Pakistani scientists succeed in mapping genome
Karachi, Pakistani scientists have mapped genome of the first Pakistani, while with this historical achievement, Pakistan joins the ranks of the few countries – the US, UK, China, Japan and India – which have successfully sequenced the human genome.
Fire and Security Pakistan 2010
19 – 22 MAY 2010
KARACHI EXPO CENTRE
FIRE & SECURITY PAKISTAN 2010 – MEETING YOUR SAFETY NEEDS
BRINGING FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY MARKET TO YOUR DOORSTEP
The International Fire & Security Exhibition & Conference – FIRE & SECURITY PAKISTAN serves as an excellent platform in Pakistan for indigenous as well as foreign companies to showcase their product range.
FIRE & SECURITY PAKISTAN 2009 proved to be an interactive and rewarding experience for the participants. It had the participation of 92 companies from 16 countries including Austria, China, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, U.A.E., U.K. and U.S.A. The exhibition was visited by more than 7000 business professionals and was extensively covered by local and international media including 10 publications from countries like U.K., Russia, China and Pakistan.
The 6th International Fire & Security Exhibition & Conference – FIRE & SECURITY PAKISTAN 2010 will address multi-dimensional safety and security needs of the region. The exhibition will showcase a wide-array of fire fighting, safety and security equipments and systems by leading international and domestic manufacturers, traders and integrators. The show will bring a highly targeted audience from the related industries to witness state-of-the-art technology and reap benefits through excellent networking opportunities.
Scanners to be installed in major cities soon: Malik
ISLAMABAD : Scanners will be installed in major cities to ensure maximum security to the citizens. This was said by Interior Minister Rehman Malik Tuesday in an interview with a private TV channel.
The fixed scanners will be installed at rush locations, after which manual checking of vehicles will not be required, he said.
The mobile and fixed scanners will be imported from China , and the first shipment will reach soon.
In the recent past, about 62 terrorists and their facilitators have been nabbed on check posts; out of which 10 were suicide bombers.
The government will also establish a Students Elite Force, and about 5000 e-mails have been received so far from the students who wanted to work as volunteers under this force. -APP.
19 – 22 MAY 2010
KARACHI EXPO CENTRE
Pakistan with an ideal geographic and strategic location serves as a corridor for the international supply routes of energy. Being a regional power house, the country possess opportunities of setting up the oil and gas pipelines as well as electricity grids within the region and with other neighbouring energy rich countries such as Iran, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
Pakistan’s energy requirements are increasing every year and to meet the rising demand of energy, the government of Pakistan is currently focused on diversification of gas supplies, reconstruction of hydropower plants, construction of underground gas storage facilities, development of oil exploration & production, tapping of renewable energy resources, attracting foreign investment and privatisation of state-owned assets.
Pakistan is responding to the energy development challenge by pursuing a wide range of domestic and imported energy projects and in the year 2008 – 2009, the Oil, Gas and Energy industry has attracted Foreign Investment of about US$ 796 million.
EVENT PROFILE
3P Plas Print Pack Pakistan (PPP Pakistan) aims to provide a unique networking platform for key industrial players to exhibit new and cutting edge technology. PLAS PRINT PACK proves to be a comprehensive showcase, drawing the attention of international vital industrial players to Pakistan, where business alliance are forged, deals are sealed and new networking opportunities are found.
EXHIBITION INFORMATION
Main Event : Plas Print Pack Pakistan 2010 (3P10)
7th International Plastic, Printing & Packaging Exhibition Concurrent Event : Food + Technology Pakistan 2010 (F+T10)
7th International Food, Equipment & Technology Exhibition Venue : Karachi Expo Centre Date : 14-17 May 2010 Time : 10.30am – 7.00pm Organiser : CEMS Pakistan Pvt Ltd Co-Organiser : – Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd
– Chan Chao International Co Ltd Strategic Partner : CMEC International Exhibition Co Ltd Host : Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers Association
Food & Beverage Manufacturers & Bottlers, Designers, Consultants, Distributors, Engineers, Material Handlers, Production Managers, Printers, Equipment & Material Buyers, Marketing & Brand Managers, Retailers, Logistic Management, New Product Development Managers & Printing/Packaging Specialists are the target visitors.
