Germany is the largest trading partner of Pakistan: President FPCCI

 

KARACHI, FEB 15: Germany is the largest trading partner of Pakistan and the healthiest economy in the European Union have long ties with Pakistan. Pakistani people love the quality products and perceive that Made in Germany means quality and reliability. 

The automotive sector of Germany is the symbol of status. This was stated by Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, President FPCCI in a meeting with the Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany Excellency Bernhard Schlagheck who visited FPCCI Capital Office, Islamabad. The meeting was attended by a large number of business people from different sectors prominently Anjum Nisar, Immediate Past President FPCCI, Shahzeb Akram, Sr. Vice President and Vice Presidents of FPCCI, Zahid Shah, Hanif Lakhani, Athar Chawla, Head of Capital Office Qurban Ali and coordinator Mirza Abdul Rehman.  Qaiser Khan Daudzai, Ex-Vice President of FPCCI.

Nasser Hyat Maggo gave a briefed overview of the activities of FPCCI and its importance not only in the Pakistan’s economy but also in the international economy. While talking about the bilateral trade of Pakistan with Germany, he said that Germany is the biggest trading partner of Pakistan in EU with a trade balance in favour of Pakistan which reflects good economic relation between both the countries. He further said that Current volume of bilateral trade is nearly US $ 3 billion. Pakistan’s Exports to Germany has increased to US $ 2 billion, while imports of Pakistan from Germany are US $ 1.2 billion. However, the trade statistics are still far beyond the existing potential between both the countries.

The President FPCCI further said that in the scenario of CPEC, Pakistan has become emerging market and favourable investment destination in the world. Many German companies are already operating in Pakistan but still there is a room for further investment in various sectors which should be jointly explored.

Anjum Nisar, Immediate Past President FPCCI said that Pak German development cooperation as well as bilateral trade and investment ties which are decades old and quite strong, it is high time to explore new avenues to enhance economic partnership through joint ventures in Special Economic Zones in Pakistan. He further said that the number of opportunities coupled with investment friendly policy of the government are there along with low cost labour and conducive domestic environment. The Agriculture yield of Pakistan is very poor and the land is shrinking annually and so we have to increase our yield for which German investors can come forward for joint collaboration in agriculture sector particularly in Seeds and pesticides, he added.

The Ambassador of Germany expressed his gratitude on his warm welcome in FPCCI and said that he was quite impressed with the viability of Pakistan business people who are subject related. The Chambers are doing well and moving forward for making business easy. He said that the bilateral trade was over US $ 3 billion earlier with surplus in favour of Pakistan, off-course there is more space to enhance economic partnership. We are interested to intensify business to business relations particularly in three areas i.e. recycling and waste management considering waste as resource not as garbage, sustainable construction together with micro facilities for renewable energies, Germany has quite enough experience of insulation of a building that keeps warm in winter and cool in summer time. This is very efficient from energy perspective and it will save a lot of money in longterm. Thirdly, the food processing and packaging area wherein Germany has good machinery and technology that can be helpful to Pakistan where the huge focus of the society is on agriculture, he added.

The Ambassador further said that last year a German business delegation visited Pakistan and had B2B meetings in Textile related Pakistani entrepreneurs. He said that they are planning another business delegation to Pakistan which will focus on these areas.

It was encouraging that both the countries were committed to further improve trade relations which is most promising and we hope that in future bilateral trade between both the countries would grow substantially, he added. Lastly the President FPCCI presented a traditional crest of FPCCI to the Ambassador as gesture of gratitude and appreciation.

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COURTESY dailyspokesman

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PU marks Zaheer ud-din Babar Day, announces scholarship for Uzbek students

 

• PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmed announced to give scholarships to Uzbek students and invited them to study in Punjab University.

LAHORE, FEB 2021 - On 11th February 2021, Punjab University Regional Integration Centre on Thursday marked Zaheer ud-din Babar Day by announcement of scholarships for Uzbek students, signing a MoU, organizing an art exhibition and a conference to promote bilateral relations with Uzbekistan.

The events were organized in collaboration with the Centre for Global and Strategic Studies and Uzbekistan’s Embassy at Al Raazi Hall.

