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United News of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Arunachal CM urges APCS officers to champion holistic development
Itanagar, May 30 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday urged the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (APCS) officers to take ownership of the state's growth—both physical and financial—and contribute meaningfully to its holistic development. Addressing the 16th Triennial Conference of the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officers Association (APCSOA) at the Banquet Hall here, Khandu said that the state civil service officers are not just administrators but integral members of the communities they serve, as most of them are indigenous to the state. 'This gives you an unmatched advantage in understanding the cultural intricacies, traditional institutions, and emotional landscapes of our people,' he noted. Commending the conference theme, 'Civil Service at the Crossroads: Reimagining Public Service for a New Era', the Chief Minister said the role of modern civil servants goes beyond administration; it is transformational. 'You are the first point of contact for the public. You are the ones who interpret government schemes in a language the people understand, bridge tradition and modernity, and foster a sense of ownership among citizens toward development initiatives,' he emphasized. Calling the civil service officers as the backbone of the state's governance, Khandu said their performance reflects not just their individual capabilities but also the credibility of the political leadership and the effectiveness of the government. He urged officers to act as role models for the youth. 'You are living proof that excellence and integrity can walk hand in hand. Use your position to mentor, inspire, and lead by example,' he said. Reaffirming the government's commitment to empower the civil services, the Chief Minister assured continued support in terms of resources, training, and autonomy to enhance officers' morale and capacity. He mentioned initiatives like assured career progression and regular capacity-building training programs, including a four-month course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie. The Chief Minister also lauded the officers for their contributions to Arunachal's achievements in e-governance. He stated that Arunachal Pradesh may be the only state in the country to have achieved 100% implementation of e-Office across the Civil Secretariat, all district headquarters, and directorates. 'Our e-Vidhan, e-Cabinet and e-File platforms are success stories which are being talked about nationally,' he remarked. Encouraging greater engagement, the Chief Minister called upon the APCS officers to be proactive members of 'Team Arunachal' by sharing feedback and suggestions to help shape effective policies. 'We politicians will frame policies, but it's you who implement them on the ground. You are best positioned to advise where our focus should be,' he added. Khandu concluded by advising officers not to sit pondering over challenges at the ground but to immediately start looking for solutions. The inaugural session of the one-day conference was also attended by Deputy CM Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary Manish Gupta, and Advisor to the All India State Civil/Administrative Service Association, Shivdular Dhillon. UNI TD GNK


Daily Tribune
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
FICCI Appoints Adeeb Ahamed to Steer India–Middle East Economic Engagement
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has appointed Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, as the chair of FICCI Arab Council for 2025-26. Initially appointed in 2023, his continued stewardship ensures a seamless progression of FICCI's efforts to advance India's economic collaboration with the Middle East, building on two years of sectoral engagement, policy dialogue, and partnership facilitation. As Chair, Mr. Ahamed will also serve on FICCI's National Executive Committee, contributing to the organisation's broader policy and advocacy agenda at the national and international levels. The FICCI Arab Council plays a pivotal role in deepening India–Middle East ties. Among its recent milestones is the facilitation of a landmark MoU between Expo City Dubai and FICCI, paving the way for long-term collaboration on major events, including the Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) 2025. The Council also played a key role in enabling investment-focused delegations from states such as Rajasthan and Assam to engage with leading UAE-based business groups. The recent opening of FICCI's Dubai office stands as another achievement, providing a permanent regional base to strengthen partnerships and advance India's economic diplomacy in the Gulf. In the coming year, the Council will prioritise deeper engagement with young entrepreneurs and start-ups, while also focusing on facilitating access for Indian SMEs to key markets across the GCC. At the same time, it aims to create pathways for investors in the Middle East to explore emerging opportunities within India's dynamic SME ecosystem. 'Our vision is to expand participation by engaging more young entrepreneurs from across the region and giving them a meaningful stake in the dialogue. It is vital that they are not only heard, but empowered with the right platforms, networks, and resources to lead—because the future of India–Middle East cooperation will be defined by innovation, agility, and inclusive leadership,' said Mr Ahamed. Adeeb Ahamed is the Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, a leading financial services company operating across the GCC, India, and APAC regions. He also leads Twenty14 Holdings, an investment firm with a diverse portfolio in luxury hospitality. A prominent voice on digital innovation and financial inclusion, Mr. Ahamed is an active contributor to global economic discourse through platforms like the World Economic Forum.