Profile for exhibit includes Processing Machines, Moulding Machines, Machinery & Plant for Finishing, Decorating, Printing & Marking, Controlling & Testing Equipment, Chemicals, Raw Materials & Auxiliaries, Digital & Silk Screen Printing & Scanning, Printing Materials, Printing Machineries & Equipments, Numbering Units & Machines, Drying & Folding Machines, Packaging Machinery, Bottling Plants, Fillers, Paper, Paper Products, Boards, Corrugated Boxes, Adhesives & Sealants.
Cited by the World Bank as “the top reformer in its region and in the top 10 reformers globally”, Pakistan’s economy continues to perform a commendable growth as outcomes of its past fiscal year indicate a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of approximately US$5.1 Billion, contributing to an increase in its annual growth rate of 6.6% in GDP for the last five years. Clearly, these results show a strong confidence of players, both local and foreign, in the resilience of Pakistan’s economy amidst a series of domestic and external events of an unprecedented nature.
This impressive performance in the economy says so much about the structural economic policies that the Government of Pakistan has outlined and pursued relentlessly in order to restore macroeconomic balance and to improve the overall economic environment. Through prudent fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policies, financial discipline and consistent and transparent economic policies, a wide range of reforms was introduced in the areas of taxation, trade and tariffs, banking and finance, industry and agriculture, deregulation and privatization, fiscal transparency and governance. Indeed, they know their business more than anyone else. These efforts gained the interest of world industry leaders especially on the sectors of textile, machinery and transport equipment, food technology, minerals and lubricants, chemicals and manufactured goods like plastic, packaging and printing.
To date, Pakistan is a leading exporter of manufacturing goods as well as textile to bull markets such as US, UAE, UK and Germany. It is also a preferred market place for importers from China, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, US and Japan.
Pakistan’s economy is as powerful and strong as its population of 1.6B. It has gained its bullish momentum, and there is definitely no stopping it.
PLAS PRINT PACK PAKISTAN 2010 – TURNING POTENTIAL TO PROFIT
The 3P Pakistan 2010 is a product of significant collaboration among top players from the plastic, printing and packaging industries of Pakistan. Being its fastest growing economic sectors, these areas have gained enormous popularity from international players who are seeking for business opportunities in this part of the globe. PLAS PRINT PACK PAKISTAN 2010 is therefore committed to forge new as well as stronger business alliances between Pakistan and the rest of the world through an interactive showcase of cutting-edge tools and equipment, synergy of allied services for more networking opportunities and, most importantly, quality attendance of trade visitors from international and regional countries.
Set against the backdrop of the newest and most modern exhibition centre of Pakistan- the Expo Centre Lahore, the Plas Print Pack Pakistan 2010 promises another breakthrough international trade event that would serve as a benchmark for future industry showcases.
ABOUT ITCN ASIA – Growth from a country event to a regional event
From its inception in 2001, ITCN Asia, now being organized for the 10th consecutive year, has grown up as the biggest IT & Telecom extravaganza of Pakistan. Most powerful brands of the world will showcase their state-of-the-art products and services which would allow the user community to get exposure to a wide range of technology and solutions under one roof. Most importantly, it would provide an opportunity for business-to-business alliances, leveraging their mutual strengths. ITCN Asia Exhibitions & Conferences have been playing a pivotal role in landmarking the image of Pakistan on the world IT Map, bringing in huge foreign and local investments in the Country.
Over the years ITCN Asia has grown from a country event to a regional event. Just a few years ago there were very few companies with quality certifications. Today, we have over 100 ISO certified companies, the thrust on quality was continued with two new projects targeted to take five companies to CMM level 5 and 30 companies to CMMi level 3 and above.
