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About Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

I had been a member of Pakistan business delegates during 26 April to 28 April 2019 in China organize Belt and Road Forum at Beijing. The Belt and Road Initiative is a grand strategy to manage global deficits, platform for international cooperation and an internationally acclaimed and public good.

Countries heads, diplomats and politicians from Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hungary, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Cyprus, Uzbekistan, The Philippines, Kenya. Serbia, Egypt, Papua New Guinea, United States, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Cuba, Austria and list goes on..

Twenty-nine international organizations and 126 countries, including developed and developing nations, have signed 174 cooperation documents with China on the BRI. From 2013 it has been transformed from an ambitious plan into concrete results. The trade volume between China and countries and regions participating in the BRI has excesses $6 trillion, according to the National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s top macro-economic regulator.

FDI in the countries along the Belt and Road has increased. According to Ministry of Commerce (china) data, from 2013 to 2018 Chinese enterprises invested more then $ 90 billion in countries along with the BRI at average annual growth rate of 5.2 percent. The investments in BRI projects have not only boosted global investment, but also created more growth.

According to a world Bank research report, the transportation projects under the initiative’s framework, once completed, will reduce the shipment time and trade costs for BRI between 1.7 percent and 3.2 percent, and 1.5 and 2.8 percent. The initiative will also help increase actual income growth in local areas by 1.2 to 3.4 percent and global income growth by 0.7 to 2.9 percent.

Just three days, more than $64 billion in deals were signed at second Belt and Road Forum, parties reached 283 pragmatic outcomes, including intergovernmental cooperation agreements, cooperative projects and the launch of multilateral cooperation platforms. That show Belt and Road conforms to the trend of the times, wining the hearts of the people, improving livelihood and benefiting the whole world.

(Reference from The author is the founder of the centre for China and Globalization, a Beijing-based non-governmental think thank. CHINA Daily )

CHINA President point of view:-

President China Mr. Xi said BRI is an initiative for economic cooperation, rather than a geopolitical alliance or military league. It is an open and inclusive process rather than an exclusive bloc to differentiate countries by ideology or play a zero-sum game. Belt and Road construction should pursue higher-quality development. This requires more efforts to properly address key issues, such as major projects, financial sup-port, investment environment, security and risk management with focus on infrastructure construction and production capacity cooperation.

The results from the BRI open up more space for global economic growth build a platform for international cooperation and make new contributions to the building of community with a shared future for mankind.

BRI cooperation projects will be market-based. To ensure sustainable development, the leaders agreed to promote a level playing field for business communities and create a                                non-discriminatory business environment.    

Countries Leader point of view:-

Serbia: President Aleksandar Vucic said firmly supports and proactively takes part in Belt and Road cooperation and the major cooperation projects including a Chinese-invested steel plant and has greatly promoted the economic development id Serbia.

United Arab Emirates: Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the visit by Mr. Xi last year was a huge success and provided a boost for the development of bilateral ties.

Indonesia: Vice President Jusuf Kalla said his country stands ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in trade. Investment and education, and promote cooperation in Indonesia regional comprehensive economic corridors. 

Malaysia: Prime Minsiter Mahathir Mohammad said Malaysia will move China ties to a higher level. The BRI not only helps solve problems of infrastructure connectivity, but also helps address unbalance development, the initiative is conducive to promoting dialogue between different culture, and eliminating such problems as conflicts, extremism and terrorism.

Belarus: President Alexander Lukashenko said Belarus trusts China wholeheartedly and will remain a trustworthy friend of China and hopes the China-Belarus industrial park will be helpful in promoting the joint building of Belt and Road in the Eurasian region.

Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta said the Belt and Road has enabled different countries to establish even closer trade connections and partnerships, and it has been widely recognized by the international community. It has also helped promote the connectivity and industrialization process of Africa countries.

Egypt: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said The first Arab country to have established diplomatic ties with China hopes to align closely its development plans with the BRI and is committed to deepening Africa-China cooperation. Egypt highly commends china for upholding justice in the Middle East issue and hopes China continues to play a constructive role.

BRI 2 – Key features announced:-

Zones Developments:

China plans to further advance the building of economic and trade cooperation zones in countries and regions related to the Belt and Road Initiative.  The country will set up new zones in Pakistan (Haier-Ruba Economic Zone) Africa (China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone), China-Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

China Railway Express (CRE) :

The train, branded under the “China Railway Express (Changdu)” banner, passed through Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan, and entered China through the Alashankou port in Xinjing Uygur autonomous region. CRE has linked 25 overseas cities and 14 Chinese cities. It has seven international railway channels and 5 international rail-sea combined channels to further open up city. Chengdu geographical advantages and key role in future.

