JUL 04 – In 1948, the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah wrote to President Truman the first message to America from Pakistan for our Independence Day. Speaking of our two nations, he wrote that that the “common desire for order, justice and peace, and their equal wish to contribute to uplift suffering humanity are the best proof, which I hope will lead to the intimate and confident collaboration of our two countries in all matters for our mutual interests.
Yuan firms amid curbs on money flows, higher volatility seen ahead
SHANGHAI, JUN 19 (DNA) – China’s yuan firmed against the dollar on Monday, supported by a stronger midpoint fix and as data pointed to more balanced supply and demand in the forex market amid Beijing’s tougher crackdown on illegal capital outflows. Traders expect more volatility for the yuan in coming months, however, amid mounting expectations that the greenback could strengthen again as the United States tightens monetary policy while China’s economic growth slows.
Gulf little changed in early trade, oil price deters activity
DUBAI, JUN 18 (DNA) – Gulf stock markets were little changed in early trade on Sunday as low oil prices, with Brent crude just above $47 a barrel, deterred buying and diminished liquidity. The Saudi stock index rose 0.2 percent. MSCI will announce on Tuesday whether it is adding Saudi Arabia to a list for possible upgrade to emerging market status, which could attract fresh inflows of foreign money. Some stocks expected to benefit from such flows rose, with Saudi British Bank climbing 3.3 percent to its highest level since early January.
Saudi-Qatar crisis puts Syria rebels in tricky position
BEIRUT, JUN 17 (DNA) – A diplomatic crisis pitting Saudi Arabia against Qatar has put Syrian rebels in a difficult position, analysts say, after rivalries between Gulf backers had already weakened the opposition. Both Sunni-ruled monarchies sided with the protesters in March 2011, when the war started with the brutal repression of anti-government demonstrations. They continued supporting the mostly Sunni rebels when unrest spiralled into conflict between the armed opposition and troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, who hails from the country’s Alawite Shiite minority and is backed by Saudi Arabia’s arch-rival Iran.
CPEC to boost investment climate for decades
ISLAMABAD, JUN 15 (DNA) – Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders (ICST) Thursday said investment climate has been improved slightly while the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would boost it for decades. “The economic corridor will not only boost Pakistan’s economy but will also contribute to the improved investment climate in the country,” Patron Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders Shahid Rasheed Butt said.
Pakistan justifies its guest of honour status at Kunming’s fair
By Ansar M Bhatti in Kunming
KUNMING (CHINA), JUNE 15 (DNA) – Pakistan justified its nomination as “’guest of honour’ at the Kunming South and Southeast Asia Expo, 2017, as it businessmen came out in a big number this time, with new varieties of goods to attract local market , said the Expo’s organizers. Around 200 Pakistanis’ stalls at specially allotted Pavilion were the Center of attention for the visitors.Pakistan’s products particularly the leather and marble-made goods, besides traditional handicrafts were the eye-catching.
Pakistan to play key role in pushing forward Belt and Road plan
By Ansar M Bhatti in Kunming
KUNMING (CHINA), JUNE 14 (DNA): The fifth China-South and Southeast Asia Think Tank Forum held here praised high Pakistan’s commitment and a leading role in pushing forward Belt and Road’s initiative, through rapid implementation of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC. Stating that the CPEC’s paves way for the success of President’s Xi Jinping initiative, they said that the Pakistan has proved its diplomatic and economic strength to carry it out for global connectivity through road, rail and sea links for shared prosperity.
Pakistan and regional countries pledge to upgrade sister-cities relationship
KUNMING, JUNE 13 (DNA) – Pakistan and other countries from South and Southeast Asia on Tuesday pledged that they would make greater efforts to promote sister-cities relationship, pushing forward the objectives of Belt and Road’s initiative. At an international forum of governments and business community’s representatives held at Chinese city of Kunming, they underlined the need of promoting connectivity and people-to-people contacts, through sister-city relationship for their shared development and prosperity.
Pakistan joins regional trade group at Kunming trade expo
BY Ansar M Bhatti in Kunming
KUNMING (China) JUNE 11 (DNA) – Pakistan joined the regional trade group here, capital of China’s Yunnan province to develop cooperative partnership in business and trade, through expo and a consolation mechanism. The group, included India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand , Vietnam, Indonesia, besides China. The group is participating in a week-long mega event (South Asian-Southeast Asia Commodity Expo and Investment Fair (SSACEIF), being held here at on Monday.
Pakistan stun South Africa in Champions Trophy
BIRMINGHAM, JUN 08 (DNA) – Pakistan put their miserable hammering by arch-rivals India behind them with a shock 19-run win over South Africa at Edgbaston on Wednesday that kept their Champions Trophy semi-final hopes alive. Just three days after suffering a humiliating 124-run defeat by title-holders India at Edgbaston in their opening group match, with former skipper Shahid Afridi among those slamming a “clueless” display, Pakistan s return to the Birmingham ground saw them make a mockery of the rankings which had them bottom and South Africa top in this eight-team one-day international tournament.
