GREAT BUSINESS  OPPORTUNITIES FOR              ONTARIANS IN PAKISTAN : MCGUINTY

BY JAVED ZAHEER, WINNER OF FREE EXPRESSION AWARD 2006 (NEPMCC), HONORARY MEDIA CONSULTANT OF WWW.MERARAABTA.COM

TORONTO:  "Canadians must visit Pakistan and explore the tremendous and fascinating opportunities available there. We were treated like a family and the welcome accorded was the warmest I ever received on this planet," said Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty in a Press conference held here on February 5, 2007.

                The Press conference was held to brief the media about Premier Dalton McGuinty's two-and-a-half week trip to India and Pakistan in January, 2007. Present on the occasion were Dr Shafiq Qaadri, MPP, and Sandra Pupatello, MPP and Minister of Economic Development and Trade. Visit www.ontario.ca and www.ontario.ca/premier for details about South Asia trip, Ontario and policies.

                SUCCESSFUL: Dalton McGuinty said: "The trip was extremely successful and productive. Our contact was both at the government and business levels. I can assure the Ontarians that the benefit for them will be tremendous. I want to encourage Ontario businessmen to invest in Pakistan for their economic prosperity. There was definitely very strong commitment to help each other. There was genuine desire to establish relationship with Ontario ."

                He said: "If you have any doubts about the bright future of Pakistan then go to Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and meet the brilliant students there. You will be highly impressed by their knowledge, approach and attitude. They are simply outstanding."

                McGuinty stated: "Our main objective was to establish stronger economic ties and create better understanding. I was trying to find a common ground everywhere. This visit was a first step towards achievement of our common goals. We will keep track of the progress and openings to ensure practical success."

OPPORTUNITIES: He said: "I met with a lot of people and officials. As a result, many prospective initiatives opened up.  We have tremendous opportunities for development of various sectors including agriculture, education, energy, clean water in Pakistan . Clean water is one of the basic concerns."

Dalton McGuinty said: "Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz is committed to addressing the challenges and we are prepared to help. We can do the best for Pakistan through continuing dialogues. We can move ahead smoothly and successfully as friends. We would be more than pleased to help Pakistan in all the fields and sectors in which they need help and we can provide."

He said: "The Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC) played a very important role in making the trip to Pakistan extremely successful and productive."

McGuinty said: "The world is changing fast and economic power shifting. This is why we went to Pakistan , where the economy is growing very fast. We have to work now for expansion of trade and relationship. Over ninety percent of our exports go to the US . Now we have to consider many facts and situations. We cannot compromise on trade as it will cost us our jobs." 

TWINNING TIES: He said:  "I'm proud to say that one of the things that we will do from a governmental perspective is that we're going to enter into a twinning relationship with the province of Punjab in Pakistan . Ontario has not reached out in twin with any other jurisdiction lately and we have never ever before twinned, which is predominantly Muslim. I'm proud that we will do that on behalf of the people of Ontario ."

Sandra Pupatello, MPP, also threw light on the visit and said: "I was impressed by the business leadership in Pakistan and their liberalized views. Our chambers and trade bodies will have to study and understand this and plan accordingly. They have products which can do very well in Ontario . There is definitely very good scope for economic cooperation and development. We must seize the opportunities to benefit mutually."

Dr Shafiq Qaadri, MPP, said: "I felt greatly honoured in accompanying the delegation, getting the warmest reception and respect there. The trip impact was great and it will attract many business visitors from South Asia to Ontario in the near future. This itself indeed will be a great achievement." 

42 MOUs SIGNED: During the business mission trip to India and Pakistan , 42 MOUs were signed and one announcement made. A total of 35 were signed in India and seven in Pakistan plus one announcement.

According to a Press release issued by the Office of the Premier of Ontario:

"Premier Dalton McGuinty said that Ontario 's successful business mission to Pakistan has strengthened ties and will lead to increased trade and investment with one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

"I was proud to lead the talented members of our delegation on a business mission to a country boasting exciting economic growth. We've forged many friendships and partnerships---and we're going to build on our success by turning the goodwill we generated into jobs and opportunities for Ontarians.

"Premier Dalton McGuinty said that Ontario has what it takes to compete and win in today's hyper-competitive global economy---a highly skilled workforce, a culture of innovation and a diverse people who can speak every language and embrace every market.

"We're going to keep telling Ontario 's story to potential investors in Pakistan ---and around the world---to ensure Ontario remains the place to be for years to come.

