By SC Newsroom

The first joint inspections on 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ projects have been carried out by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), the global trade union for construction workers.

In accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by SC Secretary General H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi and BWI’s General Secretary, Ambet Yuson, in November 2016, a number of BWI representatives consisting of its affiliates from the United Kingdom and Finland, travelled to Doha to undertake the first of several joint inspections planned for 2017. The agreement is initially in effect for one year.

The joint inspections cover all workers on SC projects, however the first joint inspections cover projects built by multi-national companies headquartered in countries where workers are represented by BWI member trade unions. To date, the companies that fall under the agreement are from Austria, Belgium, Italy, India, and Cyprus.

The inspections were carried out by a Joint Working Group (JWG) formed to manage the inspections and reporting process. Representatives from BWI spent two days with SC staff, including representatives from the SC’s Workers’ Welfare Division (WWD), Health and Safety Division (HSSE) and Technical Delivery Office (TDO).

The visit began on Wednesday, 1 February at Al Wakrah Stadium. As agreed, BWI were provided access to the site to inspect OHS practices on-site and speak to workers about their conditions and treatment on the project. The visit continued on Thursday, 2 February when BWI inspectors were provided access to living accommodation facilities and spoke to workers about their situations and experiences.

Kyösti Suokas, Vice-President of Rakennusliitto, stated: “We are pleased that the inspections have begun so soon after the effective date of the agreement on 1 January 2017. Our delegation was encouraged by the openness of the process to participate in the joint inspections, where we had the opportunity to speak with workers about their working and living conditions."

He added: “Upon the conclusion of each day, we also welcomed having the opportunity to provide our initial observations and suggestions to the contractors. We will work with the SC through the Joint Working Group to follow-up on the recommendations and corrective measures made by the companies engaged on the stadium project.”

The MoU includes joint inspections of construction sites and workers’ accommodation. It also includes health and safety training for the SC and its contractors working on World Cup projects and a review and assessment of the SC’s current Workers’ Welfare Forums - a mechanism developed to deal with worker grievances.

The joint inspections followed the death of Zac Cox at Khalifa International Stadium last month. The trip to Doha gave the BWI delegation the opportunity to discuss the fatality and subsequent investigation. Furthermore, since the Al Wakrah stadium was the site of the death of Mr. Anil Kuman Pasman last October, the BWI delegation were also able to review the corrective measures that have now been put into place to prevent similar incidents.

SC Secretary General H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi considers the first joint inspections with BWI to be a significant milestone for the SC and the organisation’s workers’ welfare journey.

He said: “This agreement with BWI highlights our commitment to ensuring the highest levels of workers’ welfare standards and compliance across all of our sites. We have always been open, transparent, and committed to working together with well-respected international partners who share our vision of achieving sustainable change in this area.”

“The initial feedback from BWI has been constructive and demonstrates the value of entering into this agreement. The Joint Working Group will now study the outcomes of these inspections and a report will be published in due course.”

Naval Headquarters, Islamabad
Directorate of Public Relations

Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini, Commander Pakistan Fleet, in a media briefing on AMAN 17 naval exercises announced that the current exercise is the fifth of the series, being held from 10-14 February 2017, in which 37 countries are participating. With Pakistan the host country, other participating countries are Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Sudan, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, UK and USA. Out of 15 ships, China, USA and Russia are participating with three ships each, while one each from Turkey, Great Britain, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Australia. In addition, two P3C Orion aircraft from Japan, five helicopters (accompanying ships of eight of these countries), 11 Special Operations Forces and Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Marines teams arriving from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Nigeria, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Great Britain and USA are also participating along with delegates from participating countries.

Presence of these friendly navies from all over the world is a manifestation of firm resolve of international community towards peace and stability in the Indian Ocean. Active participation of these countries along with their naval forces is indicative of our professional capabilities. The Admiral said that conduct of this Multinational naval exercise AMAN 17, will further strengthen relations of Pakistan Navy with regional and extra regional countries.

Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini, Commander Pakistan Fleet said that traditionally, threats to the maritime security arise from the regional conflicts and political interests. These new security challenges have also changed the maritime environment. Today, threats such as piracy, human smuggling and drug trafficking etc have made the security of Indian Ocean more complex. In this changing scenario, maritime security challenges need to be focused collectively by the international community as no country can counter these challenges single handedly. Therefore, to meet these growing challenges, we need cooperation and mutual trust at regional and international level.

