The government is compiling data to resolve stranded Pakistanis’ specific issues due to closure of international flight operations and expiry of their visas in different countries

SA TO PM Thewww.theasiantelegraph.net AsianTuesday, April 28,Telegraph 2020| Vol: XI, Issue: 04 ABC CERTIFIED /asian_telegraph Sayed Zulfikar Abbas

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/company/theasiantelegraph F .theasiantelegraph.net MPSollo ROLE IN FACILITATING PEOPLE F .theasiantelegraph.net 40,000 per day Corona testing capacity soon: Anti-Coivd-19 policies must coincide with NDMA chairmanCOVID-19 everyone’s needs: PM New shipment of Chinese medical Prime Minister Khan takes notice of not following quarantine policy for expats supplies arrives

Staff Reporter stanis who returned to the country have a need to maintain balance between Minister appreciated the donation Bureau Report ISLAMABAD economic activities in the country and of PTCL for the Corona Relief Fund. Rawalpindi Prime Minister on Monday adding that they should not be disturbed measures against Corona pandemic. Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday while taking strict notice of not imple- alreadyany more after in the facing name manyof quarantine. difficulties, He Imran Khan said ensuring social dis- urged the parliamentarians to play an National Disaster Management Authority menting quarantine policy for the over- strongly directed that the policy of keep- tance for the prevention of Corona vi- active part in maximum facilitating the (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal seas Pakistanis, directed to implement ing overseas Pakistanis in quarantine for rus is a shared responsibility of every public and providing relief to the weaker Monday said would attain the capacity the guidelines. He said this while presid- 48 hours should be strictly implemented, member of society. The Prime Minister segments of society, particularly during to conduct 40,000 tests for the coronavirus per ing over a meeting to review the corona- adding that they should be kept in quar- directed that a plan of action be formu- the current situation of coronavirus in day. Talking to the media after receiving an con- virus situation in the country. During the antine if they there test comes out nega- lated in Ramazan, keeping in view the the country. He expressed these views signment of 18 tonnes medical equipment from meeting, the prime minister was given tive, however, the guidelines provided by situation and the needs of the people. in a meeting with Federal Minister for China arrived here through a special PIA flight, he the government must be implemented Energy Omar Ayub Khan, and Members said in the next few days the country’s laborato- for overseas Pakistanis. The meeting if someone test positive for the virus. of PTCL Rashid Khan called on Prime of National Assembly (MNAs) Prince ries would be able to conduct upto 40,000 COVID- briefing regarding the quarantine policy Prime Minister Imran Khan says while PresidentMinister Imran and ChiefKhan Executivein Islamabad Officer on Muhammad Nawaz Allai and Ali Khan 19 tests daily.He said the National Disaster Risk for quarantine of overseas Pakistanis in tackling the challenge of Coronavirus, Monday and presented a cheque of Jadoon. The MNAs apprised the prime Management Fund (NDRMF) had collaborated wasthe National told that 48Coordination hours had Committee been fixed future strategy will be made keeping in 100 million rupees for Prime Minister minister about the ongoing relief work in with the NDMA in procuring the medical equip- (NCC) meeting but they were being kept view the needs of all segments of the Corona Relief Fund. Secretary IT Divi- the wake of lockdown. The meeting also ment valuing $50 million from China. Today’s for 7 days.Speaking on the occasion, PM society, especially the poor and vulner- sion Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui was also discussed development matters pertain- consignment included 15 x-Ray machines, 159 Imran Khan said that the overseas Paki- able. The Prime Minister said there is present on the occasion. The Prime ing to their respective constituencies. ventilators, 200 thermal guns, 290,000 surgical masks, 15,000 protective gowns, 30,000 gloves 5,000 safety goggles and other personal protec- CJCSC lauds NCOC tive equipment (PPE).Three to four more flights carrying mostly PPE and and ventilators would for efforts to cope arrive soon, he added. The NDMA chairman thanked the NDRMF for sponsoring huge con- signments of medical equipment. NDRMF Chief COVID-19 Executive Officer Lt Gen (R) Nadeem Ahmed said Staff Reporter the Fund was procuring the PPE to ensure the ISLAMABAD safety of doctors and paramedics, who were on the front line in the fight against the coronavi- Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Com- rus.He said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) mittee (CJCSC), General Nadeem was funding around $105 million to the NDRMF Raza Monday visited NCOC and for procuring more medical equipment ,which lauded its extraordinary efforts would be provided to the federation and the for synergising national effort and provinces through the NDMA. The World Bank data driven input to all stakehold- would also give $60 million to Pakistan for the ers for timely and informed deci- purpose. Nadeem Ahmad said the NDRMF would sion making in a short span of time. try to create earning opportunities for the peo- The CJCSC was received by Lieu- ple, whose businesses or employments had been tenant General Hamood Uz Zaman affected due to the lockdown. He said negotia- Khan, Commander Army Air Defence tions were nearing conclusion with the French Command and National Coordina- Development Bank for $40 to 45 million to pro- tor NCOC, said Inter Services Pub- cure more medical equipment.A special aircraft lic Relations (ISPR). Chief of Naval of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) carry- Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Ab- ing more medical supplies from China reached basi and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Islamabad on Monday. The protective goods Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan also include 15 x-ray machines, 119 ventilators, 200 accompanied CJCSC during the visit. thermal guns, and other material. Chairman The CJCSC was briefed in detail National Disaster Management Authority about the latest situation on con- (NDMA) Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal tainment efforts and enforcement and Chairman DRMF Nadeem Ahmed received the measures against COVID-19, pro- equipment. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman jections about likely spread of NDMA said more equipment will also arrive from the disease in Pakistan and sup- China to fight the coronavirus pandemic. He said port being extended to civil ad- today Pakistan’s coronavirus testing capacity has ministration against pandemic. reached to 30 to 40 thousands per day. Woman martyred, girl new Info Minister, Asim Bajwa injured in Indian fire Staff Reporter replaces Dr Firdous ISLAMABAD

