Gree appoints Waseem & Shaniera Akram as Brand Ambassador 2018 of Gree Pakistan

Gree is an international and renowned brand of consumer electronics that reflects technological excellence. It is the leading producer of a wide range of air conditioners and other home appliances with world-class quality and cutting-edge features.

In 2018 Gree Pakistan continues with its phenomenal success from last few decades, Gree has appointed Waseem Akram & Shaniera Akram as their brand ambassador who will be endorsing Gree’s spectacular lineup of Air conditioners, refrigerators and water dispensers.  With its wide range of aesthetically designed air conditioners which are known for their outstanding cooling efficiency and the convenience of use. One distinguishing feature that stands out about these products is “energy saving” which is supported by refrigerant filled in compressors. With multiple capacities of BTUs, color and designs range these ACs and Refrigerators are the perfect match to your lifestyle.

As part of its commitment to its loyal customer base Gree always ensure quick and prompt after sales services. Gree requests to get AC installed by authorized installers by company to avoid any problem later occurring due to improper installation by some local installer.

EcoStar appoints Fahad Mustafa as Brand Ambassador 2018 of EcoStar LED TV’s

EcoStar is a world renowned brand of consumer electronics that reflects technological excellence. It is the leading producer of a wide range of LED Televisions with world-class quality and cutting-edge features. In Pakistan, DWP Group is the official distributor of EcoStar that ensures nationwide availability of its products, along with prompt after-sales support, through an extensive network of outlets.

In 2018 EcoStar continues with its phenomenal success from last year, EcoStar has appointed Fahad Mustafa as their brand ambassador who will be endorsing EcoStars spectacular lineup of LED TV’s which include 4K, UHD, Sound Pro series and the ever popular Smart Led TVs. With its wide range of aesthetically designed LED TVs which are known for their outstanding picture and the ability to blend seamlessly into your living room walls. One distinguishing feature that stands out about these updated LED TVs is ‘motion processing’ which is supported by a motion engine which ensures crisp and smooth clarity of your picture.  EcoStar products have won several international awards, as many consumer surveys prove that each of these products is the best in its own category. With multiple screen sizes starting from 19” to 75” these feature rich LED TVs are the perfect match to your lounge, bedroom or home theater. 

As part of its commitment to its loyal customer base the prices of EcoStar LED Televisions are also maintained at a very competitive rate, so that the cost saving can be passed on to consumers who thereby benefit by getting the greatest ‘Value-for-Money’ whenever they purchase these durable televisions. Thus, the buyers can be sure that EcoStar is a reliable global brand that will never deceive them its customers by selling sub standard products.

DWP Group is a leading provider of consumer electronics and technology products, enriched with unmatched services and solutions. It has accumulated great expertise in marketing globally-acclaimed, highly reliable products with cutting-edge technologies created by the world’s best companies and experts.

Hubco generation capacity doubles after six year transformation led by Dawood Hercules

Leading investment holding company Dawood Hercules Corporation (DH Corp) has headed a six-year turnaround at Hubco during which the company invested in major energy projects augmenting generation to 3,276 Megawatts.  The $3.5 Billion capital investment includes JV projects in the CPEC priority list and will enhance Pakistan’s national energy security. The value of Hubco’s stock price had appreciated up to 170% since 27th September 2012, when Dawood Hercules directors were elected to the board, with total shareholder return of 40% IRR.

Talking about the six years at the helm of Hubco, Hussain Dawood, Chairman Dawood Hercules and Hubco, said, “When we invested in Hubco in 2012, it was to address a dire national issue – the shortage of energy. Our strategy was to develop ways for reliable and affordable generation of electricity, in line with the national vision for energy security. It was an uphill task, and we had to fix the basics first. Hubco’s leadership role in this sector is evident in the shape of two fast track power projects: a 2 x 660 MW imported coal based plant at Hub as a JV with China Power International Holding, and a 330 MW mine-mouth power plant in Thar Block II with China Machinery Engineering Corporation as EPC Contractor and equity partner. Both these CPEC priority projects have paved the way to encourage investment in the power sector as well as collaboration with Chinese companies. Hubco also is an equity partner with Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company. I am proud to say that Hubco is now poised to provide reliable and affordable energy to the country, and at the same time, transform the socio-economic landscape of the local populace in Balochistan”.