Air Silk Road:

Transport hub in Central China, Henan province is taking advantage of its location to further develop air transportation. Over the past few years Luxembourg and Henan have maintained robust development in trade and have established a long-term partnership with construction of the Air Silk Road. Henan should deepen cooperation with Luxembourg and other European countries. That will bolster its transportation advantage in fields including expanding its network of routes, cultivating special industries and exchanging economic and cultural experience, which will be helpful to construct the Air Silk Road and participate in the BRI.

Green Belt and Road Initiative:

Chinese green bond market became the second largest in the world – after the united Sates- with the issuance of $ 30 billion. China has accumulated experience in mixing policy and finance for green transport and developed leading green mobility technologies, particularly in electric vehicles mobility. These experiences, for example from Shenzhen that financed and now operates 17,000 electric buses and 4,600 electric taxies, or from China Railway Corporation that invested in the construction and operation of the 29,000 kilometre high speed rail network can be useful for greening the BRI.

Who Lead by Banking Initiative:

The initiative is aimed at boosting global growth, it should have a more inclusive definition. Belt and Road International Development Plan to emphasize  its overarching economic goal and remove doubts that China is using it as a tool to expend its influence across the world, there is a need to strengthen cooperation between China and international organizations under the Belt and Road framework, in order to enhance overall multilateral cooperation. For instance, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank model could be used to better collaborate with World Bank, Asian Development Bank, African Development, Inter- American Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other regional and international banks and to provide loans for Belt and Road projects.

Global Scientific Cooperation:

China’s scientific out reach, the nation will need stronger government planning and support, as well as better management and services to over come cultural and legal barriers.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences launched the Alliance of International Science Organizations, the first organization created to connect the scientific communities of participants in the BRI with the goal of improving scientific cooperation, sharing knowledge and promoting sustainable development. The first 37 members of the alliance recently published and action plan for 2019-20. They plan establish a prize for contributing to scientific cooperation within the BRI. New scholarship programs, subsidiary groups on specific issues and new joint talent-training programs. 

• China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on earth Sciences
• CAS Innovation Cooperation in Bangkok
• China-Brazil Joint Laboratory for Space Weather
• South America Center for Astronomy – Chile
• China-Sri Lanka Joint Center for Education and Research
• Sino-Africa Joint Research Center – Kenya
• Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute – Myanmar
• Kathmandu Center for Research and Education – Nepal
• Central Asian Center of Drug Discovery and Development – Uzbekistan
• Research Center for Ecology and environment of Central Asia – Kazakhstan

Chinese artificial intelligence technology demand increased in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

(Reference  fromCHINA DailyNewspaper)

Pakistan ready to grab this opportunity:

During the BRI – 2, I observed a lot of countries want to be part of this initiative, those who already are a part of this, are trying to transfer advantages to their own community.

We are pioneer partner of this initiative, and a key stake holder as GAWADER and the route that runs in from Pakistan will give access to the rest of the world but somehow, we are near but not ready to getting the true potential of this initiative.

We don’t have a level playing field in any industry, the trade deficit between the two countries is huge and we have to closely be studied and researched to position our industries in China to get maximum benefit. With the trade wars in place, and Pak China relations on full scale, Pakistan has an opportunity to penetrate in many areas.

Businessman:

I really appreciated our businessman who went with the delegation on self-finance and tried to create liaison with Chinese companies and signed MOU’s. More than 19 projects were signed between the two countries. I would like to advise our businessman, to start preparing and do not be part of these delegations if you have not done your homework. It is really important to have a plan. During the discussions I felt a lack of knowledge and direction. Our businessmen are really depending entirely on the government which is not the correct strategy.

Zones Development:

When I look at our zone developmentit really breaks my heart, I cannot estimate how our businessman will survive. Government departments are not aligned with each other and businessmen getting loses.  Currently there are huge gaps with what is being portrayed and the ground realities that exist in the SEZs of Pakistan. At the moment companies are fighting and running from pillar to post to get basic necessities like Energy, tax exemptions, approvals etc. Second most interesting factor is the basic objective of the SEZs is to attract foreign investment like many developed countries have done in their economic infancy days. Currently SEZs are opening throughout the South Asian region, many developing countries are opting for this model. Their economic indicators are much better than ours then how will the government be able to attract and fill its economic zones? We need to upgrade our Ease of Doing Business Index. This will also help and create an environment of trust for our domestic direct investment to start investing.