Staff Reporter as chairman of the CPECA, which comes A woman embraced martyrdom and a mi- ISLAMABAD under the planning and development min- nor girl sustained injuries when Indian troops istry. “The new chairperson will get MP-I - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader scale for a period of four years from the ian population along the Line of Control (LoC), Shibli Faraz has been appointed as Federal date of assuming the charge of the office openedthe military’s unprovoked media firewing at said Pakistan’s on Monday. civil Information Minister, while China-Pakistan with immediate effect and until further or- In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority ders,” it stated. Retired Lt Gen Bajwa had - Chairman and former DG ISPR Lt Gen served as Commander Southern Command curred at “Jandrot & Khuiratta Sectors along LoC (r) Asim Bajwa made Special Assistant before his retirement. He remained direc- (ISPR)deliberately said thetargeting yet another civilian ceasefire population violation this oc to PM on Media. Lieutenant General (r) tor general of the Inter-Services Public morning”.The wounded child was later “evacuated Asim Saleem Bajwa has been appointed Relations from 2012 to 2016.The govern- and [was] being provided medical care”, the ISPR as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister ment had established the CPECA through added. Almost two weeks ago, Pakistan had sum- on Information and Broadcasting. A no- an ordinance in October, before the visit moned an Indian envoy over cross-border shelling, tification in this regard has been issued of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Beijing. which had killed a child and wounded four civilians. by the Joint Secretary Cabinet Taimur The basic aim of forming the authority is Tajammal. According to the notification, to ensure timely completion of the CPEC Dr. has been removed projects. The prime minister had said from the office of SAPM on Information the CPECA will help ensure coordination and Broadcasting. Last year, the gov- among the departments concerned. The ernment had appointed Lt Gen (r) Asim authority had reportedly been given vast Saleem Bajwa as chairman of the China- powers to summon any information re- Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority lated to CPEC activities and impose penal- (CPECA).According to a notification issued ties on those who fail to do so. Meanwhile, by the Establishment Division, the compe- Shibli Faraz is serving as the Leader of the tent authority appointed Lt Gen (r) Bajwa House in the Senate. Global defence spending posts largest rise in decade Oil slides on oversupply & storage concerns

Staff Reporter and WTI off about 7%. Prices have now greater volatility in its price.” he added. Bureau Report from previous year, largely the for 25 consecutive years, closely TOKYO/SINGAPORE/LONDON fallen for eight of the past nine weeks. US crude inventories rose to 518.6 GENEVA: main driver of the global growth matching the country’s economic The June WTI contract’s price fall may million barrels in the week to April World military expenditure rose in military spending.“The recent growth. Russia came in fourth and Oil prices slumped again on Monday on have been triggered partly by investors 17, near the record 535 million bar- 3.6% year-on-year in 2019, the growth in US military spending is increased its military expenditure concerns over scarce storage capacity, moving to later months after the May rels set in 2017. Cushing, the delivery largest annual rise in a decade, largely based on a perceived return by 4.5% to $65.1 billion during the especially in the United States, and glob- contract lapsed into negative territory point for WTI, was 70% full in mid- according to an international to competition between the great same period. “At 3.9% of its GDP, al economic doldrums from the corona- April, though traders said all available survey released on Monday. The powers,” Pieter Wezeman, a senior Russia’s military spending burden virus pandemic. US oil futures led losses, week. The front-month contract was space was already leased. Global eco- Stockholm International Peace researcher at SIPRI, said. In 2019, was among the highest in Europe falling by more than $3 a barrel on fears fortrading the firstat lower time beforethan usual its expiry volumes. last nomic output is expected to contract Research Institute (SIPRI) said the China and India were, respectively, in 2019,” Alexandra Kuimova, a that storage at Cushing, Oklahoma, could “The market is very concerned about a - global military spending reached the second- and third-largest mili- researcher at SIPRI, said. It was reach full capacity soon. US West Texas repeat of negative pricing as the Cush- cial crisis while demand has collapsed $1.9 trillion last year. The figure tary spenders in the world, and followed by Saudi Arabia which Intermediate June futures fell $3.61, or ing storage and delivery hub saturates,” by 2%30% this because year worse of the than pandemic. the finan represented 2.2% of the global top in Asia. China’s military ex- allocated $61.9 billion in military 21.3%, to $13.33 a barrel by 1215 GMT. Harry Tchilinguirian, global oil strate- In the United States, a record 26.5 million gross domestic product (GDP) in penditure hit $261 billion in 2019, and is by far the largest military Brent crude was down $1.17, or 5.5%, at gist at BNP Paribas in London, told the 2019, equating to approximately a 5.1% rise compared to 2018, spender in Middle East. Despite a $20.27 a barrel. The June Brent contract Reuters Global Oil Forum. “The shift of - $249 per person, it noted. The while India posted 6.8% surge to 16% decrease in military expendi- expires on Thursday. Oil futures marked open interest away from June will have Americans have filed for unemployment largest spender was the US with a $71.1 billion. The report under- ture, the country had the highest their third straight week of losses last negative consequences for the liquid- benefitsthe economy since would mid-March contract and by the nearly Con 38% share or earmarking $732 bil- lined that China’s military expend- military burden with devoting 8% week, with Brent ending 24% down ity of the contract, potentially leading to gressional40% annually Budget in Officethe second predicted quarter. that lion in military. It was up by 5.3% iture had increased continuously of its GDP. Tuesday, April 28, 2020

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Editor-in-Chief: Amna Malik Editor: Mohammad Arshad ASEAN: A Gateway to Economic Phone: + 92 51 2814017 Offce # 407/408, 4th Floor, Evacuee Trust, Agha Khan Road, F-5/1 Islamabad Integration & Expansion and Timor-Leste. ASEAN covers a land area of 4.4 mil- However the external relations can further be divided lion square kilometers, which is 3 percent of the total into two strands, the dialogue partners and the Safe Ramadan land area of this Earth. The territorial water of ASEAN Multinational fora. The both strands are equally im- conceals an area which is almost 3 times larger than portant for enhancing cooperation by incorporating its land counterpart.Collectively the population of integration.The momentum of regionalism is indeed Practices Hadi Bandial the member countries is approximately 625 million the most distinctive trend of this century. The same he holy month of Ramadan is marked by social and religious gather- which is almost 8.8 percent of the total population of trend is promulgated in the Asian pacific. Pakistan ings where Muslim families and friends unite at sehar and iftar to fast the world. The total GDP is said to be 2.8 trillion US being part of this locality gives importance to its rela- together. Many Muslims increase their attendance at mosques dur- dollars according to a survey conducted back in 2015. tions with the regional countries and organizations ing the month and congregate for longer prayers for Taraweeh and ASEAN could be the 6thlargest economy of the world, including ASEAN. Fortunately Pakistan is not only prayers. Some also spend consecutive days and nights at mosques he formation of several Organizations if it were a single entity. The informality and lack of the dialogue partner of ASEAN but also enjoys its during the last 10 days of Ramadan called Etiqaaf as a special practice aiming the regional cooperation and de- the documented methodology were the evident fac- position at multinational fora. Asia-Pacific