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Tesla is rising after Anheuser-Busch places an order for 40 electric semis (TSLA, BUD)
Tesla just got it’s biggest pre-order for its Semi.
Anheuser-Busch was the one to make the order and has a history of pushing the envelope on the future of delivery.
Watch the price of Tesla move in real time here.
Tesla is rising after receiving its largest pre-order for its electric semi trucks to date.
Shares are up 0.52% at $314.88 Thursday after Anheuser-Busch announced it had placed an order of 40 semi trucks. Anheuser-Busch did not say how much it paid to reserve the vehicles, but Tesla is currently offering reservations for $20,000 on its website, which suggests $800,000.
The move …read more
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Elwood urges you to get your business online and enter for the chance to be crowned the ‘e-champion’ of Britain.
Search engine giant, Google aims to promote the advantage of businesses having an online presence by setting up websites with the Best of British Web Competition.
Google has announced a campaign that will get 100,000 businesses online by the end of 2011. Despite more than 500,000 small businesses in the UK running entirely online, research revealed that 40% of small and medium businesses don’t have a website at all.
The competition has been designed to inspire small businesses and tradesmen to take advantage of the internet’s potential. They can achieve this by setting up their own website using Google’s free website builder and new online guides.
Google UK managing director Matt Brittin said:
“We want to showcase the best websites and help tech-savvy businesses to inspire those who are not online. We’re out to prove that getting online is fast, easy and inexpensive – small businesses which aren’t online are missing out on customers and on growth.”
The competition will be judged by a panel of experts who will mark the entries on web design, usability, content and web standards. The winner will receive promotion on Google’s Getting British Business Online website and a selection of Google products.
The competition is free to enter and is open to all small businesses that operate in the UK with 50 full-time staff or less.
The closing date for this competition is June 26th and businesses can enter online by providing details of their website at http://www.gbbo.co.uk/

domain: news


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The Ministry of Economy and Industry is alleging that manufacturers and exclusive importers of toiletries are charging much higher prices in Israel than in the rest of the world, in particular Poland.
In an announcement published today under the title, "The Inconceivable Gluttony of the International Manufacturers and Exclusive Importers Exposed," the Ministry of Economy and Industry alleges that most consumers have already known this for years, and have been the chief victims of price differences amounting to double or more for products sold in Israel.
The ministry is accusing the manufacturers of exploiting the public, not the retail chains. Several examples are provided. One is Colgate Optic White toothpaste, which is sold by international manufacturers and exclusive importers to stores in Poland for NIS 4.20, compared with a NIS 15.40 paid by stores in Israel.
Another example is Nivea cream, which manufacturers sell to Polish stores for NIS 26.80, compared with a NIS 76.70 price for stores in Israel.
A suspended reform
The Ministry of Health suspended the cosmetics reform. This reform was due to become effective this month, following years of collective information in order to lower the prices in Israel by encouraging parallel imports.
Minister of Economy and Industry Eli Cohen, who is trying to push the reform through, said, "The Israeli consumer has become a cash cow for the international manufacturers and exclusive importers. It is time to put an end to this bonanza. We will use all means to halt the abuse of the Israeli consumer. There is no need to buy from someone who holds the consumers lightly."
The fact that the Israeli consumer is paying more is also reflected in the busy traffic on international websites in order to buy daily consumer products. The best example is US chain Target, which was astounded by the massive Israel response to its weekend campaign without delivery fees. Among other things, Israelis loaded up on boxes of Colgate toothpaste and Gillette razor blades. Target canceled most of the deliveries.
"Figures obtained by the Ministry of Economy and Industry show a very sad picture. International manufacturers and exclusive importers are selling to Israel at much higher prices in comparison with other countries in the world," the ministry's announcement read. "The very large differences between the prices in Israel and Poland are linked primarily to the international suppliers, such as Colgate, Palmolive, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble, which are charging Israel much higher prices, and to importers, such as S. Schestowitz and Diplomat, which enjoy exclusivity in Israel, in contrast to other countries in the world, where there is a range of distributors.
"International manufacturers and importers are taking advantage of exclusivity in representing international brands to charge high prices in the Israeli market, leading to unreasonably high price differences between Israel and the rest of the world. The entry of international companies into Israel selling at a fair price, as in the rest of the world (this refers to the Decathlon chain, M. R.-C.), proves that it is worthwhile for both the companies and the consumers, and will halt the purchase of products by Israelis overseas and through personal imports."
The Ministry of Economy and Industry listed a series of measures aimed at encouraging competition, among other things imposing a duty to issue a report on pharma products - a method that has proved completely ineffective in food products (referring to the database of prices of the food chains, which has become mainly a tool for comparing prices by the chains themselves).
What could change the picture and lead to Israeli consumers finding the cheap prices abroad is a change in the personal import regulations by raising the maximum tax exempt purchase from the current $75.
Last week, the rules for food imports to Israel were revised, referring to dry food products - a segment in which thousands of Israelis ordered products from Target (e.g. health snacks). Many of these packages remained in the US, among other things as a result of lack of knowledge concerning the tax laws in Israel requiring special approval. Buyers are now being informed of a change that will make it easier to buy from overseas websites. A person who has ordered a dry food product will be exempt from the procedure for early release of food imports, except for a declaration of the contents of the delivery. In addition, the quantities of dry food that can now be imported are up to 15 kilograms per delivery and up to five kilograms per item (the restriction up to now was up to three kilograms per item). For food supplements, there maximum quantity is 15, and no more than five of each item.
The regulations also state that canned goods, including fish products, up to five kilograms of hard cheese, powdered milk (but not baby food), sweets, and beverages can be imported. The maximum number of personal import packages is six per year. Note that imported food must be packaged in advance with labels, including a mark and list of items.
Published by Globes [online], Israel Business News - www.globes-online.com - on September 10, 2017
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2017


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Co-founder and CEO of CrowdStreet Tore Steen is moving his startup toward more than $1 billion in investments in 2021.
Founded in 2013, CrowdStreet experienced its most successful year ever in 2020, despite a 32% drop in deal volume across the U.S. commercial estate sector versus 2019.
The crowdfunding platform attracted more than $640 million in investments across 90 deals last year. In the past seven years, the startup has arranged roughly $1.7 billion in investments via more than 470 projects. From 2016 to 2019, CrowdStreet posted revenue growth of 844%, earning it a spot on last year’s Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies. The company has also relocated its headquarters from Portland, Oregon, to Austin, Texas.
Steen views this time as a “defining moment” for not only CrowdStreet but proptech in general, as the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the growing importance of technology in commercial real estate. In fact, he thinks proptech’s trajectory will mirror that of the sizzling e-commerce industry.
“This has propelled a lot of traditional real estate firms to understand that they have to get digital,” Steen told FinLedger. “While they might have been trying to innovate and trying to put resources behind it, I think this just opened their eyes to the fact that there’s no more waiting. It’s time across their businesses — everything from building management to raising capital to managing properties — that this needs to be a part of what they’re doing, and not just a nice R&D project.”
In terms of commercial real estate investing, Steen said the pandemic boosted CrowdStreet because travel shutdowns forced many investors to execute deals virtually and because some investors saw the economic downturn as a buying opportunity. Sectors that CrowdStreet envisions percolating this year include industrial, medical office, multifamily and self-storage, while hospitality, office and retail are among the sectors facing headwinds.
CrowdStreet competes with the likes of DiversyFund, EquityMultiple, Fundrise, RealtyMogul and Yieldstreet in commercial real estate crowdfunding, but Steen said there’s room for several players. All of them operate in a sector that’s exploding. One report estimates the global market for real estate crowdfunding will skyrocket from $13.2 billion in 2018 to $869 billion by 2027. Another report forecasts the global market will soar from $120.7 billion in 2019 to $851.3 billion by 2028.
Steen said CrowdStreet stands out from its rivals thanks to diversity in both sector and geographic offerings and to a healthy track record of performance. Furthermore, he said, CrowdStreet brings a sizable chunk of equity to the table — around $10 million to $20 million for the typical deal of $50 million to $100 million.
Steen noted that CrowdStreet is transparent not only about its blockbuster deals but its less-than-stellar deals.
“It’s not all home runs,” Steen said. “We love to talk about the home runs. We talk about the doubles and the singles. Nobody really likes to talk about when you didn’t get on base.”
As it relates to home runs, CrowdStreet — which has pocketed nearly $25 million in funding to date — doesn’t want to score growth by acquisition. Rather, Steen said, the company seeks to develop strategic partnerships with complementary businesses in areas like wealthtech.
“What’s happening now is the advisory channel, the financial and wealth management channel, they’re starting to now recognize that this might be something they need to bring to their clients,” Steen said. “We’ve been very much direct-to-consumer. … We’re now starting to see advisers come and say, ‘How do I participate on behalf of my clients?’”


