Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has lifted a ban on rice exports due to an unexpected surplus of staple. Furthermore, export tariff will also be imposed. The ruling will last for six months after coming into effect.

Saudi government plans to convert a state-owned housing fund into a bank. It aims to establish Real Estate Development Fund which will offer financing in cooperation with the private sector. This initiative aims to provide affordable homes to Saudis.

South Africa grid needs investment of $15 billion to upgrade ageing electricity transmission infrastructure by 2020 to help cope with increased new energy production. Africa’s most developed economies are heavily investing in renewable energy sector to fulfil its demand. 

Pacific Rim Nations have broken the silence and concluded the pact on trade.  They negotiated on the export of automotive, pharmaceutical and dairy products. It was also promised to strengthen Trans-Pacific partnership.

Pakistan and South Korea signed $500m development framework. South Korea also promised to cooperate in hydropower, road infrastructure, improvement of power distribution system, information technology and health sectors. Under the framework, Pakistan will be able to seek financing from Korean Exim Bank for development of energy and other infrastructure projects.

British Petroleum UK, will pay a heavy amount of $20.8bn to settle civil claims for damages stemming from the deadly 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The spill was sparked by an explosion on the deep-water Horizon rig that caused death of 11 men and became the reason of environmental disasters.

Kenya shows deep interest to conduct bilateral trade with Pakistan to $1.2 billion. High Commissioner of Kenya while addressing to business community in Sialkot stressed that Kenya also wants to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan to rapidly boost bilateral trade. He proposed and guaranteed the imports of surgical instruments, sports goods and other goods directly from Pakistan instead of buying them indirectly from other countries.

At a glittering recent event, Huawei unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, Mate S, organized at the Royal Palm, Lahore. 

The evening was star-studded; prestigious media personalities, famous celebrities, fashion icons and high ranking bloggers adorned the event with their presence. The launch event’s Red Carpet was hosted by the talented Anoushey and Faizan-ul-Haq, who talked to the celebrities, singers, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani’s cast members, Ayesha Khan, Ahmed Ali butt about their views on the Huawei Mate S launch event. 

Huawei Pakistan’s CEO, Mr. Aragon Meng, opened the evening with a presentation, highlighting Huawei’s successful journey in 2015.

Federal Minister of Pakistan and Iranian Minister for Economy have decided to promote Islamabad-Tehran all-out cooperation. Both Muslim neighboring countries are keen to expedite expansion of their bilateral ties, especially in the energy sector.

Pakistan and Russia have signed the agreement for construction of the North-South gas pipeline. The pipeline consists of 1,100 km with a capacity of 12.4 billion cubic meter per annum will connect Karachi’s liquefies natural gas (LNG) terminal with those in Lahore. The period of construction is 42 months.

There is vast room for joint venture between Pakistan and China in eco friendly Cement Industry, as the Chinese eco-friendly cement will reduce CO2 emission to save environment in Pakistan. This chemically modified form of cement would be more durable in terms of strength and would have eco-friendly impact on environment. This cement can be used especially in the construction of mega structures such as dams, rail lines, bridges, highways and underpasses etc. 

Cement industry of Pakistan is lagging behind when it comes to innovation due to the sink in latest technological advancements and investments, Cement demand in any country is inextricably linked to the growth in GDP and its demand in Pakistan has increased 50% this year due to increased infrastructure development and house-building projects. 

The push to reduce global CO2 emissions is backed by governments and corporations who understand that the present rate of release of this greenhouse gas into the atmosphere is a serious threat to future life and prosperity on the planet. In comparison to other industrial processes, cement production is extremely energy and fossil fuel-intensive, making it one of the most environmentally destructive materials. Moreover, Aggregate materials like sand and stone that are mixed with cement are mined from quarries, further taxing our natural resources.

Construction activities improve the quality of human lives. Simultaneously they also have dangerous impact on the environment. Low cost, energy efficient and eco-friendly construction technologies and building materials are often pushed as a magic potion in meeting the ever growing demand for rapid housing delivery in developing economies.

By using Chinese roof Top Farming Technology of “Aquaponics” we can overcome food shortage, water crises, excessive use of pesticides and expensive fertilizers. Pakistan should pay serious attention to “aquafarming” through which we can get more fish stalks and organic green food. Pakistan can seek assistance from China in such areas as hatcheries, spawning channels, limnology, hydrology, habitat monitoring, stock assessment, food technology and environmental control.

Pakistan and China joined hands to collaborate in the field of technology. In this regard, Pak-China Technology University would be established in near future. This university aims to equip students with advance technology. Acquisition of appropriate technology from China in the fields of renewable energy and alternative sources of energy like solar, nano technology ,wind power, Run of the river power plants are also part of priority agenda. Government of Pakistan needs to take immediate steps to modify and empower existing vocational training Institutes like TEVTA.