Economic in the month of Ramadan. Muslims regularly observe these traditional and religious velopment is a common practice around tors at the initial stages when the organization has Cooperation, ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Post- T the globe. The most significant point is been established. It seemed that the organization Ministerial Conference and South Asia Free Trade practices throughout the month across the globe. This year Ramadan falls between late April and late May as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The transmission the existence of any such organization has its existence merely on the political basis and Area (SAFTA) are few of the forums for bringing of COVID-19 is facilitated by close contact between people, as the virus is spread being the first of its type in that par- the past tumultuous situations in the member states the two entities close to each other. Pakistan’s rela- through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. To mitigate the Tticular region. ASEAN has got that privilege when but with the passage of time institutional structure, tions with Southeast Asian countries started back public health impact, several countries have implemented physical distancing meas- it was founded back in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, functionality, purpose and goals were defined. ASEAN in 1954 when Pakistan became the founding mem- ures aimed at interrupting transmission by reducing interaction between people. Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The change of charter was one of the achievements in this regard. ber of SEATO. This treaty organization was backed These measures are fundamental control mechanisms to control the spread of infec- leadership in Indonesia from President Sukarno to Presently there are several committees and compre- by America in order to avert the Asian communism tious diseases, particularly respiratory infections, associated with large gatherings of President Suharto resulted by a botched communist hensive forums under which various agreements and andchina’s influence in the region of Southeast Asia. people. Physical distancing measures, including the closing of mosques, monitoring coup as well as the subsequent anti-communist pur- treaties have been signed and executed. The interna- of public gatherings and other restrictions on movement, will have direct implica- gative were few of the reasons behind the establish- tional trend of regionalism is evolving the economic tions for the social and religious gatherings central to Ramadan.Countries around ment of this regional cooperation. This also ended the integration by promoting the trade regime and coop- the world are taking different measures to control the spread of COVID-19 such as rivalry between Indonesia and Malaysia and both the eration in several other segments. Relationship and Writer is the Assistant Editor ‘Mélange int’l the timely provision of public health advice for social and religious practices and countries showed their consent to refrain intruding cooperation with the external world apart from the Magazine’, ‘The Asian Telegraph’ , a degree holder gatherings during Ramadan that will be observed nationwide. Cancelling congres- in sovereignty of each other’s. With the passage of member countries plays an important role for the life in communication & media sciences. sional prayers and religious gatherings along with maintaining physical distances in time the organization expanded like any other or- of an organization. ASEAN’s relations with the other communities is becoming a new normal in Muslim societies. Compliance with these ganization with inclusion of 5 more courtiers Brunei, countries are so pivotal that some people have the established measures should be assured and religious leaders should be involved Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam as view that the notion of regionalism sometimes blurs early in decision making so that they can be actively engaged in communicating well as 2 observers which includes Papua New Guinea the distinction between members and non-members. any decision affecting events connected with Ramadan. A strong communication strategy is essential to explain to the population the reasons for decisions taken. Clear instructions should be given by authorities along insurance of uniform practices of Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect The Asian Telegraph point-of-view national policies should be reinforced. Reconsidering Today in History Provincial Autonomy April 28, 1952- Allied occupation of Japan came to an end he history of federalism can perhaps be traced to the days of the he US occupation of Japan officially government introduced sweeping social reforms evolved over time, became strictly limited by law. Holy Prophet (PBUH) when he established the first Islamic state in ended when a treaty with the US and and implemented economic reforms that recalled The occupation, codenamed Operation Blacklist,[3] Madina in which the Muhajrin, Ansar and Yahud communities lived 47 other countries went into effect. American “New Deal” priorities of the 1930s under was ended by the San Francisco Peace Treaty, signed together, enjoying equal rights and respecting each other’s rights. The Allied occupation of Japan came President Roosevelt. The Japanese constitution was on September 8, 1951, and effective from April 28, This perhaps could be seen as the loosest form of what later came to an end after seven years of rapid comprehensively overhauled and the Emperor’s 1952, after which Japan’s sovereignty with the ex- to be defined as federalism. Today 28 countries across the world social and economic change follow- theoretically-vast powers, which for many centu- ception, until 1972, of the Ryukyu Islands was fully Tpractice federalism; no less than 40 per cent of the world’s population resides in ing the country’s surrender in World War II. In ries had been constrained by conventions that had restored. these federal states. Some of the countries that practice federalism are: Argentina, 1949, MacArthur gave up much of his authority to Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Iraq, Pakistan, Spain, theT Japanese government, and in September 1951 South Africa, United States of American and Venezuela. Constitutional history the United States and 48 other nations signed a of Pakistan is witness to three constitutions and one-unit principle, but notions formal peace treaty with Japan. On April 28, 1952, of federalism materialized by Constitution Eighteenth (Amendment) Act, 2010. the treaty went into effect, and Japan assumed full The Eighteenth Amendment has tried to address these issues keeping in view sovereignty as the Allied occupation came to an end. Pakistan’s historical context, its polity and its objective conditions. In other words, The Allied occupation of Japan at the end of World the Eighteenth Amendment throws up Pakistani federalism that learns from the War II was led by General Douglas MacArthur, the experiences of others but is rooted in the Pakistani reality. The present study is in- Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, with teresting as it traces the history of federalism and shows the diversity of the federal support from the British Commonwealth. Unlike in arrangements. It also discusses the issues of ethnic representation and managing the occupation of Germany, the Soviet Union was diversity in a state. It also examines the 18th Amendment in the light of devolution allowed little to no influence over Japan. This for- and reviews the implementation process which has devolved many ministries and eign presence marks the only time in Japan’s his- functions to the provinces. This has been made possible as the Concurrent List tory that it has been occupied by a foreign power. has been repealed. The Amendment has provided ownership and participation in At MacArthur’s insistence, Emperor Hirohito re- policy and management of natural resources, increased the legislative powers of mained on the imperial throne.The wartime cabi- the provincial assemblies including those on taxation. In conclusion, civil society net was replaced with a cabinet acceptable to the organizations, journalists, politicians and other interest groups have a role to play Allies and committed to implementing the terms of in managing conflicts and creating homegrown federalism that is rooted in the the Potsdam Declaration, which among other things local polity and ensures unity in diversity called for the country to become a parliamentary de- mocracy. Under MacArthur’s guidance, the Japanese