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Last updated: 24 Feb, 2020
Published on: 25 Jan, 2019
Well hello there 2019!
There’s so much cool stuff coming in 2019 - where do we even begin?
This year will see the final stages of the Matchmakers project rolled out - a huge piece of website development work that will bring the best available technology to rescue’s fingertips inline with platforms such as Facebook, Gumtree, RealEstate.com.au, Airbnb etc.
These upgrades are geared to help members make the most of limited resources and to ensure adoption is THE best option for the 3.6 million pet lovers visiting the PetRescue platform each year.
The messaging changes rolled out during last week’s soft launch lay the foundations for a raft of time-saving tech features, including:
- Customisable templates for firing off quick responses to enquirers
- Bulk message sending capacity - if you need to let multiple enquirers know a pet has already been rehomed or isn’t the best match
- An app with push notifications
- And more!
As background, there were several reasons behind the creation of the Matchmakers project; the most important one was coming up with a way to lighten the load on overstretched rescue members, and to ensure that people who chose adoption got a response when enquiring about a rescue pet on PetRescue.com.au.
This new system will work towards a way to identify any enquirers who may not have received a response so that we can work together to help them connect with a pet before they walk away from rescue for good.
It’s an issue we get thousands of emails about every year, and although individual rescuers have differing views on many things, the one thing we can all agree on is that no-one wants to see would-be adopters walking away from rescue and buying a pet from a puppy farm or breeder instead.
Along with these significant Matchmakers developments, we are also incredibly excited about our other key projects for 2019 including:
- Working on a game-changing stray cat desexing trial with the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, RSPCA QLD, RSPCA NSW, RSPCA SA, Animal Welfare League - Australia, Maneki Neko Cat Rescue, Maggie’s Rescue Co-operative, and local council authorities. PetRescue is an industry partner, providing financial and tech support to inform this Australian-first research into humane cat management, to help stem the influx of cats into pounds, shelters and rescue groups.
- Bringing together Australia’s best tech and business brains in an industry-first Hack-a-thon, to tap into new life-saving and time-saving solutions for at-risk pets.
- Expanding our Safe & Sound Pounds program, to get even more councils on board with the life-saving power of direct adoptions.
You can also email us anytime at firstname.lastname@example.org - we welcome your feedback!
Banner image: Mrs Potts from Shoalhaven Animal Shelter


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In collaboration with ukactive, FunXtion has driven a global discussion with global fitness operators and influencers, exploring how digitalisation will influence the delivery of fitness services and products moving forwards.
All discussions took place virtually through June and July, during the first Covid-induced UK lockdown, leading to the production of the first, fully virtually driven ukactive supported White Paper.
The Acceleration of Digital Fitness: reconciling physical and virtual spaces, comprising three core sections: Assessing the impact of Covid-19 on the physical activity sector; Opportunities and challenges for digitalisation transformation and Responding to a changed consumer economy.
“Our industry has had the technological and digital capability to extend the member experience beyond the brick and mortar of our facilities for many years but we lacked the impetus to instigate change. Now we have been forced to act and we have done so with passion, enthusiasm and commitment. As a result, our offer will be much more resilient for the future,” says Ernst De Neef, CEO at FunXtion.
“Within our discussion groups there was an overwhelming belief that there will remain a demand for physical training spaces in the market moving forwards. Consumers will now expect wraparound support but it is the sense of belonging and community driven by an in-person experience that has been the backbone of our success until now and this will continue to be our core strength moving forwards. The provision of a digital offer, enabling access to fitness content and coaching will become the new base level expectation but people will still crave the opportunity to train in a physical space.”
“The digitalisation of the fitness and leisure sector has accelerated five years in just five months. Operators who reaped the biggest benefits were those who had already established digital as a key component of their product offering,” said David Gerrish, Head of Digital Transformation at ukactive.
“This white paper is an important piece of thought leadership for businesses across the industry seeking to react to market trends and better meet the needs of their customers. It’s now up to the fitness industry to build on these insights to strengthen their brands and relationships with their members.”
The White Paper is available now for free download at: https://funxtion.com/ukactive_and_funxtion_white-paper/


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Click Here, latest Headlines, advertisements.
Day In The Life, skilled Trades, eEO/Employee Testing.Senior heart rate monitor promo code ministers spoke in favour of the proposal.I won the 60 metre race, my first senior success.She was a senior partner at the Wall Street firm.There are parts that are still like the old.The card entitles my grandmother to the discount for senior citizens.She was finally made senior executive, but at what price!
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Yet its our employees, working together, that truly fuel our mission.
Awesomeness Multiplied: Eversource Energys Steps to Employee Engagement.


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New Spins on Flagship Products Top June 2015 Ranking
LOS ANGELES — Summer is a time for brands to bet big on vacation treats and snacks, according to market research firm Instantly Inc.'s June Shelf Score report, which ranked the top 10 consumer packaged goods products hitting the shelves based on the highest purchase intent scores.
The latest Shelf Score shows that established brands are putting new twists on handheld snacks, and snacks are now taking on breakfast flavors. Instantly also noted that both big and small changes are seeing positive results. Reese's Mini Sticks is a relatively minor variation on the popular brand, while Jif Peanut Powder is an entirely new form of peanut butter.
The top 10 products and their purchase intent scores for June were:
- Reese's Mini Sticks — 78 percent
- Fiber One Cheesecake Bar: Strawberry — 72 percent
- Oreo S'mores — 68 percent
- Bagel Bites Breakfast: Bacon, Egg & Cheese — 64 percent
- Ritz Bits Sandwiches: Bacon & Cheese — 62 percent
- Kellogg's Eggo Gluten Free Waffles: Cinnamon — 59 percent
- Rold Gold Pretzel Cracker Sandwiches: Creamy Fudge — 58 percent
- Hostess Sea Salt Caramel Cupcakes — 56 percent
- Jif Peanut Powder — 54 percent
- High Brew Coffee: Dairy Free Black & Bold — 39 percent
To determine each score, 300 consumers evaluate each new product on their mobile devices at home or in-store via the Instantly Concept Test platform, which collects feedback on key success indicators such as purchase intent, differentiation, need/desire and value.


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TableTap is taking over Twitch again with a stream of digital board game, Scythe
Cut it up
It's Friday, the week is winding down, but that doesn't mean we're done with you yet. We've got one last special treat to kick off your weekend in style - that's right, it's time for another TableTap stream.
And this week over on Twitch, the erstwhile James Gilmour is going to be getting some hands-on time with the digital version of Scythe, which is being published by Asmodee Digital.
You might remember we had a crack at this one before. It's a game set in an alternate 1920s Europe, featuring giant mechs. It's all about trying to control chunks of land, growing your economy and your empire, and fighting with the other players.
The last stream, as you might imagine, was brilliant, and we're pretty sure this one is going to be too. The excitement kicks off tonight at 5pm GMT, and you'll be able to follow it all by clicking this link.


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Nordstrom Inc. is moving into Manhattan again, but this time with a unique retail concept devoted to philanthropy.
The Seattle-based upscale chain has a Rack outlet store operating in Union Square and continues to search for a full-line site in Manhattan. However, this latest venture will be a two-level, 11,137-square-foot “philanthropic-based store concept,” located at 350 West Broadway, according to Pamela Lopez, spokeswoman for Nordstrom.
“We are working on a merchandising strategy,” Lopez said. “All profits will go to nonprofit organizations. it’s really a chance to do something in a completely new way. It’s a completely new endeavor, not a mini-Nordstrom by any means. From the customers’ point of view, there will be no ties to Mordstrom. It’s not going to have Nordstrom in the name. No Nordstrom signing. No Nordstrom shopping bags. It will have an identity all its own.”
The concept, located between Broome and Grand Streets in a residential condominium in SoHo, is expected to open in the fall. A lease was signed, Lopez said. RFR realty LLC is the landlord.
Peter Kim's Los Angeles-based premium denim line has always had its finger on the pulse of youth. This season, novelty is back in a way reminiscent of early Aughts, with studs, lace-ups, racing waxed denim and more. For more highlights if some of the key brands at the Vegas trade shows, go to WWD.com. #wwdfashion (📷: Patrick Gray; Styled by @thealexbadia; Story by @karihamanaka and @marcy_wwd)
"I was driving back on Saturday afternoon from the beach, and I just saw this sign saying 'Skydiving for $95.' And I was like, I can't not sky dive for $95," says Tom Bateman about a moment in Hawaii while shooting "Snatched." #wwdeye (📷: @vsteves; Interview by @ktauer; Styled by @thealexbadia)


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Samsung’s main news website had a little bit of an incident today, and in some way Ars Technica’s logo design wound up in among the business’s news release. Journalism release, very first found by Android Cops, was for an HDR10+ accreditation and material program. The accompanying image included the typical multitude of market logo designs– Qualcomm, Samsung, ARM, and so on– and after that at the bottom, the Ars Technica logo design!
Journalism release does not point out Ars by name, however rather notes a business called “ARSPRO” in Moscow as one of Samsung’s partners. Obviously somebody at Samsung’s press department Googled ( or Bixby-ed?) the “ARSPRO” logo design, and the Ars Technica logo design turned up rather. (This is most likely due to the fact that of our “Ars Pro” from Ars Pro membership program, which unlike “ARSPRO” is not based in Russia and remains in truth really remarkable!)
This isn’t the very first time Samsung has actually had a collaboration snafu. Previously this month, the business revealed it was partnering with the.
” Supreme” clothes brand name in China, just to have Supreme come out and state Samsung had actually partnered with a “fake” (however legal!) variation of Supreme.
Samsung has actually considering that upgraded its news release to eliminate Ars’ logo design (there’s still an archive.org variation here). For the record: no, Ars Technica is not partnering with Samsung.


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Menswear designer Ozwald Boateng broke the mold of traditional British bespoke suits at the age of 23. And since opening up his Saville Row store, the man whose designs amassed International fame has another story to tell this go round.
In “A Man’s Story”, a full-length documentary that unveils the past 12 years of Boateng’s life, the designers reveals his true self to the world. As talented with tailored suits and ready-to-wear as he is charming, Boateng publicly endured the dissolution of two marriages as well as the theft of his menswear collection.
Still steadfast in his dream of tailored menswear, Boateng continues to solidify his place in British fashion today and recently took home the ARISE Lifetime Achievement Award from Arise Magazine Fashion Week 2012 this month.
“A Man’s Story” will be available for DVD purchase on March 19th.