Admiral Hussaini said that Pakistan, due to its geographical location; being situated at the crossroad of three important regions of Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia and for its vicinity to the global energy highway, Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, is considered an important country. Furthermore, with the inception of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port, maritime activity in the North Arabian Sea is likely to be increased manifold.

Commander Pakistan Fleet said that for regional maritime security, Pakistan Navy strengthened its relations with its allies and by means of its sincere efforts at the international level, also ensured the safety of sea traders. Under the fold of Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP) in the North Arabian Sea, we were the first to join Task Force – 150, which is intended for eradicating terrorism, illegal human, drugs and arms trafficking in the maritime domain.

Vice Admiral Hussaini said, 'Let me tell you that in 2009, according to the resolutions of United Nations, Pakistan Navy along with other reputed naval forces, joined CTF-151 which is meant to counter piracy. Besides North Arabian Sea, Pakistan Navy ships are also ensuring free sea trade in the waters of Gulf of Aden.'

'With all these efforts, Pakistan Navy has been regularly organizing Multinational naval exercise AMAN. This exercise will provide an opportunity to gather international maritime community at one platform to promote peace and stability. The exercise includes present day maritime operations as well as professional and cultural activities ashore', Hussaini said.

Providing details to media, Admiral Hussaini said that multinational naval exercise AMAN 17 has been divided into two phases i.e Harbour and Sea phases. Harbour phase includes flag hoisting ceremony at the onset of the exercise wherein flags of all participating countries will be hoisted. This phase will be followed by visits of participants from all countries to each others’ ships, meetings of senior officers and representatives of all participating countries with Pakistani high officials, sports fixtures between teams of participating countries and cultural show to highlight their culture, International Maritime Counter Terrorism Demo, International Bands Display and above all an International Maritime Conference in which participants from various countries will present their research papers. In addition, different meetings for preparation of two-day sea exercise are also included in the harbour phase, he added.

On conclusion of harbour phase, sea phase commences in which basic and high level exercises will be conducted wherein, ships, aircraft, helicopters and special operations forces will participate in diversified sea based activities including Gunnery Firings, Rocket Depth Charge Firing, Anti Piracy Demonstrations, Replenishment at Sea and Fly Past. International Fleet Review by all participating ships will formally culminate the exercise.

Dwelling upon the aims and objectives of the exercise, the Admiral said that the primary objective of this exercise is to have a platform which can promote mutual understanding and interests. In addition, the exercise is intended to devise procedures and techniques against conventional and non conventional threats. Previously, four exercises of AMAN series have been organized in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 in which large number of ships, Special Operation Forces (SOF) and observers from leading navies of the region/world participated.

Islamabad
08 February 2017 (QNA)

Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, adviser at the Emiri Diwan and Qatar's candidate for UNESCO Chief position met Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain at the presidential palace in Islamabad.

Dr. Al Kuwari conveyed the greetings of Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the president of Pakistan and best wishes of more progress and prosperity to the Pakistani people.

President of Pakistan conveyed his greetings to the Emir, wishing him continued good health and happiness, development and prosperity for the people of Qatar.

The president praised the strong bilateral relations between both nations, hoping for more cooperation in different fields in the future and stressing his support for the Qatari candidate.

Dr. Al Kuwari briefed President of Pakistan on his plan to fight the obstacles facing the organization. He thanked Pakistani president for sparing his time.

Earlier his meeting with Sartaj Aziz, adviser on foreign affairs to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz AlKuwari briefed on his vision and replied on a few queries. Sartaj Aziz wished Dr. AlKuwari good luck.

During his visit to Pakistan, Dr. AlKuwari met Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage. Pakistani Minister praised bilateral Cultural relations and hope further enhancement in it.

Marriyum Aurangzeb praised Qatar's role in preserving Islamic heritage through UNESCO, and having common approach and feel necessity to develop it in the future.

On the occasions, Qatar's Ambassador to Pakistan Saqr bin Mubarak Al Mansouri was also present.

08 February 2017
Yahoo News

Since Election Day, Hillary Clinton has largely kept herself out of the public eye, so it makes sense that in her first post-inauguration video statement, she'd make up for lost times and deliver some heartwarming inspiration.

In a video for the 2017 Makers Conference released on Monday, the former Secretary of State addresses the year's theme "Be Bold", and reiterates how important it is that the conference "shares women's stories and celebrate women's vital roles in the past, present and future of our country."

