Apr 02 - 08, 2001

Swissair announces the commencement of it's fifth flight from Karachi

After the success of Swissair's four-flights-schedule from Karachi, Mr. Hanspeter Wegmueller, General Manager Pakistan announced the start of the airline's fifth frequency effective 25th March 2001.

Swissair, which seems to have performed very well, and this is what Mr. Wegmueller emphasised, saying that the airline's flight schedule being stretched from three-a-week to five, and that too, within a matter of nine months, is a clear proof and reflection of Swissair's popularity and success as the only European airline in Karachi which now flies five times a week from Karachi — thrice via Dubai and twice via Abu Dhabi.

Swissair travellers will now get even more opportunity than usual to shop at Dubai & Abu Dhabi's famous duty free shops. All five flights will arrive at "Europe's friendliest airport" — Zurich early in the morning connecting to over 300 destinations worldwide.

Mr. Wegmueller further said that the addition of the fifth flight is not only due to Swissair's overall success, but it is also about its firm commitment to continue it's "tradition rooted in care".

P&O Nedlloyd and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines to improve Asia-East Coast South America joint service

P&O Nedlloyd and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines are to upgrade their existing Asia to East Coast South America service to a fixed day weekly schedule.

Upon completion of the phase-in programme in April, the joint service will comprise the following vessels, ranging in size from 2100 to 2800 teus:

Mitsui OSK Lines: MOL Parana, MOL Paraguay, MOL Santos, MOL Sao Paulo, MOL Salvador.

P&O Nedlloyd: PONL Bantam, PONL Chusan, PONL Deijima, PONL Olinda, PONL Surat.

The aforementioned vessels are newly built and capable of running speeds in excess of 22 knots, safeguarding fast transit times and a reliable schedule.

The joint port rotation will be Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Pusan, Keelung, Hong Kong, Singapore, Santos, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Rio Grande, San Francisco do Sul, Paranagua, Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, Hong Kong and back to Yokohama. The ports of Vitoria and Salvador will be served through a fast relay service via the Port of Santos.

This new service confirms P&O Nedlloyd and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines' joint commitment to the trade.

HP Expands Internet-enabled Printer Lineup

Five Intelligent HP Printers Help Customers Leverage Internet to Access, Manage and Print Information Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE: HWP) introduced four printers that leverage the power of the Internet to improve the speed, efficiency and delivery of information and workflow processes in the office.

The printers demonstrate HP's commitment to transforming printers from peripheral devices into intelligent information appliances that can both deliver and access a variety of e-services, information and solutions via the Internet.

"The explosion of Internet connectivity within organizations and the proliferation of wireless devices have created a tremendous need for our customers to better access and share information and images anytime, anywhere and in any format," said Peter Quek, Country Manager - Pakistan. "With these new printers, HP customers will be well-positioned to leverage Web-based services and information to maximize their competitive advantage today as well as tomorrow."

By the year 2004. IDC forecasts that 35 per cent of the devices connected to the Internet will be non-PC based. (1) "Fundamentally, this means that business as we know it today will change," stated Weili Su, printing and imaging analyst for IDC. "From an industry perspective, we believe these new printers provide HP customers with compelling reasons to upgrade, and will continue to fuel growth in HP's imaging and printing market business."

HP's newest printers provide customers with a wide range of Internet and wireless features, from embedded Web server (EWS) and embedded virtual machine (EVM) technologies to scan-to-Web functionality and fast infrared for wireless printing.

Intel Appoints Kamil Hasan, Country Manager for Pakistan

Intel Corporation announced the appointment of Kamil F. Hasan as country manager for Intel Pakistan. In this role Kamil will oversee Intel's sales and marketing operations in Pakistan.

Kamil will be responsible for broadening Intel's role as pre-eminent supplier of building block for Pakistan's Internet economy. In addition to this Kamil will work with governments and industry to accelerate e-Business adoption throughout the country.

Before joining Intel, Kamil was the General Manager for Pakistan at ABM Data Systems.

Credit Agricole opens third branch in Pakistan

Credit Agricole Indosuez has a branch network spread over 80 countries. It is the 100% owned Corporate Wholesale Corporate banking arm of Credit Agricole, the largest bank in France with 9,000 offices there today. Credit Agricole Indosuez is rated AA by the world-renowned credit agency, Standard & Poor's, a privilege enjoyed by only a few financially strong global banks.

Under its former name of Banque Indosuez Credit Agricole Indosuez opened its doors in Karachi in the year 1979 and in Lahore in 1988. On 20th May, 1997, Banque Indosuez was acquired by one of the world's leading banking group, Credit Agricole. The acquisition led to the name Credit Agricole Indosuez (CAI). CAI now has a staff of 90 persons in Pakistan. The group is also presented in the country by its brokerage an Indosuez WI Carr Securities Pakistan.

The opening of the 3rd branch of Credit Agricole Indosuez in Pakistan is evidence of the bank's commitment to Pakistan and of its faith in the future of the country. It also contributes to strengthening the business relationship between France and Pakistan.

This demonstration of trust by the French Bank, in shape of the opening of this new branch, which could be definitely a good signal for other international investors to come and explore the opportunities offered by your country. This is an absolute proof of continuous friendly engagement of the French companies in your capacities as a nation and underlines the depth and closeness of relations between our two nations.