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REDMOND, Wash. (CBS.MW) -- Investors pulled apart Concur Technologies stock Tuesday after the company said fourth-quarter revenue will come in well below analysts estimates.
Shares of the company cnqr, which specializes in automating business functions within an organization, sank 20 1/16, or 61 percent, to 12 13/16 on volume of 14.7 million shares.
Concur's Web-based Xpense Management Software helps companies automate expense reports, including travel and entertainment expenses.
The company sees total revenue for the period in the range of $8.6 million to $9.2 million, significantly below the $12.3 million to $12.7 million consensus estimate.
Concur Tech blamed lower-than-expected license revenue in the quarter, partly due to an unexpected delay in closing quarter-end business. The company also introduced three new products during the quarter.
License revenue is seen between $5 million to $5.3 million, vs. analysts estimates of $8.1 million to $8.8 million for the quarter.
The company is slated to launch its Internet-based eWorkplace.com product Wednesday. The products are aimed at small and middle sized businesses.


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The issues of maritime shipping (containerization), export subsidies, currency valuations, global taxation, Investor-State clauses in investment treaties, and WTO litigation continue to be big issues in global trade relations. They issues go to the core of global trade today. Unfortunately, many of these issues are still very contentious. It’s good that the global trading system is moving toward greater judicial determination in the WTO and bilateral investment relations. Here are some specifics:
“Colossus Cargo Ships.” New York Times (Oct. 4, 2014).
…. The author contends that an export-driven economy relying upon export subsidies is a sustainable trade strategy. This is a misplaced idea. Even China today is moving away from that dated notion. Protectionism cannot replace free trade as the best means of achieving economic development and job creation. “Faith in Free Trade.” New York Times (Oct. 4, 2014).
…. Keeping currency values low is now a key export & economic development strategy not just for China but for the EU & Japan. “Overseas Stimulus.” New York Times (Oct. 3, 2014).
…. This argument that Investor-State clauses (ISDS clauses) are invalid because they work against the host-state and the environment is simply incorrect. They support firms and freer trade and investment. This has been a staple of U.S. trade and investment policy for decades. They have been included in our bilateral investment treaties (BIT) and have proven to be forward-looking in moving away from nationalistic and restrictive practices. “Trade Clauses and Governments.” Washington Post (October 2, 2014).
…. Global tax strategies by technology firms have managed to create a global backlash by governments. This has actually been beneficial to the chances of revamping the existing system. “Technology Tax Defense.” Financial Times (Oct. 2, 2014).
…. The WTO Director-General recently discussed the Dispute Resolution system. He noted 4 broad conclusions: (i) Disputes over 16 years have involved over $1 trillion of trade flows; (ii) Dispute mechanisms in Regional Trade Agreements have not been used even though they could have been; (iii)There has been a surge in use of the DSU, with the highest number in 2014, a doubling since 2012, and a high rate of appeal; (iv) More than 2/3 of the members have utilized the system. This is impressive in contrast to the poor history of the WTO to negotiate new rules. “WTO Disputes and Challenges.” WTO News (Sept. 27, 2014).
…. U.S. multinationals are already world-class experts in tax avoidance. This has already created the ‘territorial’ tax system that they want. This needs to be aggressively remedied. The new Treasury rules should only be the beginning. “Banked Overseas.” New York Times (Sept. 26, 2014).


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You are here
CARLISLE, Pa. -- Giant Food Stores, LLC here kicked off its annual observance of Hispanic Heritage Month Friday in four stores, located in Kennett Square, Lebanon, Reading, and West Lawn, Pa. Hispanic Heritage Month runs though Oct. 15.
In honor of the event, the participating stores will offer weekly in-store children's activities, including a pinata, a scavenger hunt, a coloring page contest, and a matching-flag game.
The locations will also feature displays promoting Hispanic Heritage Month and spotlighting noted Latino professionals Sol B. Vazquez, executive director of the Mt. Pleasant Hispanic American Center in Harrisburg, and Alex Ramos, executive director of the York, Pa. Spanish Center.
Recipe and product demonstrations of Hispanic-inspired foods will be offered during the course of the month at Giant stores across Pennsylvania.
Additionally, copies of "Many Places, One People," created by the Giant advertising department, will be available to shoppers. The brochure provides background information on Hispanic Heritage Month, honors local community leaders and Giant employees, and includes recipes.
Sept. 15 is the independence day of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Nicaragua declared their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Giant Food Stores, one of six retail-operating companies under Ahold USA, currently operates 103 stores as Giant Food Stores, 119 stores as Tops Markets, and 26 stores as Martin's Food Markets. With almost 38,000 associates, Giant serves a six-state marketing area.


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SAN FRANCISCO — Lori Ajax, chief of the Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation, talked to the Bay Area News Group on Friday at the International Cannabis Business Conference in San Francisco.
We wanted to find out what’s up with the state’s law legalizing recreational marijuana. Here are the most interesting things we learned:
1. The state’s on schedule — so you may actually be able to walk into a store and buy marijuana on Jan. 1, 2018. That’s because Ajax may start issuing temporary licenses.
“We are going to issue licenses” on Jan. 1, she said. “We may issue temporary licenses until we complete our background investigations.”
But it’s going to take awhile for the whole system to ramp up. “There is no possible way we can issue everybody a license on Day 1,” she said. “For some people, it make take a few months.
“We expect to accept applications on Day 1, we expect our licensing system will be in place, where you can go online to apply.”
But if you have a medical marijuana card, relax: It’s business-as-usual. Under the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, if you have a local permit you are allowed to continue cultivation and dispensing — until the state makes a final decision on applications.
2. Want a commercial growing license? Talk to your local officials. Now.
“You have to be in compliance with your local jurisdiction before we issue a license,” Ajax said.
And because there will be limits to the number of “Type 3” licenses — which will allows licensees to grow up to one acre outdoors — you’ll need to hurry to make sure you’re at the front of the line.
3. Colorado, Washington and Oregon have offered some helpful hints — but only up to a point.
“Colorado had issues with edibles and overconsumption — and it getting into the hands of kids. Washington taxed very high. We can learn from that,” she said. “Those are important lessons for us to look at — to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes here.”
California has a lot more commercial cannabis than these other states. And we’re really diverse — culturally and geographically, she noted.
“At the end of the day, we’ve had a cannabis industry for two decades,” she said. “We need to learn from our own folks. We need to do the best model for California.”
THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/17/6-new-things-we-learned-from-californias-cannabis-czar/


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Google hits back at Paytm — reiterates that ‘repeated policy violations’ will lead to stricter actions
- Paytm had released a blog on September 20 (Sunday) stating all that happened on Friday and said that “suddenly UPI cashback is called an “online casino” by Google”.
- Paytm was removed from the Play Store for about seven hours on a Friday.
AdvertisementThe Indian tech ecosystem is witnessing a war raging between one of India’s leading digital payments players Paytm and the tech giant Google. After Paytm was removed from the Play Store for about seven hours on a Friday, founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma had gone on record to say that Google was acting like the “judge, jury and executioner”.
Paytm released a blog on September 20 (Sunday) stating all that happened on Friday and said that “suddenly UPI cashback is called an “online casino” by Google”.
Fighting back, Google has released a fresh statement on September 21 (Monday) saying that “offering cashbacks and vouchers alone do not constitute a violation of our Google Play gambling policies”. It also let out a warning in its statement.
“Last week we reiterated our Play Store gambling policies. Our policies don’t allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting, including daily fantasy sports in India. We enforce our policies very thoughtfully to provide a safe and secure experience for consumers, while also giving developers the platform and tools they need to build sustainable businesses. In the case of repeated policy violations, we may take more serious action which may include terminating Google Play Developer accounts. Our policies are applied and enforced on all developers consistently,” Google said in a statement on Monday.
The ‘policy’ in controversy
While Google continues to say that the violation is regarding fantasy gaming promotions, Paytm has had a different story to tell.
Paytm said that its recently launched mode of gamification where after every transaction you get a scratch card with a cricket sticker (a player's image and name), was the reason for the ban.
“The Google Play Support team had written to us on 3 occasions (on August 20th, August 28th and September 1st) with some concerns on a separate matter of Paytm First Games’ promotion through the Paytm app. While we strenuously disagreed with the allegation that we are breaching the policy (and we disagree with the policy itself too), we immediately complied with the diktat that barred us from promoting our gaming subsidiary,” Paytm wrote on its blog.
The move by Google has been questioned by many in the Indian startup ecosystem with even Paytm suggesting that it was on the lines of ‘anti-competitiveness’.
The digital payments startup even went on to compare its own cricket-driven cashback program to that of its competitor Google Pay’s ‘Tez Shots’ campaign which runs on similar lines. “Presumably, such cashback campaigns of Google Pay are not in breach of Play Store policies, or maybe they are, but a different set of rules apply to Google’s own apps,” said Paytm.
INTERVIEW: Paytm trains its guns on Google while the payments app is back in Play Store
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In the pre-CES warmup, I'm trying to get into the mobile groove. Forrester is out with a report on smartphones, which it defines as a "mobile phone or handheld dvice that uses a high-level operating system." Forrest says smartphones have reached 17% penetration and have grown 7% from a year earlier. For those of you who live in caves, that means an iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, PalmOS, WebOS, Symbian or any Linux flavored device including Android. Forrester concludes that Blackberry still dominates the market, despite the fact that Apple is getting all the attention. "RIM maintained its two-to-one advantage over the iPhone," writes Forrester analyst Charles Golvin in his blog. Golvin goes on to call 2010 the "year of the smartphone." It's a good time to watch Android, and whether Microsoft and Nokia come under pressure in the mobile market, he says.
Read more posts on The Rayno Report »


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The Apple TV app is coming to Android, according to friendly neighborhood ShrimpApplePro
Apple TV is (for the most part) is fairly cross-platform, so this isn’t a huge shock. The Apple TV app — when it works — is pretty good! All-in-all, a win for Android users.
This is an obvious move to get more users on the app to then pitch them Apple TV+ and increase revenue for Apple.
It’s worth noting that Apple TV has been on Android TV for quite a bit so it’s unclear why this is just now happening, but according to Shrimp, the app is currently undergoing internal testing and will be launching soon — still no exact date.
And.. uh.. I guess that’s kinda it? Congrats to our green-bubble brethren.


