Sunday, 6 December 2020
RIYADH, DEC 6 – A prominent Saudi prince harshly criticised Israel on Sunday at a Bahrain security summit that was remotely attended by Israel’s foreign minister.
Prince Turki al-Faisal, who led Saudi intelligence for more than two decades and served as ambassador to the United States and Britain, warned that any normalisation deals needed to help the Palestinians obtain their own independent state.
He described Israel as a “Western colonising” power. He said Israel has “incarcerated (Palestinians) in concentration camps under the flimsiest of security accusations — young and old, women and men, who are rotting there without recourse to justice. They are demolishing homes as they wish and they assassinate whomever they want.”
Although the prince does not hold any official position, his stance is seen as closely mirroring that of King Salman. In contrast, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has signalled a greater willingness to quietly engage with Israel to counter common rival, Iran, and boost foreign investment in the kingdom.
Prince Turki’s comments come as neighbouring Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates recently moved to normalise relations and establish ties with Israel.
Saudi Arabia has insisted that any normalisation between it and Israel can only happen alongside a lasting peace deal involving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, who spoke immediately after Prince Turki, said: “I would like to express my regret on the comments of the Saudi representative.
“I don’t believe that they reflect the spirit and the changes taking place in the Middle East,” he said.
--------------------------------------------------
COURTESY DAWN NEWS
--------
- Italy is temporarily changing the conditions for entry into its territory for Romanians
ROME, DEC 6 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the Italian authorities have revised the conditions for entry into the Italian Republic, in the context of the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. Until December 15, Romania was transferred to list C of Annex 20 of the decree, thus eliminating the automatic measure of self-isolation for 14 days for all persons arriving from / transiting Romania. Those wishing to enter Italy must take a negative coronavirus test. Subsequently, until January 6, the measure of self-isolation is returned.
According to the MFA, the measures adopted are applicable from December 4, 2020 until January 15, 2021.
“According to the information communicated publicly by the Italian authorities, Romania was transferred to list C of Annex 20 of the decree, thus eliminating the automatic measure of self-isolation for 14 days for all persons arriving from / transiting Romania.
Thus, starting with December 4, 2020, persons who have been or transited the territory of Romania in the last 14 days prior to arrival in Italy are required to present to the carrier, at the time of embarkation, or to any person designated to perform checks, a certificate confirming , in the 48 hours prior to the entry into Italian territory, of a buffer-type molecular diagnostic or antigen capture test, with a negative result for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In case of failure to submit the above test,, transmitted, on Sunday, MAE.
Given that the Italian authorities have not yet established a format / model of the certificate attesting the test result for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the MFA recommends that the document be written in Italian or English.
At the same time, between December 21, 2020 – January 6, 2021, persons arriving in the Italian Republic from the countries on list C, including Romania, will continue to be subject to self-isolation for 14 days, for this time it is not necessary to present a test molecular diagnostic or antigen capture buffer with negative result for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The following categories of persons are exempted from the aforementioned measures on arrival in the Italian Republic, provided that they do not show symptoms of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus:
- crews of means of transport;
- navigating personnel;
- persons moving from and to the states and territories mentioned in list A (San Marino, Holy See);
- persons entering Italy for work reasons regulated by special safety protocols, approved by the competent health authority;
- persons entering for reasons that do not support postponement, including participation in sporting events and international exhibitions, after obtaining an authorization from the Ministry of Health and with the obligation to present to the carrier at the time of embarkation or any person designated to perform checks, certificate confirming that, within 48 hours prior to entry into the territory, a buffer-type molecular diagnostic or antigen capture test with a negative result for SARS-CoV-2 infection;
- persons entering Italy for the purpose of a short stay (up to 120 hours in total) for reasons of work, health or absolute urgency, with the obligation to leave the national territory at the end of the term or, otherwise, to leave subject to measures of self-isolation and health surveillance;
- persons entering Italy for the purpose of transit for a maximum period of 36 hours by private means of transport, with the obligation to leave the national territory at the expiration of the term or, failing that, to submit to measures of self-isolation and health surveillance ;
- citizens and residents of a Member State of the European Union and of other States and Territories indicated in lists A, B, C and D who enter Italy for proven work reasons, unless in the 14 days prior to entry into Italy they have have transited through one or more of the States and territories listed in List C;
