Latest news with #Development&SpecialInitiatives
Dubai Eye
2 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE, Pakistan partner to modernise government operations
The governments of the UAE and Pakistan have launched a partnership aimed at promoting knowledge exchange in areas such as good governance, public sector reform, urban planning and science and technology. The partnership will modernise government operations, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with the UAE and adopting its leading practices in governance and digital transformation. He highlighted recent Pakistani reforms in digital governance, paperless systems and customs protocols, expressing eagerness to learn from the UAE's success. The partnership was formalised in the presence of senior officials from both sides through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and signed by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Pakistan's Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. 'This partnership reflects the commitment of our leadership to build on strong bilateral relations and ensure the sustainability of constructive cooperation that promotes prosperity and mutual benefit for both nations,' said Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Officials from both countries also held a series of meetings focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing public sector excellence through shared innovation and institutional development.
TAG 91.1
3 days ago
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE, Pakistan partner to modernise government operations
The governments of the UAE and Pakistan have launched a partnership aimed at promoting knowledge exchange in areas such as good governance, public sector reform, urban planning and science and technology. The partnership will modernise government operations, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with the UAE and adopting its leading practices in governance and digital transformation. He highlighted recent Pakistani reforms in digital governance, paperless systems and customs protocols, expressing eagerness to learn from the UAE's success. The partnership was formalised in the presence of senior officials from both sides through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and signed by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Pakistan's Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. 'This partnership reflects the commitment of our leadership to build on strong bilateral relations and ensure the sustainability of constructive cooperation that promotes prosperity and mutual benefit for both nations,' said Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Officials from both countries also held a series of meetings focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing public sector excellence through shared innovation and institutional development.
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PDA team meets Ahsan Iqbal
ISLAMABAD: A high-level delegation of the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) met with the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, to discuss the current challenges specifically after the imposition of 18 percent sales tax on packaged milk facing the dairy industry and the need for sustainable reforms to unlock its full potential. The delegation included Kashan Hasan, Managing Director FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan and Vice Chairman of PDA; Dr Shehzad Amin, CEO PDA; Dr Muhammad Nasir from FCEPL; Aatekah Mir from Nestlé Pakistan and Noor Aftab from Tetra Pak. During the meeting, the PDA presented it's position on the impact of the unprecedented 18% sales tax on packaged milk, and its ripple effects on farmers, consumers, and the formal dairy value chain. In response, Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed his full support for the Association's position, acknowledging the adverse effects of the current taxation regime. He affirmed the importance of dairy as a key pillar of food security, economic growth, and export potential, and endorsed the need for a long-term dairy policy to ensure sectoral resilience, consumer health, and farmer sustainability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan proposes tech alliance with ASEAN, eyes inclusive digital future
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has called for a strategic technology partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN to foster inclusive prosperity. Speaking at the ASEAN-Pakistan Technology Expo in Islamabad on Tuesday, he reiterated Pakistan's commitment to building an innovation-driven future. According to a statement from the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Minister Iqbal emphasized the dual-edged nature of technological progress in his address 'Disruptive innovations are reshaping global economies and societies,' the minister said, as he highlighted the 'risks posed by the growing technology gap, digital divide, and skills mismatch in developing regions.' He identified shared challenges like climate change and youth unemployment, while highlighting synergies such as 'young, tech-savvy populations and robust universities.' The minister proposed three strategic pillars for cooperation, involving knowledge exchange through academic partnerships, joint R&D platforms in emerging fields and inclusive tech development for climate resilience and healthcare. Noting Pakistan's strides like the National AI Policy and Special Technology Zones, Iqbal urged stakeholders to 'reimagine ASEAN-Pakistan relations not merely through the traditional lenses of trade and diplomacy, but as a dynamic technology alliance for inclusive and sustainable prosperity.' He announced concrete steps, including an annual ASEAN-Pakistan Technology Cooperation Forum and a Startup Bridge to link regional innovators. NUST's Umar Khan credited Iqbal's leadership for establishing pivotal research hubs like the National Centres of AI and Cybersecurity in 2017-18, now thriving innovation ecosystems. Concluding with a call to action, Iqbal stressed: 'Future must be built through cooperation, innovation, and shared vision.' The Expo aims to catalyze what he termed 'a smarter, greener, and more inclusive future for the region.'