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It’s amazing what a well-timed mea culpa can do. VG24/7 points us to a new research note from Baird analyst Colin Sebastian, who says that Microsoft is in a very good position to win the next-generation console wars despite its early public relations gaffes. In particular, Sebastian says that Microsoft’s decision to backtrack on its controversial used game and online connectivity policies for the Xbox One has helped it regain “some momentum” that it lost at the E3 gaming conference. Sebastian also says that his “supply chain checks suggest Microsoft may have the benefit of a 2-3x unit advantage at launch compared to Sony’s PS4.” Microsoft will start selling the Xbox One this November for $499.99.
[More from BGR: Samsung smartphone sales are now absolutely crushing Apple]
This article was originally published on BGR.com


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The governments are taking this step to make application procedures easier and more accessible to everyone. Through tnpds Smart Ration Card, the Tamil Nadu government has also made ration card applications and other services available online. The Third PDS Reforms and Targeting: Bringing In Smart Citizens is a part of this process. The government has launched a pilot project in 10 districts.
The pilot project aims to empower the public through payment of their MRP on the ration cards. The cards will have QR codes that citizens can scan to link their names with their bank accounts. The state government will provide them with constant updates on the status of their application, as well as information on how they can avail of benefits and subsidies through digital means.
Table of Contents
Objectives Of TNPDS Smart Ration Card:
The objective is to make the TNPDS Smart Ration Card easy to use and more convenient. The government intends to help the poor by giving them a functional and effective ration card. The card will help in providing them access to food subsidies, such as rice and wheat, under the National Food Security Act. It also offers an alternative way of procuring subsidized items through cash transfer.
This will provide beneficiaries with a secure payment method with their own mobile phone number without having to go through the long process of having their bank accounts verified. The state government aims to accomplish these objectives by making it more convenient for all sections of society, particularly for women and youth who have limited access to banking facilities.
Benefits of using the TNPDS:
The TNPDS will help in providing citizens with a secure and convenient payment as well as the delivery method for subsidy items under the National Food Security Act. It will also update them on the status of their application, which they can access from their mobile phones.
The state government has worked to ensure that the cards are accessible and functional for all sections of society, particularly for the socially and economically disadvantaged, who have limited access to banking facilities.
The Tamil Nadu Public Distribution System (TNPDS) covers more than 75 percent of the people in rural and urban areas in Tamil Nadu. This is an extremely efficient system that serves more than nine crore customers daily using more than 600 thousand metric tonnes of food grains. The card has two color-coded sections, white for eligibility and red for benefits received. There are three QR codes at the back of the card: red for subsidy information, green for delivery of commodities, and yellow for cash transfer. The QR code is printed on a sticker that is transparent and can be easily scanned with a smartphone.
The TNPDS card will help the poor in reaching out for their entitlement. It will also ensure that the state gives priority to those who need it most. The offline system of payment will be replaced by an online system, which makes for a far more convenient process. It has been designed so that someone in Tamil Nadu can easily access government services by simply scanning their mobile number on the card.


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Before the Google I/O event commenced a few hours ago, it was largely believed that #Google w0uld have some good news in store for Chrome OS users. Well, that news has finally been broken, with Google announcing the imminent arrival of Android apps and Play Store for the Chrome OS platform. This would finally help the company bring its mobile and desktop ecosystem together, which can only mean great things for the customers.
This single-handedly resolves one of the Chromebook’s biggest complaints – lack of native applications. With this in mind, we think it could change the way people perceive Chrome OS machines going forward.
Google, unfortunately, has been relatively quiet on when customers can see Play Store on their Chromebooks and Chrome OS desktops, but it seems like the day won’t be far away now. Expect the Mountain View tycoon to offer more clarification soon, with some reports claiming that Google will come out with a word as soon as tomorrow.


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Dec 2, 2009
Uniqlo sales growth slows but momentum seen intact
Dec 2, 2009
TOKYO, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Sales at Fast Retailing's (9983.T) Uniqlo casual-clothing chain rose 7.9 percent in November from a year earlier, bucking an industrywide slump, as cost-conscious shoppers flocked to its heat-retaining "Heattech" shirts and other winter items.
The same-store sales growth was much slower than the previous two months when the budget fashion chain posted surges of more than 30 percent.
But it was positive that Uniqlo managed to post growth compared with the same month last year, when it booked a 32.2 percent jump, said Naoki Fujiwara, a fund manager at Shinkin Asset Management.
"I don't take it to mean its sale growth is losing steam," he said.
Fast Retailing said the chain enjoyed brisk sales of winter items such as down and fleece jackets, in contrast to many retailers in Japan that continue to suffer sharp falls in sales amid deflation.
Apparel retailer United Arrows' (7606.T) said its November same-store sales fell 5.8 percent from a year earlier in November, while those at department store chains Isetan Mitsukoshi (3099.T) and Takashimaya (8233.T) sagged more than 10 percent.
Deflation, or persistently falling prices, can dampen economic activity as buyers put spending on hold to wait for yet lower prices. (Reporting by Taiga Uranaka; Editing by Chris Gallagher) (([email protected]; +81-3-6441-1813; Reuters Messaging: [email protected])) ((If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to [email protected]))
© Thomson Reuters 2023 All rights reserved.


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China confirms top trade negotiator will travel to Washington for talks this month
Vice Premier Liu He will travel to the United States for two days of talks starting January 30, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said Thursday at a regular news briefing. Liu is going at the invitation of US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the spokesman added without giving further details.
CNN has previously reported plans for the visit. The Trump administration has not yet confirmed the talks.
Liu’s planned visit follows negotiations last week in Beijing that were expected to lay the groundwork for higher-level talks. The two governments are scrambling to strike a deal by March 2, when the US government plans to hike tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods to from 10% to 25% if no agreement is reached. President Donald Trump has also threatened to impose new tariffs on another huge swath of Chinese products.
American negotiators said last week that there was a focus at the Beijing talks on Chinese purchases of “a substantial amount” of US agricultural, energy, manufactured goods and other products and services. But the statement didn’t mention new deals or US concerns over forced technology transfers and theft of trade secrets.
The Chinese government said that the talks — the first since Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to a truce last month — had “laid the foundation for resolving issues of mutual concern.”
The trade war has contributed to an economic slowdown in China and triggered volatility in US markets. Earlier this month, Apple (APPL) warned that weakening demand in the Chinese market would hurt its fourth-quarter revenues.
Investors are hoping the talks between the two governments will eventually bring an end to the hostilities.
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By Robert L. Cain, Copyright 2022, Cain Publications, Inc.
If they take $11 billion out of the economy, the effects will be less than pretty. They did and it isn’t pretty. As of November 18, 120,000 tech workers had been laid off in 2022. And the layoffs continue along with hiring freezes. Marc Weil, who has worked in tech since 2010, and one of the 120,000, was quoted in a Washington Post article, “Year after year goes by and the tech economy keeps getting bigger and bigger with no end in sight. Everyone in tech has been warned by people who lived through the last few decades that this will end. And so it ended.”
Just the tip of the iceberg, tech accounts for a small part of the US economy. But considering its influence on spending and business, its effects swallow a much larger piece of the economic pie than its perceived size. The average salary of a tech workers is a little more than $94,000 a year. Every dollar spent turns over seven times, advises the economic axiom. That means that one tech worker’s salary contributes more than $658,000 to the economy every year. Multiply that times 120,000 and you get more than $11 billion. Where does that money go? Much of it goes to the incomes of such small businesses as restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, movie theaters, professional services. Those businesses employ thousands of people, but may now employ fewer and fewer. The rest may well go to the government in taxes.
The layoffs and hiring freezes go beyond tech. According to a survey by LinkedIn, most industries’ hirings have plummeted with tech not even in first place. Far and away in first, or maybe last, place are holding companies whose hiring year over year dropped 23.3 percent, followed by tech at 17.1 percent. Others follow closely such as entertainment providers (small businesses) at 14.2 percent, professional services (another small business industry) at 15.6 percent, and retail at 12.5 percent (much of that small business).
Winners stand out, though. Utilities hired at a 23.3 percent increase, so if you’re an electrician, for example, and want to work for a power company, or a plumber and want to work for the water company, you’ve most likely got a job.
Also increasing in recent months, after declining year over year, were government, education, construction, farming, and health care.
Jim Harrison, of the Utility Workers of America, AFL-CIO, quoted in Money magazine, explained about utilities, “It’s a recession-proof sector for the most part. People still have to have the essentials of modern-day life. They need to have light, heat, power and water and those kinds of things.” But they don’t have to have restaurants, hair dressers, and holding companies.
“Big picture,” though says Julia Pollak, chief economist for Zip Recruiter, “companies are very much preparing for the possibility of a downturn. They’re focusing on hiring rather than nice-to-have hiring. But many are still continuing to hire because they absolutely have to.”
And they don’t “absolutely have to” keep raising wages. Sure, hourly earnings keep going up but more slowly. In September, for example, they rose just 0.3 percent to $32.46 an hour. Companies figure they can attract workers without increasing pay much.
Even so, some economists discount the tech layoffs and less hiring by citing the Labor Department figures of the 261,000 jobs added in October. They claim that the tech layoffs have no effect on the economy saying that tech accounts for an infinitesimal part of unemployment. They also point to consumer spending, which increased by 0.8 percent in October as proof that everything is all right. That increase has been skewed by the inflation that rose 0.7 percent for the month with much of the rest of it consisting of people having to catch up with their unmet needs such as buying gas and groceries and taking money out of savings, which decreased to 2.3 percent down from 2.4 percent in September.
Those laid-off tech workers will have to go job hunting with no guarantees that the jobs they get will come close to paying what they made at Facebook, Google, or Twitter. That’s a good thing, says Erik Brynjolfsson, a Stanford University economist, “I think the salaries in tech were unrealistic. Now there’s a bunch of really good coders and engineers for the rest of the economy where they are needed a lot more.” Might he have been forgetting about the effect that taking a good portion of the income they had earned out of the economy? Remember, you can’t do just one thing. The unpredictable ripples of layoffs and hiring freezes affect the economy cutting into hiring both for large and small businesses.
Layoffs don’t make up the whole problem. Jim McCoy of Manpower said, “They’re planning for uncertainty. Companies are slowing down replacing people so they don’t have to do layoffs next year.” He added that companies because of “economic uncertainty” have chosen not to hire for around one-third of the open positions. It costs money to lay off workers what with severance packages. But it costs nothing to not hire in the first place. Instead, may companies hire contractors. They may not cost less, but they are infinitely easier and cheaper to lay off.
Put the layoffs and hiring freezes together and the witches brew bubbles with a smell that bodes ill for the economy. In September, 6.1 million people got hired, the lowest level since February 2021. With job growth at 261,000, the lowest since April 2021.
The upside, if there is one, is that employers can be more selective when they actually do hire someone. They can screen thoroughly and set standards higher than they were able to before. Chad Leibundguth of Robert Half Staffing remarked in a USA Today article, that employers are “taking their time to identify the right person.” That’s if they look for new hires at all. Now is the time for businesses to describe their ideal applicant and wait for him or her to show up, which might be sooner than later.
Written for Zip Reports where they do employment and rental screening.
Contact Robert L. Cain at firstname.lastname@example.org