Star Wars Apple delays 2020 flagship iPhone Rise of Skywalker to begin streaming on Disney+ on May 4th mass production Bureau Report CALIFORNIA “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” will begin CALIFORNIA streaming two months early on Disney+ in Apple may have delayed the honor of “May the 4th,” a.k.a. “Star Wars Day,” production schedule of its 2020 Disney announced Monday. The final chapter flagship iPhones. For the most in the Skywalker saga joins Disney+’s previ- up-to-date news and informa- ously announced May the 4th offerings, which tion about the coronavirus pan- includes the launch of a making-of docuseries demic, visit the WHO website. for “The Mandalorian” (titled “Disney Gallery: Apple will delay the mass pro- The Mandalorian”), and the series finale of “Star duction of its upcoming iPhone Wars: The Clone Wars.” With the addition of “Rise 12 lineup by about a month, of Skywalker” to Disney+ on May 4 (May 5 in the due to coronavirus pandem- Netherlands, due to the Memorial Day holiday), ic’s impact on manufacturing fans will be able to stream the complete nine-part in Asia and consumer demand Skywalker saga all in one place for the first time globally.The Cupertino, California, company moment,” but highlighted its strong financial ever, along with other “Star Wars” movies and TV typically kicks off mass production of its position and continuing investment in prod- series including, “The Mandalorian,” “Star Wars: annual phone offering in early summer, the uct research and development. Apple didn’t The Clone Wars” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars paper noted, before revealing them in mid- immediately respond to a request for com- Story.”Per the streaming service, “In addition to September and shipping them to consumers ment.To combat this particular coronavirus new content offerings, Disney+ will also honor the later that month. It’s expected to launch four pandemic, our phones have the potential to artistry of Star Wars with a week-long concept art new iPhone models later in the year, some of do this tedious contact-tracing legwork for takeover on the service. Like a commemorative which will include 5G next generation wire- us, and keep a running list of other phones gallery, each film and series’ artwork will be up- less connectivity.Even though Apple managed that come within Bluetooth-tracking range, dated on May 4th to feature its original concept to ship its new budget iPhone SE last week, less than six feet away from you. If a person paintings. From ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ to ‘The CEO Tim Cook warned back in February that becomes infected, health officials can notify Mandalorian,’ the updated art will feature work the company’s plans will likely be impacted those they came in close proximity with while from celebrated artists such as the legendary Ralph by the viral outbreak. Earlier this month, Cook contagious with advice on how to monitor McQuarrie and Academy Award-winning artist, au- acknowledged in a companywide virtual symptoms, care for themselves and prevent thor, and production designer, Doug Chiang. meeting that the coronavirus was a “stressful the spread of the virus.

Japanese Ambassador calls on Food Security Minister Soahail Majeed BUtt ISLAMABAD Japan is willing to help Pakistan to acquire pesti- Japanese Ambassador Matsuda Kuninori here cides and other essential products. Japan is also Monday called on Federal Minister for National helping Pakistan financially in current COVID 19 Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam. epidemic. Pakistan does export fruits and vegeta- The minister told Ambassador that Pakistan is bles, but the quantity is limited to cater the increas- among major wheat exporters of the world be- ing demand of Japanese market especially of mangos. cause of adverse weather conditions wheat export The minister emphasized that the gov- would be affected this year. Pakistan and Japan ernment wanted to enhance flori cul- should increase collaboration in transfer of technol- ture in Pakistan and assistance from ogy and information in agriculture sector. The min- japans’ government would be highly valuable. ister also emphasized role of Japan in agricultural In the meeting it was discussed that Japan machinery. Pakistan also required assistance from would facilitate Pakistan to control locust, Japan in growing crop seeds technology he added. in value addition of fruits and vegetables Japanese Ambassador said Pakistan was one of the and Flori culture specially tulip and roses. major agricultural products exporter and many Collaboration in sectors of fishery, live- countries depend upon Pakistan for rice and fruits. stock, poultry etc should also be enhanced. Japan is already working (in Pakistan) on vari- The minister also acknowledge the ongoing pro- ous projects and many Japanese companies are jects and collaboration of Japanese Government in willing to invest in agriculture sector in Pakistan. Pakistan. Japanese Ambassador ensured further He said ongoing locust situation was the big- financial assistance and collaboration in agriculture gest thread to food security for Pakistan. sector by the Japanese Government. Tuesday , April 28, 2020

www.theasiantelegraph.net PSX turns bearish; index sheds 491 points

Bureau Report KARACHI

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed the first trading session of Ramzan on a nega- Salma Hayek, Husband cele- tive note, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index dropping over 600 points intraday amid lack brates 14th union anniversary of positive triggers. The cement sector took a beating on Monday, mainly due to concerns over the recent increase in its per-bag price. International crude oil prices also slide by 8.5pc which kept the E&P stocks under pressure. The KSE-100 Index lost 675.30 points in early trade to record its intraday low at 32,131.08. Failing to attract investors, it closed lower by 491.81 points at 32,314.57.Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index plunged 1,055.94 points to end at 51,328.73, while the KSE All Share Index ing (-83.65 points), power generation & distri- Steels Limited (ASTL -0.99pc) published an EPS dropped 266.00 points, settling at 22,853.30. bution (-58.84 points) and oil & gas marketing of Rs-1.26 for 3QFY20, Avanceon Limited (AVN Of the total traded shares, 88 advanced and (-38.31 points). Among the companies, Hub +7.50pc) announced an EPS of Rs3.31 for FY19 173 declined. The overall market volumes Power Company Limited (HUBC -50.06 points), (along with 10pc bonus shares), whereas Fauji were recorded at 122.28 million, of which Company Limited (MARI -43.86 Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC +0.39pc) de- 77pc came from the 100 index scrips. Maple points) and Lucky Cement Limited (LUCK -38.36 clared an EPS of Rs3.65 along with an interim Leaf Cement Factory Limited (MLCF -3.42pc), points) dented the index the most. On the finan- cash dividend of Rs2.50. According to a notifi- Hascol Petroleum Limited (HASCOL -0.68pc) cial side, Shifa International Hospitals Limited cation by the exchange, “The first rebalancing and DG Khan Cement Company Limited (DGKC (SHFA +1.62oc) declared earnings per share of the UBL Pakistan Enterprise Index (UPP9) is MEXICO -1.80pc) topped the volume chart, exchanging (EPS) of Rs3.35 for the third quarter of FY20, due on April 30, 2020. The recomposed index Salma Hayek is celebrating the 14th anniver- 17.35 million, 7.41 million and 7.01 million Kohinoor Textile Mills Limited (KTML -6.74pc) shall be implemented from May 5, 2020, and sary of meeting her “soul mate” and husband shares, respectively.Sectors that drove the KSE- recorded an EPS of Rs1.47 for 3QFY20, while the revised list will be communicated on May 4, François-Henri Pinault. The 53-year-old ac- 100 Index south included oil & gas exploration Bank AlFalah Limited (BAFL -3.20pc) posted 2020. These stocks shall no longer be available tress posted the affectionate Instagram note (-88.99 points), cement (-85.38 points), bank- an EPS of Rs1.59 for 1QFY20.Similarly, Amreli for trading in Odd Lot market.” to her French hubby writing, “Today 14 years ago I met my soul mate. After the test of time and even the test of the quarantine I feel very China’s domestic tourism rebounds amid emerging livestreaming blessed that I’ve found you, and the more I discover you the more my love grows. Happy Bureau Report novation and other factors, is activating traditional measures to help boost the employment of univer- anniversary Mi Amor.” She rewrote the trib- BEIJING culture and tourism resources, which form new sity graduates amid the COVID-19 impact, an of- ute in both French and Spanish. The Like a China’s tourism market has gained momentum ficial with the Ministry of Education said Boss star accompanied her post with several with short distance journeys taking the lead as in an interview. The measures include photos of the couple dancing wildly at an companies jump on the livestreaming bandwagon. expanding the enrollment of postgradu- undisclosed gala, the actress wearing a hot Data from the country’s fast-growing e-commerce ate and degree top-up programs, creat- pink dress.Hayek and billionaire Pinault, 57 Gulf States can platform Pinduoduo showed that booking for ing more jobs in education, research wed on Valentine’s Day 2009 in France, then short-distance trips, such as provincial tours and and medical and social service sectors celebrated with an additional bash in Italy. raise billions via excursions, soared by 270 percent in April com- and stepping up support for graduates They share a 12-year-old daughter named pared with last month. Bearing mounting pres- from the worst-hit Hubei Province and Valentina. However, their “how we met” asset sales sure from the COVID-19, tourist sites team up with poverty-stricken regions, said Wang story is a mystery. “I’m not going to tell you,” livestreaming platforms to attract online consum- Dengfeng, director of the ministry’s Hayek told Town and Country last year, after Bureau Report ers in various ways, including virtual displays, leading group office on the COVID-19 she was asked. “It’s such a romantic, amazing ABU DHABI interactive explanations and scene experience.A response.In collaboration with several story, but it is mine. I don’t want to vulgarize Gulf nations may turn to asset livestreaming show about the Hibiscus Town, a job-hunting websites, the ministry has it by making it into a story to make myself sales to complement an almost $50 Hunan-based village with more than two thousand put up job opportunities online to fur- interesting.” billion debt spree to support econ- years, was held Sunday on the Pinduoduo, raking ther facilitate employment. An online omies rocked by the coronavirus a total of 350,000 views and more than 6 billion recruitment platform, launched in late Demi Lovato opens up pandemic and the collapse in crude interactions. “Tourist livestreaming can help the February, has provided over 9 million prices, according to Citigroup Inc. digitalization of the sector,” said Jing Ming, a di- positions and received around 13.6 mil- about eating disorder Countries including Saudi Arabia rector with the Pinduoduo, noting that the trend lion applications so far. Meanwhile, the and the UAE have “really attrac- will further optimize local industrial structure platform has been hosting a special job tive” government-owned assets, while leveraging the advantages of e-commerce. engines of the industry, said Dai Bin, head of the fair and a live training course on job-hunting every which could be sold to the public Digitalization, together with capital, knowledge, in- China Tourism Academy.China has taken a slew of week, according to Wang. or partnered with other investors, Atiq Rehman, head of Citigroup Inc.’s emerging-market cluster for Too early for banks to suspend Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Aramco hybrid engine to cut car pollutants 2020 dividends: Kuwait c. bank said. Many Gulf companies have Bureau Report non-core business that could at- DUBAI tract partners with technical exper- A new hybrid electric-petrol engine reducing tise or capital, said Rehman. “This harmful greenhouse gasses by 50 percent could frees up capital for you to focus on be developed from a study by scientists at Saudi your core,” he said. “I think that Aramco and King Abdullah University of Science kind of thing you will see happen- and Technology. Developed in collaboration with ing more.”“There are opportunities scientists in China, it could bridge the gap be- obviously on that front,” he said. tween traditional internal combustion engines “There is also high investment- and the next generation of fully electric motor grade rating for their ability to raise engines. It was unveiled in a paper published in substantial amount of international the prestigious journal Applied Energy.Advanced NEW YORK debt at very attractive prices. There gasoline compression-ignition (GCI), in conjunc- Demi Lovato shared details about rehab is capacity to borrow more.” Gulf tion with varying battery sizes and cleaner types and her struggles with an eating disorder governments are looking at ways of petrol like that refined from Saudi crude could when she joined cast members from her for- to shore up their economies as the provide “an orderly transition toward a more sus- mer hit Disney Channel series Sonny with a coronavirus pandemic and a his- tainable transport future,” the paper said.Many Chance for a virtual reunion. Stars from the toric crash in oil prices add to pres- countries have called for bans on traditional show, which aired from 2009 to 2011, as sure on already strained finances. petrol engines over the next two decades, as well as those from its spinoff So Random!, Unlike in Europe, most major en- concerns rise about the effects of environmen- pre-recorded the conversation which went tities in the region are still state- tal pollution and climate change. Aramco has for live Saturday night. Lovato was joined in the owned. Saudi Arabia last year raised years invested in research and development in chat by Tiffany Thornton, Allisyn Ashley Arm, $29.4 billion by selling less than a engine technology and fuel efficiency as part of Doug Brochu, Sterling Knight, Audrey Whitby, 2 per cent stake in the world’s big- its sustainability strategy, with centers studying Matthew Scott Montgomery, Shayne Topp and gest oil producer, Saudi Aramco. the issue of pollutant emissions in Paris, Detroit Damien Haas. From the get-go the conversa- and Shanghai. tion was a candid one, with Arm asking what everyone had been up to in the near-decade since the end of the show, and Lovato