In line with Dawood Hercules’ standards of community development, Hubco has in place a robust CSR program focused on healthcare, education, infrastructure development and livelihood of the less privileged in Baluchistan. The multitude of initiatives includes an apprenticeship program for Balochi boys, a free 2-year technical training with stipend; 14 batches (168 students) have completed the course. A TCF school in Hub is wholly sponsored while another one is under construction. The company also sponsors government schools in Hub as well as provides educational materials and scholarships across the district. Hubco has 3-health centers in 3-neighbouring villages of Hub as well as mobile dispensary. The Company always strives on giving employment to the locals and encourages its contractors to hire local people.

Samsung Galaxy S9 & S9+ launched in Pakistan

The global leader in technology and electronics – Samsung has launched its most advanced mobile series, the Samsung Galaxy S9 & S9+ that feature a fascinating camera that has taken a step further and introduced super slow-mo, as one of the most striking features to accentuate its focus on a better camera and unparalleled video performance. A huge ceremony was held in Lahore. The President of Samsung Pakistan – Mr. Y.J. Kim was the chief-guest. 

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ smart phones are reimagining the way people communicate, share and experience the world. Made for an age in which consumers increasingly communicate and express themselves more with images, videos and emojis, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ drive innovation with Samsung’s advanced camera. Redesigned with a new Dual Aperture lens that powers an innovative low light camera, Super Slow-mo video capabilities and personalized AR Emoji, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ ensure users do not miss a moment and make their everyday epic. 

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ deliver an enhanced entertainment experience with powerful stereo speakers tuned by AKG, immersive audio with Dolby Atmos® and a refined edge-to-edge Infinity Display– a key staple in Samsung’s design heritage. In addition, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ will come with the new SmartThings app, which unites Samsung’s existing IoT services into one single, smart experience. 

“The way we use our smartphones has changed as communication and self-expression has evolved,” said Mr. Y J Kim, President Samsung EC Pakistan. “With the Galaxy S9 and S9+, we have reimagined the smartphone camera. Not only do the Galaxy S9 and S9+ enable consumers to shoot great photos and videos anywhere, they are smartphones designed to help them connect to others and express themselves in a way that’s unique and personal to them.” 

Today’s cameras are for more than taking pictures – they’re for connecting and communicating. Consumers want a smartphone camera with state-of-the-art technology, so they can express themselves with high-quality images and tools to tell their own, unique story. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ cameras are built with these consumers in mind, with a Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor with dedicated processing power and memory to take amazing shots with high photo quality. The Galaxy S9 and S9+’s camera features include: 

• Super Slow-mo: Make every day moments epic with dynamic, slow-motion video that captures 960 frames per second. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ also offer automatic Motion Detection, an intelligent feature that detects movement in the frame and automatically begins to record – all users have to do is set up the shot. After capturing the Super Slow-mo video, users can select background music from 35 different options or add a tune from their favorite playlist. Users can also easily create, edit and share GIF files with a simple tap in three playful styles of looping to watch the action over and over again. 

• Low Light Camera: Good lighting is the secret to any great photo. But often, photos are taken in less-than-ideal lighting conditions and most smartphone cameras have a fixed aperture that can’t adjust to low or bright lighting environments resulting in grainy or washed out pictures. Similar to the way the iris of a human eye expands and contracts, Samsung’s Dual Aperture (F1.5 / F2.4) automatically lets in more light when it’s dark and less light when it’s too bright, taking photos that are crisp and clear. 

• AR Emoji: Samsung lets users create an emoji that looks, sounds and acts like them. AR Emoji uses a data-based machine learning algorithm, which analyzes a 2D image of the user and maps out more than 100 facial features to create a 3D model that reflects and imitates expressions, like winks and nods, for true personalization. AR Emoji shares users’ real-life emotions not only in video but also with a range of stickers and uses a standard AGIF file format so users can share their emojis across most third-party messaging platforms. 

• Bixby: Samsung’s intelligence platform, integrated into the camera, uses augmented reality and deep learning technologies to provide helpful information about a user’s surroundings. With real-time object detection and recognition, Bixby instantly generates information directly on top of the image that the camera is pointing at. Users can translate foreign languages and currency in real time with Live Translation, learn about their surroundings, purchase products seen in the real world and track calories throughout the day. 

Smartphones are often our go-to choice for entertainment, which is why Samsung created a device that offers premium sound experiences with stereo speakers tuned by AKG. Whether users are watching their favorite movie or streaming their favorite artist’s latest album, sounds are clear, crisp and rich in quality. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ also support Dolby Atmos, giving the effect of 360-degree sound. 

