Category: Business

Zong 4G’s Unique Business Model: Customers Before Revenue

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Lahore – Being at the forefront of Pakistan’s digital revolution, country’s largest data network, Zong 4G, has reaffirmed its previously stated position of putting the customers before all other business priorities.

Powered by the fastest 4G network in the country, Zong continues to dominate the data market with more than 70% 4G market share.

Commenting on the phenomenal rise of Zong 4G’s subscriber base, company’s official spokesperson and director of Corporate Strategy Mr. Maham Dard explained Zong’s business approach; “Zong business model is very different, for us, providing the best customer experience is our top priority. We want to help build a strong customer platform which is very open for all our customers. Zong will provide what the customers want in terms of the best network quality at the most competitive rates”.   

The year 2017 was marked with some outstanding achievements of Zong 4G. On the customer front, the company was rated as the most proficient operator in complaint resolution. Multiple new state-of-the-art service centers were launched offering the most affordable 4G enabled handsets as well as unique voice and data bundles making them the largest network of service centers in the industry. On the network side, the company expanded its 4G footprint to all of Pakistan, making 100% of its network 4G enabled by the years end. Recently, the company future-proofed its data speeds by upgrading the network back-bone capacity to 100Gbps making its users experience even better than before.

“We have chosen to invest in Pakistan for the reason of transforming lives and building a digital Pakistan. Our aim is our customers, not revenues. In that direction, we will leave no stone unturned, providing our customers with the latest 4G products and the most stable & advanced 4G network in Pakistan. We are investing in our customers through our fastest network, new and more affordable 4G handsets, latest and most state of the art customer service centers in all major cities and the best commercial packages.” He further added.

Additionally, Zong 4G’s partnerships with some of the most widely accessed platforms in Pakistan such as Facebook, WhatsApp & Daraz, reflects its core desire to seamlessly integrate all subscriber preferred applications into its state-of-the-art, high quality network, for the best & most optimal user experience.

Through this unrelenting focus on customer needs, Zong 4G continues to build its network and services around the unique requirements of new-age data customers, balancing affordability with seamless connectivity. All these initiatives & achievements, in essence, reflect a direct & persistent focus on customer centricity, which Zong 4G positions as one of its key strategic pillars.

DAWLANCE EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE WITH EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF SDA PRODUCTS

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Lahore –  Pakistan’s leading home appliance brand – Dawlance, today unveiled its new and exclusive range of as many as 7 small domestic appliances (SDA) for its customers, stepping up further on providing an advanced level of convenience and supreme performance for the large consumer base of Dawlance in Pakistan.

The exclusivity of this new range builds upon the idea of ‘Made for the creative minds, happy faces and healthy hearts’, which speaks for itself, as these appliances aren’t just build on the advanced technology standards, but also ensures the consumer content by giving them comfort and peace of mind with regular usage in their everyday lives.

The new SDA range features 2 vacuum cleaner models; DWVC-6724 and DWVC-770, 1 steam iron; model: DWSI-7282, an express boil kettle; model: DWEK-7220, an easy-to-use toaster; model: DWT-7290, Sandwich maker; model: DWSM-7900, along with a powerful food processor; model: DWFP-7128.
Commenting at the occasion of launching the new SDA range, Hasan Jamil, Head of Marketing Dawlance, said, “The entire Dawlance team is excited over the launch of this new SDA range. With the growing demand for these appliances built on modern technology standards, it was imperative for us to offer professionally crafted products to the homemakers to experience this whole range in its full glory and functional form.”
Adding to this, he said, “In Pakistan, there has always been a huge demand for quality and distinctive products in the built-in space, and this newly launched range of appliances is the answer to our consumers, who are guaranteed to experience exquisite features of fine craftsmanship, durability, robustness and meticulous attention to the detailing of all these appliances.”The exclusive range of Dawlance SDA products are carefully thought through and comes with beautiful design and crafted features which are exceptionally functional, conveying a sense of substance, durability and authenticity while meeting the practical requirements of professionals, housewives or anyone passionate for the effective usage of these appliances in their everyday walk of life.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Open Inaugural Meeting of the IMCTC Ministers of Defense Council