Software Technology Parks (STPs) are being set up in all the major cities. In Islamabad one International Technology Park (ITP)is already in operation in Awami Markaz, while land has already been earmarked for other STPs. In Lahore, certain areas have been identified and are being finalized. In Karachi an ITP is already in operation in Caesar Tower, while, land has been acquired opposite Civic Centre for a 47 storey high IT Tower, where construction would commence soon. On the bandwidth front, until very recently, there was only a single optic fiber cable for International connectivity. Today, we have 3 separate submarine cables for International connectivity. This will provide the much needed resilience to our data networks.
// ITCN Asia 2010 Exhibition is, where you will see newer & latest technologies and solutions in action. It is the foremost electronic business event for the enterprise decision makers in this region. Spanning 3 days on 3 – 5 August 2010, the Exhibition at Karachi Expo Centre, forms the core of IT Industry of the world. Yet another opportunity to showcase IT & Telecom products and interact with serious traffic, ITCN Asia 2010 is a one-stop shop where you can “test drive” all the products on your hit list. The Exhibition would serve as a comprehensive showcase of the latest in technology, equipment and machinery as well as allied services, simultaneously providing investors with a definite outlook of the regional IT & Telecom Industry and an opportunity to meet their prospective counterparts and business partners.
ITCN Asia 2010 is part of ITCN series that catapulted the local IT Industry, introducing Karachi as the regional IT hub attracting major IT players from all over the world.
Karachi is the largest city, seaport and the financial capital of Pakistan and the capital of the province of Sindh. It is the ninth largest city of the world in terms of metropolitan population,[4] and is Pakistan’s premier centre of banking, industry, and trade. Karachi is also the home of Pakistan’s largest corporations that are involved in textiles, shipping, automotive industry, entertainment, arts, fashion, advertising, publishing, software development and medical research. It also serves as a major hub of higher education in South Asia, and the wider Islamic World.
Karachi enjoys its prominent position due to its geographical location on a bay, making it the financial capital of the country. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. It was the original capital of Pakistan until the construction of Islamabad, and is the location of the Port of Karachi, Port Bin Qasim, one of the region’s largest and busiest ports. The city’s population has increased dramatically after the Partition of British India forced hundreds of thousands of refugees from India to settle in the city. Since independence from Britain in 1947, the city’s vibrant economy has attracted migrants from all over Pakistan, surrounding countries such as Iran, Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and further beyond. Despite a history of political turmoil, the city continues to attract those seeking prosperity and has shown consistent growth.
Karachi city is spread over 3,530 km² (1,363 sq mi) in area. It is locally known as the “City of Lights” for its liveliness, and the “City of the Quaid”, having been the birth and burial place of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who also made the city his home after Pakistan’s independence
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cont: mr. farooq
03332355205
PRESS RELEASE
Federal Advisor on Textile Inaugurated 7th Textile Asia 2010, Today, amid enormous fervor and enthusiasm at Karachi Expo Center
Karachi, April 10, 2010: Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Federal Advisor on Textile, Ministry of Textile Industry inaugurated 7th Textile Asia 2010, the Int’l Textile & Garment Machinery Show. H.E. Mr. Rida El Farsi, Ambassador of Morocco, Mr. Ishtiaq Baig, Honorary Consul General of Morocco, Mr. V.S. Sidhat Kumar, Consul General of Srilanka, Mr. Abdul Ahad Khaliqyar, Consul General of Afghanistan with foreign delegates were also present at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The 3-day Event is organized by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan.
Textile Asia 2010, the Int’l Textile & Garment Machinery Show is the only UFI (Paris) Approved Event of the industry in South Asia, which provides enormous opportunities of learning, information sharing, mutual cooperation and combined projects to all the stakeholders in the most opportune sector of Textile in Asia.
Textile and Garment are two of Pakistan’s principal industries contributing more than 67% to total export earnings, accounting for around 46% of total manufacturing and employing over 38% of the manufacturing labor force. Over USD 3.5 billion of textile and garment machinery has been imported in Pakistan in the last few years that has significantly improved the quality and productivity of Pakistan textile products in the last few years and the Government of Pakistan is targeting over USD 10 billion of exports of textiles and garments made-ups in the successive years.
