National Bank of Pakistan has won the prestigious Disability Inclusion Award 2024 from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This is a historic moment, as NBP is the first bank from Pakistan to receive this award, competing against top banks from Asia and the Pacific.

This achievement positions NBP as a leader in disability inclusion, both nationally and internationally.

The commitment from NBP’s BoD, the President, HRMG, and group chiefs is commendable and reflects the organization’s ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace for all.

Mr. Mirza Muhammad Asim Baig, Group Head HRMG, received this distinguished award on behalf of NBP at a grand ceremony in Singapore. The bank’s exemplary efforts in creating a barrier-free environment, implementing inclusive policies, and empowering employees with disabilities have earned it this significant recognition and are a testament to NBP’s commitment to leading the way in inclusion.

The award acknowledges our efforts in creating an inclusive and accessible environment through employing 169 individuals with disabilities, the highest in Pakistan’s banking sector, establishing model branches with full accessibility features, implementing inclusive policies and training programs, and setting a benchmark for diversity.

These dimensions highlight the bank’s ongoing commitment to being a leader in disability inclusion and its efforts to create meaningful change for employees with disabilities.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh here on Saturday chaired a meeting with representatives from Malaysian companies, including Felda Global Ventures and KLK Malaysia, as well as the Pakistani Westbury Group to discuss foreign investment in Pakistan’s maritime sector.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the Malaysian companies, including Felda Global Ventures and KLK Malaysia, expressed their commitment to expanding business operations through Pakistan’s ports Pakistani company Westbury Group also participated in this meeting.

All the companies are already engaged with Pakistan’s ports, and the Malaysian companies reaffirmed their commitment to expanding operations through these ports.

Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh assured that full cooperation would be extended to all foreign investors, including those from Malaysia.

Shaikh said that the Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust, and other institutions under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs are actively addressing the concerns of importers and exporters.

The Federal Minister added that his office is always open to investors, and if foreign investors face any hurdles, they can directly contact him.

Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh further stated in the same week, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Danish government, under which Maersk will invest two billion dollars in Pakistan’s maritime sector.

This is proof that foreign investors are showing confidence in Pakistan, the minister said.

He further said that the success of CPEC is also connected with our ports. Upgradation of all ports including Gwadar and Karachi is in progress, he told.

The federal minister assured Malaysian importers and exporters that they will have no reason for complaints regarding the ports.

Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed thanked the representatives of the multinational companies for their participation in the meeting and expressed satisfaction with the visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The minister expressed the hope that the two countries would strengthen cooperation in all sectors, including maritime.—APP

The head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) said the country’s trade with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has increased by 2.5 times over the past four years.

“Four years ago, we entered a preferential trade agreement with Eurasia, and tariffs on exported goods were reduced or zeroed, during this period, the trade with the member countries of this union has increased 2.5 times,” Mohammad-Ali Dehghan Dehnavi said in a meeting with the members of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (TCCIMA) on Sunday.

According to Dehghan Dehnavi, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with EAEU has also been reached and being pursued by the members of the union to be implemented. “We also signed the free trade agreement with the members of the Eurasian Economic Union and the agreement is under revision by the parliament. Three of the five Eurasian member countries have already approved the agreement,” the official said.

Besides, the EAEU member countries also want to supply their goods to Iran,” he added.—Tehran Times

Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (CSKP) Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry has directed the authorities to provide comprehensive facilitation to investors, entrepreneurs, and businessmen engaged in the gemstone industry.

While chairing the meeting attended by representatives from the business community and key officials including the Secretary Industry Department, Secretary Sports Department, and Director General of Peshawar Development Authority, the Chief Secretary highlighted the immense untapped potential of the gemstone sector in the province.

“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds a wealth of precious gemstones that, if fully capitalized, can significantly contribute to the province’s economic growth and create new opportunities for local and international investors,” he stated.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment that encourages private sector investment, ensuring ease of business processes, and providing the necessary infrastructure for the gemstone trade to flourish. He further directed the authorities to expedite measures that simplify and streamline procedures, attracting more stakeholders into the industry and contributing to the prosperity of the region.

In addition to discussions on the gemstone business, the meeting also deliberated on strategies to promote sports activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.