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Arun Sudhaman 04 Mar 2021 // 4:00AM GMT
DUBAI — Middle Eastern companies need to transcend their focus on trading and profits if they wish to better demonstrate their commitment to the societies in which they exist, heard delegates at yesterday's PRovokeMENA Summit, which took place virtually.
And that commitment, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic, requires brands to rethink their attitude towards purpose, said moderator Joe Lipscombe, Memac Ogilvy's regional director of content strategy, PR and influence, who noted that 64% of adults believe a brand's primary purpose should be to make the world a better place.
"How do we help brands be more purposeful?" asked Lipscombe. "Are our brands in MENA trying to make the world a better place?"
Not necessarily, was the answer from Cosmic Centaurs CEO Marilyn Zakhour, pointing out that many companies in the region "start from a place of having a trading mentality."
"Because a lot of our companies are based on trade, the first step is to learn how to build big brands and, in that, we can make them purposeful," said Zakhour. "I think the pandemic has created a stage to help those brands contribute meaningfully. And perhaps opened the door for brands to consider how they can do it outside of a crisis."
Amanda Rushforth, board director and ambassador coordinator at Azraq, took things one step further — advising companies to focus on their purpose before they even consider the marketing or sales aspects of their operations.
"A brand that drives consciousness and purpose first is a brand that's getting me as a consumer," said Rushforth. "If brands do start with a purpose first, rather than marketing or branding or trading, the rest will come. People are ready to commit to something that's bigger than shopping or selling or retail."
That is as much internal as external, added GEMS Education communications VP Jon Bramley, who flagged the importance of employee engagement. "It's not about trying to hitch your wagon to the zeitgeist," he said. "One of the things we're really proud of at GEMS, is there have been hardly any layoffs of teaching staff, despite the various pressures we were under. You would hope that would be remembered by the staff and the parent communities — we have the core values that will stand us in good stead."
For legacy brands, the challenges may well be heightened, as a commitment to purpose is not necessarily intrinsic to their historic operations. "How do we put across a more human narrative to these brands?" asked Rushforth, pointing to an FMCG client that refuses to give up plastic bags. "It's not a focus for them. Sometimes there's a mindset that's too rigid to be able to change."
For those attitudes to shift, added the panellists, education is key — in terms of developing the next generation to take such issues as sustainability more seriously. Also, important, said Bramley — is demonstrating the bottomline impact.
"The bottomline is when their bottomline is affected," he said. "When young consumers start voting with their feet...they do hold us to account. Thank goodness that kids are so imbued with CSR and sustainability."
That kind of pressure is, increasingly, better applied online than offline. "Hold them accountable on social media, where they care the most," advised Rushforth. "The fact that people are using their voice, albeit online, does help to change these legacies' mindset. They are more concerned about bad Google reviews."
The Middle East is further hampered by a lack of long term planning, noted Lipscombe, which can result in a more reactive mindset. With that in mind, Zakhour highlighted three lessons from Dove's long term commitment to real beauty: "They get CEO buy in, they involve their employees and, less easy to say out loud, they obsessively measure the impact on business."


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Adam Hailey, Genie Director of Product Management, Terex AWP, provides a walk-through of the company's brand new SX-135XC boom.
Will Sessoms, left, the Mayor of Virginia Beach, and Alexandre Saubot, right, COO of Haulotte Group, cut the official ribbons to celebrate the grand opening of Haulotte Group's new North American corporate headquarters in Virginia Beach.
Euan Youdale talks to Pierre Saubot, President and founder of Haulotte Group.
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FORTUNE -- In March we reported that investment bank Perella Weinberg Partners was raising $400 million for a growth equity fund, led by former Weston Presidio partners Chip Baird and David Ferguson.
Now Fortune has learned that the firm already has secured $225 million, from both a first close and subsequent capital commitments.
The group -- called PWP Growth Equity -- expects to hold a second close by year-end, which may prove to be the final one.
No comment from PWP, citing SEC restrictions on solicitation.
Sign up for Dan's daily email newsletter on deals and deal-makers: GetTermSheet.com
New platform seeking $400 million for debt fund.
FORTUNE -- Boutique investment bank Perella Weinberg Partners is looking to raise $400 million for a new fund focused on growth equity investment opportunities, Fortune has learned.
The new effort is being called PWP Growth Equity, and is led by former Weston Presidio partners Chip Baird and David Ferguson. It plans to invest between $15 million and $50 million into growth-stage companies within the retail, restaurant, consumer, manufacturing MOREDan Primack - Mar 7, 2013 10:08 AM ET
Fashion To Figure raises $18 million from Perella Weinberg Partners.
FORTUNE -- Plus-sized women's apparel retailer Fashion To Figure has quietly raised $18.2 million in private equity funding, as first disclosed in an SEC filing.
Perella Weinberg Partners led the deal, out of its new growth equity investing practice. Chip Baird and David Ferguson, both of whom joined PWP last year from private equity firm Weston Presidio, have joined the Fashion To Figure board of MOREDan Primack - Feb 13, 2013 2:10 PM ET
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There’s no denying that social media has had a huge impact on the world around us. Establishing your brand on these networks is no longer about just selling your product; it’s about capturing your followers on a level they can relate to. Regardless of what industry you’re in, there’s one thing everyone will relate to – major current events. The best way to instantly drive attention to your brand is to relate to what’s going on right now and incorporate real-time marketing into your social strategy.
With award season in full swing and the Super Bowl this Sunday, it’s safe to say a good portion of your audience will be tuning in to these highly talked about events. From fashion faux pas to field goals, you’re going to have trending topics to discuss with the social media world.
Whether you kept up with the Grammys last Sunday or not, you’re likely to have gotten a glimpse of the event via Twitter, Facebook or any other major social network. From live stream tweets and hashtags to Facebook commentaries, the event was trending everywhere online as expected. So, which brand made headlines? Not likely the one you’d expect from one of the biggest music events of the year – Arby’s.
— Arby’s (@Arbys) January 27, 2014
This tweet instantly flooded the internet with 75,000 retweets by Monday morning. Why? It was as relevant as could be with its quick real-time humor regarding a popular event.
One of the most memorable real-time marketing examples comes from last year’s Super Bowl. When the power went out in the Superdome, the light went on for Nabisco Oreo’s marketing team. It was the tweet seen ‘round the social web.
Power out? No problem. pic.twitter.com/dnQ7pOgC
— Oreo Cookie (@Oreo) February 4, 2013
Big brands know they have to step up their game (pun intended) during this weekend’s Super Bowl. It’s not all about the million dollar ads on TV; it’s also about the real-time responsiveness they’re bringing online.
So, while you’re watching the game, keep your smartphone handy to give your audience some shareable real-time content.


