Chinese delegation arrives

The Agro and Food Division of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with Pakistan’s Commercial Section in Beijing, welcomed a three-member delegation from the Shandong Bomao Holding Group of China last week, according to a press release.

During their meeting at TDAP Karachi, Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, CEO of TDAP, highlighted the immense potential of Pakistan’s meat and meat products exports, which touched $441m in FY23. He also pointed out China’s significant position as the world’s largest meat importer, with imports exceeding $26bn in 2023.

Given the approval to export heat-treated meat to China, Pakistan is poised to tap into this lucrative market effectively.

Conference at SIUT

The 14th Biennial Pakistan Society of Nephrology (PSN) conference was held at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), bringing together renowned nephrologists from across the globe.

The four-day event, held from February 29 to March 3, 2024, featured delegates from the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, sharing their expertise with Pakistani colleagues, as per a press release.

Professor Adib Rizvi, Director of SIUT, inaugurated the conference last Friday, emphasising the importance of collaboration within the medical community to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by the Pakistani population effectively.

He said that health care is the birthright irrespective of caste, colour, creed, and religious beliefs. The philosophy behind the SIUT is: “We don’t let anyone die because they cannot afford to live”.

BOP wins ‘Best SME Bank’

The Bank of Punjab (BOP) received the title “The Best SME Bank in Pakistan” during the Global SME Banking Innovation Award 2024 Gala by The Digital Banker, as per a press release. Expressing his gratitude, Zafar Masud, CEO of BOP, said, “This award validates our dedication to SMEs’ success in Pakistan. We remain committed to innovating and delivering cutting-edge financial solutions to empower small businesses and stimulate economic growth.”

KE’s KHI Awards

The closing ceremony for K-Electric’s third edition of the KHI Awards was held last week, recognising 44 winners across 14 diverse categories — from safety, livelihoods & vocational training to digital accessibility and inclusion and (primary and secondary) healthcare, says a press release.

Since its inception in 2021, the KHI Awards platform has supported 70 social organisations, benefiting an estimated 18m lives.

Bank Alfalah expands BISP partnership

Bank Alfalah announced last week the expansion of its partnership with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for digital social cash transfers to beneficiaries all over Pakistan over the next three years, as per a press release.

The bank has been entrusted to service 4.4m women, representing 47pc of total beneficiaries, using cutting-edge biometrics, geofencing and other digital security techniques to manage the country’s largest digital social cash transfer programme.

Sindh Bank’s Annual Results

Sindh Bank recorded a total profit of Rs2.16bn compared to the post-tax loss of Rs1.38bn last year, with earnings per share at Rs0.72 for the year ending December 31, 2023, states a press release. The deposits surged to a record level of Rs223bn, and total assets crossed the Rs 300bn mark. Sindh Bank witnessed substantial growth in deposits, trade business, and new accounts opened during the year.

DIB at International Property Show

Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) Pakistan and DHA City signed an MoU to become banking partners for property purchases through remittances and the opening of Roshan Digital Accounts at the International Property Show held last week at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, according to a press release.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, March 4th, 2024