Railway:

After 14 years we have a chance to update our railway systems, new routes, and increase efficiency. This Is a basic pillar for development of country to save time from port to plant and it ismoreeconomically to transfer the cargo. The Railway network and system has played a vital role in the development of many nations. Our Ministers signed M1 project and start study M2 during this time hope results will come positively. 

Air Link Development:

Last 10 years we have not developed any remarkable international airport.  Pakistan really needs to step up the process of opening airports in remote regions where economic activity needs to be diverted. This is a huge step what is the plan of the government to make it successful.

Green Belt Development :

Our government has done a good job and we must appreciate the million trees to make. We need to do more onECO City developments. All of our environment protection laws and organizations need to be reactivated to ensure that the future is safe for our children.  Our policies and practices need to reflect environmentally friendly.

Our Banks:

I have experienced to meet our bankers at Beijing, I was totally shocked they are not aggressively working to be strong partner of BRI projects to facilitate our Large &SME businessman,  I would suggest to start the B2B from the finance industry.  But it doesn’t mean  perception will be same here B2B means Bankers and Businessman to select as best projects and involves as a nation, to build and Road Projects for peoples of  Pakistan .

Sciences and Technology:

I am also surprised BRI doing scholarship but from our sides who get these benefits and what outcomes for the nation I lack to understand and see. We should start thinking out of the BOX and we need Mr. Atta ur Rehmans  to come back on the team and this time we will need taking initiatives from the infant stages of education.

Conclusions:

The government needs to Plan, take action and keep a strong follow up on all activities, it will have to take the business community on board, invite technocrats and get this ball rolling. We need to set goals and start the hard work to achieve them. It is a long dark road with a ray of hope along the way but a prosperous  and

One nation and one goal to build our self for the world to provide best serving services, industry, trades, communication and IT. 

By Mashood Khan / Director Export / Mehran Commercial Enterprises

Road traffic accidents have emerged as an important public health issue which needs to be tackled by a multi-disciplinary approach. The trend of injuries and death is becoming alarming in Pakistan. The number of fatal and disabling road accident happening is increasing day by day and is a real public health challenge for all the concerned agencies to prevent it. The approach to implement the rules and regulations available to prevent road accidents is often ineffective and half-hearted. Awareness creation, strict implementation of traffic rules, and scientific engineering measures are the need of the hour to prevent this public health catastrophe. This article is intended to create awareness among the health professionals about the various modalities available to prevent road accidents and also to inculcate a sense of responsibility toward spreading the message of road safety as a good citizen of our country.

Multiple distractions, risk factors
A number of risk factors unique to the teen driver increase the likelihood of crashes.

Teens lack experience, may drive at unsafe speeds and maintain shorter following distances, especially with friends in Pakistan. They can be distracted visually (eyes off the road), manually (removing one’s hands from controls) and cognitively (attention diverted from driving). Electronic devices, such as cellphones, can create all three distractions, a major threat to driver safety. Having friends as passengers also creates distraction.

Use of alcohol, illicit substances and certain medications can impair driving. Although alcohol remains the most common ingested substance resulting in crashes and fatalities for teens, drug-impaired driving is a growing concern, with cannabinoids the most commonly detected substance.

Sleep deprivation also is an emerging factor in motor vehicle crashes, as most Pakistani teens do not get enough sleep. The statement discusses the impact of adolescent brain development and its effect on teen drivers.

Improper Turns, the reason that we have stop lights, turn signals, and lanes designated for moving either right or left as opposed to straight is because when drivers ignore the rules of the road, car accidents are often the result. To prevent a car accident, always look for signs and obey the proper right-of-way before you make a turn.

Road Rage, everyone has been angry at another driver for one reason or another, but some drivers let their rage overcome them. By tailgating another driver in anger or speeding past another driver only to pull in front of them and brake, these road “ragers” cause many needless car accidents each year.

Ignorance of fasten seat belt, is the major cause of deaths during crashes Seat-belts can help to save lives. They are important safety features that, like air bags, help to protect a driver or passenger in a collision and minimize injuries. Those who do not wear their seat-belts while in a vehicle put themselves at greater risk of severe injury or even death. It’s been proven time and again, on back roads and superhighways: A seat belt can save a life in a car accident. According to the National Highway Authority Pakistan (NHA), more than 10,000 lives are saved each year in Pakistan because drivers and their passengers were wearing seat belts when they were in accidents.