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Battle of the butchers
A BATTLE of the Butchers competition is set to test the innovative flair of independent traders all over Wales in a Hybu Cig Cymru/ Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) organised event.
The awards in Innovation and Excellence in Meat Products, is an annual HCC competition, giving butchers the chance to demonstrate and promote the range of products they produce.
The North Wales heat takes place at the North Wales Conference Centre, Llandudno on Wednesday, March 8. The South Wales heat will be held at the Tower Hotel, Swansea on Wednesday, April 5, 2006.
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27 October, 2016, 8:30
Next steps for tackling obesity: prevention, sugar consumption a
01 - 03 November, 2016
China Foodtech 2017
07 November, 2016
Butcher’s Shop of the Year
01 December, 2016, 8:30 - 13:30
Policy priorities for the UK food, drink and farming industry


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BJ’s to Shut Pharmacies, ProFoods
NATICK, Mass. — BJ’s Wholesale Club here said yesterday it would close all 46 of its in-store pharmacies, as well as its two ProFoods restaurant supply stores, as part of a restructuring under interim Chief Executive Officer Herb Zarkin. Citing “self-inflicted” struggles for sales and membership growth, Zarkin said BJ’s would reduce SKU selection, sharpen pricing, curb new club growth, and improve marketing and merchandising. The announcements, which also included the return of former executives Laura Sen, named executive vice president of merchandising and logistics, and Ed Gillooly, senior vice president of marketing and membership, came after BJ’s said tepid sales of general merchandise and winter gear slowed comparable sales in December to 0.6%, including a 1% gain from gasoline sales. Charges related to closure costs, as well as the effect of lower-than-expected sales, will result in quarterly earnings of 17- 25 cents a share, down from previous estimates of 83-87 cents per share, the retailer said.
Did your store let you know??? What other changes will the interim CEO Herb Zarkin make??!? This is an important time for BJ's Workers to come together and stand up for their rights.


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Digital TV News: Amazon Web Services
Insys Video integrates with AWS Elemental MediaTailor
Mar 2, 2020 – Insys Video Technologies has integrated its APIs with AWS Elemental MediaTailor. MediaTailor allows video providers to insert targeted advertising into their video streams without sacrificing broadcast-level quality-of-service.
News categories: Insys Video, AWS Elemental, Piotr Czekała, Advertising, Content Distribution, Digital TV, OTT, Worldwide
AWS compute and storage available at the edge of 5G networks
Dec 3, 2019 – Amazon Web Services (AWS) [NASDAQ: AMZN] has announced AWS Wavelength. Wavelength embeds AWS compute and storage services at the edge of telecommunications providers’ 5G networks, enabling developers to serve use-cases that require ultra-low latency.
News categories: Amazon Web Services, Matt Garman, 5G, Content Distribution, Worldwide
FOX selects AWS as its cloud and machine learning provider
Dec 3, 2019 – Amazon Web Services (AWS) [NASDAQ: AMZN] has announced that Fox (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) is to use AWS’s portfolio of services, infrastructure, and professional services organization to enable a new cloud-based media production and delivery platform.
News categories: Amazon Web Services, Fox Corp, Dr. Werner Vogels, Paul Cheesbrough, Big Data, Content Distribution, Digital TV, USA, Worldwide
ProSiebenSat.1 selects AWS as primary cloud provider
Nov 27, 2019 – Amazon Web Services (AWS) (NASDAQ: AMZN) has announced that ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE has selected AWS as its primary cloud provider. ProSiebenSat.1 is working with AWS to adopt cloud services within all parts of its broadcast and digital media businesses, production companies, and e-commerce platforms.
News categories: Amazon Web Services, ProSiebenSat.1, Andy Isherwood, Nick Thexton, Austria, Content Distribution, Digital TV, Germany, OTT, Switzerland
Imagine taps AWS to power OTT Monetization Service
Sep 11, 2019 – Imagine Communications has announced that core functionality from its Targeted Delivery portfolio is now available as OTT Monetization Service, powered by AWS. Imagine is collaborating with MOBITV to incorporate content monetization.
News categories: Imagine Communications, Amazon Web Services, MOBITV, David Heppe, Khawaja Shams, Bill Routt, Advertising, Content Distribution, Digital TV, IBC2019, OTT, USA, Worldwide
Verimatrix integrates multi-DRM with the AWS SPEKE API
Aug 29, 2019 – Verimatrix (Paris:VMX) has announced interoperability between the Verimatrix Multi-DRM solution and the SPEKE API developed by AWS. Support for SPEKE eliminates the need for integrations between proprietary DRM APIs and encryptors from different vendors.
News categories: Verimatrix, Amazon Web Services, Nikolai Keychenko, Digital TV, DRM, IBC2019, Worldwide
Nielsen's TV ratings platform moves to AWS
Jul 16, 2019 – Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) has announced that as part of an initiative to transform the technology that powers its products and services, it has migrated its core National Television Audience Measurement processing to a cloud-based infrastructure.
News categories: Nielsen, AWS, Scott N. Brown, Stephen Orban, Advertising, Big Data, Digital TV, USA
Over 100 million monthly active users for ThinkAnalytics' cloud content discovery
Jul 9, 2019 – ThinkAnalytics has announced that its cloud-based personalized content discovery platform is the first in the industry to scale to over 100 million monthly active users in the cloud. Four of the firm’s OTT customers now have a combined user base that exceeds that number.
News categories: ThinkAnalytics, Peter Docherty, Big Data, Digital TV, UX, Worldwide
Conversant uses Verimatrix Secure Cloud for multi-DRM security
Jun 18, 2019 – Verimatrix (Paris:INSD) has announced that Conversant is now hosting its Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS) in the Verimatrix Secure Cloud. The cloud environment enables a SaaS model to more efficiently support harmonized rights management for multi-DRM video services.
News categories: Verimatrix, Conversant, Steve Oetegenn, Kong Wai, ConnecTechAsia, Content Distribution, Digital TV, DRM, Singapore
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The Turkish economy is growing 6 percent in the last quarter of 2019
The Turkish economy is growing 6 percent in the last quarter of 2019, and 0.9 percent at the general level.
This came in a statement to the Statistics Authority, Friday, on Turkey’s gross domestic product based on the production method.
According to the authority’s data, the Turkish economy grew 6 percent in the last quarter of 2019, and by 0.9 percent compared to 2018.
She pointed out that the gross domestic product during 2019 increased by 14.9 percent, and its total value reached 4 trillion, 280 billion and 381 million Turkish liras.
The data added that the added value of the education, health and social services sector increased during the past year by 4.6 percent, the financial sector 7 percent, and the agricultural sector by 3.3 percent.
The Statistics Authority noted that the added value of the construction sector declined 8.6 percent over the past year.


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Mon 15 Feb 2021
The world is increasingly subject to significant change driven by megatrends such as an increasingly complex and multi-faceted world; individuals shaping their own futures; emerging consumers with new expectations; exponential technology development; data as the key to unlocking a new world of possibility; and sustainability as a licence to operate.
So what are the underlying characteristics of these megatrends?
Read our full article to find out.
View all news