- health personnel entering Italy for the purpose of exercising the health professions, including in cases of temporary exercise provided by art. 13 of the decree-law no. 18 of March 17, 2020, transformed with amendments by law no. 27 of April 24, 2020;
- cross-border workers entering and leaving to go to work and return home;
- staff of companies headquartered or secondary in Italy who return to Italy after travel abroad for work, for a maximum period of 120 hours (5 days);
- officials and agents, whatever they may be called, from the European Union or international organizations, diplomatic agents, technical-administrative staff from diplomatic missions, consular officers and employees, Italian or foreign military personnel and police forces, and firefighters in exercise of office;
- pupils and students who take courses in a state other than that in which they have their domicile, residence or dwelling, and in which they return daily or at least once a week.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds that Romanian citizens can request consular assistance at the telephone numbers of the Romanian diplomatic mission and consular offices in the Italian Republic:
Romanian Embassy in Rome: +39 06.835.233.44, +39 06.835.233.52, +39 06.835.233.58, +39 06.835.233.56, +39 06.835.233.69, +39 06.835.233.71, +39 06.835.233.74, +39 345 147 3935 (emergency telephone);
Consulate General of Romania in Milan: +39 0240098207, +39 02.40074018, +39 366.108.1444 (emergency telephone);
Consulate General of Romania in Turin: +39 011 249 57 75, +39 011 249 52 64, +39 011 18 95 83 90, +39 338 756 8134 (emergency telephone);
Consulate General of Romania in Trieste: +39 040 411 652, +39 040 452 8136, +39 040 416 350, +39 340 8821688 (emergency telephone);
Consulate General of Romania in Bari: +39 080 548 1042, +39 080 546 1893, +39 080 548 4671, +39 080 546 1470, + 39-334 604 2299 (emergency telephone);
Consulate General of Romania in Bologna: +39 051 5872120, +39 051; 5872209, +39 349 1178220 (emergency telephone);
Consulate of Romania in Catania: +39.095.537.909, +39 095 536 139, +39 320 965 3137 (emergency telephone).
===============================
Sunday’s One Day International between South Africa and England in Paarl has been abandoned after two members of the tourists’ party returned unconfirmed positive tests for the novel coronavirus, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.
A decision will be made on whether the final two matches of the series will be played on Monday and Wednesday as scheduled once the results of the tests have been ratified.
The abandonment follows a fresh round of testing after two hotel workers in the bio-secure environment in which both teams are staying returned positive results.
England had previously expressed concern over the strength of the bio-secure environment.
“We regret that we are unable to play in today’s ODI, but the welfare of the players and support staff is our primary concern and whilst we await the results of further tests the medical advice from both teams was that this game should not take place,” Ashley Giles, managing director of England Men’s Cricket, said in a statement on Sunday.
“We remain in constant dialogue with Cricket South Africa and will continue to work closely with them to determine how best to move forward.”
South Africa’s director of cricket Graeme Smith said they hope the final two matches could be played.
“We are deeply regretful of the situation we find ourselves in after the amount of time and energy that has been put in place to host a successful tour,” he said.
“We are in continuous talks with the ECB as we navigate the situation under the guidance of our combined medical teams.”
The unconfirmed positive results take to seven the number of Covid-19 related incidents on the six-match white-ball tour, two of which occurred in the South Africa camp before the series started. There have now been five in the bio-secure environment.
Roy Davies, general manager of the Vineyard Hotel where the teams are staying, said the hotel is still investigating how two staff members contracted the virus.
“At this stage, it is not clear how the staff members became infected as neither have left the bio-secure area since November 16 and they do not work on the same team or in the same area,” he said in a statement.
“Our Covid-19 response team is endeavouring to establish all the facts and contact tracing is underway.”
It would be a huge blow for cash-strapped Cricket South Africa if the rest of the tour were to be cancelled and place into doubt future visits by Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Australia in the next few months.
-------------------------------------------------
COURTESY DAWN NEWS
-----------
KARACHI, DEC 6 – The Friends of Business and Economic Reforms (FEBR) on Sunday called for harmonization between Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) with a view to avoid double taxation, as the both tax collecting agencies have started sending notices to the industry to collect the same tax
FEBR President Kashif Anwar said that the FBR and the PRA simultaneously has been pushing the manufacturers to submit ‘toll manufacturing sales tax’ and ‘workers welfare fund’. So, the manufacturers, who have been squeezed between the federal as well as the provincial tax collecting agencies, decided to move the court to avoid the undue burden of double taxation.
He said that the dispute had arisen out of different interpretations of toll manufacturing and workers welfare fund by the FBR and PRA to suit their interests. For example, the FBR considers toll manufacturing a ‘goods producing activity’ and collects sales tax on goods from the manufacturers under the federal Sales Tax Act, 1990 that deals with tax on sale, import, export, production, manufacturing and consumption of goods.