France has always been and intends to remain an active partner of Pakistan not only in the economic sector as we can see it today but as well as in the scientific and cultural sectors. This partnership's spirit was recently reaffirmed when the French government supported the Pakistan's request for IMF assistance and rescheduling of its debt.

Mobilink GSM and MCB sign MOU for Mobile Banking

Mobilink GSM and the Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for exclusive banking services for its customers. Rizwan Bhatti GM Marketing & Strategic Planning, Mobilink GSM and Aarij Ali EVP MCB were representing their respective organizations.

Mobile banking services will be available to all Mobilink GSM and MCB customers and will allow them to get their account information on their Mobilink phones whenever and wherever they want through the "Short Messages Services" (SMS).

"This is going to be a unique first for cellular users in Pakistan and Mobilink GSM is proud to be the pioneer of many such firsts for our valued customers," said Rizwan Bhatti, General Manager Marketing, Mobilink GSM, recently.

Present also on the occasion were Amjad Farooq, EVP MCB, Javed Yousuf Adhi, SVP MCB, Obaid-ur-Rehman, Manager New product Development and Syed Ehsan-ul-Haq, Assistant Manager, New Product Development Mobilink.

Islamic E-zine launched @ IBA

IQRA Society of BITS Club CCS, IBA Karachi, has launched the second issue of IBA Islamic E-zine "Enlightenment" recently. This issue is the result of the tremendous efforts put in by the magazine team. The basic purpose of this e-zine is to create awareness about our religion Islam — the most successful way of life. Along with the online version the magazine is also available in print form.

This issue includes many interesting and thought provoking articles about Islamic way of life, Holy Prophet (S.A.W), Islamic economics, ethics of marketing and much more. The magazine also contains an update of activities at IBA and a short survey conducted at IBA. Much effort has been put in to make the e-zine more attractive for the readers.

The Editorial Team consists of Ahmed Ali Siddiqui (Editor), Uzzam Malik (Asst Editor), Tahira Rahman (Marketing Manager), Khurram Mahboob, Muhammad Ali Channa and Muhammad Umer Khan and Ayesha Javed - IQRA Secretary BITS Club. Al-Meezan Investment Bank has sponsored the magazine.

The website address for the e-zine is www.goenlightenment.com

MCB - SEMINAR ON "CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE"

Complete satisfaction of its customers is the primary focus of MCB banking services". This was disclosed by Mr. Imdad Hussain Butt, Head of Commercial Banking Group (North) of MCB while inaugurating a Seminar on "Customer Service Excellence" at a local hotel in Lahore.

The Seminar is being conducted by MCB Staff College and M/s Horizon Inc. a Consultant firm which specializes in conducting of such seminars. The course is being attended by Senior Managers of Muslim Commercial Bank.

Earlier the Principal of the MCB Staff College, Lahore, Sardar Mujibullah stated that it was essential for the Senior Managers to know the needs of its customers and satisfy them with prompt, efficient and timely service, so that they go back not only as satisfied customers but become partners in Bank's growth. He hoped that the seminar would help enhance the knowledge of the Managers towards attaining these objectives.

MCB, is the largest Private Bank in Pakistan and operates the biggest ATM network in the Country with ATMs at over 80 locations with 118 Online branches in 13 Cities all over Pakistan and also market leader in MCB Rupee Traveler Cheques business.

Arena multimedia

Arena multimedia-Pakistan has recently launched its web site and has URL www.arena-pakistan.com. This site is simple and user -friendly. All the details regarding Arena's Mission, International Recognition and International Alliances can be retrieved from its "About Us". The link on "Courses" provides the reader with in-depth information on the various courses offered at Arena Multimedia.The interested readers can also acquire information online by filling up the application form. "Careers" section is sort of an online careers counseling, which tells the interested matter about the available careers addresses can be accessed option, Arena Placement and future Technologies. In addition to this, different Arena contacts addresses can be accessed from the "Location" link. The surfer can find info on Arena Multimedia "facilities"too. Moreover, there is a section dedicated to "Students". You can find a student's Gallery,Their vision about Arena and student Club details from this section.

Dettol's Heritage Now in a contemporary new look

Reckitt Benckiser unveiled a contemporary look and an all new packaging for the product range every household has trusted for over 60 years. Dettol, which has provided us with superior protection and cared for our families through generations, provides us with superior hygiene solutions in the form of Dettol liquid, Dettol Soap and Dettol shaving cream. The products are now available in attractive and exciting packaging with new and competitive rates in outlets across the country.

Dettol, a household name has a sound medical heritage and is trusted and recommended by medical experts globally. In Pakistan, the Infection Control Society of Pakistan (ICSP) endorses it as a superior range of products that offer quality, reliability and proven protection from germs.

To provide consumers with a complete solution and to cater to their different needs, Dettol soap is also available in a refreshing fragrance. Dettol Fresh fragrance soap comes in a citrus fragrance with added moisturizers to provide consumers with a well-rounded skin care and hygiene solution everyday.

Sabir Sami CEO Reckitt Benckiser commenting on the Dettol Fresh Fragrance soap said, "Dettol Fresh is a contemporary product that aims to meet the evolving needs of today's discerning consumers. It contains added moisturizers for improved daily skin care, backed by Dettol's guarantee to provide superior protection from germs." He further added "Dettol is highly trusted across the world and the most effective and versatile product endorsed by medical experts everywhere".