Trans World Associates (Pvt.) Ltd. announced Wednesday that it has joined a consortium of leading telecom companies to build and operate the SEA-ME-WE 5 submarine cable network. The Pakistan landing of SEA-ME-WE 5 will be owned by TWA. The consortium agreement was signed in December, 2014. The new 100G SEA-ME-WE 5 will deliver ultra-broadband capacity and faster access to consumers and businesses. Its ultimate design capacity of 24 Tbit/s will be used to serve the countries along its route. The 20,000km long cable system will connect Singapore to Europe (Italy and France) and traverse Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Oman, UAE, Yemen, Djibouti and Saudi Arabia.
Kamran Malik (President TWA) mentioned that “As part of the SEA-ME-WE-5 consortium, TWA’s dream to bring the second submarine cable landing to Pakistan, as a private operator, is now a reality. We will be able to deliver resilient and redundant network solutions with several advantages such as flexibility and reliability for our customers. The system will offer an increased service experience and as TWA we are excited to be part of the SEA-ME WE-5 consortium.” Malik also appreciated the clear cut programs and policies being devised by the Government to encourage investment in the ICT sector. “This SMW5 investment by TWA is a result of positive and goal oriented policies which will enhance socio-economic development and spur the economic growth via a more connected Pakistan.” He added that TWA will continue to play a significant role in connecting businesses and people around the world. SEA-ME-WE 5 will be ready for service by mid of 2016.
LCCI for reviewing Amplifier Act
LAHORE (Staff Reporter): The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Wednesday called upon the government to review Amplifier Act that has caused closure of numerous businesses besides creating atmosphere of harassment. LCCI President Ijaz A Mumtaz was talking to a delegation of Hall Road Traders Association, led by its patron-in-chief Baber Mahmood, here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. LCCI Vice President Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi also spoke on the occasion while other members of the delegation were President of Hall Road Traders Association Shabbir Labha, Amin Mazhar Butt, Moazzam Ali, Haji Nawaz, Saleem Bhatti, Sheikh Abid Hussain and others.
LCCI President said that there is no other opinion about it that enforcement of rules and regulations is a must for the wellbeing of the country but these rules and regulations should not be misused by the government officials as being done in the case of Amplifier Act.
Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry had received a number of complaints that government has imposed ban on the use of more than one speaker but police officials while harassing the traders and purchasers of amplifier, loudspeakers & related equipment, demand bribes.
He said that trade and industry is already passing through a critical time of the history while such anti business tactics are making the things more complicated.
LCCI President said that all the leading economies were giving incentives to expedite economic activities in their respective countries but in Pakistan the people who are sitting at the helm of affairs were doing the otherwise at this point in time when almost all the businesses were facing a number of internal and external pressures.
He said that it was very unfortunate that despite clear direction of the Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif, the bureaucracy is creating troubles for the businessmen who are backbone of the economy.
Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that the private sector was ready to supplement all government efforts aimed at revival of economic activities in the country if they are provided breathing space but in the presence of such anti business tactics, it would be very difficult for the private sector to continue with their businesses.
Architects convention opens
LAHORE (Staff Reporter): Government should provide all-out support in housing and architecture sectors for the betterment of the public. Energy is a big crisis in our country but government is setting up new projects in energy sector to lessen the problems of the people. This was stated by Provincial Minister for Education and Tourism Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan while addressing the inaugural session of 3-day Annual Architects Convention, here today. The convention organized by the Institute of Architects Pakistan, Lahore Chapter will continue till 6th March. The minister said that government wants to introduce the new techniques in architect’s field. Our urban centers are plagued by a multitude of issues.
which include lack of urban and social planning, limited financial resources, scarcity of water, electricity, gas, sewerage facilities, public transportation, housing, overburdened and aging infrastructure, traffic congestion, environmental pollution and mass migration to the cities which necessitates sustainable approach to optimize the potential locked in to these great concentrations of human resources.
South Korean delegation visits PBIT
LAHORE (Staff Reporter): Punjab Board Of Investment & Trade( PBIT) hosted a delegation of BEW Power Asia from South Korea. The purpose of this visit was to know about the investment climate in Punjab and the incentives offered to the investors in the energy sector. BEW Asia Power’s team showed keen interest in investing in the small hydro power plants and explained the complete process of installing a hydro power plant, from identifying site to the running of the turbine to produce electricity. Chairman, BEW Asia Power Reinhard Bohem explained that these environmental friendly micro power plants can be used for irrigation. These plants are cheaper, faster and easy to maintain. He informed that hydro plants have marginal ecological impact, are safe against flood water due to its lifting mechanism.
In addition to the presentation about PBIT’s goals and functions, Ms Lubna Pathan, Director General PBIT also updated the delegation about the Punjab Power Policy and investment opportunities in the power sector.
Nestlé, AF marking Women’s Day
LAHORE (PR): Nestlé Pakistan, in collaboration with Aurat Foundation, is organising an event on Thursday (today) to mark International Women’s Day by celebrating women who are an inspiration because of their strength and ability to fight the odds against them. Globally, Nestlé is a signatory to UN’s Women Empowerment Principles and UN’s Every Woman, Every Child initiative. In Pakistan, says Waqar Ahmad – Head of Corporate Affairs for Nestlé Pakistan – “the company is helping women realise their true potential as part of its philosophy of Creating Shared Value.” One such programme is Dairy Hub – an initiative through which the company is creating economic opportunities for women. Female farmers are trained in order to help them improve farm incomes and facilities.