" Ontario 's 33-member delegation included a large contingent from Ontario 's information and communication technology sector---the fastest-growing sector of Pakistan 's economy. Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Harinder Takhar, Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Dr Shafiq Qaadri, MPP for Etibicoke North, were also part of the delegation.

MISSION HIGHLIGHTS: "The five-day mission to Pakistan was the first-ever led by an Ontario Premier. Highlights of the mission included:

·                           Meetings with top government officials including the Chair of Pakistan's Senate, Mohammadmian Soomro, Chief Minister of Punjab Chaudhary Pervez Elahi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mian Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and Minister of Interior Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao.

·                           Networking with entrepreneurs at the Canada-Pakistan Business Council ICT Show.

·                           Speaking to students at the prestigious Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

AGREEMENTS: During the mission, six Canadian companies signed agreements with Pakistan businesses including:

·                           PharmEng International of Canada entered a joint venture with Maplepharma to provide international regulatory compliance services in the pharmaceutical, biotech, natural health and medical device sectors.

·                           Organix IT of Canada announced the signing of a US $30 million contract with Si3 to deploy and integrate world-class security appliances.

·                           CM Inc. of Markham announced an agreement with Descon Information Systems Pvt. to develop business solutions based on the Microsoft.net platform for the global market.

·                           TenXc Wireless of Ottawa and Coherent Designs will establish a Development Centre in Pakistan to accelerate the availability of next-generation broadband wireless systems.

·                           Research in Motion (RIM) of Waterloo announced an alliance with inov8 Ltd. To produce third-party applications for RIM's Blackberry devices.

·                           Pathway Group of Toronto and Si3 agreed to work together to promote ICT sales and marketing for Si3 in Canada .

·                           Ooober Inc. of Richmond Hill also announced that it is opening a software development centre in Islamabad that will focus on mobile applications and services. Working with mobile operators, local software houses and universities, Ooober plans to bring its expertise to help its businesses on both continents.

                TIES EXPANSION: Sandra Pupatello said: " Ontario has the products, services and expertise Pakistan 's growing economy needs---in ICT, research and innovation, infrastructure, energy, agri-business and education."

She said: "We've made great progress in forging partnerships in Pakistan and we're eager to get to work for strengthening those relationships and expanding our economic ties."

Harinder Thakar said: "The talented delegates who took part in this mission showed why Ontario is one of the best places in the world to do business. We're going to continue to connect Ontario 's innovative companies and talented workers with all of the exciting opportunities in Pakistan ."

Dr Shafiq Qaadri, the first Pakistani Canadian MPP in Ontario 's history, said: " Ontario 's Pakistani-Canadian population, which is more than 100,000 strong, gives us a special connection to Pakistan . We were warmly received everywhere we went. I know we'll strengthen and expand on the friendships and partnerships we made."

BRILLIANT STUDENTS: During his visit to the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Premier Dalton McGuinty addressed the students and said: "I am proud of the role the University of Western Ontario played as you developed your model because this institution has redefined higher education in Pakistan . LUMS is making a difference in your lives and in the life of Pakistan ."

He told the students: "There are three commodities that are absolutely priceless---imagination, innovation and idealism--- and the youth possess them in far greater abundance than the rest of us."

He said: "We often talk about today's knowledge-based economy. Well, if knowledge is the modern economy's base then imagination is its launching pad.  Albert Einstein said that imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand."

The Premier said: "Prosperity in the 21^st century, for Ontario and Pakistan , is all about being the first to come up with a new idea, and the first to turn it into a new product or service. That's innovation."

RESEARCH: McGuinty said: "In Ontario , we're investing $1.7 billion on research and innovation over five years. We're working to bring all great minds together. Some of the leading thinkers and best students in Toronto are Pakistanis who have come to Ontario ."

He said: "Idealism is in very short supply in the world. So hold on to idealism and never let it go. Believe in possibilities, solutions and each other. Be leaders."

Dalton McGuinty said: "Growing up in a large family, my parents always reminded us that no one is as smart, or as strong, as all of us, working together. That is still true today. Competition makes the world go round but collaboration will make the world better." 

DREAM: He said: "I dream that the youth of Pakistan and the youth of Ontario will partner with youth in every nation of the world to solve the problems we, their parents, couldn't solve:

·                           To feed the people that we, their parents, failed to feed.

·                           To nurture the earth that we, their parents, too often failed to protect.