Uzbek Ambassador Oybek Arif Usmanov called on PU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed at his office to discuss enhancement of mutual cooperation among the universities of both the countries.

A MoU was also signed between Punjab University and Uzbekistan’s Tashkent State University for exchange of teachers, students and launching of joint research projects.

On the occasion, PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmed announced to give scholarships to Uzbek students and invited them to study in Punjab University.

In the conference titled “Legacy of Zaheer-Ud-Din Mohammad Babur and Its Relevance in Contemporary Bilateral Relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan”, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Mr Usmanov, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Saleem Mazhar, Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities Prof Dr Amra Raza, Centre for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS) member board of experts Dr Mahmood ul Hasan, Executive Director Col (r) Khalid Taimur, Chairman PU Department of History and Pakistan Studies Prof Dr Mahboob Hussain, PU Institute of Communication Studies Director Prof Dr Noshina Saleem, PU College of Art and Design Principal Prof Dr Sumera Jawad, PU Regional Integration Centre Director Dr Fauzia Hadi Ali, University of Peshawar’s Area Study Centre Director Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, PU’s Dr Faraz Anjum, Dr Rukhsana Iftikhar, other faculty members and a large number of students participated in the conference.

Addressing the conference, Uzbek Ambassador Usmanov said that he was immensely impressed by the artwork of PU students in which they had truly reflected the culture of Uzbekistan in a creative manner.

He said that the life of Zaheer uddin Babar could be a guideline to promote bilateral relations between the two countries and there were many cultural similarities.

He said that Lahore was very dear to every Uzbek citizen. He said that Uzbekistan wanted to promote socio-economic relations with Pakistan. He said that the establishment of a rail track from Tashkent to Peshawar would play an important role in the promotion of trade and people to people contact.

He lauded PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmad for establishment of RIC and promotion of the legacy of Zaheer uddin Babar in such a remarkable way.

In his statement, PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmad said that PU would extend full cooperation to promote mutual relations with Uzbekistan’s universities.

He said that PU would play its role for strengthening regional cooperation among friendly countries and RIC had been established keeping in view this purpose. Prof Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar in his remarks stated that PU would organize exchange programs for students and faculty.

He said that promotion of bilateral relations between the two countries was a need of the hour and PU would play a lead role in this regard. In his address, Prof Dr Mahboob Hussain said that Zaheer uddin Babar was the first king who wrote an autobiography. 

He said that Zaheer uddin Babar invented Khat-e-Babri and he was also an excellent Sufi poet. He said that the life of Zaheer uddin Babar was a good source to promote strategic relations with Uzbekistan.

He stated that a framework would be devised for academic exchange between PU and Universities in Uzbekistan to find out the relevance in the shared history for the study of the contemporary world. Dr. Mehmood ul Hassan Khan stated that Babur was the most captivating personality in the oriental history. He said that Babur created one of the most powerful empires in the history of the East and was the first one to establish a connection with the soil of Pakistan.

Dr. Faraz Anjum highlighted the legacy which Babur bequeathed to his descendants and which served as an example for them to follow. He stated that Babur’s personality became an example for the latter rulers to follow. Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar stated that Babur’s life was documented more than any other figure before colonial rule in the subcontinent.

Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan stated that Babur was a man of extraordinary qualities. He was a leader, a soldier, an architect and an administrator.

He said that Zaheer ud Din Babur was a lover of nature and he was the best in generating loyalty and devotion amongst his followers. RIC Director Dr Fauzia Hadi Ali said that the centre would organize activities to enhance regional cooperation.

The conference highlighted the socio-cultural and historic legacy and common heritage of the two countries and avenues of cooperation and collaboration between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

A Documentary was also screened at the occasion on “Uzbekistan-Pakistan: Shared Cultural & Islamic History” which was produced by the students of the PU Institute of Communication Studies under the leadership of Prof Dr Noshina Saleem and Dr Rashid Khan. Earlier, the Uzbek ambassador and others visited the art exhibition organized by PU College of Art and Design.

