Latest news with #ResearchandAnalysis
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Dodgy goods and confusing bills costing Scots £4bn a year
Industry watchdogs have warned the public about inferior goods and services costing them huge amounts of money. Dodgy goods and services cost Scottish consumers around £4billion last year according to a shocking new report by industry watchdogs. Unreliable broadband, confusing electricity and gas bills, late or cancelled trains and problems with online shopping are some of the everyday problems leading to the massive financial hit. Consumer Scotland has said 70 per cent of people report problems with each incident leading to a loss averaging around £30. Its report concluded that ' consumer detriment ' was worst in the second hand car market, with issues also causing people endless stress and taking up huge amounts of time. Director of Research and Analysis David Eiser said: 'The survey is important in helping to highlight the scale and nature of detriment in Scotland, as well as the UK. 'The findings demonstrate that detriment remains both pervasive and persistent with high levels of consumers experiencing consumer harms at a cost to their health, wellbeing and finances. 'The survey also found that consumers in vulnerable circumstances are more likely to both experience detriment and to not seek redress when things go wrong. 'It is vital consumer organisations are aware of the changing nature of consumer detriment to allow them to provide support where detriment is high, as well as identifying and advocating for solutions.' Around seven in ten consumers in Scotland experienced at least one incident of harm with almost 20 million incidents in Scotland The total annual net cost to consumers in Scotland of this harm is estimated to be up to £4 billion. The highest rates of harm are experienced by consumers who engage in the second-hand vehicle market, followed by childcare, public transport, internet services and electricity and gas. In addition to financial costs consumers can suffer emotionally with approximately half of detriment incidents in Scotland associated with a negative impact on mental health with consumers feeling anxious, helpless and upset. Consumer Scotland said people frequently take action to rectify detriment, but amongst those who do around half result in either no financial compensation or less than what was requested. The agency last year launched an investigation into companies selling domestic green energy systems like heat pumps to identify areas where consumers may be vulnerable to misleading or unfair practices. Chief Officer at Trading Standards Scotland, Fiona Richardson, welcomed the probe and said: 'Although the transition to decarbonised and energy-efficient homes promises significant benefits we must combat scams, product mis-selling, and rogue trading in the sector.'
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-02-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt, Pakistan keys for achieving stability in their regions: Pakistani diplomat at IWLS - Foreign Affairs
Several Pakistani diplomats and officials affirmed that the Egyptian-Pakistani distinguished relations are a model of bilateral cooperation in various fields, making both countries key players in achieving stability in their regions. This came during Ahram Online's participation in the Fifth International Workshop for Leadership and Stability (IWLS), which took place in Islamabad from 17 to 22 February. The workshop discussed leadership, stability, and developments in the international arena. The Institute of Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA), a premier think tank focused on contemporary security and strategic issues at the National Defense University (NDU) of Pakistan, has organized the workshop. During the workshop, many Pakistani diplomats highlighted the political, diplomatic, and economic coordination between Egypt and Pakistan in international organizations, the military field, and combating terrorism. Egypt is the first Middle Eastern country where Pakistan opened an embassy immediately after gaining independence in June 1948. Pakistani top officials also stressed their support to Egypt's leadership and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's stance toward the Gaza conflict, the Palestinians' rights to establish their independent state, and attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause. The international workshop has provided a platform for sharing Pakistan's perspective on diverse global issues and promoting global dialogue. It included 65 foreign participants representing 46 countries from different regions. Several world leaders, senior policymakers, diplomats, ambassadors, government advisors, academic circles, senior executives, representatives of international media, parliamentarians, and the business community have participated in the event. Moreover, the workshop was attended by representatives of global think tanks and 32 Pakistani participants from diverse sectors, including business leaders, diplomats, government officials, think tank representatives, the media, and young professionals. Speaking to participants at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari urged global cooperation and partnerships to address challenges such as climate change, poverty, and disinformation. He called for promoting collaboration among countries to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. "The world has faced various economic, environmental, security, disinformation, and technological challenges, which require global cooperation," he said. He added that Pakistan was the gateway to landlocked Central Asian countries, which were welcome to benefit from Gwadar Port to promote shared development and prosperity. The Pakistani president reaffirmed his country's commitment to regional connectivity and economic collaboration, inviting international partners to work together toward a secure and sustainable future. 