Things to always remember for safe ride
Buckle up for the love of your life
• Always wear your seat-belts
• Obey all speed limits and signs.
• Be attentive and drive responsibly.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Understand the safe braking distance.
• Before driving a car, do a simple safety check. …
• When you get into the car, adjust all mirrors and seats before placing the key in the ignition.
• Avoid hard braking, acceleration, and cornering

Courtesy – Originally published at :  https://seriousaccidents.com/legal-advice/top-causes-of-car-accidents/

Eight Pakistani companies are exhibiting at Automechanika which is to be held in Dubai. The event will begin on June 10th and conclude on June 12th.

Automechanicka Dubai is one of the biggest exhibitions related to all automobile; be it auto-parts, auto accessories, tyres, batteries, auto machinery and business solutions etc. Therefore, this will be the 17th exhibition held in Dubai.

Auto industry is a sector that has witnessed major growth in the recent years. Hence Pakistani companies focuses on value addition exports which includes auto parts to contribute to this growing sector.

Last year, this exhibition saw a record participation of 1801 exhibitors from over 61 countries. Moreover, around 31,971 people visited from 146 countries whereas 23 official country pavilions were also part of the show. Even from Pakistan, 600 visitors were present at the exhibition last year.

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is arranging a national pavilion in the exhibition in order to represent the eight companies from Pakistan. Few of the companies namely Century Engineering, Ghauri Tyres & Tubes, Multi-tech Engineering, Super Horn and Pakistan Accumulators are going under Pakistani pavilion whereas Daewoo Battery, Panther Tyres and Rastgar Engineering are has their own booth at exhibition ground.

Pakistan Auto Spare Parts Importers & Dealers Association (PASPIDA) has also arranged a delegation in order for their executive members to visit the fair in Dubai.

According to company sources Regal Automobiles, assemblers of Prince Vehicles in Pakistan are opening booking of Pearl in July-2019.

Pearl will be available to the customers in September-2019 while price of the vehicles has not announced yet.

Company has been almost ready to produce and assemble this vehicle in Pakistan at the assembly plant in Lahore.
Few units of the Prince Pearl 800cc hatchback car already reached to Lahore for test drive and marketing purpose as per available information.

Specifications: Prince Pearl 800cc hatchback car
– 796cc water-cooled
– EFI engine
– 40 horsepower
– 60 Nm torque
– Ground clearance: 145mm
– Turning radius: 4.5m
– Gross weight: 735 Kg
– Fuel Type: Petrol
– Steering Type: Rack and Pinion with Electric Motor
– Fuel tank capacity: 27L
– Mileage City: 22 KM/L
– Mileage on Highway: 25 KM/L
– Transmission Type: Manual and Auto
– Seating Capacity: 5 persons
– Top Speed: 120-130 KM/H
– Front Wheel-drive
– Brakes: Front: Discs, Rear: Drums
– Suspension: Front: McPherson independent; Rear: Coil Spring
– Tyres: 155/65R13 etc

Prince Pearl Features
– Power window
– Central locking

• Modern-looking LCD

• Power steering
• Seat-belts
• Aluminium Rims
• Air conditioner
• Heater
• Fog Lamps
• Retractable Mirrors/Power Mirrors

About Regal Automobiles:

Regal Automobile Industries Limited (RAIL), country’s third-largest bike assembler, has set up an assembly plant in Lahore with an investment over Rs800 million to produce light commercial vehicles and vans from April 2018.

The company has signed a technical collaboration agreement with China’s DFSK Group to assemble vehicles under the name Prince.

The Ministry of Industries (MoI) earlier in February in last year had awarded a manufacturing license to RAIL.

DUE TO POOR SALES IN THE EXECUTIVE SEDAN SEGMENT AND MORE AND MORE CUSTOMERS BUYING COMPACT AND MID-SIZED SUVS, TOYOTA HAS ANNOUNCED THE DISCONTINUATION OF THE COROLLA ALTIS FROM APRIL, 2020.

A rather shocking news, but Toyota will be discontinuing the Corolla Altis executive sedan in the Indian market from April 2020, when the BS-VI emission norms come into effect. Toyota also had plans of sharing the Corolla Altis with Maruti Suzuki as part of product sharing deal where a Suzuki-badged Corolla Altis would have sold through the Nexa outlets. With this decision, a Suzuki-badged Corolla Altis will never see the light of day either.