re- plying, to laughs from her former co-stars, “I went to rehab.Lovato left Sonny with a Chance at 18 after the show’s second season, No tennis player is fighting to when she entered treatment for “physical and PCB hands Umar Akmal three-year ban from all emotional stress.” “I don’t think going back survive - Thiem to Sonny would be healthy for my recovery,” cricket Lovato told People at the time. “Being in Bureau Report front of a camera would make me nervous.” Staff Report close to the PCB Vigilance and Security Vienna LAHORE Department (without unnecessary World No. 3 Dominic Thiem has rejected the notion that Charli XCX ‘surprised by her pro- Umar Akmal’s troubled cricket career delay) full details of any approaches or the top tennis players should chip in to help lower-ranked has hit its biggest roadblock yet, with invitations received by the Participant competitors who are struggling financially due to the ductivity during lockdown the PCB handing him a ban from all to engage in Corrupt Conduct under pause in tournaments because of the coronavirus pan- representative cricket for three years this Anti-Corruption Code”.Akmal rep- demic.World No. 1 Novak Djokovic last week urged players after he accepted the two charges resented himself at the hearing, while to contribute to a fund set up by the sport’s major govern- pressed against him for failing to re- the PCB was represented by lawyer ing bodies to help players affected by a shutdown which port details of corrupt approaches Taffazul Rizvi. Afterwards, a PCB state- began in March and will continue at least until mid-July. made to him ahead of this year’s PSL. ment said that Akmal had been heard “at However, Thiem said he felt there were sections of society Akmal’s case had gone directly to the length” before the verdict was passed. that needed more urgent help during the economic crisis PCB disciplinary panel after he opted Lt Col Asif Mahmood, PCB’s director of caused by the pandemic than his fellow competitors.“No to forego the right to a hearing before anti-corruption and security, said, “The tennis player is fighting to survive, even those who are the anti-corruption tribunal, where he PCB doesn’t take any pleasure in see- much lower-ranked. None of them are going to starve,” could have pleaded his innocence and ing a promising international cricketer Thiem told Austrian newspaper Krone on Sunday.Thiem, contested the charges. His decision not PCB had formally charged Akmal with being declared ineligible for three years 26, who has reached three finals at grand slams since to do that meant, in effect, that he would two breaches of its anti-corruption code on corruption charges, but this is once 2018, losing each time, criticised the attitude of some accept whatever sanctions Justice Fazal- for two unrelated incidents on March again a timely reminder to all who think players on the lower-tier Futures circuit, which he said e-Miran Chauhan, the disciplinary com- 20. The charges come under Article they can get away by breaching the anti- meant they did not deserve handouts from the sport’s mittee chairman, imposed on him. The 2.4.4, which deals with: “Failing to dis- corruption code. top players.“There are many, many players who don’t put the sport above everything else and don’t live in a professional manner. I don’t really see why I should give British Grand Prix will be behind closed doors if it takes place such players money. I’d rather give money to people or organisations that really need it,” he added.“None of us LONDON LISBON top players got anything handed to us, we all had to fight Charli XCX is “surprised” by how well she’s coping our way up. I don’t have the guarantee in any job that I with the coronavirus lockdown. The 27-year-old The British Grand Prix has notified fans will do well and earn lots of money.” singer is currently in Los Angeles, where she’s who purchased tickets for this year’s busily working on her new album - tentatively event that any race held in 2020 will titled ‘How I’m Feeling Now’ - and Charli has ad- be without spectators.The coronavirus mitted to being surprised by her own productivity pandemic has delayed the start of the amid the current crisis. She shared: “I feel quite F1 season, with the opening 10 races ei- good right now. I definitely have days where I’m ther postponed or cancelled. The British just like, ‘Oh My God, I feel so unproductive and GP at Silverstone of July 19 would have lost,’ but generally, I’m quite surprised at how I’m been the 12th race on the 2020 sched- handling this time.”Charli also thinks that making ule.On Monday, British GP boss Stuart an album at home will change how she works in Pringle confirmed the race will be held the future. Asked if her approach will change in behind closed doors, although it is yet light of the lockdown, the ‘Boom Clap’ hitmaker to be confirmed whether the event will told the BBC: “Definitely. Part of me is like, ‘I don’t actually take place.In an email to ticket know why I haven’t made an album like this be- holders, Pringle said: “As promised I left this difficult decision for as long as possible.“Our obligations to protect fore’. “I’m enjoying not travelling and being still am writing to let you know the latest possible, but it is abundantly clear given the health and safety of everyone in- and focusing on my music. That’s something I regarding the 2020 Formula 1 Pirelli the current conditions in the country volved in preparing and delivering the never did before. “It was always one million things British Grand Prix.“I am exteemely dis- and the Government requirements in event, our volunteer marshals and Race going on at once, and taking a day here and there appointed to tell you that we are unable place now and for the forseeable fu- Makers, and of course, you, the amazing to record. So I think that will change because I to stage this year’s British Grand Prix ture, that a Grand Prix under normal fans, means that this is the best, safest love recording like this.” in front of fans at Silverstone. We have circumstances is just not going to be and only decision we could make. Tuesday, April 28, 2020 The Asian Telegraph www.theasiantelegraph.net

FPCCI for exports to Financial aid is Afghanistan through being provided Chaman transparently: Dr Nishtar Staff Reporter Staff Reporter ISLAMABAD ISLAMABAD Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPC- Special Assistant to Prime Minister CI) on Monday urged authorities on Poverty Alleviation and Social concern for allowing export of Protection Dr Sania Nishtar Mon- Pakistani goods to Afghanistan day said that the distribution of through Chaman, Torkham and cash assistance among deserving Khorlachi borders. According to families under Ehsaas Emergency a statement issued on Monday, Programme was continuing, where President FPCCI Anjum Nisar said more than 1.77 million needy fami- that bilateral trade between Paki- - stan and Afghanistan was stands tance in a transparent way. Talking still as these borders were closed liesto state have TV,been she given said financial the govern assis- due to pandemic situation of Co- ment was strictly implementing the vid-19 and has been re-opened policy of merit and transparency by the government this month to the deserving families under to Afghanistan but the concerned inthe providingEhsaas Programme.Dr financial assistance Sania andauthorities allowed on move the bordersof cargo aretraffic al- said the government had success- lowing only those trucks which - are carrying cargo under transit nancial assistance programme for trade.President FPCCI further fullydeserving launched people the in biggest-ever history of the fi said that Pakistani exporters are country, as its fruits would reach facing heavy losses because thou- to poor people all over the