The ambassador lauded the creations of PU students and termed the artwork “impressive”. He also distributed shields and certificates among faculty members and students for their outstanding performance.

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RIC, CGSS and Uzbek Embassy jointly organized int’l event on “Legacy of Zaheer-Ud-Din Babur”

LAHORE, FEB 11: A one-day international event titled “Legacy of Zaheer-Ud-Din Babur and Its Relevance in Contemporary Bilateral Relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan” was held at University of the Punjab, Lahore.

This event was jointly organized by Regional Integration Center, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan visited the University and was received by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore.

During the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between University of the Punjab, Lahore and NUKUS State Pedagogical Institute named after Ajiniyaz Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan for cooperation in the academic and research exchange.

Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan also attended the Art Exhibition on “The Rich Cultural and Islamic Heritage of Uzbekistan” which was organized by the College of Arts & Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore. His Excellency appreciated the students for their inspiring art work.

Later, an International Conference on “Legacy of Zaheer-Ud-Din Mohammad Babur and Its Relevance in Contemporary Bilateral Relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan” was also held.

The Conference highlighted the socio-cultural and historic legacy and common heritage of the two countries and avenues of cooperation and collaboration between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

The Conference commenced with the speech by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad. Mr. Khalid welcomed the worthy guests and participants of the event. He stated that Pakistan and Uzbekistan enjoy cordial relations and can collaborate in other economic and social spheres as well for further enhanced cooperation.

Prof. Dr. Faraz Anjum, Department of History and Pakistan, University of the Punjab, Lahore highlighted the legacy which Babur bequeathed to his descendants and which served as an example for them to follow. He stated that Babur’s personality became an example for the latter rulers to follow.

Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, Member Board of Experts, CGSS and Regional Geo Political Analyst stated that Babur is the most captivating personality in oriental history. He created one of the most powerful Empire in the history of East and was the first one to establish a divine connection with the soil of Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Iftikhar, Department of History and Pakistan, University of the Punjab, Lahore stated Babur’s life is documented more than any other figure in the entire precolonial Islamic world.

Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director, Area Study Centre (Russia China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar stated that Babur was a man of extraordinary qualities. He was a leader, a soldier, an architect and an administrator. Zaheer ud Din Babur was a lover of nature. He was best in generating loyalty and devotion amongst his followers.

Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Chairman, Department of History and Pakistan Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore highlighted the significance of the newly established Babur Center. He stated that a framework will be devised for academic exchange between University of the Punjab, Lahore and Universities in Uzbekistan to find out the relevance in the shared history for the study of the contemporary world.

A Documentary was also screened at the occasion on “Uzbekistan-Pakistan: Shared Cultural & Islamic History” which was produced by the students of the Institute of the Communication Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore.

His Excellency Aybek Arif Usmanov in his address expressed his gratitude and thanked CGSS, faculty and students of University of the Punjab, Lahore for their efforts in organizing this event.

He vowed to further enhance the bilateral relationship between the two brotherly countries. He also praised the hard work of the students for their impressive art pieces and documentary production.

Concluding the event, Prof Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Punjab, Lahore in his remarks stated that University of the Punjab, Lahore will organize exchange programs for students and faculty. We also plan to invite Uzbekistan scholars to participate and study in Pakistan and also interact with the student fraternity of Pakistan.

In the end, prize distribution ceremony was held where His Excellency Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan presented shields and certificates to the winners and participants of the Art Exhibition and Documentary Production. Memento to speakers of the Conference were also presented.

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Japan confers “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” upon Zafar Mahmood

ADNAN HAMEED working on promoting Soft Image of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 9 (DNPK) - The Government of Japan has conferred the 2020 Autumn Imperial Decorations, “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” upon Mr. Zafar Mahmood, visiting Professor at the Department of Japanese Language, National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Islamabad, in recognition of his significant contribution towards the promotion of Japanese language in Pakistan and strengthening friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan.

 H.E. MATSUDA Kuninori, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, on behalf of the Government of Japan, on February 9, conferred the imperial decoration “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” upon Mr. Zafar Mahmood. The conferral ceremony was held at his official residence with limited participants of family and close friends of the decoration recipient, while taking infection prevention measures against COVID-19.

