U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross concluded the fifth SelectUSA Investment Summit. More than 3,000 people attended this year’s Summit, including 1,200 business representatives from 66 foreign markets, and economic development organizations (EDOs) from 51 U.S. states and territories. During the event, Secretary Ross was joined by 10 Governors, five Cabinet secretaries, as well as executives from Mercedes-Benz US International, Siemens USA, and Toyota Motor North America.

Qatar's delegation to the Summit was headed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce.

Qatar's participation in the Investment Summit (SELECT USA) came as part of its keenness to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States of America, and to highlight the investment opportunities offered by the State of Qatar in various promising sectors. Qatar has passed a number of legislations in this regard offering  incentives and advantages to investors.

2018 SelectUSA Investment Conference was held from June 20-22, 2018, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington DC. The theme of  this year of the conference was  "Invest Here. Grow Here. Succeed Here"

“SelectUSA continues to be the premier event for international companies looking to enter American markets,” said Secretary Ross. “With millions in investments announced over the past few days, hundreds of American jobs will be created in communities across the country. Clearly, under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the United States continues to be the best place in the world for foreign investment.”

During this year’s Summit, four international companies, JSW Steel, NewCold, Re:Cognition Health, and Weastec, announced expansions in the United States, projects worth more than $600 million and creating approximately 650 new jobs. In addition, this year’s event included more than 2,700 individual matchmaking meetings among the companies and EDOs in attendance.

Past attendees of SelectUSA have announced nearly $93 billion in new investment projects, which support 140,000 American jobs.

Secretary Ross also unveiled a report on the immense benefits rural communities have received from foreign direct investment (FDI) – just since 2003 the value of greenfield FDI in nonmetro areas has totaled nearly $56.8 billion.

The 2018 Investment Summit focused on several issues affecting FDI in the United States, including infrastructure, tax reform, deregulation, advanced manufacturing, and the burgeoning commercial space industry.

Secretary Ross announced that the 2019 SelectUSA Investment Summit is planned for June 10-12, 2019.

The U.S. Department of Commerce-led SelectUSA program promotes and facilitates business investment into the United States by coordinating related Federal government agencies to serve as a single point of contact for investors.

SelectUSA assists U.S. economic development organizations to compete globally for investment by providing information, a platform for international marketing, and high-level advocacy.

SelectUSA also helps investors find the information they need to make decisions, connect to the right people at the local level, navigate the Federal regulatory system, and find solutions to issues related to the Federal government. For more information, visit www.selectusa.gov.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                      21 June 2018

Qatar based major business houses responded positive on Qatar Stock Exchange (QE) proposal to listed companies to raise non-Qatari investments to 49 % from 25 % .  QE urged in order to boost the investment in the stock market.

At the end of March this year, subsidiaries of Qatar Petroleum announced raising the non-Qatari ownership limit in the energy sector companies and in its subsidiaries listed on the Qatar stock Exchange to 49 percent, and raising the shareholder ownership limits in these companies to no more than 2 percent.

Among other companies including Qatar Electricity and Water Company, Qatar Fuel Company (WOQOD), Gulf International Services Company and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company, all listed companies, have taken the necessary measures in accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures to approve the increase in the non-Qatari ownership limit to 49 percent. The latest of which was WOQOD's approval at its extraordinary general assembly meeting to increase foreign ownership limit to 49 percent.

Rashid Ali Al Mansouri, CEO, Qatar Exchange said that recent decisions by the listed companies to raise foreign ownership limits have had a positive impact on the performance of the market, especially with the expectation of attracting new foreign liquidity in view of the important role of these shares in terms of financial performance, growth and profitability as well as targeting the foreign portfolios of those shares because of their advantages.

He said that these decisions represented a positive step as they enhanced the presence of foreign capital in the Qatari stock exchange and increased the inflows of foreign investment in the stock exchange. They also raised the level of liquidity and revived the level of trading, he said.

They also showed that raising foreign ownership limit to 49% comes within the context of promoting and developing the Qatari stock market and broadening the base of economic openness, which will positively affect listed companies, the market and investors, he said, that it was a long-standing proposal to attract investments from Non-Qatari portfolios. The implementation has now seen the result in increase of fordemand from investors he increase in ownership has been a long-standing demand for investors and foreign portfolios, and its implementation has enhanced the presence of foreign investment.