Qatar Tribune
08-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
FICCI appoints Adeeb Ahamed to steer India–Middle East economic engagement
Tribune News Network Doha The Federation of Indian Chambers ofCommerce and Industry (FICCI) has appointed Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings Adeeb Ahamed as the chair of FICCI Arab Council for 2025-26. Initially appointed in 2023, his continued stewardship ensures a seamless progression of FICCI's efforts to advance India's economic collaboration with the Middle East—building on two years of sectoral engagement, policy dialogue, and partnership facilitation. In his role as Chair, Ahamed will also serve on FICCI's National Executive Committee, contributing to the organisation's broader policy and advocacy agenda at the national and international levels. The FICCI Arab Council plays a pivotal role in deepening India–Middle East ties. Among its recent milestones is the facilitation of a landmark MoU between Expo City Dubai and FICCI, paving the way for long-term collaboration on major events, including the Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) 2025. The Council also played a key role in enabling investment-focused delegations from states such as Rajasthan and Assam to engage with leading UAE-based business groups. The recent opening of FICCI's Dubai office stands as another achievement, providing a permanent regional base to strengthen partnerships and advance India's economic diplomacy in the Gulf. In the coming year, the Council will prioritise deeper engagement with young entrepreneurs and start-ups, while also focusing on facilitating access for Indian SMEs to key markets across the GCC. At the same time, it aims to create pathways for investors in the Middle East to explore emerging opportunities within India's dynamic SME ecosystem. 'Our vision is to expand participation by engaging more young entrepreneurs from across the region and giving them a meaningful stake in the dialogue. It is vital that they are not only heard, but empowered with the right platforms, networks, and resources to lead—because the future of India–Middle East cooperation will be defined by innovation, agility, and inclusive leadership,' said Ahamed. Adeeb Ahamed is the Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, a leading financial services company operating across the GCC, India, and APAC regions. He also leads Twenty14 Holdings, an investment firm with a diverse portfolio in luxury hospitality. A prominent voice on digital innovation and financial inclusion, Ahamed is an active contributor to global economic discourse through platforms like the World Economic Forum.

Zawya
18-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
How Algeria is Crafting a Dynamic Economy for Tomorrow
As the first light breaks over the Port of Algiers, cranes hum to life above stacks of containers. " A decade ago, 90% of these ships carried oil and gas," remarks a port worker, gesturing toward vessels being loaded with fertilizers, steel coils, and crates of dates." Now, you can see the change in what we export—it's more than just oil products. It's our future." Long reliant on hydrocarbons, Algeria is now charting a bold course toward economic diversification. With over 90 percent of its export revenue historically coming from oil and gas, the country is undergoing a profound shift to reduce this dependency and attract foreign investment. Recent measures supported by the World Bank, are beginning to yield tangible results, as highlighted in the Algeria Economic Update for the second half of 2024. Non-hydrocarbon exports have tripled since 2017, reaching $5.1 billion in 2023, representing just 2 percent of GDP. Key exports include fertilizers, steel products, and cement, signaling early successes in broadening Algeria's economic base. At the same time, this portfolio remains limited and underscores the importance of further expansion and diversification efforts. Central to this transformation is the Algerian Port Community System (APCS), launched in July 2021 and developed with World Bank expertise, this digital platform connects all port stakeholders and reduces cargo clearance times by linking customs, shipping lines, and exporters on a single interface. The World Bank's technical assistance also included establishing a legal framework, fostering stakeholder dialogue, and organizing study visits to global ports like Barcelona. " The APCS marks a turning point for Algeria's trade sector," emphasizes Meriem Ait Ali Slimane, a Senior Economist at the World Bank. " It demonstrates how targeted reforms can drive transformative economic impact." Algeria's 2022 Investment Law is a key element of these efforts and is designed to attract domestic and foreign investors. The law offers incentives such as tax exemptions, customs duty waivers, and streamlined administrative procedures through the newly established Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI). The AAPI has rolled out an online platform to simplify investor's journey, facilitating access to land, information, and incentives digitally. The World Bank supported AAPI through training and policy recommendations, including guidance on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and developing export-oriented sectors. Algeria's agricultural sector has also made strides, particularly in exporting fresh food products. World Bank technical assistance facilitated market studies, value chain assessments, and public-private dialogues. A 2018 World Bank-backed campaign collected over 800.000 sheepskins, unlocking new opportunities for the leather industry. This campaign was the first of an ongoing series of solutions to environmental issues. Similar efforts in the industrial sector focused on value chains such as cork and precision mechanics. Capacity-building initiatives, including study tours and training programs, have enhanced knowledge and coordination among sectoral players. To ensure Algerian products meet international standards, the National Accreditation Agency (ALGERAC), a key player in ensuring export product quality, has expanded its reach. The World Bank assisted ALGERAC in developing a five-year strategic plan and building staff expertise through in-person and online training on international standards. By July 2024, the number of accredited laboratories rose to 135 from 77 in 2021, a 75 percent increase in three years. Accreditation is vital for aligning Algerian products with global standards, a crucial advantage for entering new markets. Despite advances, Algeria continues to encounter challenges in productivity and bureaucracy. The global shift toward decarbonization poses challenges, particularly for carbon-intensive exports like fertilizers and cement, under the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). To sustain export growth, Algeria must boost productivity, attract more FDI, and green its industrial processes. World Bank recommendations include adopting carbon pricing, diversifying export markets, and strengthening value chains in high-potential sectors like renewable energy and IT. " Algeria holds significant potential to diversify its exports and integrate into global value chains," notes Kamel Braham, the World Bank's Resident Representative in Algeria. " The challenge now lies in building on this momentum by addressing structural barriers and enhancing competitiveness." Algeria's collaboration with the World Bank will continue to inform its economic transformation. By digitizing trade processes, strengthening institutional capacities, and diversifying export portfolios, the country is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. As the sun rises over the Port of Algiers, the sight of containers filled with steel, cement, and agricultural products—rather than just oil and gas—symbolizes a new chapter in Algeria's economic story. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.