'Choose dialogue over division, cooperation over conflict, and hope over fear to create lasting change," he stated. Furthermore, Zardarie encouraged participants to translate their insights from the workshop into real-world solutions, emphasizing that such initiatives are crucial in shaping perspectives on leadership, governance, and stability. The workshop sessions featured discussions and extensive interaction between high-level leaders and politicians on leadership and international security policy topics. The sessions discussed the impact of the global and regional geopolitical environment on social and economic development, understanding global trends, information, art, culture, and heritage of Pakistan, and the role of media and technology in achieving stability and development. They also focused on the rapid global transformations in the international arena and formulating a policy for a common future. Meanwhile, Pakistani Minister of State for Finance, Revenue, and Power Ali Pervaiz Malik thanked Egypt for its great help to the Muslim world. He particularly commended its efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Gazans and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to the strip through the Rafah border crossing. Egypt-Pakistan economic ties He added that Egypt is a gateway to the African continent and the Middle East and plays a key role in enhancing trade and economic cooperation and opening new horizons at the bilateral level. 'The only way we can get more foreign investment is by showcasing the successes of the investments made in Pakistan. Previously, Orascom bought mobiling. When it liquidated, it made tons of money. So, we need to have more of those examples,' he said. 'Orascom Group is again carrying out the 18th real estate development project. We need to showcase more successes, build on the Pakistani brand, and try to inspire confidence among investors that this time, Pakistan means business," he expressed. Malik stated that the Pakistani government is also working to strengthen relations with Egypt. With a population of about 250 million, Pakistan is a lucrative market for Egyptian investments. Pakistan has also launched investor-friendly trade, investment, and industrial policies. Its rich resources, capabilities, strategic location, skilled labour, and enormous potential make it a major attraction for enhancing trade and supporting social and economic development aspirations. He noted that Egypt and Pakistan are working to strengthen their trade relations, find opportunities for trade and investment, sign joint venture agreements in various sectors of common interest, and identify Pakistani capabilities in various sectors. Shared stance on Palestinian cause For his part, former Pakistani diplomat Ambassador Zamir Akram told Ahram Online that Egypt and Pakistan are key players in achieving stability in their regions. Egyptian-Pakistani relations have always been strong. On the Gaza war, he said: "We have worked with Egypt on trying to promote some peaceful solution, a resolution of the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution." He affirmed that Egypt is a very important country globally for ensuring peace and security, especially in the region. He also described US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, saying: "It's all unrealistic because the Palestinians have demonstrated that they are not going to leave their ancestral homes and land." He noted that the surrounding Arab and Islamic countries and the Arab League must also play a more proactive role toward the Palestinian cause. Workshop's additional programme The workshop's programme included a visit to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the participants met with Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, who reviewed a large part of Pakistani foreign policy at the regional and international levels and the challenges facing Pakistan. They also met with Ambassador Amna Baloch, Pakistan's foreign secretary. The Egyptian delegation, or Ahram Online, participated effectively and reflected Egypt's stance toward several issues related to its foreign policy. Egypt also clarified its position on the Palestinian issue and the events in Libya and Sudan. Moreover, they participated in a panel titled "How do modern media, including social media, influence public perceptions of conflict? What responsibility do media platforms and the government have in fostering stability?" The programme also included visiting the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park and the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad. In addition, participants visited the Faisal Mosque, the Lok Versa Museum, which displays Pakistan's history, culture, fashion, costumes, and provinces throughout the ages, and the Pakistani National Council of Arts (PNCA), which showcases art and music performances that reflect Pakistani folk arts and rich culture. Short link:
