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Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM drops in on Capital IT Park
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day, paid a special visit to the under-construction Technology Park here, expressing strong displeasure over the slow pace of work and directing authorities to accelerate its completion. This was the Prime Minister's third inspection of the project, which was originally scheduled to be completed by March 23, 2025, but has faced delays, a Prime Minister's Office news release said. He reprimanded the concerned officials on-site, stressing that the park must be completed within the revised timeline while meeting international quality standards. "Ensure the provision of world-class facilities and double your efforts to finish this project as per the original instructions," the Prime Minister told the project managers. The IT Park, consisting of two underground floors, a ground floor, and nine upper floors, will feature office spaces, an incubation center, a business support center, R&D laboratories, a Level III data center, an auditorium, and parking for 1,200 vehicles. It is expected to create employment opportunities for youth, boost economic growth, enhance Pakistan's global IT competitiveness, and bridge the digital divide. Bangladesh PM Shehbaz on Friday reiterating Pakistan's desire to enhance trade and people-to-people contacts with Bangladesh, called for further strengthening bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres. The prime minister, in a meeting with High Commissioner of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, who paid a courtesy call on him, expressed satisfaction over the growing engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh across various domains. While recalling his "warm and productive" interactions with Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Dr. Mohammad Yunus, including their last meeting in Cairo on the margins of the D-8 Summit last December, he expressed satisfaction at the revival of various bilateral mechanisms between the two sides.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan keen to enhance trade, people-to-people contacts with Bangladesh: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan was keen to enhance trade and people-to-people contacts with Bangladesh. PM Shehbaz said this as he received High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan for a courtesy call in Islamabad. During the meeting, the prime minister expressed satisfaction over the growing engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh across various domains. While fondly recalling his warm and productive interactions with Dr Mohammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh, including their last meeting in Cairo on the margins of the D-8 Summit in December 2025, he expressed satisfaction at the revival of various bilateral mechanisms between the two sides. Ishaq Dar to visit Dhaka on 23rd He stressed upon the importance of maintaining this momentum to carry forward their bilateral ties. He emphasised that bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres needed to be further strengthened. Noting the desire of the leadership of both countries to strengthen bilateral ties, the Bangladesh high commissioner briefed the premier on various steps being taken by both countries to facilitate travel, trade and connectivity. He also expressed his desire to continue working hard for further strengthening of the historic bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Bangladesh. PM Shehbaz wished High Commissioner Iqbal success in his assignment, while assuring him of full support in the discharge of his responsibilities, and expressed confidence that his tenure would continue to witness positive developments in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.
See - Sada Elbalad
07-06-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pakistani PM Extends Eid Al-Adha Greetings to President Sisi
H-Tayea Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to extend warm Eid Al-Adha greetings. During the talks, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the Egyptian leadership, government, and people on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. He expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt's constructive role and diplomatic efforts in promoting peace during the recent Pakistan-India crisis. The leaders also discussed key regional developments, including the evolving situation in the Middle East. Prime Minister Sharif recalled his official visit to Cairo in December 2024 to attend the D-8 Summit, and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment further to strengthen the longstanding ties between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and healthcare. President El-Sisi warmly reciprocated the Prime Minister's Eid greetings and extended his best wishes to the people of Pakistan. He expressed Egypt's interest in deepening its partnership with Pakistan and acknowledged Pakistan's ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in South Asia. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue working together to promote mutual interests and regional peace. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Egypt Independent
08-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Iranian Tourism Minister talks boosting mutual tourism and Egypt's vital regional role in exclusive interview
Iran's Minister of Tourism and Culture Reza Salehi Amiri said that Egypt and Iran have entered a new phase of bilateral relations, following the historic meeting between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Iranian counterpart during the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation In this exclusive interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm, the minister explained that efforts are now underway to stimulate mutual tourism. Tehran aims to attract one million Iranian tourists to Egypt over the next five years, while efforts are underway to restore direct flights between Cairo and Tehran. The minister said that the most important features of tourism in Egypt are the pyramids, the Nile, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. He also praised Egypt's role in supporting Gaza and its efforts to stop the war, stressing that negotiations with the US on the nuclear issue are independent of the Gaza issue. Interview: How do you view bilateral relations between Egypt and Iran? Relations between Egypt and Iran are truly historic – both countries possess world-renowned civilizations that have stood the test of time. Though the relationship between the two countries has experienced its ups and downs, the current phase is developing well thanks to the wisdom and courage of its presidents. The visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his historic meeting with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi – during their participation in the D-8 Summit held in Cairo – was very fruitful and built upon many areas. Therefore, my visit to Cairo comes to consolidate the relationship between the two countries. We can thus say that the relationship between both countries has entered a new phase. Within my work there are serious steps between both countries to develop many areas, particularly within tourism and the economy. Is there a timeline for revitalizing tourism between the two countries in light of developing relations? Iran is prepared, and is currently working to finalize a memorandum of understanding to present to Egypt. The memorandum should cover all relevant measures in this area, including efforts to restore direct flights between Cairo and Tehran, which would greatly facilitate matters for tourists and investors. I believe that by the end of this year, we will witness tourism programs and the return of direct flights between the two countries. Upon my return to Tehran, I will meet with a representative from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to achieve this. We will also work to establish tourism agencies and companies. We have declared in Iran that this year is the year of 'investment,' both domestically and abroad, in accordance to an announcement from the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. You participated in the meetings of the D-8's Tourism and Culture Ministers. Are there any proposals regarding a common visa for these countries, similar to the Shingle visa? I have proposed working among the D-8 countries to do away with visa requirements. Iran has already abolished the requirements for approximately 33 countries, including Egypt. It is therefore of the utmost importance and necessity that we work to abolish visa requirements among member states, which would save costs for tourists and investors in these friendly countries. Are serious steps being made in dealing in local currencies, especially for BRICS countries? Yes, we are working on this. We want to see local currencies among D-8 countries, similar to our cooperation with BRICS. Tehran has no objection to developing this relationship and engaging with these countries in all economic, industrial, and medical tourism fields. In your opinion, what is the preferred destination for Iranian tourists, and what do you think of Egyptian tourists? The Pyramids and the Nile top the preferred tourist destinations for Iranian tourists, as will the Grand Egyptian Museum, a truly unique treasure trove that will create a boom in attracting tourists to Egypt. In addition, there is Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, as well as religious tourism, which includes the mosques of the Prophet's family. I have agreed with Egyptian Minister of Tourism Sherif Fathy, to write a memorandum of understanding to work in accordance with Egyptian and Iranian law and vision together. I also invited him to participate in a visit to Tehran in July. We aim to have about one million Iranian tourists visit in the next five years, equivalent to 200,000 tourists annually. Just as Egypt has its ancient Pharaonic civilization and antiquities that dazzle the world, Iran also has many tourist attractions such as Isfahan, Khorasan and more. What is your impression of Egypt? Egypt now boasts numerous new industrial and tourist cities, and has the infrastructure and roads that pave the way for it to occupy the top positions in global tourism, thanks to the efforts of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Furthermore, Egypt's people are great, its civilization is ancient, its history is celebrated, and its society is united. What are the components of tourism in Iran? We have approximately 43,000 historical monuments, 6,000 tourism companies, approximately 15,000 tour guides, and 455,000 tourist beds. The government has a program to double this number by constructing over 500 new hotels, and approximately 300 catering establishments have been registered with UNESCO. We also have 800 historical sites that have been converted into tourist attractions. While we currently receive around 7.5 million tourists annually, we have a plan to increase that number to approximately 12 million. Is there a three- or four-year tourism plan or program in place? Egypt is our priority in promoting tourism in the Arab region. Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as well as Russia and China, are also at the forefront. In your opinion, have the wars in the region affected tourism? Yes, this is true. Egypt and Iran therefore agree on the necessity of halting Israel's criminal war on the Gaza Strip, as well as its attacks on Yemen and, before that, Lebanon and Syria. Therefore, if this war were to cease it would only positively impact the economy and tourism, improve security and stability, and boost the safety of infrastructure. How do you view Egypt's efforts to stop the war on Gaza? Egypt has a major role to play in working to stop Israel's on the Gaza Strip, as it shoulders the Palestinian cause. From the very first moment the war broke out, Cairo has been relentless in exerting pressure and engaging in negotiations to end the war. It is the first line of defense for the people of Gaza. Iran appreciates Egypt's role, its support, and its assistance to the oppressed in Palestine. Egypt is truly the guarantor of regional and global stability, security, and peace. What of the resistance in Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon? The resistance in Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon are setting the most wonderful examples in defending their homelands and their lands. They are also avenging the blood spilt due to the arrogant Zionist occupation, which has violated everything and is only deterred by resistance which teaches it lesson after lesson, even if the price are innocent souls. Yet it is the only way to liberate their lands. Do you think the US is bargaining with Iran over the nuclear issue by using the pressure card on the resistance? First, Iran will spare no effort to assist any resistance movement that seeks to reclaim every inch of its territory and avenge its dignity. It does not treat the resistance as a business like the US does on many issues. Iran stands with the resistance and fully supports it. However, negotiations with Washington over the Iranian nuclear issue are far from a bargain or a withdrawal of support for the resistance in any country. Our goal in the negotiations is to lift US sanctions, while emphasizing that Tehran has no plan to acquire a nuclear bomb. I believe the indications surrounding the negotiations are positive.
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Reviving Pak-BD ties
EDITORIAL: Relations between the two South Asian cousins, Pakistan and Bangladesh, have been improving since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last August in a students-led mass uprising and fled to India. Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for the resumption of formal talks after a 15-year-long hiatus. There have been several high-level informal exchanges, however. Last September Bangladesh's interim leader Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of UN General Assembly session; and again, in December at the D-8 Summit in Cairo. The next month, i.e. January last, a six-member military delegation, led by Lt-Gen S M Kamrul Hasan, made an exceptional visit to Pakistan and called on the three armed forces chiefs and also held discussions with other high-ranking officers. Then in February Bangladeshi navy participated in a multinational maritime exercises held off the Karachi coast. These interactions are reflective of a strong mutual desire to revitalize relations. According to media reports, while the government-to-government talks were resumed two months ago, before then a container ship carrying 50,000 tons of rice had sailed from Karachi to Chittagong for the first time since 1971. And direct private trade had already started in November last. There is a lot of room for increasing bilateral trade which at present stands around $700 million annually. Meanwhile, visa procedures have been simplified as direct flights between the two countries are expected to be resumed soon. Our Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to go on a two-day visit to Bangladesh later this month. All this would have been unthinkable under Sheikh Hasina, who had no inclination to let the bygones be bygones, whether that involved citizens of her own country – in 2015, her government sent two opposition leaders to the gallows allegedly for committing war crimes during the 1971 war of secession — or relations with Pakistan which she regularly criticised. Cozying up to India, she ruled with an iron hand that finally led to her undoing and exile to India. Some of the old issues, nevertheless, still linger on. Dhaka reportedly has been preparing to formally raise its demand for USF 4.52 billion in financial compensation from Pakistan. After Thursday's meeting with Amna Baloch Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin said his side had raised historically 'unsettled issues' with Pakistan, including a formal public apology for the events of 1971, as well as monetary compensation. None of this is likely to yield the sought outcome. However, the two sides also discussed expansion of trade and commerce as well as increasing cooperation in agriculture and other sectors. Baloch also called on Yunus who while emphasising strengthening of ties with Pakistan to boost mutual cooperation and explore trade and business potential, said 'there are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome those and move forward.' Both sides can do that without prejudice to their respective positions on old and unresolved emotive issues. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