The International Textile Asia 2010 International Garment & machinery Exhibition is one of the most promising and enduring Events to be held for the 7th successive year and is proud to be the official event of the Federal Ministry of Textile Industry. The event is being organized at the most opportune time when the government is looking forward to modernize and upgrade the textile sector of the country for better quality products and enhanced productivity. The exhibition aims to focus on the immense buying selling potential of textile & garment machinery, accessories, raw material supplies, chemicals and allied services under one roof.
7th Textile Asia 2010, the Int’l Textile & Garment Machinery Show is being organized with the support of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Ministry of Textile Industry, Board of Investment (BOI), Government of Sindh, City District Government Karachi (CDGK), China Texmatech Co., China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA), Textile Machinery Manufacture and Accessories Association (TEMSAD), Tuyap Fairs & Exhibitions Organization Inc. Turkey, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Pakistan Cotton Fashion Apparel Manf. & Exp. Association (PCFA), All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTMA), Pakistan Knitwear & Sweater Exporters Association (PAKSEA), Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacture & Exporters Association (PRGMEA), Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturing Association, Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association, Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association, Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Commercial Exporters of Towels Association, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Pakistan Textile Journal, Jamal’s Yellow Pages and all the related government departments/bodies.
Textile Asia will display revolutionary technologies of more than 349 international brands from 37 countries, besides more than 40,000 trade/corporate visitors and more than 212 foreign delegates are attending the event.
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Speech of the Chief Guest Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig,
Federal Advisor on Textile, Ministry of Textile Industry,
Government of Pakistan at Inauguration Ceremony of
7th Textile Asia 2010 Int’l Exhibition
at Karachi Expo Centre
President Ecommerce Gateway, Dr. Khursheed Nizam, Executive Director Ecommerce Gateway, Mr. Sohail Aziz, Foreign Delegates distinguished guests, My Media Friends, ladies & gentlemen
Assalam-o-Alaikum
Its my privilege to be present at the Inauguration Ceremony of 7th Textile Asia 2010 Int’l Exhibition, the annual Textile and Garment Machinery Show of Textile Industry of Pakistan.
I am delighted to learn that more than 212 foreign delegates are attending Textile Asia this year. I welcome the foreign delegates and encourage them to capitalize from the immense unexplored business opportunities Pakistan offers. 349 international brands from 37 countries are being demonstrated at Textile Asia.
Textile Asia is a landmark event that is in line with the thrust of the government’s agenda to promote investment in the Textile sector of Pakistan. This event fully reflects the investment potential Pakistan offers for modernization of the textile sector and the scale of international participation reflects their confidence in the potential for business and trade in Pakistan; in the present leadership and the future of Pakistan.
This is mainly due to the laxity towards the promotion of value added sector. Pakistan should learn a lesson from Bangladesh, which, by importing yarn and fabrics from Pakistan and other countries, has increased the export volume of Textiles made ups. The new five year Textile Policy (2009-2014) focus to promote Value added sector in Textiles.
Distinguished Guests and delegates;
Pakistan is transforming itself from being a stagnant economy to fast-paced emergent economy as a result of the structural reforms introduced by the present government in the areas of investment, business and trade in
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addition to covering social, political, judiciary and security. The present government’s policies of regularization, privatization and liberalization have given a boost to the industrial and commercial activities in all sectors alike. The results of such initiatives are visible in the form of these successful international exhibitions organized by Ecommerce Gateway.
The geographical location of Pakistan warrants unique proposition to make investments here. As Pakistan lies at crossroads to South Asia, Gulf and Central Asia, it gives direct market access to more than half a population of the world that lives here.
Investors enjoy full legal protection for their investment; have 100 per cent equity with no bar on transfer of dividends which is a proof that Pakistan has one of the most congenial business environments in the region. It is noteworthy that 500 to 600 foreign firms are operating in Pakistan.
Distinguished Guests and delegates;
Now, I would like to draw your attention to what opportunities await for you in the textile sector of Pakistan and will present a brief of the initiatives taken by the present government to facilitate investment in this important sector of Pakistan.
I would like to clarify that no Pakistani Industries are shifting to Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi currency is now stronger compared to the currencies of many countries in the region and their textile & apparel exporters are losing competitiveness due to the strong taka against the dollar. Furthermore they are also facing shortage of natural gas for the industries. Recently they have cut gas supply to their Fertilizer Industries.
LITTLE ABOUT OUR TEXTILE INDUSTRY
The present Global Scenario of Textile Industry with particular reference to the position of Pakistan in the International Textile Market is given here for the interest of our readers. The demand for textiles in the world is around $18 trillion, which is likely to be increased by 6.5%. China is the leading Textile exporter of the world’s total exports of US$ 400 billion. Country wise major market shares of the textile exporting countries are: China: $ 55 billion, Hong Kong:$ 38 billion, Korea: $ 35 billion, Taiwan:$ 16 billion, Indonesia and Pakistan:$ 9 billion.
Though Pakistan has emerged as one of the major cotton textile product suppliers in the world market with a share of world yarn trade of about 30% and cotton fabric about 8%, having total export of $ 7.4 billion which accounts for only 1.2% of the over all share. Out of this Cotton fabric is 0.02%, Made-ups is 0.18% and Garments is 0.15%.
To facilitate business and trade, Pakistan is aggressively taking up with EU and USA to give duty free market access to Pakistani textile products and Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan is going to Brussels this month for an important meeting with EU in this regard. Pakistan has also raised this issue of market access with US in the recent Pak-US Strategic Dialogues. Moreover, Pakistan is also strengthening economic co-operation with regional countries and have already signed FTA with China and Sri Lanka.
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Textile sector is the backbone of our economy having 55% of our total exports and 38% job creation in the manufacturing sector and holds great importance as it significantly contributes to our exports and foreign exchange earnings. Keeping the said opportunities in view, modernization and up gradation of Textile sector is important to improve the quality of value added products Pakistan exports and to make the country better equipped for competing in the world. In addition, it would also help create jobs; alleviate poverty and assist the present government fight terrorism and extremism.
OUR STRENGHTS ARE:
WHEREAS WEAKNESSES ARE:
GOVT. INITIATIVES:
The present government has identified textile as a key priority area and is making all possible efforts to set the right policies and incentives that encourages private sector investment in value addition and expansion in a bid to gain wider access to the international markets. We have fixed an ambitious target of US $ 25 Billion till 2014 in the new five year Textile Policy with 2 times value addition target.
Pakistan has also embarked on a wide-ranging initiative to increase its attractiveness to foreign investors in the textile sector. The new Textile Policy 2009-2014 announced by the government of Pakistan allows various incentives including concessional financing (LTF) to encourage capital investment in value added textile sector. The government of Pakistan has also withdrawn custom duty on import of plant and machinery by the manufacturing industries and working hard to get duty free market access for our textile products for EU and US markets. Our Textile Industry has invested US $ 6 Billion under BMR during 1999 to 2003.
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Distinguished guests and delegates;
I would like to invite the participants in joint ventures to take advantage of investment friendly environment in Pakistan and exploit the untapped potential textile sector offers as we gear up for increasing our share of value added textile products in the world market.
I assure you that the government of Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to provide an environment that guarantees security of investment made in Pakistan.
In the end, I would like to appreciate the efforts of Dr. Khursheed Nizam & the team of Ecommerce Gateway for organizing this wonderful event. Organization of such exhibitions not only plays an important role in furthering present government’s agenda to attract foreign investment and promote business but also highlights the corrective image of Pakistan as a safe and secure place for business.
I wish Textile Asia 2010 a great success and Foreign Delegates a pleasant stay in Pakistan.
Thank you.
Pakistan – Paindabad.
