Pak,Turkmenistan agrees for strengthening bilateral economic, trade ties

Wed, 18 Sep 2024, 6:04 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP): Pakistan and Turkmenistan on Wednesday agreed for strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations in potential sectors. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Mr. Atadjan Movlamov, called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to discuss the enhancement of bilateral trade and explore avenues for increased cooperation between the two nations, said a press release issued here.
The meeting, held at the Commerce Minister’s office, focused on finalizing key agreements and exploring new sectors for future collaboration.
Minister Jam Kamal emphasized the need for robust business-to-business (B2B) engagement to boost trade volumes between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
He highlighted the untapped potential in various sectors including energy, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and construction materials.
Despite long-standing brotherly ties, trade between the two countries remains meager,and steps very essential to increase it.A key focus of the conversation remained the expedited finalization of the Turkmenistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, which is expected to significantly enhance the movement of goods between the two nations.
This agreement will also improve cooperation in banking, customs, and trade transit operations.
Minister Jam Kamal also underscored the importance of revisiting and revitalizing existing agreements such as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2015 between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Turkmenistan.
This MoU aims to foster trade collaborations, organize joint exhibitions, and develop national markets.
He also called for reviewing the 2019 MoU for the establishment of the Joint Business Council, which is crucial for facilitating direct business contacts between the two countries
Other key issues discussed included improving direct cargo links, resolving challenges related to trade routes, and simplifying procedures.
Both sides expressed optimism about increasing bilateral trade and addressing the current challenges that hinder economic cooperation.

Women tech entrepreneurs worldwide invited to showcase innovations

Kamran Muraad

Wed, 18 Sep 2024, 6:03 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP): Applications for the 2025 Aurora Tech Award, opening on September 2, are invited from women tech entrepreneurs worldwide to showcase their innovations.

As the tech industry evolves, the need for diverse voices and leadership continues to grow.

The Aurora Tech Award was established in 2020 to recognize and empower women founders of IT startups who are driving innovation and breaking down barriers.

This year, the award returns with expanded opportunities, increased financial support, and an ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of women tech leaders.

2025 Highlights: What’s New This Year.

The 2025 Aurora Tech Award introduces several updates to provide greater resources and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

In recognition of the vital role women play in the tech industry, the prize fund has been significantly increased.

The application process now includes three stages of assessment: longlist, midlist, and shortlist. After an initial evaluation by venture fund analysts, 100 participants will be selected for a pitching session.

Fifteen of these will advance to the final shortlist.

Shortlisted participants will benefit from an enhanced mentoring program offering sessions with leading industry experts.

This mentorship will span 2 to 2.5 months and will provide critical insights and guidance to help participants refine their projects and implement strategic changes.

Asya Vildt, Operations Excellence and Sustainability Director at inDrive, explains the company’s commitment to women’s empowerment: “Supporting women in tech isn’t just about leveling the playing field; it’s about unlocking the full potential of innovation. Women entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives that are essential for solving today’s complex problems. At inDrive, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower women to lead in technology, as their success drives positive change across industries and communities. The Aurora Tech Award reflects our belief in the power of diverse leadership to shape a better, more sustainable future.”

Applications are open from September 2 to November 21, 2024 and interested applicants can submit their entries through the Aurora Tech Award website at https://www.auroratechaward.com/.

Pakistan’s Asjad Iqbal grabs bronze medal in Snooker World Cup

NNPS Desk

Wed, 18 Sep 2024, 5:58 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP): Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal bagged a bronze medal in the Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024 at Ulaanbaatar.

Michael Georgiou of Cyprus outplayed Asjad in the semifinals of the championship by 5-4 (85(85)-0, 80(74)-0, 35-64, 15-62, 24-78, 73-36, 11-74, 76-65(65), 51-08).

Earlier in the quarterfinals Asjad beat Gao Yang of China by 4-3 (76-0, 25-64, 0-135(135), 81(76)-34, 65-64, 50(50)-69(69), 69-50) while Ali Gharahgozlou of Iran defeated Pakistan’s Awais Muneer by 4-2 (68-60, 66(58)-64(55), 8-78, 37-65, 66(53)-23, 111(65)-09).

The final of the mega event will be played between Ali Gharahgozlou of Iran and Michael Georgiou of Cyprus.

PSX continues with bullish trend, gains 970 more points

NNPS Desk

Wed, 18 Sep 2024, 5:09 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP): The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued with bullish trend on Wednesday, gaining 970.20 more points, a positive change of 1.22 percent, closing at 80,461.34 points against 79,491.14 points on the last working day.

A total of 400,195,963 shares were traded during the day as compared to 536,187,271 shares the previous day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 15.904 billion against Rs. 8.911 billion on the last trading day.

As many as 439 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 186 of them recorded gains and 199 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 54 companies remained unchanged.

The three top trading companies were WorldCall Telecom with 32,229,775 shares at Rs 1.36 per share, TRG Pak Limited with 22,086,988 shares at Rs 59.90 per share and Pace (Pak) Limited with 19,649,769 shares at Rs 6.94 per share.

Sapphire Textile Mills Limited witnessed a maximum increase of Rs 57.88 per share price, closing at Rs 1,148.77 , whereas the runner-up was Mari Petroleum Company Limited with Rs 41.59 rise in its per share price to Rs 457.49.

Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 182.77 per share closing at Rs 17,367.23 followed by Sapphire Fibres Limited with Rs 121.42 decline to close at Rs 1,300.10.

Govt committed to resolve industry’s issues; Rana Mashhood

Kamran Muraad

Wed, 18 Sep 2024, 4:56 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP):Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said that the economic indicators show positive results and the country is moving in the right direction.

Addressing the Oath-taking ceremony of the All Pakistan Marble Industries Association here on Wednesday, he said that foreign investments showed remarkable confidence in the country’s economy due to the tireless work of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and 2025 will be the year of Pakistan’s rise.

Rana said that the government was committed to resolving the industry’s issues and was taking effective measures to address the industry’s challenges, adding the transformation of the industry to technology-driven initiatives would positively impact the growth of the economy.

He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had set up a Gems and Stone Committee which would form a growth-oriented policy with the consultation of all stakeholders.

The Chairman PMYP said that the government was paying attention to each sector and industry and had successfully reduced the inflation rate, surged remittances and increased information technology, textiles and agricultural exports in a short period.

Mashhood said that govt had saved the country from bankruptcy, restored law and order situation and would soon be successful in making the financial policy without the International Monetary Fund.

He also affirmed his continued support for the prosperity and development of the marble sector, underscoring their significance in driving economic progress and enhancing national resilience.