She then offers her own take on why girls and women everywhere have the power to do anything they set their minds to, giving a subtle jab at President Trump by again reaffirming her support for the Women's March.

"Despite all the challenges we face, I remain convinced that, yes, the future is female," she said. Clinton then called for women around the world to keep the momentum going, and to remain bold—now more than ever.

Read More

Kabul
07 Feb. 2017 (Xinhua)

According to a report y Chinese News Agency 'Xinhua', at least 20 people have been confirmed death and 41 others injured as a suicide bomber blew himself up next to the gate of the Afghan Supreme Court on Tuesday, local media reported.

Indian English Daily 'THE HINDU' reported The assailant detonated the device in the parking lot as employees were boarding a bus to go home, leaving bodies and dismembered limbs scattered around the area, with women and children among the casualties.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast in the snow-laden Afghan capital, but it occurred as the Taliban are ramping up their nationwide insurgency even in the peak winter months when fighting usually abates.

Islamabad
06 Feb 2017 (APP):

Chairman, Committee on Electoral Reforms, Pakistan Minister for Finance, Revenue, Statistics and Economic Affairs Division, Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday informed National Assembly that a bill on electoral reforms shall be presented in the next session of the lower house.

Congratulating members on passage of Companies Bill 2016, Ishaq Dar said more valuable legislation shall be coming in next session including the Electoral Reforms Bill that is in the final stage.
“We had received 22 proposals on the second interim report presented to this House. We are working on those proposals to incorporate those suggestions in the bill,’, Dar told.

About the Companies Bill 2016, he said, it is a landmark bill in line with the best international practices as he appreciated contribution by the members, the companies, SECP and other stakeholders.
This bill, he said, would help the businessmen to maintain register of assets as well as form a company on internet.

“Nobody among us can claim to be all wise as wisdom flows through common notion and understanding as far as such legislation is concerned”, he remarked.

The minister also hinted at more legislation to set things right and update the decades old laws to facilitate the business community as well as setting economy on course to progress.

Islamabad
07 Feb 2017 (APP)

Pakistan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Tuesday signed a loan agreement US$325 million to improve facilities in education and health sectors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab by providing clean energy.

The ‘Results-Based Loan: Access to Clean Energy Investment Programme’ was signed by, Additional Secretary, Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Anjum Assad Amin and Country Director ADB, Werner E. Liepach.

Speaking on this occasion, Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said $237 million of the loan would be utilized in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on installation of approximately 1,000 micro-hydro-power plants while approximately $87 million would be spent in Punjab on installation of solar facilities in approximately 17,400 schools and public health facilities.

Dar thanked the ADB for providing assistance to Pakistan for developing such facilities in Pakistan.
Country Director ADB said this investment would directly target poor people and help to improve their livelihood.

He said there was a close nexus between infrastructure and living standards adding through this project millions of people would have access to better facilities.

As per agreement, the ADB’s financial assistance would target off-grid areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab and contribute to Pakistan’s national goal of enhanced energy security.

The programme would be implemented over a period of five years (2017-2021) and would be gender sensitive, providing 7% (70) micro hydro power plants to the women headed household in Khyber Pakthunkhwa.

At least 30% of schools being installed with solar facilities under the project are girls schools in each province.

It also includes provision of training to women to equip them to use the benefits resulting from the availability of electricity in each province.

The project would strengthen procurement, monitoring and internal audit functions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab including the establishment of an information and communications technology driven programme performance monitoring system.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the fund would be spent on installation of approximately 1,000 micro-hydropower plants in off-grid locations, with at least 7% of the households connected to the micro-hydropower plants being women-headed households.

The installation of solar facilities in approximately 8,187 schools and public health facilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with at least 30% of the said girls schools are also included in the programme.

While in Punjab, the fund would be utilized for installation of solar facilities in approximately 17,400 schools and public health facilities, with at least 30% girls schools.

It would also include the installation of a solar facility in the University of Bahawalpur.

Doha
04 Feb 2017 (Bernama)

Four-day official visit by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to Qatar will boost bilateral ties and give an advantage to Malaysian companies to grab economic opportunities there, said Malaysia's Ambassador to Qatar Datuk Ahmad Jazri Mohd Johar.

He said the visit was expected to regalvanise economic and investment cooperation between both countries besides taking the existing good ties among their top leaders a new level.