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  • His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman will welcome 41 Ministers of Defense to the inaugural meeting of the IMCTC Ministers of Defense Council, which will be held in Riyadh on 26 November, 2017
  • His Royal Highness will deliver the meeting’s openingaddress signaling the operational launchof the IMCTC, a coalition comprised of 41 Muslim countriesunited in the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism
  • His Royal Highness will emphasize member countries’commitment to unite and coordinate their counter terrorism efforts and join other international initiatives.

Lahore – His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,will openthe Inaugural Meeting of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Ministers of Defense Council, that will beheld in Riyadh on November 26, 2017. His Royal Highness will deliver the opening remarksat the meeting,which will bring together Ministers of Defense as well asdiplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia.

Lieutenant General Abdulelah Al-Saleh, the IMCTC Acting Secretary General said:

“This meeting marks the official launch of the IMCTC’s operations at our Center in Riyadh. The Center provides an openplatformfor willing IMCTC member countriesto exchange best practices and coordinate their counterterrorism efforts, enabling culturally appropriate regional and local solutions to counter terrorism.”

General Rahil Sharif, the military commander of the IMCTC, said:

“The biggest challenge in the 21st Century, especially in the Muslim world, is confronting the dangerous phenomenon of terrorism. The IMCTC encompasses an integrated approach to coordinate and unite on the four key domains of ideology, communications, counter terrorism financing, and military, in order to fight all forms of terrorism and extremism and to effectively join other international security and peacekeeping efforts.”

The IMCTC is a 41-nation pan-Islamic coalition united in the fight against terror. The Inaugural Meeting, held under the theme “Allied Against Terrorism”, will include statementsby Ministers of Defense of IMCTC member countries andkeynote speeches in connection with the IMCTC’s four domains: Ideology, Communications, Counter Terrorist Financing, and Military. In addition, the IMCTC’s Acting Secretary General, Lieutenant General Abdulelah AlSaleh, will outline the Coalition’s strategy, governance, activities and future plans.

LG Unveils Expanded Medical Imaging Product Lineup at Medica 2017

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Lahore – LG Electronics (LG) is showcasing its expanded lineup of medical imaging devices at Medica 2017, the world’s largest medical trade fair held in Dusseldorf every year.

LG, which launched its medical imaging devices business in 2016, has years of experience in advanced flat-panel display technology, sees a lucrative market in the fast growing medical imaging industry. At Medica 2017, LG will present its new 3MP Diagnostic Monitor (model 21HK512D) and a 1.3MP Clinical Review Monitor (model 19HK312C) to medical professionals from all over the world. The 21HK512D is the first product in the diagnosis category for LG and it rounds out LG’s medical imaging device lineup, which now provides hospitals with total display solutions for patient care from registration to examination, diagnosis and treatment.

The LG 21HK512D is a 21.3-inch, 3MP (1536 x 2048) Diagnostic Monitor capable of impressive brightness level and its built-in calibrator checks which colors need to be adjusted and fix the inaccurate colors to ensure that MRI and CT scans are clearly shown. LG’s new 1.3MP (1280 x 1024) Clinical Review Monitor features a 19-inch, 5:4 ratio IPS screen that can connect to existing hospital equipment. Like all of LG’s medical imaging devices, both monitors are Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) compliant Part 14, which means that grayscale tones are corrected to maintain image accuracy and consistency over time.

LG’s monitors are equipped with backlight stabilization technology to guarantee stable luminance levels and are finely calibrated to ensure consistency across multiple devices. Dynamic Sync Mode reduces input lag while Flicker Safe and Reader Mode settings help reduce eye strain experienced by doctors when working long shifts.