The PRA, on the other hand, classifies the same activity as a ‘service’ and has issued show-cause notices to scores of factory owners for not “withholding and paying 16 per cent provincial sales tax on toll manufacturing” in spite of a clarification by the FBR in January 2016 that it was not a service.
The dispute between the FBR and the PRA on ‘toll manufacturing’ isn’t the only issue adding to the cost of doing business for manufacturers, especially exporters, in Punjab. The PRA is also claiming from them tax on the ‘foreign commission’ exporters pay outside the country and services like insurance they buy from a company based outside Punjab.
Kashif Anwar asked the both tax agencies to create harmonization to facilitate the taxpayers, besides reducing burden of filing extra returns from them.
Moreover, the FEBR President also demanded the tax authorities to extend the date for filing income tax returns for tax year 2020 for another three months till March 2021 in view of resurgence of coronavirus, calculation errors on IRIS portal and newly launched simple return form for small manufacturers.
------------------------------------------------------
LAHORE, DEC 6 – The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Association Front chairman Mian Nauman Kabir has warned the government that closure of marriage halls and restaurants will hit the economy hard, as they are creating millions of jobs in the country.
While talking to a delegation of the restaurants and banquet halls association’s members, he said that marriage halls and restaurants industry are also one of the essential food sectors and their closure will damage the overall economy of the country.
The PIAF is ready to join hands with the government and defeat the second wave of coronavirus while strictly observing SOPs that primarily requires wearing face masks at public places, as we don’t want to lead people to death due to hunger, while saving them from coronavirus as per the vision of the PM.
We should understand that the country’s economy is now on a positive path of progress, as the first wave of coronavirus could have devastated Pakistan’s economy but the nation’s support helped it come out of the crisis, he said, adding that the world is still mired in worse economic situations coupled with increasing Covid-19 deaths.
He appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision not to shut down factories and businesses despite a spike in coronavirus infections. The food industry contributes largely to the GDP, and its closure would directly affect 50-60 allied industries.
Mian Nauman Kabir said that the marriage halls and restaurants were adversely impacted by the lockdown and the consequent economic slowdown. He said that banquet halls industry has suffered a lot due to the previous lockdown and now they should be allowed to work with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and government should facilitate it.
PIAF Vice Chairman Javed Siddiqi said the country’s exports were now increasing due to government’s sustained economic policies, which had helped Pakistan overcome its fiscal deficit and current account deficit from $20 billion trade gap of almost two years back.
“PIAF applauds the government achievement that for the first time in 17 years, Pakistan showed current account deficit in surplus, and this situation might reverse if the food sector, which is majorly run by the restaurants and marriage halls is closed,” he warned.
Javed Siddiqi said that like other parts of the world, Pakistan was also hit by the second wave of Covid-19, but the country should not opt for a complete lockdown. He said Pakistan should only shut non-essential sectors as par the vision of the PM to save its poor people as well as economy from the severe consequences. With the high level of poverty and the lessons learnt from the first wave of Covid-19, we cannot afford the lockdown of businesses and factories, where people are employed.
---------------------------------------------------
SIALKOT, DEC 6 – The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association on Sunday proposed the Prime Minister Imran Khan to declare Sialkot as a Value-added City, as it is a hub of SME sector, contributing $2.5 billion foreign exchange by adding a multi-fold value addition in garments, sports goods, surgical goods, musical devices, cutlery, leather garments, gloves, handmade badges and military uniforms.
Sialkot is the only city in the whole Asia where its business community has built its own airport and now it is going to launch a private airline-‘Airsial’, this will definitely help spur export growth from this city.
PRGMEA Central Chairman Sohail Sheik and Chief Coordinator Ijaz Khokhar observed that it is the fourth largest value-added garment city in Pakistan, therefore we request the Prime Minister to also announce a ‘garment city’ for Sialkot in line with the garment cities of Karachi, Faisalabad and Lahore.
Addressing a meeting, held here to discuss and finalize the meeting agenda with the members, to be presented to the PM on his forthcoming visit to Sialkot, both leaders of PRGMEA pledged that Sialkot, after establishment of Garment City, will be able to increase garment export in three-fold to $1.5 billion from the current figure of 530 million dollars.
“We appreciate the PM as well as Adviser to PM on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood for incorporating our several major demands in forthcoming textile policy and hope that rest of the proposals will also get their serious consideration before its final approval from the cabinet,” the central chairman said.