country. sands of trucks of Pakistani trad- She said the government was leav- ers, carrying perishable consign- ing no stone unturned in combat- ment of rice, potatoes, vegetable ing the COVID-19 pandemic, adding medicines and table eggs, cattle that Prime Minister Imran Khan is and poultry feeds, small chicks, No intention to disturb 18th Amendment highly concerned with the poor and paints and other miscellaneous daily wagers of the country. Paki- items have been stuck up on the - Pak Afghan borders for which sistance to cope with coronavirus advance payments have already stanoutbreak, is in direshe said,need addingof financial that theas been deposited in the bank includ- government has announced excel- ing advance income tax and EDF Distribution of resources under NFC lent relief packages however more charges. He said that these items assistance is required to facilitate cannot be exported to any other the people living below the poverty country except Afghanistan and line.Referring to overwhelming re- the concerned authorities should sponse of the public, she said the also allow Pakistani exports con- Award must be reviewed: FM programme received welcoming signments to move to Afghani- response and receiving millions of stan.The government of Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi visits proposed Foreign Services Academy in Islamabad SMSs. She said the deserving fami- opened the borders to facilitate Staff Reporter lies have been given cash assistance the traders and exporters both ISLAMABAD autonomy could not be denied, yet after 18th Amendment, all the Karachi on Sunday.Foreign Minister of 12,000 rupees, adding that the under bilateral trade and transit there was a need to see whether its stakeholders should sit together Makhdoom Shah Mehmood rest of families who have some is- trade, he added. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah objectives were achieved. He said if to discuss and review the distribu- Qureshi visited the proposed sues of CNIC or thumb will receive Mehmood Qureshi on Monday said the provinces’ practice of looking tion of resources before a new NFC Foreign Services Academy at Old - with the government having no in- towards the Center despite get- Award.Earlier while speaking in the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad on tion of the NADRA. She said from the assistance soon after verifica tention to do away with the 18th ting enhanced share in national re- meeting of parliamentary commit- Monday. Director General Foreign would hopefully to start working Constitutional Amendment, the sources after devolution of power tee on the coronavirus, the minister Service Academy Nadeem Riaz nextand the two problems days the related NADRA to officethese situation arising out of the corona- through the 18th Amendment con- said there was no problem between and Additional Secretary Special issues would be readdressed soon. virus outbreak, however, required tinued, then there was a need to the Federal and Sindh governments Projects Muhammad Imran Mirza Explaining the criteria, Dr Sania its review through consultation sit together and review the situa- except the difference of opinion welcomed the Foreign Minister. Nishtar said the programme was among the Center, provinces and tion. The foreign minister said the on the issue of lockdown. He said The Foreign Minister visited differ- not aimed at those people who political forces. He expressed these provinces got various incentives despite a general impression that ent parts of the proposed Academy were receiving regular salary from views while talking to media per- from the Center under the 18th there was an effective lockdown in including library, study area, resi- any government or private job.She sons here at the Parliament House Amendment but did not pass on the Karachi, the number of coronavirus dential area, hostels and sports said income of a person was de- termined on transparent basis after attending the fourth meeting same to lower levels.He said that as cases in the provincial metropolis grounds. The Foreign Minister from data about them. For exam- of parliamentary committee on the the Center only got resources for was increasing. The committee termed the renovation and repair ple, people owning motor cars coronavirus.The foreign minister current expenditures, debt servic- also unanimously approved a res- work of the building as satisfactory and other valuable assets were said though the importance of 18th ing and defence under the National olution demanding immediate re- and directed to complete it in the not considered eligible for this Amendment vis a vis the provincial Finance Commission (NFC) Award lease of the traders arrested in shortest possible time. financial assistance.

Biggest industrial package okayed Arab league discuss Chinese authorities stress implementation of ECC approves Rs 75b for unemployed, daily wagers Israel’s plans to financial policies for poverty relief Bureau Report Staff Report annex West Bank of crew members of international Bureau Report BEIJING - ISLAMABAD small and medium size enterprises KARACHI eral Administration of Customs (GAC). indirect(SMEs) through cash flow pre-paid support electricity. to the Chinese authorities have stressed the All crew members inbound and out- The Economic Coordination Com- The ECC chaired by Adviser to Prime ships and flights, according to the Gen The Arab League said Monday faithful implementation of various bound must report their health con- mittee (ECC) has approved a pack- Minister on Finance & Revenue Dr ditions, while airlines and ships are age worth Rs 75 billion for the un- Abdul Hafeez Shaikh also approved it will convene an urgent virtual meeting this week to discuss how to coordinate efforts to prevent the required to carry out onboard body employed. Minister for Industries a credit loss subsidy of Rs 30 bil- spread of COVID-19 and carry out temperature tests and report to the and Production Hammad Azhar lion for the Risk Sharing Facility for to galvanise opposition to Israeli financial policies for poverty relief plans to annex parts of the oc- GAC when any anomalies occur, said told that the government will grant - Rs 12,000 to the deserving persons Scheme to support employment and cupied West Bank. The extraor- dinary meeting - scheduled for targeted financial poverty alleviation.- conference Monday. The GAC has also and pay three-month electricity bills Stateprevent Bank lay-off of Pakistan’s of workers.Under Refinance leviation work this year and focus on been conducting risk assessments to- of small businessmen.He further the Rs 50.69 billion package titled Thursday at the request of the All financial institutions should con GAC official Song Yueqian at a press Palestinian leadership - will bring tinuedeeply to impoverished carry out financial areas povertyand coun al- told that the Ministry of Industries as ‘ChotaKarobar o SannatImadadi ties that are still stuck in poverty, said and Production and the Ehsaas pro- Package’ and prepared by the Minis- together Arab foreign ministers via video conference, rather than a national video teleconference held wardstrictly all prohibit incoming irrelevant flights andpersonnel ships, gramme will soon launch a portal try of Industries and Production with sumers up to Rs 450,000 for three by the People’s Bank of China and the from getting on or off the ships with- in this regard. Let it be known that active consultation with Small and a face-to-face meeting, due to the according to the official. Ships should months.The base period for estimat- global coronavirus pandemic. China Banking and Insurance Regula- out permission, Song said.Song also the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Medium Enterprises Development ing electricity consumption would