LG’s complete range of medical imaging devices will be exhibited in a variety of scenarios, including a consultation room, an operating table and a radiography room. The monitors’ advanced IPS technology make it possible for multiple medical professionals to view the monitors from different angles with minimal color distortion. What’s more, LG’s medical monitors are water and dust resistant, ensuring that they continue to function flawlessly in the presence of moisture, fluids, powders or any of the many environmental challenges encountered in today’s hospitals.

“We are aggressively expanding our product offerings in the medical field with the aim to become a leader in high-quality medical monitors worldwide,” said Jang Ik-hwan, vice president of LG Electronics’ IT Business Division. “We are optimistic LG’s reputation in the premium display category will carry over to make a positive impact in people’s lives. LG’s long history of developing premium displays will give medical professionals the peace-of-mind that what they are seeing on-screen is extremely accurate. ”

Over 5,100 exhibitors from 70 countries participated in Medica 2016. Medica has hosted leading individuals in the fields of business, research and politics for more than 40 years, and is also the site for forums and special shows on varied medical-technological topics.

Powering Iraq from North to South: Ministry of Electricity and GE Sign $400 Million Contract to Build 14 Electric Substations

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  • Agreement marks strategic mega deal contract to develop electric substations in Iraq and will help address shortages in power supply across the governorates of Ninawa, Salah Al Din, Al Anbar, Karbala, Baghdad, Qadisiyyah and Basra
  • GE will support the Ministry of Electricity in securing financing for the project  

Lahore – The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MoE) has signed an agreement worth over $400 million with GE Power (NYSE: GE) to develop 14 electric substations on a turnkey basis and supply critical equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers and other outdoor equipment to rehabilitate existing substations and bring much-needed power to areas facing significant electricity shortages across the country. The project represents a strategic milestone for GE to develop electric substations in Iraq, and will also see the Company support the MoE to secure funding through various financial institutions, including export credit agencies and commercial banks.

Mussab al-Mudaris, spokesperson of the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity said, “The agreement represents a major milestone in our efforts to strengthen Iraq’s power transmission sector, through a comprehensive grid project across the nation. Our focus remains on providing our people with the most reliable and advanced technology to meet their daily needs, and to accomplish this we need strong partners in this journey of development and reconstruction. GE has the technology, global capabilities and local presence to ensure the successful and sustainable execution of the project.”

GE will develop the substations to connect power plants spread across the governorates of Ninawa, Salah Al Din, Al Anbar, Karbala, Baghdad, Qadisiyyah and Basra to the national grid. Several of the locations, in conflict-affected areas, are continuing to recover and are in immediate need of reliable power infrastructure.

GE Power has previously provided power generation equipment for some of the power plants that the substations will be connected to, including the three gigawatt Basmaya Power Plant. The current agreement includes 4 substations critical to distributing power from the facility, which is also being equipped with eight of GE’s 9FA gas turbines, four GE C7 steam turbines and GE’s leading digital industrial applications.

Mohammed Mohaisen, President and CEO of GE Power’s Grid Solutions business in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey said, “A holistic approach to national infrastructure building is vital, from the provision of technical expertise to working with partners, such as Export Credit Agencies, in securing long-term financial solutions. This agreement is a continuation of our firm commitment to driving industry and infrastructure forward in Iraq, working with the Ministry of Electricity in finding sustainable and effective solutions to some of the country’s most pressing issues.”

The current agreement builds on GE’s significant legacy of contributions towards strengthening Iraq’s power sector. This includes establishing captive power plants to provide power for industrial use, converting power plants from simple cycle to combined cycle configuration, multi-year services to improve the reliability and efficiency of operations, upgrades solutions to increase the output and efficiency of the existing installed power generation asset base and the implementation of digital industrial solutions to monitor, analyze, enhance and predict equipment health.