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While some feel 'Vistara', derived from the Sanskrit word vistar, meaning limitless expanse, is well thought-out, others say the name does not have a pick-up value
New Delhi: Advertising and branding experts stand divided on Vistara, the brand name of the planned airline of Tata SIA Airlines Ltd, a joint venture between Tata Sons Ltd and Singapore Airlines Ltd. Some feel that Vistara, derived from the Sanskrit word vistar, meaning limitless expanse, is well thought-out and credit the Bangalore-based brand consulting company Ray+Keshavan for it.
“The name does not have a pick-up value. It’s not short and snappy. The addition of the letter at the end of vistar leaves a melancholy trail which could have been avoided," said Sanjay Sarma, co-founder and CEO of Design Worldwide, a strategic branding and creative solutions company.
Besides, the focus seems to be on the meaning of the word rather than on the brand name, he felt. “Although its meaning is beautiful, in a brand name, the meaning is the second layer. First is usability and functionality," he said.
Most airlines prefer universally understood brand names like IndiGo and GoAir, said Dheeraj Sinha, chief strategy officer (South and South East Asia), at advertising agency Grey India. “This is the first one in a local language. It does give it a very Indian feel, but it’s not an advantage to have a name of Indian origin in this category (aviation)," he said. In contrast, Kiran Khalap, founder of Chlorophyll, a brand consulting firm, is relieved that the new airline does not sport a generic name—“like xyz jet or Jet abc or TASIA (gulp!)," he said in an email. The ideal situation is when a brand name reflects the differentiator. “Working backwards from the brand name, one can think of an airline that wishes to be global (limitless in scale, style, options) in its ambitions," said Khalap.
Advertising expert Swapan Seth agreed: “They want to be expansive in service, route, flights... everything." Seth is national creative director, chairman and chief executive officer of Equus Red Cell.
In his view, the new brand is a masterful move. “An airline brand name needn’t be hip. In any case that space has been taken by IndiGo. It’s a smart move to keep it traditional and Indian. Being Indian is very global today," he added.
There was, though, surprising consensus around the airline’s logo, derived from a symbol which signifies seamless balance of the universe.
“India is known for its hospitality and luxury. Maharaja was the logo for Air India, which it dissipated. The Vistara logo is very traditional and Indian," said Seth, adding the airline, it appears, will operate in the quasi-luxury segment with more business class seats than are usually available.
Design Worldwide’s Sarma also found the logo visually striking and distinct.
“It has a certain element of luxury in it, thanks to the use of purple and gold," he said.
In the new venture, Tata Sons, the holding company of the $109 billion Tata group, has a 51% stake and Singapore Airlines the remainder.
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Here at Ministry of Furniture, we are excited to announce that we have realigned our branding, corporate structure and the composition of our board as we prepare for a new phase of growth and diversification in line with our values and aims as a company.
We have created a holding company, Ministry Group, which has also acquired 100% of Sign and Print Systems, previously a separate limited company trading as Ministry Graphics in which we owned a 75% stake.
This has been rebranded Ministry of Furniture—Graphics, and we are delighted to welcome Matthew Anderson, previously a shareholder in Sign and Print Systems, as a shareholder in Ministry Group creating a four-strong board of directors.
The other brands now aligned under the Ministry Group holding company are: Ministry of Furniture—Education; Ministry of Furniture—Workplace; Ministry of Furniture—Leisure; and Ministry People.
Our board of directors will now comprise: Graham Hirst, Chief Executive Officer; Bobby Lee, Chief Financial Officer; Beverley Parker, Chief Operations Officer; and Matthew Anderson, Chief Creative Officer.
Meanwhile, we have also moved to realign and streamline our workflow by creating a Print and Design Centre of Excellence, which will integrate the culture and practices of our two sites: in Baglan Energy Park, near Swansea, and in Ystalyfera in the Swansea Valley.
The new hub, managed by Matthew, will allow designers and engineers to work side-by-side as one team to develop new, cutting-edge graphics solutions for clients leveraging the skills, expertise and range of materials at our disposal.
We are also exploring the possibility of developing a new site for the hub near our headquarters in Baglan Energy Park and we are in discussions with the Welsh Government on a range of available possibilities.
Graham Hirst, our Chief Executive Officer, said:
“This realignment and consolidation of brands is a significant milestone for us as it brings together two distinct parts of the company under one clear umbrella in terms of ownership, management and culture.
“We have always felt the graphics business was a natural complement to what we did and we now want to take that thinking to the next level by creating a Print and Design Centre of Excellence, able to bring together the different forms of expertise we have and create unique, bespoke solutions for our clients across the UK.
“We successfully adjusted and repurposed our offering and products to navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19, while also ensuring we were part of the solution. We developed a new range of personal protective equipment and products to protect individuals. While that offering remains buoyant, this realignment opens a new chapter for the company again.
“I am also delighted to welcome Matthew to the Board of Directors at Ministry Group. Matthew is a dynamic young man who will complement the skills of the other directors and also represent the start of a new generation of talent coming through, giving the company the direction and energy to reach new heights of success.
“We have always been proud of our company culture and ethos of putting social aims at the heart of the venture. I know that is something Matthew is also very passionate about and will help the company continue its commitment to supporting local communities in that vein.”


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The Coronavirus Disease 2019 is now officially a pandemic as the number of cases worldwide is on the rise. Majority of businesses have temporarily closed down their stores as the governments implemented lockdowns, restricted movement orders and the like.
Similar practice happened in Malaysia when the government reinforced the Movement Control Order to suppress the spread of the disease. Recently, Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also warned that we could become like Italy if Malaysians do not comply with the order.
That news probably worries many of us but at this state of emergency, it is very important to stay positive. Here, we have five recommended activities that you can do at home to distract yourselves in times of anxiety, worry or boredom.
Visit art exhibitions online
Due to the outbreak, many exhibitions and events the likes of Art Basel, Baselworld and Met Gala have either postponed indefinitely or cancelled. In the midst of devastation, there is something optimistic they can do – to opt for the digital platform.
Art Basel Hong Kong, which was cancelled this month, now offers online viewing rooms, allowing the public to visit it with ease. The exhibition houses 2,000 pieces of artworks, which many of them are web-based works and curated online exhibitions. Musée du Louvre also gives art lovers a chance to visit it online, hosting exhibitions like “The Advent of the Artist”, “Egyptian Antiquities” and “Remains of the Louvre’s Moat”.
Elsewhere, Fondazione Prada also opens its doors to online users. The Italian luxury fashion house will use it as a means to experiment with a new way of engagement with its consumers through its website and social media platform. A curated streaming service is set to come into operation.
Download apps that help you to wind down
Benefits deriving from our smartphone is ample – even we can wind down using it. Apps like Calm and Tide provide a list of wellness enhancing programs. Meditations, sleep stories, breathing programs and soothing music are activities that we can take part during the self-quarantine period.
Tide, on the other, lets you spend the rest of your isolating days in tranquillity. Whether you are taking a break or working from home, this app is useful to free your mind from stress with their features like Focus Timer, Sleep and Nap and Relax Breathing Guide, as well as daily inspiring quotes for staying positive.
Watch #TogetherAtHome Concert Series
While the US has yet to implement lockdown, but San Francisco and five other Bay Area counties in California have executed a voluntary order to restrict activities and gatherings. Many celebrities have participated including Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Chris Martin, John Legend and more.
To encourage others to join and cope boredom, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin has spearheaded #TogetherAtHome Concert Series, a collaborative campaign between the World Health Organisation and Global Citizen. He has taken to Instagram to perform a 30-minute live stream concert, belting out some of the band’s hits like “A Sky Full of Stars, “Viva La Vida” and “Yellow. Other big names who have jumped on the bandwagon include John Legend, Charlie Puth and Niall Horan.
Join the online community
The practice of social distancing can be challenging for some, especially when one is unable to meet their friends or stay with family during this hard time. This is how Zoom came into the centre stage.
A video-calling app founded in San Jose, California, it is the hyped platform for a diverse group of people who wants to have a sense of togetherness, be it high school students, college students, workers or people who want to host a virtual party.
The app allows a group of people to communicate simultaneously on the same window. In Canada, meanwhile, Toronto playwright Nick Green has created The Social Distancing Festival, an emerging space for artists who are keen to present their artworks, which have been cancelled, delayed or disrupted. It opens up an opportunity to showcase their hard works such as design sketches, opera performance, scene playing and others.
Discover the Google Arts & Culture mobile app
Leave it to Google to create your ultimate fantasy with the help of your camera phone. Transcending beyond merely the pleasure of photography, the Google Arts & Culture app delivers a learning experience that is both entertaining and enlightening, highlighting four features like Art Projector, Art Selfie, Pocket Gallery and Colour Palette.
Take a glimpse of the famous masterpieces in high definition by Vincent van Gogh and Frida Kahlo when you use the Art Projector; discover your “Sims” in the art realm when you snap a selfie and figure out which prominent figure you look like; a visit to an art gallery housing Johannes Vermeer’s artworks has never been easier with Pocket Gallery; indulge in aesthetically pleasing art pieces for inspiration when you submit your snapshots to the app to find its matching works with Colour Palette.


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Robby Blanchard has released his updated version of Commission Hero. It is a suitable business opportunity for seniors and can provide them with a new income stream to help in retirement.
Robby Blanchard has launched a financial opportunity for future retirees aged 50 to 65. His course, Commission Hero, is an online marketing course that has a mission to help 2,000 people in 2021 to develop an online income from the safety and convenience of their home office.
For further details, see https://www.commissionhero.com/affiliate-resources27811199
Robby has launched an affiliate marketing method using the Clickbank platform coupled with inexpensive targeted Facebook ads. He teaches the elderly, disabled, and those unprepared for retirement’s financial challenges a simple step-by-step method. By implementing this system, this demographic can establish financial stability throughout their senior years.
A recent survey revealed that 64% of Americans aren’t prepared for retirement. Retirement prospects seem grim for over half of America, according to the latest results of this survey. The 2019 retirement survey revealed that even more people than initially projected would retire without adequate financial resources.
Robby teaches people to use the Clickbank platform as the foundational source of goods and services that allow his students to earn life-changing commissions. He used the methods he teaches to become the number one affiliate marketer on Clickbank, so what he shares comes from years of experience.
Through the complete elimination of debt and establishing an ongoing and growing online income, seniors can spend their sunset years comfortably. The course teaches them the necessary skill set to start, operate, and grow an affiliate marketing business.
Senior-aged affiliates are provided with a resource center that gives them various links that take interested parties to an automated webinar 24/7. Moreover, for prospects who like to attend live webinars, affiliates are given a simple protocol to send an access link directly to their guests and receive credit if their invitee decides to purchase the program.
All affiliates are “whitelisted” by the company and allowed to share the course with others. The course teaches participants how to promote Clickbank offers using Facebook ads. Affiliates who sell Robby’s course are paid a commission.
The launch of this opportunity for seniors to develop a robust online business is set to change the lives of many who have been looking for a solution to their financial situation.
For more information, see https://www.commissionhero.com/affiliate-resources27811199
Name: Robert O'Neill
Email: Send Email
Organization: Blanchard Media LLC
Address: 930 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720, United States
Release ID: 89009380


text: If you've been eagerly awaiting the release of the free-to-play Fable game, Fable Legends, then today isn't your lucky day. The game was originally slated to be released in the last quarter of 2015, but was delayed. According to the latest timetable, the open beta was due out sometime this Spring. And as of today, it has been canceled altogether. And that's just the beginning of the bad news from Microsoft.


