06 June 2004 Sunday 17 Rabi-us-Saani 1425 US FTAs to damage Pakistan's interests: Exporters concern KARACHI, June 5: Exporters see the United States move to enter into free trade agreements (FTAs) with several regional countries as direct threat to Pakistani textile and garment exports. ... Rules for money changers relaxed: Mini exchange companies KARACHI, June 5: The State Bank of Pakistan has decided to give some relaxations to existing authorized money changers -378 in number - for the setting up of B category Exchange Companies or mini exchange companies. ... Budget may bring good news for cement sector KARACHI, June 5: For all the right reasons, hopefully, cement stocks have been the investors' delight at the stock market. DG Khan, Maple Leaf and Lucky, among others, have been at the forefront of the ongoing rally. ... Steps to check under-invoicing under study ISLAMABAD, June 5: The tax authorities are considering a budgetary proposal to work out measures for countering under-invoicing, dumping and smuggling of goods. ... Economic take-off, political downturn KARACHI, June 5: The constant flow of good news of an economic take-off has been marred by a month long political downturn. The violence and strikes since May 12 bye-elections in Karachi ... Ginger rises to Rs100-120 per kg KARACHI, June 5: Slow arrival of Chinese ginger in the last three months has played havoc with the local prices, which have risen to Rs100-120 per kg as compared to Rs40 per kg a few months back. ... Badla rates stand at 7.4 per cent KARACHI, June 5: Roll-over rates on the carryover market were contained within a single-digit limit at 7.4 per cent for the fourth week in a row despite a record increase both in share volume and investment. ... Cement sales may grow by 15 per cent LAHORE, June 5: The cement industry expects its sales to grow by at least 15 per cent a year during the next two financial years in spite of political disorder and terrorist and sectarian incidents within the country ... Trade gap widens by 128.21pc ISLAMABAD, June 5: The trade gap stood at $2674.20 million during the period July-May of 2003-04, denoting the unprecedented increase of 128.21 per cent over the same period of previous year ... SPI shows yearly increase of 11.6pc KARACHI, June 5: Families with monthly income of Rs3,000-12,000 confronted with a back-breaking annual inflation of 11.6 per cent as measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator during the week ending June 3, 2004. ... Investment package offered to OECD states ISLAMABAD, June 5: Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Liaquat Ali Jatoi has offered an investment package to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member and non-member states. ... Trade envoys asked to promote export ISLAMABAD, June 5: The Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro has urged the newly appointed trade ambassadors, counsellor generals, commercial counsellors and commercial secretaries posted abroad to focus their attention on promoting Pakistan's export. ... Govt mulling reduction in import duty: Motor vehicles ISLAMABAD, June 5: The government is considering a proposal to reduce the rates of customs duty on import of motor vehicles from the next financial year. ... Jatoi says violence not to affect investment DUBAI, June 5: Industries and Production Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi is optimist that resurgence of terror and violence in Karachi will not deter investors coming to Pakistan. ... Forward trading in new cotton crop resumes KARACHI, June 5: Forward trading in the new cotton crop resumed on Saturday after a ginner from the lower Sindh signed a maiden deal for 200 bales at Rs2,800 maund excluding 15 per cent sales tax to be delivered between August 15 and 25. ... Jobs surge hints strong US economic expansion WASHINGTON, June 5: A report on Friday showing a job-creation surge of 248,000 in May suggested the US economic expansion is in high gear, and cemented expectations for a quick boost in interest rates, analysts said. ...

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