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ audio experience is complemented by Samsung’s revolutionary Infinity Display. First introduced on the Galaxy S8, the bold, bright Super AMOLED Infinity Display blends right into the phone with virtually no distracting notches. With adaptive contrast enhancement, users can use their device even in direct sunlight. 

As the first smartphone to support the new SmartThings app, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are the central hub to manage every facet of the connected lifestyle at home, at the office or on the go. The SmartThings app will be introduced with the Galaxy S9 and S9+ and will connect to other Samsung and non-Samsung devices. 

For those constantly on the move, the next-generation Samsung DeX empowers a mobile lifestyle by bringing a large, full-screen experience to the mobile handset. With the DeX Pad, a new docking system, users can easily connect the Galaxy S9 and S9+ to a larger monitor, keyboard and mouse to expand the mobile experience with enhanced document editing or even full-screen gaming. Users can also transform the Galaxy S9 and S9+ into a Touch Pad with the DeX Pad. 

Samsung sets the gold standard for smartphones with IP68 water and dust resistance and wireless charging and goes a step beyond with the Galaxy S9 and S9+. The devices now support expandable memory of up to 400GB with a Micro SD Card and are equipped with the latest premium application processors offering powerful performance and sophisticated image processing. 

In addition, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ give users the peace of mind knowing that their phone is protected by Knox 3.1, Samsung’s latest defense-grade security platform. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ support three different biometric authentication options – iris, fingerprint, and facial recognition – so users can choose the way they want to protect their device and applications. The devices feature Intelligent Scan, a new verification that intelligently uses the collective strength of iris scanning and facial recognition technology to quickly and conveniently unlock a user’s phone in various situations. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ also introduce Dedicated Fingerprint, giving users the option to use a different fingerprint to access Secure Folder than the one used to unlock the phone. 

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ take health to the next level with an improved optical sensor built directly into the device, providing richer, more accurate information on users’ health status. This sensor allows the Galaxy S9 and S9+to keep track of users’ Heart Load Factor, a new measurement of the real-time demand placed on the heart 

The Head of Mobile division Samsung Pakistan and Afghanistan Mr. Umer Ghumman stated: “We are proud to introduce this power-packed device, which promises a whole new world of info-tainment and multi-tasking, with powerful global connectivity, for the consumers aspiring to excel in today’s highly competitive and fast-paced world. It empowers and inspires the user to do, what others think they can’t do. 

These smart-devices S9 and S9+ available at a price of Rs.103,000 and Rs.114,000 in Pakistan and are available in three attractive colors.

Samsung launches Galaxy S9/S9+ at retailers training event in Pakistan

Samsung is a global technology leader manufacturing powerful devices and award-winning innovations that enjoy tremendous popularity in Pakistan. Samsung is now conducting a training program in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad in order to enhance retailer’s knowledge about its latest innovative device – the Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+. This training will assist customers in their purchase journey for Galaxy S9/S9+.

Samsung has launched this advanced training program for its retailers atKarachi on 12th March, Islamabad on 13th March and Lahore, on 14^thMarch. The retailers are being trained to demonstrate high service standards, while selling the world’s most premium products and technologies from Samsung.

The President of Samsung Pakistan – Mr. Y. J. Kim stated that: “Training of our retail network and enhancing the skills of our front-line personnel is a high priority exercise at Samsung. With the launch of the S9/S9+ the customers will now reimagine their camera experience and this training will enable our partners to communicate the new exciting features to the consumers. Samsung will continue to innovate, enrich lives and build upon its promise of “Do What You Can’t”.

CPEC is not against any country but for peace and prosperity: Sartaj Aziz

Deputy Chairman of Planning commission, Sartaj Aziz said that CPEC is vital for the whole region and is not against any country but for the peace and prosperity for all the nations around the globe.

He was addressing the session on China Pakistan Economic Corridor during the 2nd day of Pakistan Capital investment summit & Expo 2018 held in Islamabad.  Sartaj Aziz said that CPEC is not just about roads and infrastructure but its all about people to people connectivity for the brighter future of the world. CPEC will transform our country into an economic power that all the Pakistanis wanted.

While commenting on the economic growth, he told that Pakistan was stuck at merely 3% growth rate from 2006 onwards for almost 7, 8 years but during last 4 years of current government economic growth witnessed by all and government is eyeing to achieve 6% growth in current year.

