other banks," a PBA spokesman said. Such incidents affect the business environment of the country, he said and added that the country's economy is presently passing through a critical phase, and disruption of bank operations would aggravate the situation. PBA urges the government to take necessary measures to curb external interference in banks' affairs, he said. Law enforcement agencies should play their due role in providing conducive business environment, he added.

Meezan Bank charts branches on Google Map
KARACHI: Meezan Bank has charted its entire branch network of 168 branches in 42 cities of Pakistan on Google Maps, thus providing its customers and the general public the facility to easily locate any branch of Meezan Bank from their home or office, making the largest Islamic Banking branch network in Pakistan available at customers' fingertips. Each branch of Meezan Bank has been marked accurately and with all the relevant branch and contact details on Google Maps. Additional marking of relevant roads, shops and landmarks has also been done to provide easy directions to each branch.

Citi named Best Consumer Internet Bank
KARACHI: Global Finance named Citi Pakistan the Best Consumer Internet Bank in Pakistan for the fourth year in a row. Winners were selected by a world-class judging panel on the basis of the strength of their strategy for attracting and servicing online customers, their success in increasing client usage of online facilities, growth of online customers, breadth of their web product offerings, evidence of tangible benefits from internet initiatives and their web site design and functionality. Consumer business head for Citi Pakistan, Azim Alvi said, "As always with our client-first approach, the input from our customers is of great importance to us and helps us in receiving such accolades.

KCCI's successful intervention with fbr to remove the term "Risky" in e-Profiles; member domestic operations
Member Domestic Operations (South), Federal Board of Revenue, on the demand voiced by the Chairman Businessmen Group & former President-KCCI, Siraj Kassam Teli and President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad announced for pending "non-active, or active but risky" status in e-Profile, remove "risky list" from FBR website till 31st December 2009, and sought KCCI's proposal for improving the system. It was agreed that the term "risky" will not be used and a committee comprising of Member Domestic Operation (South), FBR and Vice Chairman & former President-KCCI, Haroon Farooki will consult and finalize the steps and procedures for e-profiles of the tax-payers; what is in the best interest of tax-payer and FBR. In future, after the decision, a minimum two week notice will be given to the tax-payer to correct and clarify his profile.  >>>>>

KCCI highlights the need of high quality educational projects to produce professionals for corporate arena
"Education is the lifeline for any country; presently we are in a dire need to establish high quality educational institutions, likewise, KCCI is planning to establish a Modern University", expressed by President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad in the presentation of newly establishing boarding school project by Ahmed E.H. Jaffer Foundation. Speaking at the occasion, he informed that to establish the KCCI governed university, we will initiate the project by establishing or adopting a school or collage and upgrade it to university at later stages. Abdul Majid said that in view of vital importance of education sector, a dedicated committee for Education and Health Sector is functioning to promote its objectives. He informed that the President-KCCI, being the member of Board of Directors of over 17 private sector educational institutions and universities operating in Karachi, is actively pursuing to alleviate the illiteracy rate. KCCI, through its CSR Committee headed by Ateequr Rehman is  >>>>>

Unlawful import of tea via att condemned KCCI urges tariff rationalization for afghan transit trade
"Government should consider to rationalize the Afghan Transit Trade Tariffs in equivalence to Pakistan Duty Tariffs to safeguard the business of Pakistan's legal importers and to increase government's revenue", expressed by President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad. He while addressing to the delegation of Pakistan Tea Association strongly condemned the unlawful entering of tea consignment in Pakistan, imported via Afghan Transit Trade. He observed that several Afghanistan-bound containers are diverted to Pakistani markets from Quetta and Torkhum and every day hundred of bags are disseminated in Pakistani markets resulting colossal losses to the legal importers of tea who pay high duties to the Government. Abdul Majid informed that at times, in several meeting, the ATT issue is highly voiced to the high-ups at Islamabad and KCCI has urged to resolve the issue while taking the stakeholders and KCCI into confidence.  >>>>>

FPCCI strongly opposes two weekly holidays
Mr. Sultan Ahmed Chawla, President FPCCI has strongly opposed the anticipated plan of Government to announce Saturday as a weekly holiday which will severely hamper the working schedules, reduce production capacity of the industry and export earnings rather than saving energy. He said that the widening demand of supply gap is primarily due to stagnant supply of energy as there has been  >>>>>

FPCCI for expanding trade with Australia
KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has called for expanding technical collaboration with Australia in livestock and dairy farming. FPCCI president Sultan Ahmed Chawla in a meeting with the High Commissioner designate to Australia Fauzia Nasreen said it was imperative that trade opportunities with  >>>>>

FPCCI lauds issuance of us business visa at Karachi
Mr. Haroon Rashid, Chairman US-Pakistan Business Council of FPCCI has highly appreciated the re-opening of business visa issuing facility at US Consulate General Karachi from November 5, 2009, which has been very widely welcomed by the business community of Pakistan. He said that this facility will help in confidence building of Pakistani businessmen with their respective business counterparts in US and vice versa. This gesture would further help in easing up of Travel Advisory services for counterpart businessmen visiting Karachi. In a meeting held with Mr. Richard Holbrook, US Envoy on his last visit to Karachi along with Ambassador, Ms. Raphel announced to open the business visa facility from Karachi. The reopening of business visa facility supports and reflects the strong and growing ties between the business communities of Pakistan and the United States.

Textile package
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan has received Rs5 billion from the government under the textile package but there are no instructions for utilisation of the amount despite several demands by the textile industry. According to a letter of the State Bank addressed to the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), the Ministry of Textile is yet to provide the exact heads where this amount would be utilised.  >>>>>

US business visa facility re-opens today
KARACHI: Around 300 Pakistani businessmen, mostly exporters, pay visit to United States every month. Out of 300, at least 200 travel from Karachi. These were the estimates given to Dawn by members of the business community. 'The traffic of business passengers would multiply geometrically with improvement in the business environment', former president Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)  >>>>>

'Sugar shortage to create medicine crisis'
KARACHI: Former chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Pharmaceuticals Dr Mushtaq Noorwala, expressing serious concern over the continuing crisis of sugar in the country, has cautioned that pharmaceuticals industry and other industries using sugar as raw material will be badly affected. If availability of sugar at low price is not ensured for the pharmaceuticals sector in the country, there will be shortage of medicine in the country, which will create serious problems especially for the common man. Besides, a large number of people engaged with this industry will be rendered jobless, he said in a statement. Dr Noorwala regretted that despite directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the government's stance about availability of huge sugar -

stock in the country, the commodity is sold at an un-affordably high price and is not easily available to the public. He suggested that sugar could be sold by hawkers also to save the people from standing in long queues in front of the utility stores. He was of the opinion that some elements by creating artificial crisis of sugar or wheat flour were actually defaming and creating trouble for the PPP-led government. He also appealed to the consumers of soft-drinks, ice-creams, sweets, confectionery etc, to cut their consumption for saving sugar and thus contribute in bringing down its price.

FPCCI nominates representative for OIC body meeting
 KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has nominated its representative for the 25th meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Conference's Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation. The meeting is being held from November 5-9 in Istanbul and being presided over by Turkish President Abdullah Gul, a press release said here on Thursday. The forum is held under the theme 'Impact of global financial crisis in OIC countries, projections for recovery and role of key sectors in development' in the backdrop of the world financial crisis. It targets to ensure projections for recovery from the crisis concentrating particularly on investments, finance, global food shortages and energy by bringing together business communities of all member chambers of Islamic states. FPCCI Vice-President Mohammad Mansha Churra will be representing Pakistan and will make a presentation on 'The impact of global financial crisis in OIC countries: Growing investment opportunities and revitalisation of financial capital markets in OIC countries'.