tory Commission.Financial institu- noted that nucleic acid tests will be will provide loan for the employees’ Authority (SMEDA), approximately The Arab League’s deputy secre- be May-July 2019 and for meters tary Hossam Zaki said the minis- tions should make full use of policy carried out for some crew members salaries and other incentives under 95 per cent commercial consumers for which electricity consumption the industrial package. All sectors with connected load up to 5 KW and ters will “discuss in their virtual data is not available for the full base meeting providing political, legal of domestic or foreign airlines de- 72 per cent of industrial consumers period, appropriate average will be resources and strive to achieve full pending on their routes and duration factories and banks will be able to with connected load of up to 70 KW - tools such as refinancing for poverty disembarking from ships and flights used. To avail of the facility under estinian leadership to confront relief, increase investment in financial of stay. For Chinese crew members including shops, offices, schools,- - the ‘ChotaKarobar o SannatImadadi said. More should be done to imple- who change shifts and board ships nomic Coordination Committee port. Under the scheme, commercial andthe Israelifinancial plans”. support It comes to the after Pal Package’, pre-paid electricity bills of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin coveragement the ofsupport basic financial policies services,that have it at domestic ports, the customs will get(ECC) benefit of the from Cabinet the has package.Eco approved wouldconsumers be providedwould be financialgiven support sup three months or total bills during been issued, especially the temporary implement strict health inspection Rs 50.69 billion package to provide up to Rs 100,000 and industrial con- Netanyahu and his political rival the base period would be required. Benny Gantz signed a deal for a deferral of principal and interest on measures such as body temperature unity government that could ac- loans to small businesses and the ex- monitoring and medical inspections, celerate the premier’s plans to tension of the repayment period for said Song. China’s yuan strengthened No progress in EU-EAEU talks annex parts of the West Bank in poverty alleviation microcredit, it said. against a basket of currencies last the coming months. To prevent imported COVID-19 cases, week, according to the China Foreign EU indifferent to reviewing ties with Moscow: Lavrov China has ramped up the management Exchange Trade System (CFETS). BUreau Report the key obstacle is “political biasedness and stubborn obses- BRUSSELS Global Markets Mogherini when she was the EU foreign policy chief. “These There is no progress in dialogue between the Eurasian Eco- sion with the notorious five principles” worded by Federica nomic Union (EAEU) and the European Union because of normalization and improvement of relations between Russia Shares up on lockdown easing hopes the latter’s biasedness, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lav- fiveand principles,the European as a Union matter in of dependence fact, place further on the development, implementa- rov said on Monday. “So far, there is no progress,” he said in tion of the Minsk agreements on the Ukrainian crisis,” Lavrov BUreau Report pledging to buy unlimited amounts of Nasdaq Composite added 103.99 points, a video lecture for students of the Moscow State Institute of said, adding that it is Ukraine that must implement the Minsk SINGAPORE/SHANGHAI/LONDON government bonds, continuing a trend of or 1.2%, to 8,738.51. The pan-European International Relations (MGIMO). He recalled that contacts accords in direct dialogue with Donetsk and Lugansk.He also historic stimulus announcements to off- STOXX 600 index rose 1.77% and MSCI’s between the two commissions had been established at the drew attention to the fact that many joint projects had been Global stock markets rose on Monday set the economic effects of the COVID-19 gauge of stocks across the globe gained initiative of the Eurasian Economic Commission in line with halted due to the EU’s illegitimate sanctions. Moreover, the as investors cheered news that more pandemic. The U.S. Federal Reserve and 1.64%.After more than a month of lock- its request issued almost four years ago.No response came for West also wants Russia to scale down its relations with the countries and U.S. states were looking to the European Central Bank meet later downs, some countries and U.S. a long time and ultimately the European Commission agreed East. “We have already realized that we don’t want to depend ease lockdowns and the Bank of Japan in the week, with the ECB expected to on cooperation on issues of technical regulations and phyto- on partners, including the EU, who helped boost a number of expanded its stimulus program, while increase the size of its bond buying pro- sanitary norms. “I.e. on the matters that are to be agreed to our industries but proved to be unreliable. So, we have opted the price of oil continued to crumble gram. “There will certainly be a tsunami ensure smooth trade and those matters that were delegated for import substitution. But it is unfair to accuse us of turn- as storage runs out. U.S. energy stocks of negative news that will come crashing to the supranational level in the cases of both us and the Eu- ing for the East because the West has imposed sanctions and underperformed the wider market but down on markets and investors. That ropean Union,” he said, adding that the European colleagues of more active cooperation with China, India and other Asia were still up in New York despite a nearly is consensus. We have that assumption demonstrated a utilitarian approach. “And we think that it is 25% decline in U.S. crude prices. The U.S. baked in,” said Art Hogan, chief market useful too. At least, it indicates recognition of the realities, rec- with any resentments.”The minister recalled that at the Rus- dollar fell as risk-prone traders cheered strategist at National Securities in New ognition of the fact that it is necessary to have contacts with Pacificsia-ASEAN nations,” summit he stressed.in Sochi back“Our inposition 2016 Russianhas nothing President to do lockdown news even as health experts York.“What we don’t know is what the Vladimir Putin had come out with an initiative to forge a bigger warned that not enough coronavirus world looks like on the other side of this, and continue to develop in order to ensure smooth trade, and Eurasian partnership involving members nations of the EAEU, testing was in place in the United States. and how much of the potential economic theeveryone structures wants the to fivemaintain post-Soviet trade nationsrelations,” have he established added.Ac- the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), ASEAN states From Italy to New Zealand, governments damage will be mitigated by the historic cording to the Russian top diplomat, Moscow is interested in and all other nations of the huge Eurasian continent, includ- announced the easing of restrictions, policy response.” The Dow Jones Indus- an agreement between the European Union and the Eurasian ing the EU countries. “We never create anything that would while Britain said it was too early to re- trial Average rose 288.2 points, or 1.21%, Economic Union. The document, in his words, would set po- be closed for other countries which are interested in joining it lax them there.The Bank of Japan kicked to 24,063.47, the S&P 500 gained 38.57 litical frames and facilitate trade and economic relations but as sharing the charter principles of this or that structure. that off a week of central bank meetings by points, or 1.36%, to 2,875.31 and the

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