01 January 2004 Thursday 08 Ziqa'ad 1424 Iran wants to sell gas directly to wholesalers: Distribution right ISLAMABAD, Dec 31: Iran has sought gas distribution rights in Pakistan as primary distributor so that it could sell imported gas directly to the wholesalers, Dawn has learnt. ... Leading business houses in run to acquire Dalda KARACHI, Dec 31: Many business houses are now flexing their muscles to acquire the Unilever's edible oil business Dalda following the company's decision to sell it in Pakistan as a part of its global strategy to "focus on core business". ... Revamping to up HBL share bid price KARACHI, Dec 31: The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development has offered a per share bid of hardly Rs30 for Pakistan's second largest bank Habib Bank on Monday. ... Oil, power, gas cost more during 2003 KARACHI, Dec 31: Except for little relief in telephone charges - consumers experienced escalating prices for oil products, electricity and gas during the year 2003. ... Export finance rate unchanged KARACHI, Dec 31: Eligible exporters will continue to get export finance from banks at a maximum 3pc markup in January 2004. ... Rupee sheds 17 paisa in December KARACHI, Dec 31: The rupee lost 17 paisa against the US dollar this month falling to 57.40 a dollar on December 31 from 57.23 on November 25 - the last working day of that month. ... Rs219.9bn revenue collected in 6 months ISLAMABAD, Dec 31: The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) collected Rs219.9 billion during the first half of the 2003-04 against the target of Rs218.1 billion set for the same period, showing an increase of Rs1.8 billion. ... Separate regulatory body opposed: Insurance ISLAMABAD, Dec 31: Ministry of Finance has opposed the proposal of the Ministry of Commerce to set up a separate regulatory authority for insurance industry as being unfeasible ... Transfer, postings in CBR ISLAMABAD, Dec 31: The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has transferred and posted 12 commissioners of income tax group. ... Tata not to resign KARACHI, Dec 31: President FPCCI, Riaz Ahmed Tata has again clarified that he is the president of the FPCCI and will continue to be for the year 2004. ... Prices rise further on cotton market KARACHI, Dec 31: Cotton prices on Wednesday rose further in sympathy with New York cotton futures as ginners held on to their positions anticipating another price flare-up. ... Stocks close year's account on positive note KARACHI, Dec 31: The Karachi Stock Exchange closed the last year's account with a certain degree of pride as it witnessed many previous records both in terms of index level ...

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