Category: Business

Lahore (Nut Desk)

The Progressive Group comprising members of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has decided to fully promote Pakistani products and brands at Gulf Food 2022, the largest exhibition in the Middle East. Progressive Group with a large delegation of 25 members will not only participate in the exhibition but also set up stalls of various products so that the products made in Pakistan can be introduced to the international buyers.

The delegation will be led by Khalid Usman, President Progressive Group and Executive Committee Member, Lahore Chamber of Commerce. Group members Muhammad Ijaz Tanveer and Haji Riaz-ul-Hassan will set up stalls for their products made in Pakistan. The delegation will include Abdul Wadud Alvi, Mohammad Azam Cheema, Zeeshan Saleem Bakhshi, Faisal Arshad, Mohammad Nawaz Ilyas, Asim Shafiq Sheikh, Ali Imran, Mohsin Bashir, Bilal Riaz, Usman Riaz, Waqas Arshad Bhatti and Syed Hassan Raza.

The Progressive Group trade delegation will also attend seminars on Made in Pakistan and Branding and Value Addition programs to highlight Pakistani products as well as build capacity of members.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Pandamart, the country’s leading online groceries delivery platform has achieved a major milestone of establishing over 50 stores within just over a year since the first store was opened in Bahadurabad, Karachi in November 2020. The 50^th store was opened in DHA Phase 8, Karachi on the eve of the new year, on December 31, 2021. This exponential growth means that a new store was opened practically every week of the past 12 months or so.

Online groceries shopping through pandamart is accessible on the foodpanda app.

Today, pandamart stores are spread across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Hyderabad, with this countrywide network of stores catering to about 85 to 90 percent of the population within the cities covered.  There are now aggressive plans in place to further increase the number of stores and also expand into several other cities during this year. The present stores cover more than 350,000 square feet of floor space, stock more than 10,000 products of over 200 suppliers and vendors, employ over      1,250 people directly and create economic opportunities for the freelance rider community.     .

Speaking about pandamart’s rapid growth, foodpanda’s CEO, Nauman Sikandar Mirza said, “Q-commerce is definitely the future and pandamart is pioneering this sector boldly as is obvious from the growth we have achieved in such a short time period. Our mission is to vigorously support the government’s goal of realizing a digital Pakistan and documenting the economy, while offering unprecedented convenience and benefits to the public through online groceries shopping that is available 20 hours out of 24 every single day.”

Benefits of online groceries shopping include convenience of ordering from home instead of physically visiting shops particularly important during the covid panedmic, extremely fast delivery, assured high quality of products, especially of perishables like fruits and vegetables, competitive prices, and particularly relevant during Covid times, the minimizing of human contact and avoidable movement of people.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association (PFMA) in collaboration with Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA), Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PGMEA) and Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PLGMEA) has planned to organize PMLS 2022 at Lahore Expo Centre from 28 Jan to 30 January 2022 to promote the robust leather industry of Pakistan globally. The announcement came during a press conference held in local hotel in Lahore in which senior members from both sides are present to announced the scheduled of the exhibition to be held on 28^th till 30^th of January 2022 at Lahore International Expo Centre. The Press conference have addressed by Mr. Zahid Hussain- Chairman PFMA and Mr. Amanullah Aftab- Chairman PTA along with other members of partnered organization.

Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor to the Prime Minister will Inaugurate PMLS 2022 as a Chief Guest at Lahore Expo Centre on 29 January 2022. The inauguration ceremony will also be attended by foreign diplomates and European union delegates.

Speaking on this occasion, PFMA Chairman Mr. Zahid Hussain stated “PFMA is committed towards development of Footwear industry of Pakistan by providing international platform for manufacturer and supplier to meet together to exploit each other strengths and workout on their weaknesses. The Exhibition will open door to international investors to explore Pakistan Footwear market and allow Local manufacturer to forge ties with foreign expert in producing finest products for local consumers. This event will create win-win situation for International and domestic Footwear industry stakeholders in transforming Pakistan footwear sector to bring it at par with International standards”.

