Latest news with #Iqbal
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Upcoming JCC session: Pakistan govt finalises CPEC deliverables after progress reviews
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a high-level preparatory meeting of the Pakistani side of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC). The meeting convened key stakeholders, including conveners of CPEC Joint Working Groups (JWGs) and secretaries from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Communications, Maritime Affairs, Science and Technology, Railways, Commerce, and Interior, to review progress and finalise deliverables for the upcoming 14th JCC session. Iqbal conducted a comprehensive review of CPEC project status across vital sectors, including Gwadar development, industrial cooperation, science and technology, transport infrastructure, agriculture, and the blue economy. He mandated all ministries to rigorously operationalise the long-term CPEC plan by ensuring their project roadmaps are fully aligned with established sectoral priorities for effective and result-oriented implementation. JCC under CPEC to meet in June: Agri tech, energy and Gwadar projects discussed The minister instructed the Board of Investment to immediately initiate strategic outreach to 20–25 major Chinese economic zones, aiming to attract experienced companies for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development and industrial relocation to Pakistan. Emphasising science and technology as the cornerstone of future export-led growth, he directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to study China's advancements in emerging scientific fields, formulate a national scientific development agenda, and identify 10 high-potential export products for targeted research and innovation support. Minister Iqbal underscored Gwadar's critical role as a blue economy hub, demanding accelerated development in coastal tourism, fisheries, and industry through enhanced engagement with Pakistani and Chinese business communities. He also directed officials to finalise a proposal for introducing a third-party participation mechanism under CPEC to facilitate broader infrastructure projects, for presentation and approval at the forthcoming JCC session. Concluding the meeting, Minister Iqbal reiterated CPEC's immense potential for investment, relocation, and joint ventures. He demanded unified, proactive efforts across all government institutions to deliver tangible, actionable outcomes for the JCC. He called for intensified inter-ministerial coordination and strategic planning to ensure the 14th JCC session serves as a landmark event in advancing CPEC 2.0 vision for a prosperous and connected Pakistan. The minister emphasised that CPEC phase-2 is now fully integrated into the broader national transformation vision under the Uraan Pakistan initiative. As a flagship development framework aimed at turning Pakistan into a $3 trillion economy by 2047, Uraan Pakistan provides a clear roadmap through its 5Es: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity. CPEC phase-2's focus on industrialisation, connectivity, science and technology, and sustainable growth directly complements these pillars. The synergies between Uraan Pakistan and CPEC will not only catalyse economic modernisation but also ensure inclusive, innovation-driven development across all regions of Pakistan. Highlighting the need to deepen business-to-business (B2B) collaboration, Minister Iqbal stressed that private sector partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese companies will be pivotal in CPEC's next phase. B2B cooperation will unlock new avenues for industrial growth, technology transfer, and job creation. It will empower local enterprises, attract FDI, boost exports, and drive innovation in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, energy, agriculture, and ICT. A thriving B2B ecosystem under CPEC phase-2 will also foster entrepreneurship, upskill the workforce, and enhance Pakistan's global competitiveness — transforming economic zones into engines of opportunity and prosperity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Upcoming JCC session: Govt finalises CPEC deliverables after progress reviews
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a high-level preparatory meeting of the Pakistani side of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC). The meeting convened key stakeholders, including conveners of CPEC Joint Working Groups (JWGs) and secretaries from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Communications, Maritime Affairs, Science and Technology, Railways, Commerce, and Interior, to review progress and finalise deliverables for the upcoming 14th JCC session. Iqbal conducted a comprehensive review of CPEC project status across vital sectors, including Gwadar development, industrial cooperation, science and technology, transport infrastructure, agriculture, and the blue economy. He mandated all ministries to rigorously operationalise the long-term CPEC plan by ensuring their project roadmaps are fully aligned with established sectoral priorities for effective and result-oriented implementation. JCC under CPEC to meet in June: Agri tech, energy and Gwadar projects discussed The minister instructed the Board of Investment to immediately initiate strategic outreach to 20–25 major Chinese economic zones, aiming to attract experienced companies for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development and industrial relocation to Pakistan. Emphasising science and technology as the cornerstone of future export-led growth, he directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to study China's advancements in emerging scientific fields, formulate a national scientific development agenda, and identify 10 high-potential export products for targeted research and innovation support. Minister Iqbal underscored Gwadar's critical role as a blue economy hub, demanding accelerated development in coastal tourism, fisheries, and industry through enhanced engagement with Pakistani and Chinese business communities. He also directed officials to finalise a proposal for introducing a third-party participation mechanism under CPEC to facilitate broader infrastructure projects, for presentation and approval at the forthcoming JCC session. Concluding the meeting, Minister Iqbal reiterated CPEC's immense potential for investment, relocation, and joint ventures. He demanded unified, proactive efforts across all government institutions to deliver tangible, actionable outcomes for the JCC. He called for intensified inter-ministerial coordination and strategic planning to ensure the 14th JCC session serves as a landmark event in advancing CPEC 2.0 vision for a prosperous and connected Pakistan. The minister emphasised that CPEC phase-2 is now fully integrated into the broader national transformation vision under the Uraan Pakistan initiative. As a flagship development framework aimed at turning Pakistan into a $3 trillion economy by 2047, Uraan Pakistan provides a clear roadmap through its 5Es: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity. CPEC phase-2's focus on industrialisation, connectivity, science and technology, and sustainable growth directly complements these pillars. The synergies between Uraan Pakistan and CPEC will not only catalyse economic modernisation but also ensure inclusive, innovation-driven development across all regions of Pakistan. Highlighting the need to deepen business-to-business (B2B) collaboration, Minister Iqbal stressed that private sector partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese companies will be pivotal in CPEC's next phase. B2B cooperation will unlock new avenues for industrial growth, technology transfer, and job creation. It will empower local enterprises, attract FDI, boost exports, and drive innovation in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, energy, agriculture, and ICT. A thriving B2B ecosystem under CPEC phase-2 will also foster entrepreneurship, upskill the workforce, and enhance Pakistan's global competitiveness — transforming economic zones into engines of opportunity and prosperity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
CAREC states invited to join Pakistan's SEZs
Listen to article Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday invited member states of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (Carec) to integrate their value chains with Pakistan's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and explore opportunities for cross-border industrial clusters by leveraging Pakistan's preferential trade agreements with China, Asean and the Middle East. He extended the invitation while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the fifth annual Carec Institute Research Conference, held in collaboration with the University of Sargodha. Themed "Carec Connectivity: Promoting Trade and Trade Facilitation," the conference brought together a diverse group of national and international stakeholders. "Today, intra-regional trade among Carec countries (excluding China) accounts for only 7% of total trade. In contrast, Asean bloc member countries have over 22% of total trade among themselves," he said. The Carec region, with a population of nearly two billion and vast reserves of energy, minerals and talent, was not short on potential, Iqbal said and stressed the need for a unified development strategy backed by collective action. Sharing the new development vision called Uraan Pakistan, the minister said it was based on five strategic pillars including exports, equity and empowerment, e-Pakistan, environment, energy and infrastructure. This strategy is not isolated from regional ambitions; rather it is aligned fully with the Carec Vision 2030. He pointed out that Pakistan was expanding high-value exports like IT, halal food and engineering goods. Pakistan's IT exports, for instance, have crossed $3.5 billion and are growing at an annual pace of 20%, empowering youth through digital skills.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt to revive development forum this year
Listen to article Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has reiterated the government's resolve to revive the Pakistan Development Forum later this year – a platform that fosters strategic dialogue between the government of Pakistan and its development partners. During a meeting with newly appointed World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Bolorma Amgaabazar on Wednesday, the minister appreciated the World Bank's continued partnership with Pakistan. Departing country director Najy Benhassine also participated in the meeting, according to a press release issued by the ministry. Iqbal acknowledged the instrumental role played by Benhassine in deepening development cooperation during his tenure. He expressed confidence that the positive trajectory would continue under the new World Bank official, especially under the evolving priorities set forth in Pakistan's long-term development road map. He pointed out that the government had launched Uraan Pakistan – a comprehensive and future-oriented development framework designed to turn the country into a $3 trillion economy by 2047. He noted that the initiative was rooted in five strategic pillars, known as 5Es, which comprised exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate resilience, energy and infrastructure, and equity, ethics and empowerment. This programme is focused on smart governance, inclusive growth and public sector transformation. "In today's fast-changing global context, planning must be intelligent and adaptive," the minister remarked. "Uraan is about creating hope, harnessing innovation and enabling long-term stability through scenario-based planning and institutional reform." The minister underscored the planning ministry's leadership during the recent national emergencies, including the 2022 floods and the Covid-19 pandemic. He cited the examples as successful case studies of integrated planning and swift execution – the core principles being institutionalised under Uraan. Iqbal told the World Bank officials that his ministry was leading an extensive consultative process to modernise civil services and improve public sector delivery. The World Bank officials offered continued support for advancing reforms and strengthening the implementation capacity, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and social development projects. Discussions between the two sides included the significance of collaborative planning, federal-provincial coordination and institutional resilience. At the conclusion, the minister reaffirmed the commitment to deepening cooperation with the World Bank in pursuit of a resilient, inclusive and future-ready Pakistan.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