He said that all PRGMEA members welcome speedy disbursement of sales tax refunds under faster plus system, DLTL refunds, customs rebate being deposited directly into the bank, cut in power tariff for SMEs and reduction of interest rate to 7%, which would ultimately lead to an aggressive sale in future and hopefully gear up the export in 2021.
Ijaz Khokhar observed that the SBP’s relief measures, including Temporary Economic Refinance Facility for machinery imports, is very encouraging and good for industrial expansion. “The PRGMEA appreciates the efforts of the PM to cut power tariff for SMEs which covers almost 90 percent of the industry and especially the efforts of the commerce ministry to promote economic growth in the country and provide liquidity and other support to the value-added apparel sector during Covid-19 are really appreciable.”
The Chairman also hailed the significant growth observed in apparel export for the months of Nov 2020. He said that this was in line with the government policy of promotion of value-added exports, which is reflecting a healthy trend. He called for advising trade missions abroad to actively engage the importers for promotion of Pakistan’s exports.
“We are thankful to the government for releasing Rs1.78 billion for textile sector under Drawback of Local Taxes and Levy scheme (DLTL). He expressed the hope that this would resolve the liquidity issues of exporters and enable them to enhance exports further.
Sohail A. Sheikh observed that the proposed declaration of Sialkot as a ‘value-added city’ could enable it to help achieve national targets on export promotion, employment generation, besides productivity enhancement and brand creation in a progressive way to attract the international buyers.
He hailed the establishment of new technical university in Sialkot, saying the varsity and the Garment City would create a well trained and skilled manpower, integrating the entire apparel industry and SME sector in the area.
-------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, DEC 6 – Pakistan: Following an extensive search and competitive selection process, the stakeholders of InfraZamin Pakistan, namely Karandaaz Pakistan, and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) companies InfraCo Asia Investments and GuarantCo, have appointed Ms Maheen Rahman as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Ms Rahman, whose appointment as InfraZamin CEO will take effect on 1 January 2021, brings with her over twenty years of experience in investment banking, research and asset management.
A recently launched initiative of PIDG, InfraZamin Pakistan is an innovative, for-profit credit enhancement facility developed by GuarantCo. InfraZamin Pakistan will be funded with PKR 4.125bn (approx. USD 25m) equity capital from PIDG Company InfraCo Asia Investments and Karandaaz Pakistan, provided by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and a contingent capital facility of up to PKR 8.25bn (approx. USD 50m) from GuarantCo.
InfraZamin aims to fill current gaps in the local credit markets in order to catalyse greater private sector participation in long-term, local currency financing of infrastructure in Pakistan. InfraZamin will do so by providing guarantees to enhance the credit quality of local currency debt instruments which finance creditworthy infrastructure projects in Pakistan across sectors including renewable energy, digital communications, water and wastewater treatment, social infrastructure and more.
By reducing credit risk, InfraZamin’s guarantees are expected to ‘crowd-in’ private sector capital to boost much needed investments in infrastructure and contribute to the development of Pakistan’s financial architecture. Pakistan currently spends only 2.1% of its GDP on infrastructure, leading to a widening infrastructure deficit. The additional investments unlocked by InfraZamin are expected to support economic growth, create jobs and improve access to essential infrastructure such as housing, clean energy and clean water supply for underserved populations in Pakistan.
Prior to her appointment as InfraZamin Pakistan’s CEO, Ms Rahman served as the Chief Executive of Alfalah GHP Investment Management where, under her leadership, Alfalah Investments has grown to be one of the largest asset management companies in Pakistan. She brings a diverse range of experience and a deep familiarity with Pakistan’s capital markets and the financial sector.
On her appointment, Ms Maheen Rahman said “InfraZamin represents a new opportunity for development of innovative solutions for infrastructure financing in Pakistan. I am excited to be able to lead this initiative and contribute towards socially responsible infrastructure development that seeks to have a positive impact on communities Ms Rahman assumes the role as CEO of InfraZamin Pakistan on 1 January 2021, subject to requisite approvals from the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
Incorporated as a private limited company, InfraZamin will operate on a commercial basis guided by international best practices and local governance standards. Its Board of Directors will include representatives of InfraCo Asia Investments (through Indus Guarantees), Karandaaz, and GuarantCo.
------------------------------------------------------
YIWU, (China) Dec. 6 – Pakistani business community in China is looking forward to serve the country in a big way, provided they get the government’s support.
This was stated by Mir Faisal Yaqoob, a Pakistani businessman who have been in China for 24 years. He came here in 1996.
He told Gwadar Pro in an interview that in 2001, he set up his own company in Yiwu. Before that, he was helping with his cousin’s business in Urumqi.