Mr. Amanullah Aftab- Chairman PTA has shared his thoughts “Finished leather of cow, buffalo, sheep & goat skins being produced in Pakistan is the Most Highly Value-added product of Leather Sector of Pakistan, which is exporting abundantly to the world’s leading brands in general and catering to the domestic needs in particularly. The Exhibition will help to boost the industry by exposing domestic manufacturer to the international market”.

Same like exhibition of 2020, Pakistan Mega Leather Show 2022 will attract many international customers towards the tremendous potential that exists in the leather sector of Pakistan and help to provide a viable platform for nurturing stronger ties. The event also features a special exhibition of the high-quality products being produced by the leather Footwear-Manufacturing industry and leather goods of Pakistan. The PMLS 2022 will likely to attract many potential buyers and investors from Italy, Germany, Thailand, Spain, France, Turkey and Netherlands. The rapid growth of this industry reflects 5% increase in exports of Footwear Sector during 2021 and it continues this trend in 2022 with organization of these mega events which invite international buyers to invest in Pakistan. These investments will play vital role in bringing improvement in the technological skills, productivity and export of Footwear sector in Pakistan.

This exhibition also provides a great opportunity to supporting industry like cottage industry, SMEs and startups to meet the leading Leather, Tanners and Footwear Manufacturers and to get first-hand knowledge about the latest technology trend and raw materials supplier of the Footwear sector.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Constructors Association of Pakistan (CAP) has urged the government to provide relief from the impact of unbearable increase in the prices of construction material registered during the last one and half year due to which constructors are unable to meet their already signed agreements in public sector besides boycotting participation in any new tenders for the last two months. Prices of steel, cement, bricks and other construction material has registered an average increase of 75 per cent in the prices during the last one and half year while escalation in the public sector project either does not exist or ensure only a 10-15 per cent upward revision thus constructors have to bear the additional expense of 60 per cent at their own.

Escalation in the prices of construction material impact both the developers and contractors of government projects but developers can add the increased prices to their end cost for private buying but contractors in the public sector has to follow the agreed prices. Escalation is not given in the provincial contractors at all due to which industry is fast heading towards complete destruction. 80 per cent of the constructors in public sector development projects are small constructors are unable to continue the work or participate in new bidding but if immediate relief is not given work on gong-on projects worth trillion of rupees would also soon come to a halt, said CAP Chairman Engr. Kamal Nasir Khan while talking to a select group of journalists here on Wednesday. He said steel prices have reached to Rs 195,000 tonnes from 104,000 per tonnes in March 2020, cement prices touched Rs 730 per bag from Rs 480 per bag, Bitumen from Rs 64,700 per tonnes to Rs 130,600 per tons, Aluminum doors/windows from Rs 475 per square feet to Rs 825 per square feet and other materials also increased with the same ratio. He said 80 per cent of the small contractors do not even have working capital and they complete projects through payments made by the government. Big constructors do have the capacity to complete the projects even in loss by borrowing from the banks or selling their assets to save their reputation but small contractors involved in construction of streets, small roads and etc don not have that capacity, he added.

Engr. Kamal Nasir Khan said that they were running from the pillar to post for the last one and half years to have upward revision in the prices in correspondence with the existing rate of construction material. He claimed that a onetime escalation was given to the constructors in year 2004 by the then Musharraf regime vide SRO# 26/(183)Plan Cord-II/PC/2004 and earlier in year 1974. He said that planning commissioner, finance ministry and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) representative should sit together to carve out some formula for one time escalation payment to constructors besides revising the existing escalation formula to reflect present market dynamics where already escalation is provided.

Constructors Association of Pakistan (CAP) Chairman Engr. Kamal Nasir Khan claimed that stoppage of ongoing construction projects and boycott of new tender would cause a direct impact of Rs 100-120 billion to the government while industries allied with construction would also face a slow down causing further dent on the national exchequer.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) One of the largest construction groups of Pakistan, Paragon Constructors (Private) Limited, has chosen SAP, world’s leading digital solutions provider, as its strategic technology partner in pursuit of their end-to-end digital transformation journey.

Paragon Constructors is the flagship company of Paragon Group of Companies and is behind some of Pakistan’s landmark projects including Lucky one mall, Dolmen Mall, Habib University, EMAAR, UBL tower, Telenor, Ocean mall, Lucky cement plant. Through its 30 years of service in the industry, the Company has emerged as a premier construction brand, trusted nation-wide for its unmatched expertise, comprehensive range of services, and compliance with highest industry standards for safety and sustainability.

To better accommodate the needs of their expanding portfolio of clients and bring renewed efficiency to their services, Paragon Constructors is now transforming and digitising their operations with the aid of SAP S/4 HANA Enterprise Management, Core HCM, and Payroll solutions. Being one of the most efficient and multidisciplinary enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, S/4 HANA will enable the Company to easily manage all operations and strategic dealings, create and manage plans and schedules swiftly, simplify financial management and easily analyse data and generate reports. The Core HR and Payroll solutions will help the Company manage global benefits and payroll, improve employee self-service, automate HR processes, and strengthen compliance. Apart from this, all day-to-day processes and other functions of an enterprise can be easily managed through SAP’s solutions resulting in improved speed and performance of business as well as better services for customers.

Xx, xx Paragon Constructors Pakistan, while commenting on the successful implementation of the digital solutions, said, “Digitalisation has become the need of the hour, not just because it provides new and improved business solutions and revenue opportunities but also because it enables a business to better discern the needs of its customers and provide services accordingly. As one of the major stakeholders in the construction sector, the way we conduct our business and manage our clients and services is of utmost importance. We look forward to the promising and transforming results of SAP’s digital solutions.”

Saquib Ahmed, Managing Director, SAP Pakistan also expressed his pleasure at serving the biggest construction company of Pakistan and said, “SAP is committed to aid businesses in improving their capabilities and simplifying their operations. As numerous organisations across various industries shift towards the digital realm, SAP ensures that our solutions increase efficiency, resiliency and productivity of our customers’ businesses. We hope to see the fruitful results of this partnership in the form of our client’s success.”

LAHORE (NUT DESK)

The continuous evolution of technology has urged many brands to either excel at a fast pace or be left far behind. The globally eminent smartphone brand, TECNO has been seen bringing something new for its users from time to time. In a webinar last month, TECNO’s Global team announced to be working with Samsung to bring the latest RGWB Camera Sensor in their phones.

The brand discussed featuring a new Samsung image sensor that uses an RGBW pixel array for better quality images. TECNO mentioned Samsung’s Isocell GWB – an upcoming mobile imaging sensor that adds a white pixel to red, green, and blue pixels. The addition of the white pixel will improve the sensor’s overall sensitivity to light which will help produce better low light photographs. It claims lesser background glare in lit environments and more balanced contrast levels in darker backgrounds.

A few days back, TECNO Pakistan posted on its social media stating “We’ve launched the industry’s latest RGBW Camera sensor technology”. Fans seem to be overjoyed by the news but we still don’t know which phones could be coming with this feature. Can you guess which of TECNO’s phones will be the first to have this technology?

According to multiple sources, TECNO shall be bringing some of the greatest technological devices from its Camon and Phantom series in Pakistan. The brand brought its first Borderless AMOLED – Phantom X along with the Gimbal Technology Camon 18 Premier in 2021. Hence the expectations are too high and we hope TECNO will not make its fans wait too long and launch some amazing devices soon.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) 10 Million and still going strong- My Zong App’s family has grown and reached a remarkable mark of 10 million active users. With 1 in every 4 customer of the company using MZA, this feat makes My Zong App one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing apps with highest digital penetration rates in the industry. The new milestone is a testament to Zong users’ confidence in My Zong App in terms of system performance, useful features, convenience, and state-of-the-art user interface.

Moreover, My Zong App also offers exclusivity to its users in terms of offers and games, which has brought good engagement on the MZA app. “My Zong App is the gateway to a world of exciting opportunities not only for Zong subscribers but for users of other networks as well. The app has a lot to offer to the users, but that might just be the beginning of even bigger and more wonderful things. We thank Pakistanis for making Zong and MZA a massive success,” shared spokesperson of Zong 4G. Today, My Zong App has more value for Zong as well as other network users than ever before.

Enriched with countless features and designed with the intention to simplify users’ lives, MZA continues to serve Pakistanis in an unmatched way. Cognizant of its customer-centric approach, Zong 4G has dedicated its efforts to provide the best experience to its valued customers. Placing customers at the core, the company aims to continue capitalizing on innovation and new technologies to deliver cutting-edge products and services linked with the ambition of digitalizing Pakistan.

It’s important to note that besides many other offers, last year Zong also announced a long-term flash sale of up to 70% on My Zong App, giving Zong users all the more reason to make the most of the app that regularly brings incredible offers.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The country’s leading energy company, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) further strengthens its strategic partnership with Pakistan Railways by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of POL products, transportation and other businesses.

The MoU was signed by Managing Director & CEO, PSO – Syed Taha and CEO/Senior General Manager, Pakistan Railways – Mr. Nisar Ahmed Memon at PSO’s head office in Karachi. The Honorable Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways – Mr. Azam Khan Swati was the chief guest at the ceremony.

Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways – Mr. Azam Khan Swati said; “I congratulate both PSO and Pakistan Railways on this momentous occasion. This strategic alliance between the two national flag bearers will enable the growth of our country’s economy and also contribute to the national exchequer. Organizations like PSO and Pakistan Railways are playing an instrumental role in helping our nation’s economy reach its full potential and I congratulate the senior management of both entities on attaining this major milestone.”

Expressing his views at this occasion, MD & CEO, PSO, Syed Taha said: “PSO and Pakistan Railways have a long and cordial business relationship spanning over three decades. We continue to stand strong with Pakistan Railways as its robust, innovative and technologically driven transformational plan comes to fruition. This partnership will bring synergy in our shared national agenda and accelerate the economic progress of Pakistan. We are keen to work together and explore upcoming business opportunities.”

CEO/Senior General Manager, Pakistan Railways – Mr. Nisar Ahmed Memon said: “We cherish our long term relationship with PSO and the signing of this MoU has further cemented our partnership. By forging an association with the national energy giant – PSO, we aim to bring efficiency in our operations as we transform into a vibrant and robust entity.”

The long term collaboration between the two national entities is expected to go a long way in improving railway infrastructure and operations in Pakistan and meeting the needs of customers nationwide.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan cricket team’s talismanic wicketkeeper batsman and one of the nation’s most loved cricketers, Muhammad Rizwan has just begun one of the most meaningful partnerships of his career in the field of education.

After having a record-breaking 2021, being dubbed ‘Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year’ by ICC and ‘Most Valuable Player’ by PCB, Rizwan is determined to inspire young Pakistani students and help them maximize their potential. Becoming Brand Ambassador Abwaab is the first step towards building a solid future for Pakistan. In addition, Rizwan will also be teaching a master class course, available exclusively to Abwaab students – which is a testament to his commitment to the cause.

Sharing his thoughts and motivation behind this partnership Muhammad Rizwan said, “My motivation behind joining hands with Abwaab is its quality content and ease of use. This platform has the power to transform Pakistan’s educational landscape for good. It can play a key role in making quality education accessible & affordable for everyone. Children from every corner of Pakistan, especially girls, will be able to get a great educational experience and play their role in the prosperity and development of our country. Abwaab is a game changer and I am honored to be a part of this great journey.’’

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Country Head Abwaab, Pakistan – Raja Ahmed Shuja said “Rizwan’s partnership with Abwaab will go miles towards helping us in our mission of unleashing the human potential of Pakistanis through education. Rizwan being the face of Pakistan cricket will help us amplify our message and take it across the country.”

CEO and Founder Saya Corporation Global Sports Group, Talha Rehmani added “I am extremely delighted with our collaboration with Abwaab as it gives us the opportunity to build a solid foundation for the future generations of Pakistan. It will be a very significant and impactful partnership that fits in perfectly with Saya Corporation’s vision of investing into the youth through education. This also has the potential to strengthen the bridge of mutual understanding through collaboration and cultural exchange. ”

Abwaab is Pakistan’s first and only learning app with instant live tutoring support, offering on demand video lessons, practice exercises for Matric and Inter students and much more to follow. All of this is offered for free during the academic year of 2021-2022.

Saya Corporation is a world leading sports management company with offices in Pakistan, England and South Africa, representing superstars such as Babar Azam, Mohmmad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Sandeep Lamichhane and Rassie van der Dussen among others.