With more and more consumers moving to compact SUV and mid-size SUV segments, the sales of executive sedans have seen a sharp decline. Even Suzuki had second thoughts about how successful a Suzuki-badged Corolla Altis would have been in a dying segment of cars. Toyota was also doubtful that the brand strength may not stretch enough to be able to garner healthy margins.

In the financial year 2019, all the executive sedans witnessed a decline in sales by 30%. This includes the Toyota Corolla Altis, the Hyundai Elantra and the Skoda Octavia. Ironically though, Toyota sold 2,783 units of the Corolla Altis, finishing at the top of the segment. However, the overall numbers are still quite small and there does not seem to be much potential from a Suzuki-badged Corolla Altis as the segment itself has not been doing good at all. Toyota therefore sees no viable reason to upgrade the car or bring a new version of the sedan to India.

The Toyota Corolla Altis comes with a 1.4L diesel engine and a 1.8L petrol engine. With the BS-VI emission norms kicking in next year, there was no point upgrading the BS-IV compliant Corolla Altis to the BS-VI specifications as that would call for heavy development costs and the sales anyway aren’t enough to justify that. Also, the diesel Altis constituted a significant portion of sales for the Altis. With the diesel gone, there was no reason to keep the Corolla Altis anyway.

On last week Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan inaugurates phase 1 production facility of JwForland truck assembly plant in Lahore. CM Punjab, Governor Punjab, Information Minister and many other high level government officials were with him on that special visit and on ceremony.

Imran Khan says Pakistan will soon be exporting ‘Pakistan-made’ vehicles. He has stated that Lahore’s JwForland Manufacturing facility would roll out autos totally Made in Pakistan, with even their spares being constructed regionally.

Addressing the ceremony right here, the premier lauded Faisal and Javed Afridi, the owner of JwForland Pakistan, for his proactive efforts to herald foreign investment and technical assistance for increasing the manufacturing facility’s operations.

He stated that Pakistan wouldn’t solely meet its automobile necessities however it should additionally export Pakistan-made autos. “We now have to take away all obstacles in approach of international traders, as solely international funding can resolve Pakistan’s financial disaster”, stated PM Khan.
He additionally stated that he was trying ahead to the manufacturing of electrical automobiles within the JW Forland plant within the in future which would “resolve Lahore’s air pollution downside”.

South Korea’s transport ministry on Sunday issued recall orders for 11,500 units of 58 different imported cars, including those from BMW, Volkswagen and Honda.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said 2,461 units of Germany-based carmaker BMW’s 320d and 116i models will be recalled, citing battery problems.

Around 2,000 units of 22 different BMW models, including the 523i, will also be recalled over heater issues.

Another 2,000 units of seven Volkswagen models, including the Golf 1.4 TSI, will be recalled due to potential flaws in their transmissions.

Four models of Audi, including the TT Coupe 45 TFSI Quattro, will be recalled for using defective air bags produced by Japan’s Takata.

The recall involves defective inflators in Takata air bags that may deploy improperly during crashes, shooting metal fragments into the driver and passengers.

Two models of Japan-based Honda, including the Accord, will also be recalled over the air bag issue, covering some 1,300 units. (Yonhap)

Courtesy: The Korean Times

Islamabad 2nd May: A meeting of the Pakistan Aerospace Council was held today at the Islamabad Club. The meeting was attended by the general body members of the Pakistan high-tech Manufacturing community engaged in exports of high valued goods to EU and US markets.

During the deliberations of the Council, it was agreed aerospace market is growing year on year and high Tech Manufacturing offers great export potential for foreign exchange earnings for Pakistan. The council unanimously stressed that the government of Pakistan must create a policy for advancement of the aerospace related product manufacturing sector of Pakistan. The meeting called upon the Board of investment, Engineering Development Board and Ministry of Commerce to Link Pakistan’s high value added Engineering sector to global market through creation of hightech industry clusters, trade facilitation, taxation and levies measures.

President, Pakistan Aerospace Council, Dr. Haroon Qureshi outlined the activities of the council during the past three years and contributions of its members for the advancement of science and technology, through collaboration with universities , national research organizations as well as manufacture of a diverse range of products for the national and global markets.

Dr. Haroon highlighted the need for establishment of hightech manufacturing clusters in line with international trends which could then work to host global tech giants for meeting the research and development needs by utilising Pakistani talent and youth. He brought into sharp focus the large number of technical universities in and around Islamabad and the high density of tech manpower in this valley and how this combination together with high speed, un-interrupted internet, good quality air and high class road infrastructure could transform this area into a world class technology hub.”

— Press release —