Spring Residency - Your Dream Home
Everyone dreams to build a perfect home, truly reflective of one's tastes and lifestyle. A home that offers style, luxury and comfort along with state of the art amenities; a place that is a perfect harmony of urban elegance and rural serenity. Spring Residency, an exclusive, above the line, residential project, transforms the house of  >>>>>

Palm Residency, unquestionably Karachi's most prestigious apartment homes
Palm Residency, unquestionably Karachi's most prestigious apartment homes, offers luxurious quality and convenience in beautiful surroundings. Thoughtfully designed, expert built and professionally managed, you'll enjoy a wealth of facilities to relax  >>>>>

Petal Residency in a unique style
Petal Residency is a town housing project and is approved by Cantonment Board Malir. The project has been meticulously designed to fulfill the demands and desires of modern day executive living-style. Apart from its unique planning and premier specifications, an exceptional facet of the project is that it is located on a 200 feet wide road that would be an alternate route to Airport on Shahrah-e-Faisal and also connects to the super Highway. Petal Residency Bungalows having beautiful elevation, Five Bedrooms with attached baths, Drawing Room with large glass window, TV Lounge, American Kitchen, Car Porch and private balcony offering splendid view of the Karachi Airport's Jinnah Terminal.
Construction
AAS Constructions Our objective is to provide quality living to our valuable quality conscious customers in the mega city Karachi at cost effective price. Our determined and devoted force of qualified engineers, architects, town planners assure highly skilled work with their expertise and competence in project designing and construction and ensure to fulfill the every need of the customers.

Housing industry offers good opportunities
Karachi-There are unlimited opportunities for expansion of housing industry in Pakistan. "But to achieve this, financial institutions have to play an active role", said Hussain Lawai, CEO Arif Habib Bank in a meeting with members of Association of Builders And Developers during a visit to ABAD House Wednesday. Comparing the loan culture of Pakistan, Europe & USA, Hussain Lawai said that 90% houses in Pakistan are free  >>>>>

Lakhani Residency A modish style
Lakhani residency envisages the essence of lavish and modish style of residential complex with preeminence of location, refreshing design, architectural innovations, emphasis on safety and security for a superstar luxurious living. The project arrays 4 gorgeous sky-high towers with 5-star features and services offering dream residential units with lower and upper penthouses with Jacuzzi Pool at 19-storeyed architectural marvel  >>>>>

Regional Investment Treaty - a must for Economic Integration of South Asia- Tariq Sayeed
Mr. Tariq Sayeed, President SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SAARC CCI) has urged upon the need for signing of Regional Investment treaty amongst the member nations of SAARC, regarding it a must for economic integration of South Asia. President SAAR CCI will raise this issue in the forthcoming Conference "Harnessing Business  >>>>>

President SAARC CCI Lauds Governor Sindh for his Performance
Islamabad (PR) President SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SAARC CCI) and former President of FPCCI, Mr. Tariq Sayeed has appreciated Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Governor of Sindh for his earnest efforts towards socio-economic development of the province and hoped those will bring positive results in near future. President SAARC CCI in his recent call on to H.E. Governor Sindh, President SAARC CCI exchanged views on wide range of socio-economic issues faced by country  >>>>>

Resumption of Indo-Pak Dialogue to foster regional Economic cooperation
Mr. Tariq Sayeed, President SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SAARC CCI) has appreciated the recent statement of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India for resuming talks with on core issues between Indian and Pakistan including Kashmir and  >>>>>

LCCI demands export of cement through land route
The lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the Indian government to facilitate export of cement through land route. Pakistani exporters are facing multifarious problems due to limited railway interchanges, absence of parking facilities and modern security scanning equipment for consignments on the Indian side. The demand  >>>>>