“If we only talk about Pak-China trade, Urumqi is a hub for transportation. Xinjiang province is agriculture-based, so people there are much involved in the agriculture business.
Other things are not very easily available in the market.” Mir described the difference between the two cities.“Yiwu is a showroom for all of the commodities in China, where you can find products varies from needles to airplane parts.”
“Manufacturers like opening their showroom in Yiwu since more visitors tend to come here. Businessmen can stay in Yiwu for only two to three days and get everything they want. It can save a lot of time, which is the most important thing for trade,” he said.
Due to his extensive business experience in China, three years ago, Mir was elected as the chairman of Pakistan China Chamber of Commerce, while the chamber of commerce is still in the process of registration.
“More than two years ago, we put the chamber case in civil affairs with the recommendation of Pakistan embassy in China. We are still waiting for its final approval.”
“If we make a team, we can do big things.To make the team, we need supports from our government.” According to Mir, there are already more than 150 member companies in PCCC.
“We have already discussed with a few departments and business communities in China who want to do joint ventures or start businesses in Pakistan. We can also help Pakistani manufacturers get a platform in China and improve Pakistan export. These are also the things we can do for our government.”
“Pakistani government officials in China must keep in touch with the business community in China, especially the chamber of commerce and work together. Then we can do big things for our country, ” he suggested.
-----------------------------------------
OSLO, NORWAY, DEC 2020 - The districts south and east of Oslo will receive the largest share of a pot of NOK 5.5 million, which the City Council will now distribute to get more people to buy electric bicycles.
A total of 1,100 Oslo citizens will receive NOK 5,000 each for the purchase of an electric bicycle.
NOK 3.5 million out of the NOK 5.5 million is reserved for applicants from the districts of Alna, Bjerke, Grorud, Stovner, and Søndre Nordstrand.
The remaining NOK 2 million will go to applicants from the other districts.
“Important to get people on bikes”
“We do this so even more people can leave their car behind,” the Green Party’s (MDG) environmental councilor Lan Marie Berg told news bureau NTB.
“Now that we have an acute corona crisis and a climate crisis, it has never been more important to get more people on bikes.
“Then, there will be more space on the bus, tram, and track for those who really need it,” she added.
Applicants can get up to 50% of the cost of the electric bike covered, but the maximum is NOK 5,000.
Those who will receive the grant will be drawn at random.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
COURTESY NORWAY TODAY
------------
Saturday, 5 December 2020
NUR-SULTAN, DEC 5 – Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that volunteering is a true patriotism
.
President Tokayev took to his official Twitter account to announce that today is the International Volunteer Day. Volunteers, according to the Head of State, have become the symbol of kindness, sincerity, and selfless devotion in the interests of ordinary people. Volunteering is a true patriotism, the President tweeted.
The Head of State also reminded that 2020 had been declared the Year of Volunteers in Kazakhstan.
In his tweet, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that he is proud of Kazakhstanis volunteers and thankful to them for useful work they are doing, especially amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Volunteering is not a temporary thing, it is a state of the soul of tens of thousands of our citizens. We are always together, he added.
Recall that President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
signed the Decree «On announcing the Year of Volunteer» on August 26, 2019.
COURTESY inform.kz
---------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, DEC 5 – Fawad Chaudhry, the Federal Minister for Science and Technology launched the IdeaHub. The IdeaHub is a revolutionary product by Huawei that is set to change the way projectors are used everywhere around the world.
Addressing the launching ceremony, the federal minister said 5G would bring a revolution in the world as there was no limit to science, he further said Pakistan was one of the few countries where IdeaHub had been inaugurated. 5G technology will revolutionise the world.
The Idea Hub boasts a sleek, contemporary, user-centric design with a slender, minimalist stand giving it the look of a next-gen product that will fit right into your new office space. It has a 4K screen with H.265 technology and 60fps that delivers a crisp, clear, smooth experience. The device even has a touch feature that lets you make your presentations interactive with your users.
It lets you directly connect your phone or laptop to it with a touch and start projecting your screen in an instant using wireless sharing.
There are three versions of the IdeaHub i.e. the IdeaHub Enterprise and the IdeaHub Pro. Both come in two sizes (65 inches and 86 inches) with the difference of the front camera that it boasts. The Simple version has a 1080p 30 fps front camera whereas the Pro version has a 4k 30 fps camera.
Depending on the price, this may change how projectors are used since this makes the experience much more interactive and easy without needing to set up a big wall where you can display. It is even mobile so you can shift it wherever you want.
-----------------------------------------------
Social Media
Search