From Retail Strategy to Neurodivergent Advocacy: Meriyem Kaf's Journey Across Boundaries
Rabat – Meriyem Kaf doesn't just lead, she transforms. From boardrooms to brainstorming sessions, from supply chains to startups, she moves with the kind of quiet force that shifts the energy in any room. Born in Morocco and now an executive in North America's fast-paced retail industry, she has carved out a space for herself where strategy meets empathy, and where technology meets purpose. As Vice President of Merchandise Enablement and Private Brands at a major North American retailer, Meriyem oversees a wide spectrum of operations. Her portfolio stretches across space management, global sourcing, private brands, category strategy, and data tools that guide merchants' decisions. 'No two days are the same, retail is fast-paced and often unpredictable,' she tells MWN. At its core, her job is to turn insights into action: to 'set a long-term vision' while helping cross-functional teams navigate a sea of shifting demands. But her story didn't begin in a corner office. It started just after university, in a trade marketing and sales role, a world she immediately fell in love with. 'I instantly loved the energy of the retail world and knew I wanted to be part of a pure retail environment, where decisions happen fast and the action is constant.' Influence without bravado Climbing the corporate ladder was anything but linear. Meriyem's rise to executive status was powered by skills most resumes don't capture: adaptability, emotional intelligence, the ability to influence without bravado or excessive authority, and above all, the calm to lead through complexity. 'Knowing how to navigate without getting emotionally overwhelmed has been just as important as any technical skill,' she says. For many immigrant women, the professional world in North America can feel like a minefield of biases. But for Meriyem, identity was never a limitation. 'I've never felt that my background held me back. My growth has always been based on what I brought to the table: the work I delivered, the value I created, and the effort I was willing to put in.' It's that same clarity of purpose that fueled her next chapter, one that's as personal as it is powerful. In 2023, Meriyem joined forces with two childhood classmates, Iqbal and Karima, to co-found EZducate, an AI-powered education platform built for children with autism and other learning differences. What brought them together wasn't just shared history; it was shared experience. 'We're all parents of neurodivergent children who needed more personalized support,' she says. The idea began as a simple flashcard tool, imagined by Iqbal, an AI expert, and inspired by his and Karima's children. Powered by AI but designed with humane, parental care But the potential quickly grew. Today, EZducate is a full suite of tools that allows parents, educators, and therapists to build individualized learning experiences, powered by AI but designed with care. 'Even though we live in North America, where services are relatively accessible, we still felt something was missing: real personalization,' Meriyem says. 'We wanted to build something that would help our kids first.' The platform is designed to feel intuitive even for non-tech-savvy users. Its tools range from therapy frameworks to visual schedules and ABA-based lesson planners, all fully customizable. 'We've invested heavily in user experience,' she adds. 'We piloted with real families to make sure the tools feel natural, not overwhelming.' While the startup is still in its early stages, EZducate has already garnered attention. It was selected as one of the top startups at 'Gitex Africa Morocco,' where the recognition was especially meaningful. 'As Moroccans, we were incredibly proud,' Meriyem recalls. 'We were one of the very few EdTech platforms selected, and the only one focused specifically on neurodivergent learners.' Her background in retail, it turns out, wasn't a detour; it was preparation. From running Canada's first AI-powered virtual store to earning MIT certifications in artificial intelligence, Meriyem had already been operating at the crossroads of business and technology. 'Many of the skills I've developed, leading large-scale transformation, influencing across functions, have transferred naturally into this space.' Still, the emotional stakes in this venture are higher. As both a co-founder and a parent, every feature and update is a reflection of what she wants for her own child, and for thousands of others. When a parent once told her, 'You gave me hope,' it struck a deeper chord than any professional milestone ever had. Looking ahead, Meriyem envisions EZducate growing far beyond its North American roots. The platform supports multiple languages and is designed to adapt to different curricula. Conversations with international partners are already underway. 'Our goal is to make EZducate available to as many neurodivergent children as possible, regardless of where they live.' Don't wait on the world for permission For young Moroccans dreaming of success abroad, she offers grounded advice: 'Surround yourself with the right people. Network, find mentors, and don't be afraid of lateral moves. Your career belongs to you, you need to stay in the driver's seat.' Meriyem Kaf didn't wait for permission to lead, and she certainly didn't wait for the world to catch up to the needs of neurodivergent children. She built what was missing. From executive boardrooms to the front lines of inclusive innovation, she's rewriting the narrative, not just of what a leader looks like, but of what a mother, a Moroccan, a woman in tech can create when vision meets purpose. Her journey is proof that impact isn't measured only in titles or tech. It's measured in the hope you give to others, the systems you change, and the legacy you choose to leave behind. And for Meriyem, that legacy is just getting started. Tags: entrepreneurshipStartupsWomen in business