MESSAGE FROM M.D.
I took over the reins as Hinopak's Managing Director & CEO in the year 2007, I took this major responsibility as an honor and pledge to continue the excellent work started by my predecessors.
The first two quarters of 2008 were very fruitful with higher sales volume and sales revenue, however unfortunately the last two quarters showed a decline in sales due to the slump in demand and rising costs. This trend is likely to continue in the foreseeable future making the coming months the most challenging in the history of Hinopak.
However, even in these hard times, we would continuously endeavor towards achieving Total Customer Satisfaction and I am very confident that by the grace of Almighty God, hard work of our employees and continuous patronage of our customers, Hinopak would continue to stride forward to new heights of success. No matter whatever the trend in the economic sector, our objectives shall always remain as under:
For the years ahead we have a set of three major plans:
1. Strengthen our dealers - network to serve best quality service to our valued customers all over Pakistan.
2. Improve and enlarge our manufacturing facilities to supply high quality chassis and bodies.
3. Increased localization of items to strengthen local suppliers in Pakistan
In the end, I would like to mention that I feel great responsibility and privilege to be able to have a chance to serve as Managing Director of Hinopak. I think my mission here is to maintain this growing momentum of progress, so that Hinopak can be one of the most distinguished companies in Pakistan. In order to become such a company, Hinopak will continue to supply not only high-quality and environment friendly trucks and buses but also will continue to provide the best backup support including after sales service and training to all our valued customers throughout Pakistan to achieve the goal of "TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION".

VISION "Total Customer Satisfaction, a set vision for the company. In pursuit new concepts have been introduced such as a mobile workshops, 3S/2S dealership facilities, training and free service camps for the vehicle owners and drivers".
MISSION "The mission of Hinopak Motors Limited is to provide the society with safe, economical, comfortable and environment friendly means of transportation by manufacturing and supplying commercial vehicles and services".To achieve this mission, we commit ourselves.
To our individual institutional and international customers: to deliver high quality, safe, durable, reliable, comfortable, environment-friendly and economical products and services to their total satisfaction. To our employees: to foster corporate culture of mutual trust; respect for fundamental human rights at work; opportunities for professional growth and personal welfare so that they are proud of being a member of the "Hinopak Family".
To the community and our nation: to contribute in economic and social development by providing means of transportation and by progressive localization of the vehicles. To the shareholders: to act in compliance with the norms expected of a subsidiary of the Toyota Group of companies and make a meaningful financial return to the shareholders.

Mohammad Irfan Shaikh Director Sales & Marketing
Mohammad Irfan Shaikh joined the International Association of Lions Clubs in December 1992 as the Charter President of Karachi Galaxy Lions Club. Within a short span of time, he achieved tremendous success in his lionistic career. He and his wife enjoy the honour of being MJF (Melvin Jones Fellows), in fact they are among the few couples who hold this distinction in the District. During 1992-93 his club was adjudged the "Best New Club" of the district under his presidency. Lion Mohammad Irfan Shaikh has been declared the "Best District Chairman" of the District (305-S) Pakistan for the year 1993-94.  >>>>>

Hino Pak Motor Limited Committed to Excellence
Hinopak Motors Limited assembles, manufactures and markets world renowned Hino diesel trucks and buses in Pakistan. The Company has held the top position in the domestic market for medium and heavy-duty vehicles for 17 consecutive years and is highly acclaimed for quality and technological excellence. Backed by Hino's expertise Hinopak has achieved standard of quality and excellence that rival the best in the region. With over 39,000 vehicles on road, Hinopak has gained 65% market share making it the largest manufacturer in medium and heavy-duty truck and bus industry in Pakistan. HinoPak's product range has been designed and built in Hino's traditions of automotive excellence to be the leader in its category and the main emphasis has been given to passengers' safety & comfort.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan inaugurates the new Hino Prime Movers, High Power Dutro and Hino Export Bus
The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Hino Prime Mover and High Power Dutro truck models in a ceremony held at Hotel Carlton on May 9, 2009. He was also shown the proto type of Hino Export bus for Middle East and Africa. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister expressed that the Export of buses from Pakistan would usher in a new era for the development  >>>>>

Hinopak to export buses from Pakistan to ME and Africa
KARACHI: Hinopak is Pakistan's first automobile company to export its buses to Middle East and African countries in early 1990's and once again Hinopak would take a gigantic leap in the international market by starting export of buses to Middle East and Africa, a statement released. In the statement Mohammad Irfan Shaikh, Director Sales and  >>>>>