The main aim of the project is to enable the Centre for Research on Poverty Reduction and Income Distribution (CRPRID) based in the Planning Division to monitor employment, wages and labour market developments more effectively. This will enable suitable sector specific policies that can divert the benefits of economic growth towards the poor.

This project will be funded by UNDP, with ILO contributing financially in certain components. The United Nations System in Pakistan has nominated ILO as the executing agency so as to ensure employment creation is central to the national Strategy for Poverty Reduction.

AKD ARRANGES SECURITISATION TRANSACTION FOR TCS RT

The securitisation transaction executed by TCS Road Transport to raise funds has been completed. TCS Road Transport, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCS Private Limited, was formed to handle TCS's everyday transport needs in a more efficient manner. The proceeds raised through this transaction will be utilized to expand its transport fleet. Mr. Omer Farooqui, Company Secretary, TCS Road Transport, mentioned that the securitisation of TCS RT's receivables will be helpful in expanding the transport fleet to perform the services in a more efficient manner and opens up a new avenue of funding for high growth companies.

The transaction, which is second of its kind in Pakistan, was adviscd by AKD Securities, which has also to its credit the successful execution of the first ever securitisation transaction in the corporate history of Pakistan. Mr. Ali Ansari, CEO of AKD Securities said that we have learnt a lot from the first securitisation and have quickly proceeded with another medium size deal to streamline all issues in a Pakistani environment. We will apply this learning to our next transaction which will be considerably larger. With over one billion rupees worth of mandates secured, securitisation is set to grow dramatically.

LG PREMIER SHOWROOM INAUGURATED

LG Electronics Home appliances unit opens its premier showroom at The Forum Karachi in a simple but impressive opening ceremony.

Mr. In Pil Chun, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, was the chief guest and performed the ribbon cutting ceremony with Mr. James Chun, General Manager LG Electronics Karachi.

"It is in connection with the series of efforts to boost the relationship and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Korea" commented Mr. In Pil Chun after inaugurating the showroom. "And I am delighted to see LG products creating a good image of Korea in the Pakistani market" he further added.

Also present at the occasion were Mr. Haider Ali Hussain MD of Hanaska International, Mr. Shahzad Khan Brand Manager LG Home appliances, Mian Pervaiz Akthar Chief Executive New Allied Electronics and all the dealers of LG Home appliances.

Bugs Bunny at the School Program of the Shell Helix Looney Tunes promotion. The Shell Helix Looney Tunes promotion is a huge success not just because free Looney Tunes (Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner and Sylvester) are being given away with 3 and 4 litre packs of Shell Helix, but also because innovative initiatives such as the Bugs Bunny street walk and the School Programs in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad were introduced. Thanks to the school programs, now the kids understand a lot more about the promotion as well as traffic rules. The Shell Helix Looney Tunes promotion is immensely popular with the young and old alike.

AKD Securities arranged second of its kind securitisation transaction in Pakistan. The transaction was executed by TCS Road Transport to raise funds. Seen in the picture are Mr. Ali Ansari, CEO, AKD Securities, Mr. Rafique Dawood, Chairman, DLCL, Mr. Ayaz Dawood, Mr. Ashfaq Ghaffar, Mr. Omer Farooqui and Mr. Aizaz Sarfraz.

KARACHI SHERATON OPENS OUTSIDE LAUNDRY SHOP

When it comes to laundry and dry-cleaning services people usually just want to know that their clothes are being well cared for, and that they will have the convenience and services they need to cope with their busy schedules.

For a "delighfful difference", the Karachi Sheraton Hotel & Towers now presents its patrons with one more convenience and comfort in their busy lives. Opening the new Sheraton Laundry Shop with its easily accessible, drive up location at the Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road side of the hotel. "With technologically advanced equipment and highly-professional staff the Sheraton Laundry could not be matched with any other laundry services in Karachi." according to Mr. Fadeel G. Wehbe, General Manager, Karachi Sheraton Hotel & Towers.

Mr. Wehbe further adds that "We have designed this new Laundry Shop for our guests' convenience and based on their demands for access to the hotels' exclusive laundry facilities without having to park and walk all the way through the hotel lobby."

In addition to the providing the guests with regular laundry, dry-cleaning and pressing services, the Sheraton Laundry also offers exclusive services such as 3 hours-delivery Express Service, Same-Day delivery service as well as an exclusive 15% discounts which is extended to the Standard Chartered CreditCard holders for using the service. Exclusive treatments of sensitive silks with the use of imported chemicals, expert pressing and cleaning using state of the art and well maintained machines, are some of the highlights of the Sheraton Laundry Shop.