·                           Build a world that we, their parents, could only dream of.

Ontario's mission to Pakistan also included visits to important historical and cultural sites such as Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort and Muhammad Iqbal's Tomb in Lahore and the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad . During the course of his trip to India and Pakistan , Premier Dalton McGuinty was accompanied by close to 100 representatives of various Ontario businesses and institutions, particularly educational institutions.

BETTER UNDERSTANDING: Dalton McGuinty said about the trip: "One of the remarkable things that is brought home to you as you enjoy the opportunity to meet with people in other parts of the world is they gain a better understanding for appreciation for the diversity with which we are blessed in Ontario."

McGuinty said: "No matter where we travel, it turns out that we've got connections. We have a family in a literal sense or in a figurative sense and we've been very well received. There's very high regard held for Ontarians and Canadians generally. I'm proud of the business we've been able to do here and the promotion we've been able to make of the exceptional and wonderful quality of life that we enjoy in Ontario , which is something that we sometimes take for granted."

Premier Dalton McGuinty said: "What we're interested in doing is establishing a relationship with the business community as well as members of governments in India and Pakistan and ensuring that we can participate in the best possible way as both India and Pakistan continue to grow and develop."

McGuinty said: "These new relationships and connections can help improve the quality of life and prosperity not only in India and Pakistan but in Ontario as well."

GALA DINNER FOR DALTON MCGUINTY, GHALIB IQBAL

TORONTO: The Canada Pakistan Friendship Association in conjunction with the Canadian Trade Council for South Asia held a Gala Dinner for Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty and Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto Ghalib Iqbal on February 1, 2007, at Capitol Banquet Centre in Mississauga . Both Premier Dalton McGuinty and Mayor of Mississauga paid rich tributes to Ghalib Iqbal and praised his tremendous services and contributions. They said that Ghalib Iqbal greatly promoted the rich heritage and culture of Pakistan .

Dalton McGuinty, in his address, spoke about his trip to Pakistan and said: "It was really a great experience. There is no doubt that Ontarians and Pakistanis can help build a better future and face challenges. It is very important for us to find opportunities. ICT is the fastest growing sector there. We need a better understanding of Pakistan ."

PART OF FAMILY: Ghalib Iqbal, in his address, said: "Premier Dalton McGuinty's visit to Pakistan will help improve relations greatly, particularly between Ontario and Punjab . Something should be done for Lahore as well to bring it at par with Toronto in Ontario .  South Asia is a potential market and must be explored by all, particularly Ontarians."

 He said: "People of all parts of the world in Canada become a part of the family. Ontario is a good example. The love and care given is immense, superb and immeasurable in the world. I enjoyed my stay in Canada and consider it the best part of my life. It is the best place in the world."

Mayor of Mississauga Hazel McCallion said: "Many Pakistanis have chosen Mississauga as their home and are integrating in our city and contributing tremendously in the city's progress and prosperity. They are playing a very positive and important role.  I thank Ghalib Iqbal for visiting Mississauga many times and helping in promoting good relations."

There was ticket of $30 per person for the occasion, which was a combination of three things---Eid Dinner, Bid Farewell to Ghalib Iqbal and to Welcome Premier Dalton McGuinty, who returned recently from a successful trip to India and Pakistan . The hall was full of mostly VIPs and dignitaries.

The program started with national anthems of both Pakistan and Canada . Haroon Nawaz, son of Gul Nawaz, presented a beautiful recitation and translation of the Holy Quran. Bashir Khan acted as the MC. Introduction was made by Marina Khan of CPFA, welcome address by Gul Nawaz, President of CPFA, introduction of Premier Dalton McGuinty by Dr Shafiq Qaadri, MPP,   introduction of Mayor of Mississauga Hazel McCallion by Javed Hussain, introduction of Consul General Ghalib Iqbal by Ahsan Qureshi, Secretary, CPFA, and in the end Badar Shamim of CPFA presented the vote of thanks. Nasir Chatha of CPFA acted as coordinator during awards presentation.

Recognition and appreciation of services certificates were also given on the occasion to including Dalton McGuinty, Ghalib Iqbal, Hazel McCallion, Ashfaq Hussain, Surayya Khan, Asif Shirazi, Khalid Usman, Zahid Khan. Premier Dalton McGuinty, Gul Nawaz, Ghalib Iqbal presented awards.  A documentary on Premier Dalton McGuinty's  visit to Pakistan was also shown.