GE has three offices in the country – in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra – and the company continues to deliver advanced technology and expertise for the development of critical energy, healthcare and transportation infrastructure in the country. Today, GE-built technologies generate up to 50 percent of Iraq’s power and GE employs about 300 people in the country, more than 95 percent of whom are Iraqi nationals.

 

 

Zong 4G’s Free WhatsApp – A “Boundary-less 4G Customer Experience”

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Lahore –  Zong 4G announced free WhatsApp last week, adding to its already provided free Facebook, not just for Zong network but for all networks, for prepaid as well as post paid subscribers.

“We want our customers to be able to experience boundary less 4G experience connecting the world together in an open environment. We don’t want to target any specific audience, all Pakistanis can use Zong 4G for person to person, application to person and machine to machine applications on Zong 4G for the best possible user experience in an open environment” said Maham Dard, Director Strategy at Zong 4G

“We want to develop the 4G market in Pakistan without limiting our customer’s experience. Zong 4G is the fastest 4G network in Pakistan to date, our data quality is the best, so it makes sense to experience all applications on Zong 4G for our subscribers. We feel that the ultimate experience will only be provided by Zong 4G for its user’s requirements due to our widest 4G network in terms of coverage and quality” said Maham

Keeping in view the company’s strategic focus to keep adding investment in Pakistan’s telecommunication market is a visible sign of its long term commitment to the Pakistani community, specifically at a time when other operators are hunting for cash. Zong’ story is different as its parent company China Mobile Pakistan, with its strong financial muscle, aims to strengthen the Pakistani Telco market by investing in its network operations. In March 2017, the company announced that all of its network will be 4G by the end of the year, meaning all subscribers throughout the country will be able to experience the fastest 4G speeds, regardless of their physical location at all of its 10,000+ physical site locations.

At the moment, the company has the highest market share of 4G at 75% in the country, with the most affordable offers for its customers, especially for social media platforms and new applications.  The current focus of Zong towards hosting applications and providing a digital platform to its customers is a new commitment of the growing company in continuing to provide the best user experience towards its customers.

“To us, customer experience is the most important and we don’t want to limit our customers in any way. Our teams are continuously working day and night to provide and develop a unique and unparalleled 4G experience in the country for all Pakistanis without any boundaries. Free WhatsApp will open the doors of communication and networking to our customers using Zong 4G, and this is just the beginning, in the future, Zong 4G will collaborate with all internet giants, like YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp to develop an ecosystem of best 4G experience for the Pakistani people, providing the best speed, best quality and most affordable rates”. Added Maham, the official spokesperson for Zong 4G.

Emirates Skywards and Standard Chartered launch a Credit Card

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Exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits await Pakistan’s frequent flyers
First co-branded credit card in collaboration with a foreign airline

First Infinite Card of Pakistan

 

Lahore –  Standard Chartered and Emirates Skywards in Pakistan today announced the launch of a credit card tailored specifically to offer exceptional value to the country’s growing community of frequent flyers.

The Emirates Standard Chartered Credit Card, will be available in two premium variants; Infinite and Platinum, allows clients to enjoy an array of exclusive privileges and world class services from both Standard Chartered and Emirates airline. These privileges include:

  • Welcome bonus of up to 20,000 Skywards Miles
  • Up to 30,000 bonus Skywards Miles annually
  • Emirates Skywards Silver membership for a year
  • Ability to earn Skywards Miles on everyday spends
  • Double Skywards Miles on Emirates spend and foreign currency transactions
  • Complimentary airport transfers in Pakistan when flying Emirates
  • Complimentary access to upto 750+ airport lounges worldwide
  • Priority check-in at Pakistan airports when flying Emirates
  • 25per cent off on purchase of Skywards Miles and more

Commenting on the launch, Shazad Dada, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Pakistan said, “We are proud to partner with Emirates to launch the first ever Co-brand credit card with a foreign airline and an Infinite Credit Card in Pakistan. Our clients have sophisticated travel needs and we lead the market in travel spend. In line with our promise to bring best-in-class products to our clients – this partnership fits perfectly to provide our client with the most powerful travel card catering to their business and leisure travel needs with a leading airline.