"The Deputy Prime Minister's visit will surely be able to open the doors of economic opportunities for Malaysian companies and provide employment for Malaysians besides raising the existing investment cooperation negotiations to a higher level," he told the Malaysian media here today.

This is Ahmad Zahid's first visit to Qatar since being appointed Deputy Prime Minister in 2015.

The visit by Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, is at the invitation of Qatar's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The Deputy Prime Minister and wife Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis and his delegation are scheduled to arrive here at 11pm local time (Malaysian time 4am Sunday).

Ahmad Jazri said that tomorrow, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to have an audience with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al-Thani followed by courtesy call on Sheikh Abdullah.

Ahmad Zahid will also be visiting the Emirate's National Control Centre and a community project planned for the city of Lusail, the the Hamad Internatioal Airport apart from meeting the Malaysian diaspora in Qatar.

The last visit by a top Malaysian leader to Qatar was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in December 2011.

Malaysia established diplomatic relations with Qatar in 1974 and this was strengthened with the opening of an embassy here in August 2004, which was followed up with the opening of Qatar's embassy in Kuala Lumpur in September the same year.

Currently, 5,000 Malaysians are residing in Qatar, mostly working with Qatar Airways and in the education and oil and gas sectors.

Qatar
06 Feb. 2017

The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) has announced record bilateral trade between Brazil & GCC States to over US$ 8.7 billion. Brazilian exports to GCC countries amounted to US$ 2,670,560,242 while Brazilian imports from GCC countries ezxceeded to USD 6,050,563,498 which reflects diversified economy move by the GCC countries.

Highest exports from Saudi Arabia were registered to Brazil amounting to USD 1,300,621,760, followed by Qatar of US$ 532,439,642, the United Arab Emirates at USD 366,276,768, Kuwait at USD 287,402,518, Oman at 95,603,370 and Bahrain at USD 88,216,184.

Saudi Arabia also topped in imports from Brazil amounting to US$ 2,487,252,738, followed by the UAE $ 2,235,094,046, Oman of $ 492,356,431, by Qatar amounting of USD 378,007,002, Bahrain USD 260,020,877 and Kuwait of US$ 197,832,404.

Dr. Michel Alaby, Secretary General and CEO, Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), said “We are eager to share this information and statistics with the public in celebration of the strong and ongoing ties between Brazil and GCC Countries. It serves as further encouragement in our efforts to strengthen communication channels ties between the Gulf countries and Brazil. Both have always maintained a mutually beneficial relationship in the past and we are eager to see its continued growth in the years to come, as it plays a vital role in the long-term agenda of GCC countries which is aimed towards sustainability and economic diversification.”

Sugar and sugar confectionery seen having 31.92 per cent increase in 2016 compared to 2015. Brazilian exports in 2016 have amounted to USD 2,295,331,363 on Meat and edible meat offal, USD 1,078,456,586 on Sugars and sugar confectionery and USD 504,094,329 Ores, slag and ash.

For the same period, Brazilian imports registered USD 1,624,899,618 on Mineral fuels, mineral oils, bituminous substances; mineral waxes; USD 751,037,395 Fertilizers, and USD 94,862,033 Plastics and articles thereof. Growth in Fertilizers during 2016 is seen as one of the highest at 8.02.

Doha
06 Feb. 2017 (QNA)

Third forum of the authorities involved with implementing the National Road Safety Strategy opened on Monday in Doha.

The two-day meeting will focus on phase two of the strategy (2017-2022) and the challenges facing Qatar in building a transport system that fits the demand of current and future generations. Qatar Minister of Transport and Communication Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti gave a speech to mark the opening session of the forum.

In the speech, Al Sulaiti said that road safety remains an important priority for the country's wise leadership. This is due to its close relationship with sustainable development. Minister stressed the importance of holding the forum as it is an opportunity to examine the challenges facing the strategy and learn from what has been achieved already on the field.

Minister of Transport & Communication lauded the efforts of The National Traffic Safety Committee which operates under the supervision of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

Al Sulaiti stressed again in the speech that the presence of a transport system that is safe and environmentally friendly was vital to achieving sustainable development. That is because it helps keep lives safe and prevent the overuse of the country's resources.

Minister noted that the ministry has been working diligently on its mission of developing the road network system and transport in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Minister of Transport announced that Qatar in on the verge of completing its project of establishing pedestrian crossings across the country. In concluding his remarks extended his thanks to all state authorities that work on enhancing road safety.