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Consumer Reports has come out with its final analysis of the iPhone X, and it’s got a surprise up its sleeve. Turns out, the handset is ranked lower than the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus at number 9. Not only that, but it’s also been bested by the current top scorers – the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.
This is pretty unexpected given the rave reviews the iPhone X has received in the weeks since it got launched. Consumer Reports starts out by praising the device for its beautiful display and outstanding cameras, even noting that it’s the highest-rated smartphone shooter it’s ever evaluated.
However, things went south when it came to durability. The iPhone X did fine when it came to a simple drop test, surviving four 5 foot falls onto a concrete surface. The phone didn’t perform as well in the rotating tumbler test, with its glass back cracking open and its display showcasing bright green bars.
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus did much better in terms of toughness, which is why the duo was ranked ahead of the iPhone X. However, the last did ace the water resistance test. It managed to remain functional after getting submerged in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.
The other big drawback which Consumer Reports found was the iPhone X’s battery life. After setting it to 100% brightness and using a robotic finger to simulate an average consumer’s day, the company found that it lasted for 19.5 hours.
Also Read: Apple’s going back to metal for 2018 LCD iPhone
In comparison, the iPhone 8 went on for 19 hours, the iPhone 8 Plus for 21 hours, and Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ for 26 hours. Overall, it would be a good idea to invest in a case for the iPhone X and not expect too much out of its battery life.


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Jul. 5, 2022
Producers from southern France and Corsica combined to earn 11 awards from 26 entries in the 2022 World Olive Oil Competition.
May. 31, 2022
The French producer earned a second consecutive Gold Award at the 2022 NYIOOC, attributing the success to new investments in organic production, irrigation and technology.
Dec. 1, 2021
Maintaining organic farming methods and experimenting with ancient olive varieties are how Château d’Estoublon keeps its 500-year olive oil production history alive.
Jul. 14, 2021
One agricultural expert estimates that olive oil production in the 2021/22 crop year could fall by more than 25 percent as a result of damage caused by the frost.
Jun. 21, 2021
Producers across the south of France and Corsica earned a record-high number of awards despite a difficult harvest year from start to finish.
May. 20, 2020
French brands earned a record-high eight awards at the 2020 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, including six Golds and two Silvers.
Jul. 19, 2011
Olive oil production in France is tiny compared to its neighbors and there's a "problem with notoriety." Jean Benoit Hugues shares what the interprofessional association Afidol plans to do about lifting the profile, and sales, of French olive oil.


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The West Midlands Interchange project has officially kicked off, and it brings with it the exciting promise of creating a staggering 8,500 jobs.
According to the project developers, this ambitious endeavour is not just about job creation; it has the potential to be a transformative force within the logistics industry and inject a significant economic boost into the West Midlands region.
Situated near Gailey, Staffordshire, this new strategic rail freight interchange represents a colossal development that extends its scope well beyond just logistics. Upon its completion, it is expected to offer up to eight million square feet of commercial space, opening doors to various business opportunities.
The West Midlands Interchange project is a collaborative effort, with Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners coming together as joint venture partners. The responsibility of the main works contractor for the initial phase has been entrusted to Winvic Construction, an experienced player in the construction industry.
As Philip White, Deputy Leader of Staffordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, points out, "The West Midlands Interchange is a monumental development that will generate diverse opportunities for years to come."
To harness these opportunities to the fullest, a joint employment fund steering group has been formed, in partnership with Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire district, and Staffordshire county councils. The local community is set to reap the advantages of the creation of 109 acres of communal park spaces.
Situated conveniently just off the M6, this vast 734-acre site has the potential to reduce road congestion by eliminating as many as 77 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for every freight train that operates.
This massive venture is backed by a substantial £1 billion in direct investment. Its primary objective is to deliver a multifaceted set of benefits that encompass economic, environmental, and social aspects. It is projected to generate a whopping £430 million in local economic activity each year, providing a substantial stimulus to the West Midlands region. It is anticipated to contribute a substantial £900 million to the national economy, thereby positioning itself as a key player in the economic landscape of the United Kingdom.
The West Midlands Interchange project is not merely an infrastructure development; it is a catalyst for positive change. Its potential to create thousands of jobs, transform the logistics industry, and provide a substantial economic uplift is a testament to the scale and significance of this endeavour. As it unfolds, it has the potential to reshape the future of the West Midlands and become a cornerstone of economic progress, reinforcing the vital role infrastructure development plays in regional and national prosperity.


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(Bloomberg) — The U.S. needs to make moving toward a trade pact with Japan an “extraordinary” priority.
That’s according to Gregg Doud, the chief agricultural negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Speaking at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual outlook forum in Arlington, Virginia, Doud emphasized the importance of talks with Japan at time when rival commodity suppliers have already inked accords.
Trump’s China Focus Imperils $14 Billion in Farm Sales to Japan
While Canada, Australia and the European Union have all recently secured new or adjusted trade deals with Japan, the U.S. has not. Farmers, agriculture lenders and industry analysts have all expressed concern that without a deal, the U.S. could lose its edge with a customer that regularly imports about $14 billion a year in American agriculture and farm-related products.
“I can’t emphasize enough how critical it is to engage with Japan as quickly as we can,” Doud said.
Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.


text:
The Slashed price in Samsung’s award-winning handsets shortens launch date of Galaxy S8 Edge
Samsung’s premium handset is now much more affordable than before. The new Samsung S7 Edge phone is now priced at $399. The fall in the price of flagship edge phone suggests Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy s8 Edge is not too far. The Samsung is going to launch Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 Edge in 2017. And rumors were suggesting the phone can be seen in the market later in April however, today’s slashed price on S7 Edge indicates the forthcoming S8 edge have strong chances to be unveiled on February 27 to March 2 at mobile world congress in Barcelona.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge smartphone is the most popular device in the world which won the most attractive phone award of 2016 in London. The Samsung’s popular smartphone has 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display. A curved panel on the edge gives it an identical look as its name. The phone has 32GB internal memory with an expandable memory card slot and s7 which can support up to 256GB of microSD memory.
Regarding processing features, the Edge is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB of RAM. Besides, it has a 3,600mAh battery, always on display, waterproof feature and runs on Android 7.0 operating system.
Where can I buy S7 Edge at $399?
To Buy Samsung S7 Edge phone for $399 you can buy from Ebay or if you want to visit store then AT&T and Verizon are selling at this price.


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AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC -1.47%) continues to exploit its meme stock designation by raising capital as its shares have risen exponentially on the backs of retail traders and others driving short-sellers out. Today, the company filed to sell up to another 11.55 million shares after the stock almost doubled yesterday alone, and is up 280% in just the last week.
Today's announcement came with a warning for investors looking to buy shares, and promptly eliminated a 20% pre-market gain in the stock. AMC has embraced the frenzy, raising $230.5 million in a share sale earlier this week, and launching AMC Investor Connect yesterday, aiming to utilize the euphoria in the stock to help the business.
AMC said it now plans to sell up to 11.55 million shares "from time to time" at market prices. The company also acknowledged the disconnect of the stock movement from the underlying business, noting that shares have "recently experienced, and may continue to experience, extreme volatility, which could cause purchasers of our Class A common stock to incur substantial losses."
AMC has accumulated debt and diluted shares as it has navigated through theater closings and movie release delays through the pandemic. Now that the business itself is recovering, the company is taking advantage of the retail trading mania to help reduce debt and improve flexibility with additional capital. In its earlier equity raise announcement this week, the company said proceeds would be used primarily "for the pursuit of value creating acquisitions of additional theatre leases."
Today's filing specified use of the funds "may include the repayment, refinancing, redemption or repurchase of existing indebtedness, acquisition of theatre assets, working capital or capital expenditures and other investments."
Investors should heed the company's warning of volatility and a potentially large reversal in the recent moves. But for the long term, the company is doing what it can to take advantage of the situation to right the business.


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Islamabad: Aziz Ahmad Bilour, Federal Secretary Ministry of Industries has said that the policies and the positive interventions of the Government in the market are to support industry to harness new investments, employment opportunities and technology transfer to Pakistani manufacturers.
He said this while holding separate meetings with the representatives of the PAMA (Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association) and PAPAAM (Pakistan Auto Parts Manufacturers Association) on the issues of new entrant policy and tariff rationalization.
Mr. Bilour assured the participants of the meeting that the Government will take all stake holders on board before the issuance of any policy and will not take any step at the cost of the industry itself. He said that the automobiles industry has shown remarkable growth over the past few years and there is still huge potential in this industry.
Talking about the investment prospects in this sector, he said that Pakistan has a very low car to population ratio which currently stands at 12 cars per 1000 persons which is 200 cars/1000 persons in Malaysia and 120 cars/1000 persons in the whole world.
This suggests that Pakistan can exploit the latent potential in this sector and generate huge employments for the burgeoning youth of the country on the one hand and expanding our industrial base on the other by shifting to the engineering products which is the panacea to the problems our industrial sector is currently confronted with.
The representatives of PAMA and PAPAAM supported the Government’s decision to bring new foreign investors in the market but asked the Government to take care of genuine demands of the auto industry.
They asked the Government to offer the new entrant gradual increase in tariffs rather than zero tariff on import of auto parts, make them bound to gradually localize their product and bring it to the existing level of localization in the country as early as possible.
They were of the view that Pakistan should follow the example of other countries in the region which, despite being in the WTO regime, have imposed huge duties on the imports of automobiles to safeguard the interests of their local industry. They observed that new investors will rush to Pakistan once the local market starts showing signs of resurgence.
For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326