With the Emirates Standard Chartered Credit card, they can now not only earn Skyward Miles but also enjoy the unparallel travel luxuries that come with this card. This partnership ensures that the best travel experience is closer than you think. “
“With more than 19 million members worldwide and over 391,000 members in Pakistan, we are committed to continuously look for ways to stay relevant to our members and provide value. We aim to stay global with local relevance, which is why we have chosen to invest in a partnership with Standard Chartered and offer our members unique benefits that will further enhance their Emirates flying experience. With this latest financial offering and a portfolio of over 100 partners in the lifestyle and travel space, being an Emirates Skywards member is more rewarding than ever,” said Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Senior Vice President, Emirates Skywards.

Payment partner for this product is VISA, the leading global payments technology company. The cards are loaded with enhanced security features against fraud with embedded microchip technology.

With the Emirates Standard Chartered Credit Cards your next travel is now closer than you think. For more details, visit www.sc.com/pk or call 111-002-002

 

JazzCash Partners with Daraz to bring Veon Black Friday

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Lahore – JazzCash has partnered with Daraz for Veon Black Friday 2017. The partnership sees JazzCash come onboard as the official payment partner for the year’s biggest shopping festival.

The partnership also sees JazzCash offer flat sales, where customers will be able to enjoy additional 10% discount on all items, while Mega Deals will see customers able to enjoy 20% additional discount on hot deals throughout the event. JazzCash is bringing exclusive deals on phones, tablets, laptops, appliances and female beauty & fashion products.

A #WinWithJazzCash digital campaign is also active, where customers will get the chance to win multiple PKR 20,000 Daraz vouchers on their first transaction via JazzCash Mobile Account on daraz.pk. Also, a ‘Tell Us How to Pay’ campaign is underway on JazzCash Facebook page, through which customer can win additional vouchers. Winners of both these campaign will be announced via social media from 21st November onwards.

“JazzCash has always supported the local e-commerce industry, through the introduction of complimentary mobile financial services over the years. By partnering with Daraz for the Veon Black Friday 2017, we are looking to provide our customers greater convenience and security, along with additional benefits throughout the sale week,” said Aniqa Afzal Sandhu, Chief Digital Officer – Jazz.

Cosponsored by Xiaomi, L’Oreal Paris, Unilever, Tarzz and Nestle, Veon Black Friday is expected to be the biggest event of the year, going live on the 20th of November and running through a week of heavily discounted deals, flash sales and special offers. Each day of the 7-day mega sale event will see new categories unlock. Last day of the event is Cyber Monday, where customers will get additional surprising discounts.

LG Honored With CES 2018 Innovation Awards

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Lahore –  The Consumer Technology Association (CTA™) is recognizing LG Electronics (LG) for groundbreaking innovations in technology and design with CES 2018 Innovation Awards – led by multiple honors for LG OLED TVs and refrigerators to be unveiled in January.This marks the sixth consecutive year that LG OLED TVs, home appliances and flagship smartphones all have received CES Innovation Awards, the official industry recognition for the most innovative products introduced at the annual consumer technology show known as CES. LG also will receive its 12th CES Best of Innovations Award for a unique new product that will be introduced at the 2018 show.LG earned CES 2018 Innovation Awards in eight highly competitive categories: Video Displays, Home Appliances, Wireless Handsets, Smart Home, Digital Imaging, Home Audio & Video Components, Computer Peripherals and Embedded Technologies. Leading the company’s CES 2018 Innovation Award winners are multiple awards for both LG Door-in-Door Refrigerators with SmartThinQ™ technology and for LG OLED TVs with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, expanded color gamut and the widest viewing angles. Other Innovation Award-winning LG products include a new washer and dryer, an advanced video projector, 4K UHD Smart TVs and more, all being introduced at CES 2018.