Commenting on the outcomes of this step, he said as energy companies are considered to be well-positioned, the decision to raise the non-Qatari ownership limit in the energy firms listed on Qatar Exchange has been timely in terms of economic growth in Qatar as well as in terms of expanded economic activities in the fields of agriculture, industry and others.

He stressed that this step came in light of the growing strength and soundness of the national economy in which the Qatari energy industry plays a key role, pointing out that these decisions support the openness of the Qatari economy and make it more competitive and fastest growing in the region.

Qatar Exchange's efforts went beyond trying to introduce new investment products and developing the existing ones to support and develop a number of family businesses to become public shareholding companies to ensure the continuity of these companies and to open new horizons for them.

For this purpose, the Qatar Exchange held several seminars to raise awareness about the importance of transforming family businesses into joint stock companies in the interest of these companies and the national economy, at the same time the QE is also seeking to launch a trading platform for small and medium enterprises, which will provide a good opportunity to list those types of companies and work to inject new capital into the stock exchange by trading their shares.

The Qatar Exchange, in its quest to establish a market for emerging small and medium-sized companies, is working to create an incubator to achieve sustainability and growth of family businesses, the QE CEO said, stressing the readiness of the stock exchange to provide all the capabilities available to family businesses.

The importance of listing private and family companies in the stock exchange, he added, stems from the economic influence of these companies in large number of vital sectors in Qatar, pointing that the transformation of family companies into public shareholding companies boost the effectiveness of the economy in general, which reflect positively on the local economy through the establishment of standards and regulations for family businesses that represent a real addition to the national economy.

The new corporate listings is another element that makes the stock exchange more attractive for investment. The Qatar Exchange has already supported the plans of companies that want to be listed; two companies are expected to be listed in the Qatar stock exchange before the end of this year.

Earlier this year, Baladna, a dairy company, announced that it would be offering its shares for public this year as its activities expanded.

Qatar Petroleum also announced last May that it will be offering 49 percent of its shares in Qatalum for public offering, following the directives of the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to offer Qatari nationals shares in state-sponsored companies that enjoy safe investment environment and lucrative returns.

It is expected that the necessary procedures will be taken and approvals for the listing will be granted during the last quarter of this year.

The QE CEO says achievements in the previous IPO show the readiness of the Qatar Exchange and its continued support to companies that are planning an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

He added that the IPOs have shown the degree of confidence that the market enjoys by providing advanced infrastructure and innovative services that enable investors to invest their savings in a legal environment that works according to the best international practices.

The stock exchange, in partnership with competent authorities, formed a team aimed at activating IPO market through holding consultations with market participants and making recommendations and studies, he added.

On attracting domestic and foreign capital to the stock market, the QSE CEO said that QSE's strategy for attracting domestic and foreign capital is based on the launch of new initiatives and diversification of investment instruments, most recently the launch of (Exchange-traded Funds) ETFs.

QSE is working in general to develop services and laws, activate the single window mechanism for listing, develop the licensing mechanism for intermediaries in cooperation with the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, and also try to develop the services so that there is one venue that the investor reaches and gets his service in seconds or delivered through modern technological media, as well as seeking to provide all services online, Al Mansoori revealed.

He stressed that QSE strives to provide the modern tools and knowledge necessary to develop the investor relations strategies of each company to improve and enable its communication with the investment community very easily and in a timely manner, in addition to holding conferences to connect with listed companies and support them to achieve further progress in terms of investor relations. These meetings aim to search for all new practices in the global financial markets and to identify what investors, portfolios, and individuals are looking for, he further added.

QSE CEO also stressed that despite the current circumstances, the status of QSE has not changed but has been strengthened and became the focus of many foreign investment portfolios, which include US, European and Asian investment portfolios and local investors. A large number of foreign portfolios were registered to open trading accounts at QSE to start trading on Qatari stocks, he noted.

Al Mansoori pointed out that everyone knows that Qatar has a dynamic stock market, the largest emerging market in the region, and it is able to withstand any crisis as it overcome the 2006 crisis, the mortgage crisis in 2008, the crisis of low oil prices, the decline of Asian currencies and other crises.

Auckland                                                                                                                                                                                               21 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                       (Daily Guardian)

“Welcome to our village, wee one,” is how Jacinda Ardern announced the birth of her daughter to New Zealand, and the world.

The prime minister posted a photograph of her and partner Clarke Gayford cuddling their first child on her Facebook page late on Thursday afternoon (NZ time).

“Feeling very lucky to have a healthy baby girl that arrived at 4.45pm weighing 3.31kg (7.3lb). Thank you so much for your best wishes and your kindness. We’re all doing really well thanks to the wonderful team at Auckland City hospital.”

Ardern, 37, becomes only the second world leader to give birth while in office, the first being Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto in 1990 – with whom, coincidentally, Ardern’s daughter shares a birthday.

Morgan Godfrey, a political commentator and writer remarked “Jacinda Ardern arrived at hospital in her own car, with Clarke driving. No crown limo or special ambulance. Her baby was delivered in a public hospital alongside everyone else’s. No private hospital. No extra special attention. New Zealand, remain your understated self.”

He added: “Three cheers for the public health system, too.”

Ardern intends to take six weeks’ maternity leave before returning to work, with Gayford, a television presenter and “first bloke”, remaining at home. Gayford had himself announced that “our little girl has finally arrived” on Twitter, adding that both mother and baby were “healthy and happy”.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                       20 June 2018

'The Portugal Week' inaugurated this afternoon at the 'Mall of Qatar' by Portuguese embassy in Doha in collaboration with Mall of Qatar and Al Tawfeeq Travel. The 'Mall of Qatar' is located adjacent to the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, one of the host stadiums in the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Present on the occasion were Antonio Tanger Correa, ambassador of Portugal to State of Qatar, Stuart Elder, CEO, Mall of Qatar, diplomats and dignitaries.

The week started with the ribbon cutting followed by performance by Portuguese internationally renowned band '7 Sais' at the spectacular centrally located 360-degree custom developed revolving stage.

The band has performed in various countries, music lovers and shoppers at Mall of Qatar will get opportunity to witness their performance three times daily till 25th June, i.e. 0230 PM, 0530 PM and 0830 PM.

The guests watched Portugal Vs Morocco 2018 FIFA World Cup match on the giant LED screens being played in Russia.

Mall of Qatar in collaboration with Qatar National Bank and Qatar Insurance Company has specially arranged to feature live direct matches of 2018 FIFA World Cup for Mall-goers.

Portuguese ambassador Correa thanked the management of Mall of Qatar. He said that such events strengthens in bilateral cultural relations.

Stuart Elder, CEO, Mall of Qatar paid his thanks to embassy of Portugal and Al Tawfeeq Travels on organising a unique event. He said that there are couple of Portuguese retailers including Nando's, Sacoor Brothers, Parfois and Salsa where the visitors of Mall of Qatar can enjoy the experience.

Al Tawfeeq Travels has a Kayos near Debenhams Stores on the ground floor from where interested Mall of Qatar visitors can get necessary information on Portugal's attractive tourist destinations, visa procedure and necessary flight information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dushanbe                                                                                                                                                                                              20 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (QNA)

Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar said today that water plays an essential role in adapting the social, economic and environmental systems with accelerating changes. He said that the success of State of Qatar in achieving the sixth goal of sustainable development is by ensuring the availability of water and sanitation services for all in the country.

He was addressing at an International conference started today in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on ' Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2018'. Dr. AlSada stressed on the importance of intelligent water management as a basis for sustainable development.

Three days long conference is organized by the Government of Tajikistan in cooperation with the United Nations (UN) and a number of partners, aims to continue and enrich the debate till June 22.  Over 1,000 delegates from 100 countries including head of states, ministers, experts, representatives of various UN agencies, int'l and regional organizations, members of the business communities, NGOs and members of civil society are participating in the conference, which seeks to implement water goals and targets.

It discusses ways in which the member states, relevant UN bodies, specialized agencies, regional commissions, partners including the private sector, can contribute to support the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan.

The conference also discusses the importance of monitoring, financing, capacity development, innovation, technology, knowledge, information, and data, as well as best practices and promoting partnership to implement those objectives.

Dr. Al Sada also referred to the launch of the Permanent Water Resources Strategy Committee and Qatar's National Water Act, which aims to secure water for future generations.

Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President of Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA)  briefed on the efforts of achieving the sixth goal of sustainable development in light of the rapid population growth witnessed by Qatar and KAHRAMAA's efforts to ensure water quality according to the highest international standards.

Al Kuwari praised the success of KAHRAMAA through the National Program for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) in reducing the per capita consumption of water, despite the increase in demand and comprehensive renaissance in Qatar. He pointed to the efforts of the State of Qatar in achieving water and food security through the strategy of integrated water management, water recycling and use in a number of purposes such as central cooling of the areas as an alternative to drinking water in accordance with the decisions of the Permanent Water Resources Strategy Committee.

The conference aims to mobilize the efforts of governments, UN agencies, international organizations and non-governmental organizations, as well as other concerned parties at all levels. The purpose is to ensure achieving 2030 goals  and to create a solid platform for coordinated and integrated actions aimed at promoting sustainable water resource management.

Washington                                                                                                                                                                                         19 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                       (Reuters)

The United States withdrew from a “hypocritical and self-serving” United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday over what it called chronic bias against Israel and a lack of reform, a move activists warned would make advancing human rights globally even more difficult.

Standing with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley slammed Russia, China, Cuba and Egypt for thwarting U.S. efforts to reform the council. She also criticized countries which shared U.S. values and encouraged Washington to remain, but “were unwilling to seriously challenge the status quo.”

Washington’s withdrawal is the latest U.S. rejection of multilateral engagement after it pulled out of the Paris climate agreement and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

It also comes as the United States faces intense criticism for detaining children separated from their immigrant parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein on Monday called on Washington to halt its “unconscionable” policy.

“Look at the council membership, and you see an appalling disrespect for the most basic rights,” said Haley, citing Venezuela, China, Cuba and Democratic Republic of Congo. She did not mention Saudi Arabia, which rights groups pushed to be suspended in 2016 over killings of civilians in the Yemen war.

Among reforms the United States had pushed for was to make it easier to kick out member states with egregious rights records. Currently a two-thirds majority vote by the 193-member U.N. General Assembly is needed to suspend a member state.

Haley also said the “disproportionate focus and unending hostility toward Israel is clear proof that the council is motivated by political bias, not by human rights.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the U.S. decision.

The United States has long shielded its ally Israel at the United Nations. In citing what it says is bias against Israel, the administration of President Donald Trump could further fuel Palestinian arguments that Washington cannot be a neutral mediator as it prepares to roll out a Middle East peace plan. Washington also relocated its embassy to Jerusalem after recognizing it as the capital of Israel, reversing decades of U.S. policy.

The United States is half-way through a three-year term on the 47-member Geneva-based body and the Trump administration had long threatened to quit if it was not overhauled.

Rights groups have criticized the Trump administration for not making human rights a priority in its foreign policy. Critics say this sends a message that the administration turns a blind eye to human rights abuses in some parts of the world.

“Given the state of human rights in today’s world, the U.S. should be stepping up, not stepping back,” Zeid said after Haley announced the U.S. withdrawal.

Reuters reported last week that talks on reforming the council had failed to meet Washington’s demands, suggesting the Trump administration would quit.

“The Human Rights Council enables abuses by absolving wrongdoers through silence and falsely condemning those that committed no offense,” Pompeo said.

Diplomats have said the U.S. withdrawal could bolster countries such as Cuba, Russia, Egypt and Pakistan, which resist what they see as U.N. interference in sovereign issues.

Haley said the withdrawal “is not a retreat from our human rights commitments.”

Twelve rights and aid groups, including Human Rights First, Save the Children and CARE, warned Pompeo the U.S. withdrawal would “make it more difficult to advance human rights priorities and aid victims of abuse around the world.”

Jamil Dakwar, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Human Rights Program, said Trump’s “misguided policy of isolationism only harms American interests.”

Samara                                                                                                                                                                                                  20 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (Tass)

Moscow is closely studying the likely effects Washington’s military buildup in outer space may entail, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has told the media about US President Donald Trump’s decision to create a sixth, space branch of the US armed forces.

"We’ve taken note of the US president’s instruction given to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to pull the military space force out of the Air Force and to convert it into a separate branch," she said. "What makes this piece of news most alarming is the purpose of the instruction was described in very clear terms - dominance in space."