Mr. Zafar Mahmood’s ties with Japan began when he started his studies in the Nagoya University through a scholarship program offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan in 1979. After graduation, he extended his stay for over 10 years working for NEC. In 2000, he joined the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP) and has been working to promote educational exchanges between Japan and Pakistan. He also assisted the Embassy of Japan select talented Pakistani youth for future MEXT scholarship students and provided pre-departure sessions for the selected students.

He also contributed greatly to the promotion of the Japanese language in Pakistan. As a visiting professor, he taught in the Japanese Language Department of the National University of Modern Languages. His venture has now taken more popularity as he has begun conducting the Japanese Language Capability Test (JLCT) exam in different cities of Pakistan after becoming Pakistan’s only official agent in 2018. His relentless determination has already begun to bear fruits as the number of Japanese language learners in Pakistan is increasing with the passage of time.

Ambassador MATSUDA, while speaking on the occasion, congratulated Mr. Zafar on receiving this prestigious imperial decoration by the Government of Japan. He said language plays an important role in bridging the gap among the nations and the people while fostering mutual understanding of each other’s culture, values and traditions. “It is heartening to say that the Japanese language is becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan like Urdu is in Japan. Surely this would pave the way for further consolidating people-to-people interactions.”

While appreciating the dedicated efforts by Mr. Zafar, the Ambassador said that he has been doing a great job over the years by teaching Japanese language to Pakistani people as a visiting professor at the Japanese language department of NUML. 

He expressed his sincere hope that this contribution will further promote and strengthen the cultural relations as well as people to people contacts between the two friendly nations.

While expressing his gratitude upon receiving Japanese Imperial decoration, Mr. Zafar Mahmood said “I pay my sincere gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor and the Government of Japan for honoring me with this prestigious award. I have a passion for teaching and transferring Japanese language skills to our younger generation”.

Maj. Gen (Retd) Muhammad Jaffar, Rector NUML, while appreciating the services of Mr. Zafar, congratulated him for receiving this award in recognition of his efforts for promoting the Japanese language in Pakistan from the platform of NUML.=DNPK

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COURTESY pk.emb-japan.go.jp

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Turkmenistan Embassy, CGSS to jointly organize 3 Days Online Course, starting from Feb 8

 

ISLAMABAD, FEB 8 /DNPK/ - Turkmenistan Embassy to Pakistan & Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad are jointly organizing a 3 Days Online Course on, "Turkmenistan's Policy of Permanent Neutrality" from Feb 8 on Monday.

Turkmenistan has been successfully able to maintain its neutrality achieving economic cooperation under the strong leadership of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who has paid special attention to ecological issues & rational use of water resources.

This 3 days online course on “Turkmenistan’s Policy of Permanent Neutrality” is a golden opportunity for the participants to interact and learn with experts from Turkmenistan.

 

The details of the course are as below:

 

Key Takeaways:

• Analysis of Turkmenistan's Foreign Policy
• Neutrality Policy of Turkmenistan
• Energy, Transport and Economic Diplomacy of Turkmenistan

Course Schedule:

• Day 1: 8th February 2021

Yhlas Haldurdiyev, Lecturer, International University for Humanities and Development

Theme: Analysis of Turkmenistan’s Foreign Policy

• Day 2: 9th February 2021

Begench Karayev, Senior Lecturer, Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

Theme: Neutrality Policy of Turkmenistan

• Day 3: 10th February 2021

Perhat Charyyev, Senior lecturer, Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan

Theme: Energy, Transport and Economic Diplomacy of Turkmenistan

 

 

• Course Duration & Time:

3 Days Course: 8^th February to 10^th February 2021 from

1600 hrs. – 1700 hrs. (Pakistan & Turkmenistan Time)

NOTE:

• Compulsory to attend all the lectures for the Course Certificate
• Send your Name, Email and Contact Number via Zoom Chat

You are requested to join us via Zoom Application.

The Zoom Meeting ID is: 849 7841 1351 (For all three days) Or Visit the Link : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84978411351 (For all three days).=DNPK

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