International Human Rights Great Mission presents “The International Award of Honor” to Dr. Khursheed Nizam, President, Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, at ITIF Asia 2010
Karachi, March 28, 2010: International Human Rights Great Mission presented The Award of International Honor” to Dr. Khursheed Nizam, President, Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, today on the 2nd day of ongoing 4th Power & Alternative Energy (ITIF Asia 2010) International Exhibition at Karachi Expo Center.
In the recognition of the services rendered to the Business & Industrial community through his hard work, leadership and innovations, beneficial for the community and the country at large, the International Human Rights Great Mission proudly presented “The International Award of Honor” of United Nations under Article 22 Section-1, to Dr. Khursheed Nizam, President, Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan. The Mission is represented by Mr. Zakir Hussain, Addl. Chief Coordinator Committee.
It is worth mentioning that Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan has been in the business of International Event Management for more than 25 years. Under the strong leadership of its President, Ecommerce Gateway is proud to be the ONLY UFI Approved Event Organizing Company of Pakistan (certified by the Global Association of Exhibition Industry, Paris, France). ECG plays a major role by highlighting the particular subjects of national & international interests, in Pakistan. The B2B events that are organized by ECG are of such repute and caliber that play a pivotal role in projecting our country’s image as an aware, moderate & a progressive country, globally, and thereby, draw the attention of international markets and foreign investors to explore the enormous potential and prospects of investment, in our land.
With the sincere sense of professional responsibility and partnership towards the economic development of Pakistan Dr. Khursheed Nizam took Ecommerce Gateway to the heights of commitment and being Pakistan’s No.1 Event Management Company, Ecommerce Gateway is proud to become a sound partner of both government & the leading corporate sectors of Pakistan and plays its role by employing its best resources to facilitate them.
The 4th Power & Alternative Energy Asia (ITIF Asia 2010) International Exhibition continues to attract trade visitors on the 2nd day of its opening
Karachi, March 28, 2010: 4th Power & Alternative Energy Asia (ITIF Asia 2010) International Exhibition was visited by Mr. Owais Ahmed Ghani, Governor NWFP, Mr. Ishak Latuconsina, the Ambassador Indonesian Embassy, Mr. Trigustono Supriyauto, Consul General of Indonesia, Mr. Mohammad Khalid Abdul Razzak, Consul General of Malaysian Consulate, Mr. Andrey V. Demidov, Consul General Russian Federation, Mr. Shafeeq ur Rehman, Administrator Gulshan Town, Mr. Abdul Rashid Godil, Member National Assembly and Mr. Ferdinand Jenrich, Second Secretary (Political & Economic Affairs), Embassy of Germany, on the 2nd day of the ongoing exhibition, at Karachi Expo Center.
Mr. Owais Ahmed Ghani, Governor NWFP, while sharing his views with the media said that technology is Power and it is essential to educate & aware our new generation about its blessings. Pakistan is richly blessed with natural resources and talented youth to invest on. The government extends its full support to all the local & international sectors in Environmental & Alternative Energy, Power & Engineering, etc, who explore the potential of investing in Pakistan and help grow together.
The Consul General of Indonesia and the Ambassador Indonesian Embassy, in their messages to the media complimented Ecommerce Gateway for its input & efforts in promoting the potential industry and building Pakistan’s image as a progressive & a talented country with greater vision towards growth and development.
The Consul General of a Malaysia on the visit, also expressed great enthusiasm on the endeavor and assured of all the support from Indonesia, in the regard. Malaysia takes it as an opportunity to extend its support & investments for healthy bi-lateral entrepreneurial relations between the two countries. The Trade Commission of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was also present at the occasion.
The Event was also graced by the two high level Iraqi delegations of 27 members as they were recommended specially by the Government of Iraq.
The Exhibition will continue till tomorrow (Monday, March 29, 2010), and will remain opened for the trade visitors till the evening. The purpose of international events & B2B exhibitions is always to not only build up the national image but also sustain the economic growth by inviting the international delegations to witness the enormous potential and growth prospects in our country.
It may be mentioned that ITIF ASIA-2010 is the leading regional event on Alternative and Renewable Energy Development on the regional calendar, organized by AEDB in collaboration with the Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan with the support of national and international organizations both from public/private sectors. The event has been serving as a meeting point for the international, regional and local stakeholders to exchange views and explore possibilities for investment in Pakistan in alternative / renewable energy sector.
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4th Power & Alternative Energy Asia (ITIF ASIA 2010) opens at Karachi Expo Center
Karachi: March 27– Sindh Minister for Information Technology, Mr. Mohammad Raza Haroon inaugurated the 4th Power & Alternative Energy Asia International Exhibition & Conference both started here at the Karachi Expo Centre, today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Information Technology Sindh, Mr. Mohammad Raza Haroon said that Pakistan ignored its energy sector; as a result, we paid about US$ 12 Billion for its energy imports in the year 2008, – which were 63 % of the total export earnings. In 2009, our oil import bill increased to US $13 Billion. But still, Pakistan continues to experience energy shortages causing Economic losses, exceeding US $ 6 Billion in 2008 alone, which exceeds the financial package of the IMF to Pakistan. And yet today, the minister added, only 63% of our people have grid connected electricity, and 80% of the population is without piped natural gas – forcing these deprived rural poor to inefficient, low quality and expensive fuels. The poor in Pakistan are paying 3-5 times more for their energy supplies compared to those of us living in the urban centers.
He said that, Pakistan has enormous unexploited renewable energy resources – waiting to be harvested. In the hydro Energy sector, Pakistan has a large potential of over 50,000 MW. However, less that 15% of this has been harvested to date. He appreciated that AEDB is facilitating the provinces in this sector, and already 8 projects totaling 110 MW are under implementation in the private sector, and more than 2 dozen projects are in advance stages of preparation in the private sector. He also lauded AEDB for working with AKRSP to install 103 Micro Hydro projects in Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan, of which 60 have already achieved completion in the last year. 63 additional feasibilities are under preparation, which may be provided to the private sector to consider investment. He expressed satisfaction on financial closure for 4 – 50 MW plants adding 200 MW in the national grid in 2011 from the Gharo-Keti Bunder Wind Corridor alone.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Arif Allauddin, CEO AEDB said that Pakistan has made great strides in improving the image of Pakistan to the international inve0stors and turbine manufacturers. Two years ago, he said, “we were frustrated as the Wind Turbines were not available for Pakistan – today, the manufactures are chasing the investors in Pakistan. Nordix, GE, Sunnec and CWE have signed major MOUs promising setting up the farm and also manufacturing the components locally.” The first farm is expected by the end of the year will contain 15 % locally manufactured parts, he disclosed. In the Solar area, Pakistan offers excellent potential as well, the CEO said. He observed that for some, solar does not compete with other RE technologies such as hydro and wind, but Solar offers advantages that no other technology provides – Solar PV for example brings life to far off, distant dwellers where the electricity is not expected for years. AEDB has taken upon itself to electrify most of the villages which are not expected to get electricity from the grid.
He informed that AEDB is signing an agreement with the telecom companies which will help energize more than 600 telecommunication towers through RE, thereby enabling the companies to provide un-interrupted service to the more part Pakistan.
He further informed that AEDB has launched the consumer confidence building program which offers solar water heaters through the vendors at no risk to the consumers. AEDB has also developed a program with key-stake holders a program for accelerated deployment of 400,000 solar water heaters in the country by 2015.
He also informed that AEDB is aggressively working on waste to energy projects and already 35 MW have come on line this year in this sector. We expect 9 new plants in this sector operational by 2012. But there is still a lot of opportunity as we have waste for about 260 such plants in the country. “Our waste is now our resource,” he added.
Keeping in view the experience of the past, AEDB took more market-oriented approaches, that would respond to local demand and user needs, promote enterprise development for sustained service, and create financing mechanisms independent of continuing donor dependence. The key elements of the approach include expanding and sustaining markets that offer the economic and social benefits most needed.
The paradigm shift that AEDB has brought about has shifted the focus from the technology assessment to market assessment – where we are more interested in what the market can bear, our focus now is on applications, value-added and user – rather than the Equipment supply focus. Under the new paradigm we focus more on the Policy, financing, institutional and social needs and solutions, rather than focusing on Economic Viabilities. Instead of making technical demonstrations, we are more interested in demonstrating business, financing, institutional and social models. Instead of accepting Donor gifts of Equipment, we are more interested in Donors sharing the risk and costs of building sustainable markets and finally we are focusing on experience, results and lessons instead of Plans and intentions.
He said that the mandate of Alternative Energy Policy has been expanded, in consultation with all stake-holders. The policy has been made simpler and non grid AE have been included. The Policy when released in a few weeks time will come with standard EPA and IA, many other documents. Grid Code changes have been accepted and notifications under process, he added.
He told that gathering that the Government has also agreed to offer preferential rate of return to all Alternate Energy Investments – and the new rate is expected to be 17% ROE. Further, NEPRA is expected to announce incentive of up to 1% ROE on the projects that come on early.
Additionally, the government is working with the Asian Development Bank for counter grantees to the Guarantees of Energy Purchaser, in order to bring the comfort to the lender, reduce the perceived country risk and lower the project cost. This will hopefully be available by the 2nd week of April to leading project developers.
The Government has accepted the proposal of creating a Renewable Energy Development Fund for the promotion of the Alternate Energy in Pakistan, which can actually invest and be partners to the private sector.
Special proposals for the 2010 budget, proposing, subsidies, fiscal and financial incentives for off grid products are under active consideration.
He told that AEDB has negotiated special grant assistance from the Donors for the Energy Resource mapping and project development for Baluchistan and Sindh. Similar assistance is already in place for NWFP and Punjab. Once the projects are developed AEDB will utilize the REDSIP funding available to it for financing the viable projects.
He also told that National Award in RE are being proposed. AEDB recognizes all the exhibitors of this event as the pioneers in their field. However, AEDB will be announcing Nation Alternate Energy Awards for the most significant work done. The first award is expected to be made next year.
The AEDB’s achievements are enormous and so is the support extended by all stakeholders. The Events like 4th Power & Alternate Energy Asia have greatly helped in attracting local & foreign investments in the country in the field of alternative & renewable energy while showcasing the continued progress.
Mr. Robert Gibson British Deputy High Commissioner appreciated the Government of Pakistan on putting greater emphasis on Renewable Energy. He said it has set an ambitious target of 10% Renwable Energy or 2700 MW in the Country’s energy mix by 2015.
Dr. Khursheed Nizam, President Ecommerce Gateway on the occasion added that Pakistan like other developing countries is facing a serious challenge of energy deficit. Renewable Energy resources can play an integral role not only in bridging this deficit but also we can take electricity to the un-privileged areas.
It may be mentioned that ITIF ASIA-2010 is the leading regional event on Alternative and Renewable Energy Development on the regional calendar, organized by AEDB in collaboration with the Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan with the support of national and international organizations both from public/private sectors. The event has been serving as a meeting point for the international, regional and local stakeholders to exchange views and explore possibilities for investment in Pakistan in alternative / renewable energy sector.
The Event, like previous years, has attracted large participation from across the world; this year more than 13 countries including China, India, Iran, Iraq, Russia, South Korea, UAE, USA, etc are participating. A high level delegation of 35 businessmen/ entrepreneurs from Iraq is also participating in the Event with the objective of procurement, joint ventures and prospective collaborations.
The 4th Power & Alternative Energy Asia Int’l Exhibition was also inaugurated by the Provincial Minister for Environment & Alternate Energy Shaikh Muhammad Afzal alonwith Abdullah Ahmed Al Badri of Hamriyah Free Zone Authority UAE, Dr. Khursheed Nizam President Ecommerce Gateway, Mujahid Sadiq DG Int’l Cooperation AEDB and members of the Iraqi Business Delegation.
The Chief Guest visited the stalls, met the domestic & foreign exhibitors and assured fullest support from the Government side. The Event will be continued till 29th April where more than 30,000 trade/ corporate visitors are expected to attend the Exhibition.
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