He said that Chinese President Xi's idea of one belt one road is just a concept to building roads , it connects policies, public and intellectuals. He said that Pakistan is proud that CPEC is flagship project of OBOR and Pakistan's CPEC is far ahead of other countries in terms of progress regarding OBOR project.

He mentioned that exports have expanded and China has become the highest export partner for Pakistan. Sartaj Aziz further stated that in the next phase of CPEC implementation, railway infrastructure will be built at greater level. He assured that Pakistan will become a powerful economy by 2030. 

During the session, Director General FWO, Lt. Gen. Muhammad Afzal said that Pakistan is not just a bridge between China and sea but realistically Pakistan is to connect the whole world. He stated that all the law enforcement agencies are well geared up to face any challenge in implementing the CPEC. He told that there is no security threat to CPEC, he offered his fullest support if any investor want to visit Baluchistan for investment. He mentioned that there are number of opportunities of investment in different sectors like mining, real estate etc.

In other sessions of the summit, outlook and investment potential of energy sector, Creation of value through technology and FDI and challenges, potential & future of wealth management in banking sector  were discussed.  Key industry leaders and dignitaries from government institutions were among the panelists.

Yusuf Hussain CEO, IGNITE elaborating on the IT industry in Pakistan said that this industry is growing rapidly and today it is worth $3.5 billion and is expected to double in next three years. The leaders in IT industry were of the view that IT industry has the potential to grow and create a big base for employment generation.

3 day Capital investment summit & Expo 2018 kicks off in Islamabad

Pakistan’s largest saving and investment show  " Capital investment summit & Expo 2018"  started at Pak-China friendship centre Islamabad discussing the capital investment market situation of Pakistan. The event brought together investors from around the country, industry experts, and prominent names in the capital investment business.  Event has been organized by Pakistan Guarantee Export corporation limited supported by Board of investment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of overseas Pakistan and overseas Pakistanis foundation.

State minister for finance Rana Muhammad Afzal was the chief guest of the event. While addressing the inaugural session, State minister for finance Rana Afzal said that Pakistan of 2018 is totally changed with so much economic improvements. We have created an favorable environment for investment. He stated that Pakistan is now competing the developed economies.

While commenting on the CPEC, Rana Afzal said that CPEC is a clear example of how Pakistan is investment friendly country and investors are well protected by laws. He urged more investors to get benefit from Pakistan's favorable investment policies. He said that Pakistan is one of the top flexible and intelligent labor force provider in the world.

Speaking on the occasion , Secretary board of Investment (BoI) , Sumaira Nazir Siddiqui , said that Pakistan's economy growing at rapid pace and our all economic institutions are investment friendly. She  told that investor friendly policies are bringing huge impact on economy and more investors are coming to Pakistan feeling their money well protected.

Mr. Richard Morin, MD Pakistan Stock Exchange went on to emphasize the importance of the capital market  in overall economic growth of the country. He said that situation has improved a lot and they are working on to minimize the challenges.

Mian Mehmood, Chairman Pakistan Guarantee Export corporation limited, said that the aim of the event is to bring experts on one platform to discuss the current and future potential of Pakistan's capital investment market. He said that investors from around the globe are willing to invest in Pakistan and such events will help Pakistan to show the real worth of our market and will attract more players to join. He said that we all are here to discuss the challenges, possibilities and way forward.

The plenary session on “Country Profile: Pakistan The Trillion Dollar Market” remained the most attractive session with the focus on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ms Amena Cheema, the former Chairperson Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT) gave a presentation on the prospects of investment in various Special Economic Zones (SEZs). She mentioned about 10 CPEC SEZs in which the investment is being facilitated by offering incentives specially by minimising the time and cost of starting industrial projects in these SEZs.

Ms Teresa Sanchez, who had arrived in Pakistan a week ago as Resident Representative for International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted the major aspects of seeing Pakistan as an emerging economy.

The session on “Pakistan’s Capital Markets: Journey to Best Performer Status & Future Expectations” focused on expanding the base of Pakistan’s Capital Market by getting more companies to be listed in the market. Mr Richard Morin, MD Pakistan Stock Exchange highlighted the areas as how to increase the investor base in Pakistan’s Capital Market. The participants were of firm view that investment in Capital Market can be increased by creating more awareness and educating the people.

The last session of the first day “Capital Markets: Regulation, Taxation & Growth” focused on how the government can help grow Capital Market through introducing better regulation, tax incentives that can actually lead to more investment in the Markets.