2018 CES Innovation Awards

Sponsored by CTA and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America, CES Innovation Awards highlight product advancements across technology design and engineering. The awards are selected annually by a panel of esteemed industry designers, engineers and journalists who judge submissions on a variety of criteria, which span user value, aesthetics, innovative design, quality and contributions to quality of life.The full list of LG’s 2018 CES Innovation Awards, including yet another Best of Innovations Award, will be announced in conjunction with LG’s CES press conference at 08:00 PST on January 8, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Oman Air announces a range of exciting offers to celebrate Oman’s 47th National Day

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Lahore –  To celebrate the Sultanate of Oman’ s 47th National Day on 18th November, Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman has come up with a number of unique and exciting offers.

  • Up to 47% discount on fares valid for travel till 31st May 2018,
  • Upgrade to Business Class for the 47th passenger from Muscat and Salalah from today till 26th November.
  • 18 KG additional baggage allowance for those travelling on 18th November to select destinations
  • 18 KG additional baggage to all destinations for guests born and travelling on 18th November

National Day is one of the most important days in the Omani calendar and to mark this momentous day, Oman Air is running a special sale with up to 47% off its fares – this is available to book until 20th November and travel must be completed by 31st May 2018.The offer is valid from Muscat International Airport and Salalah International Airport to all international destinations within Oman Air’s extensive network, except Kozhikode (Calicut), Manila, Jeddah, Medina, Doha and domestic destinations. Abdulrahman Al Busaidy, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our National Day with the rest of the country and we join the citizens and residents of Oman, in thanking The Almighty for the inspirational leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. The special and unique National Day offers from Oman Air are our way of sharing our good will and demonstrating our commitment to our loyal guests whilst thanking them for their support over the years.”

Apart from the special offer of up to 47% discount on air fares, the National Carrier of the Sultanate of Oman is also offering an additional 18kg Free Baggage allowance for guests travelling on the 18th Nov – to/from 18 select destinations. The destinations included in this offer are as follows: London, Manchester, Milan, Zurich, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, Guangzhou and the domestic destinations of Khasab and Salalah.The good news doesn’t end there. Oman Air guests born and travelling on the 18th Nov will get an 18kg additional baggage allowance to all Oman Air destinations and 18% discount on inflight duty free as well as offering a chance to enjoy Oman Air’s Business Class Lounge at the Muscat International Airport. Guests can also purchase a last minute upgrade for as low as OMR 47 and all extra legroom seats for OMR 4.70. Those intending to avail of this service will need to contact staff at the airport check-in counter at least 3 hours prior to the flight. These offers are valid only for guests travelling on flights on 18th November on Oman Air operated aircraft and not codeshare flights.Moreover, there is also the offer of 47 minutes free Wi-Fi to all guests flying on Oman Air’s Wi-Fi enabled fleet on 18th November 2017. Guests will be able to surf and share their experience with their family and loved ones for free and last but certainly not the least, the 47th guest checking in to selected destinations from Muscat and Salalah will be given upgrades to Business Class. A total of 47 Upgrades will be given to our guests on flights between 13th to 26th November.The frequent flyer program Sindbad has also joined the celebrations to mark the 47th National Day with fabulous offers. Sindbad’s November raffle draw promises two nights› free stay at the ‹Dunes› by Al Nahda. To enter the raffle which ends on 30th November, Sinbad members need just 200 Sindbad miles and can log onto www.sinbad@omanair.com or enter on Oman Air’s social media channels.Another unique offer from Oman Air’s Sindbad programme will give away 470,000 miles. Guests who book and fly between 1 November to 17 December will be automatically included in a draw that will offer 47,000 Sindbad miles to ten lucky winners chosen by Oman Air. The 47,000 miles are enough for a return Economy Class ticket to one of 30 Oman Air destinations or a one way Business Class ticket to any of the airline’s destinations.