Pak Suzuki-UAF sign MoU

The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad and Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sept 19, 2024, to work together on cooperative research and development initiatives regarding biogas technology and organic fertilisers, resource exchanges, information transfer and student training to promote innovation, advance research, education, community service and project commercial feasibility, as per a press release.

The signing of the MoU took place at the Agriculture University Campus at Faisalabad in the presence of Managing Director Pak Suzuki Hiroshi Kawamura and Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan (SI), along with respective teams from both organisations.

Mr Kawamura and Dr Khan exchanged their views on working together for the socio-economic development of the people of Pakistan and contributing to achieving global environmental targets by reducing their carbon footprint as per the vision of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan.

Bangladesh-Pakistan enhanced trade

Ruhul Alam Siddique, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Bangladesh, called on the Chief Executive, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Muhammad Zubair Motiwala on Sept 20 as per a press release. During the meeting, Mr Siddique emphasised high expectations for enhanced

bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

He expressed keen interest in increasing imports of agro-related items from Pakistan, particularly rice, maize, and sesame.

He also proposed that Pakistan may organise a Single Country Exhibition in Dhaka between January and April 2025, with a special focus on ladies’ garments and agro-based products, both of which are in great demand in Bangladesh. Additionally, he assured that the visa issuance process for Pakistani businessmen would soon be streamlined to facilitate trade exchanges.

The Director General of TDAP’s Agro Food Division suggested holding online sessions between business communities from both countries to identify the hurdles that hinder direct trade, a suggestion that was welcomed by all parties.

In the end, The Chief Executive of TDAP assured Mr Siddique of full cooperation to create a win-win situation for both countries in terms of trade.

PSI Pakistan appoints Bond Advertising

Population Services International, Pakistan (PSI), a not-for-profit organisation in healthcare, has appointed Bond Advertising as their creative & media agency for Pakistan following a multiagency competitive pitch, as per a press release.

The appointment addresses the need to break societal stigmas and encourage young people to engage in a healthy dialogue on reproductive health issues, debunk myths, and encourage shared responsibility and decision-making.

Commenting on the partnership, PSI Pakistan’s Country Director, Ayesha Leghari, said, “This collaboration supports our mission to equip youth, men, and communities with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about reproductive health.”

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, September 23rd, 2024