Cement export to Afghanistan declined by 58 percent Despite earnest support to Afghan economy besides offering tariff free transit trade, the export of different commodities required for infrastructure development are on the decline to such an extent that the export of cement, the basic need for development, has declined by 58 percent to Afghanistan. Although the reasons for declining exports are being attributed to the withdrawal of NATO forces …

  80 percent population in Pakistan is unbanked, says Nadeem Husain, CEO of Tameer Microfinance Bank Although the banking sector in Pakistan has grown on appreciably sound footings on the back of the best regulatory guidelines by the State Bank of Pakistan, however, there still are tremendous opportunities for growth especially in rustic life of the country. It is said that 80 percent population is still un-banked in Pakistan which …

  On-Line Banking, atms & telecash rule the financial world Although Pakistan offers tremendous opportunities for investment in the financial sector as the country still has a huge un-banked areas particularly the rural population, yet the telecom sector has come out to fill the gap by expanding the outreach even remotest parts of the country. Successful use of information technology in the financial sector is an example, which needs to …

  Hike in steel price may stall construction activity Utilization of Public Sector Development Program (PSPD) spending announced in Federal Budget 2014-15 worth Rs525billion, up 24 percent compared to previous one, is crucial for growth not only of the cement industry but other 48 industries allied to construction industry. However, it is important to mention that on one hand the implementation of development plan will help construction activity and allied …

  Trade figures of last ten years reveal that Saudi Arabia is one of the largest trade partners of Pakistan. Besides bilateral trade between the two countries, Pakistan is the major recipient of workers remittances estimated over $4.1 billion in 2013 while the trend of home remittances indicate further increase in remittances from Saudi Arabia. It is important to note that the new democratic government in Pakistan has much better understanding with Saudi government, which is …

  The overseas investors getting upset to deal with various agencies responsible for tax collection have urged upon the government to integrate all revenue collections under one ministry to improve doing business environment. Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) the representative body of the overseas investors in Pakistan, however, has extended its support to the Sindh government in its efforts to increase revenue collection and streamline the taxation …

  Mobile banking becomes fastest growing payment channel It is because of telecom explosion that opened new concepts of business expansion especially in the financial sector as today the fastest growing payment channel in the country is Mobile Banking. According to official sources the number of transactions increased by 170.7% compared with that in the same period last year. Presently, there are around 1.5 million registered users of Mobile Banking …

  Rising cost of doing business, energy crisis & security issues are cause of concern for overseas investors To attract foreign investment is one of the top priorities of the present government with a view to improve economic growth in Pakistan. In this respect the Ministry of Finance is holding road shows at least six in six major cities including Dubai, Los Angles, New York and London this week. Although …

  Interview: Dr. Syed Arif Hussain, chief executive officer Takaful Pakistan Ltd Dr. Syed Arif Hussain MBBS, MBA (Marketing) who is the Chief Executive Officer of Takaful Pakistan Ltd believes that the education and the insurance are the key players behind all the developed economies, which indicates how much it is important for building the national economy in Pakistan. Talking to PAGE Dr Syed Arif said that Takaful Pakistan has …

  Movenpick hotels & resorts plans 100 hotels open around the world by 2015 Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, which has acquired Sheraton Hotel Karachi, has unveiled a major renovation and refurbishment plan for the Karachi property, which was reflagged as Movenpick Hotel Karachi on January 1, 2014. The announcement was made at a press conference addressed by Mr. Andreas Matmoller, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Asia, Movenpick Hotels & …