Zakharova said this step merely confirms that Washington "is hatching plans for putting weapons in space with a view to the possibility of conducting combat operations there."

"It’s not just guesses. It’s the understanding of the realities. Naturally, we keep the closest watch on Washington’s intentions and analyze the likely effects," Zakharova said. "A military buildup in space, in particular, after the deployment of weapons there, would have destabilizing effects on strategic stability and international security.

"Russia takes a fundamentally different position and attaches priority to using and exploring space exclusively for peaceful purposes," Zakharova said. "Over the past few years we put forward a number of initiatives for preventing a space arms race. We are determined to push ahead with pro-active work along these lines geared to obtaining specific results."

Zakharova recalled that the United States in the past had made attempts at achieving military supremacy.

"For instance, take its wish to achieve monopoly on nuclear weapons," she said. "At a certain point all this resulted in the toughest nuclear arms race and terrible escalation of tensions in the international scene. We are urging Washington to display common sense and avoid repeating mistakes made in the past."

"As for those who wish to know more about Russia’s military-space force, I’d like to stress that its nature is purely defensive," Zakharova said. "Our country is not interested in tackling any tasks in space with the use of attack weapons.".

 

 

 

Karachi, Pakistan                                                                                                                                                                               20 June 2018

Recipient of  Sitara-i-Imtiaz (1999) and Hilal-i-Imtiaz (2002), highest literary award from Government of Pakistan, Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi passed away today in Karachi, Pakistan at age 95.

By profession, a leading economist, served as heads of number of financial institutions, Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi was respected throughout Urdu world around the globe for his humorous writings.

Born in Tonk, Rajasthan in 1923 migrated to Pakistan after the independence of Pakistan from British.

Among his famous books include 'Chiragh Talay' (1961), 'Khakam Badahan' (1970), 'Zarguzasht' (1976) and 'Aab-i-Gum' (1990) and  Sham-e-Shair-e-Yaaraan (2014).

Yusufi was hospitalised a few days back after contracting pneumonia and later shifted to ventilator.

 

Tehran                                                                                                                                                                                                  20 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                       (IRNA)

Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General  said on Tuesday in a meeting with the Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali-Akbar Salehi that Iran nuclear deal also known as JCPOA plays an effective role in the international security.

Reiterating his explicit support to JCPOA, Guterres referred to his talks with the countries remaining in the deal, saying that the international deal plays an effective role in maintaining global security, particularly Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Salehi, for his part, described US recent policies regarding JCPOA as destructive, adding that EU’s proposals for meeting Iran’s expectations are not sufficient.

Given the dangerous situation facing the Middle East, he hailed Iran’s role in the region, saying that if the situation persists, all would be losers.

Salehi also maintained that US policy to counter Islamic Republic and return to the era of following up the country’s unconstructive policies are doomed to failure.

He also said that the outcome of the JCPOA is lower than what was expected, calling for clear support for the landmark deal by the UN and European states and withstanding Trump administration’s policies.

Guterres also said that Iran’s political and economic expectations from EU are understandable and that he will urge the remaining parties to JCPOA at the earliest to meet Iran’s expectations.

Salehi is currently in Norway at the head of a delegation to attend Oslo Forum.

Oslo Forum brings together officials from 100 countries to discuss major international implications as well as ways for working for international peace.

The Oslo Forum is a series of retreats for international conflict mediators, high-level decision-makers, and other peace process actors. It provides a discreet and informal space to reflect on current mediation practice, collaborate across institutional and conceptual divides and advance negotiations. From a modest gathering of mediators in 2003, the Oslo Forum has grown to become the pre-eminent retreat in the field of international peacemaking.

 

Geneva                                                                                                                                                                                                   19 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                       (Anadolu News)

Staffan de Mistura, the UN special envoy for Syria, on Tuesday met with senior Turkish, Russian, and Iranian officials towards the establishment of a constitutional committee for the war-battered country.

The delegations entered the UN at Geneva on Tuesday morning for the closed-door meeting -- expected to continue until noon -- to facilitate the establishment of a constitutional committee for Syria.

The Syrian regime has conveyed a list of 50 names for the constitutional committee, and an opposition list is coming.

"We are focusing on moving forward on a constitutional committee and that’s our purpose, there are many other things that are important but this is the one we’re focusing on," de Mistura told reporters last week.