Biden’s options for reviving travel economy ravaged by COVID-19 page 10

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

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Qatar, GCC markets gain municipality tops in as non-oil issuing building permits in Dec stocks shine Tribune News Network

Municipality of Al Daayen issued 248 permits, accounting for 26% of total permits issued during December Major stocks in the Gulf region strengthened on Mon- Tribune News Network ed for 6 percent, with 10 day, bucking the global trend, Doha certificates accounted for 3 percent as shares in non-oil sectors and Al Shammal with eight certifi- took centre stage with the Municipality of Al Daayen cates accounted for 3 percent. market in primarily topped all municipalities in Qatar In terms of the type of cer- driving the gains. in terms of the number of building tificates issued, data indicates that Gaining for a third consec- permits issued in December 2020 the new building completion cer- utive session, the Qatar Stock with 248 permits, representing 26 tificates including residential and Exchange (QSE) general in- percent of the total issued permits non-residential accounted for 69 dex increased 117.26 points during the month, Planning and percent with 220 certificates of when the bourse closed for Statistics Authority (PSA) has said the total building certificates is- trading at 10,842.99 points in its latest report. sued during December 2020, while on Monday. According to PSA’s seventy-sec- the percentage of additions certifi- The volume of shares ond issue of the monthly statistics cates constituted 31 percent with traded decreased to 186.979 of building permits and building 99 certificates. million on Monday from completion certificates issued by By analysing new residential 198.617 million on Sunday all municipalities in Qatar, Al Doha buildings completion certificates and the value of shares in- came in second place with 200 per- data, it was found that villas topped creased to QR590.784 mil- mits- 21 percent of the total- fol- the list, accounting for 58 percent lion from QR517.11 million lowed by municipality of of all new residential buildings on Sunday. with 189 permits (19 percent) and completion certificates with 104 Indices of all seven sec- municipality of with 149 certificates, followed by dwellings tors closed in the positive ter- permits (15 percent). of housing loans certificates by ritory. The QSE Total Return Umm Slal with 90 permits ac- 36 percent (64 certificates), then Index increased 1.09 percent counted for 9 percent of the total, apartments buildings by 3 percent to 20,845.30 points and the while Al Khor saw 41 permits (4 (6 certificates). QSE Al Rayan Islamic In- percent), Al Sheehaniya had 30 per- On the other hand, commercial dex gained 0.69 percent to mits (3 percent), and Al Shammal buildings were found to be in the 4,364.16 points. The QSE All saw 25 permits (3 percent). forefront of non-residential build- Share Index up 1.04 percent In terms of the type of permits ings completion certificates with 39 to 3,330.27 points. issued, data indicates that the new percent (16 certificates), followed by The Gulf’s biggest lender building permits including residen- and industrial buildings like work- Qatar National Bank (QNB) tial and non-residential reached shops and factories with 29 percent firmed 1.2 percent and was 507 permits, constituting 52 per- (12 certificates), then governmental the best performer on the cent of the total building permits buildings and mosques with 24 per- benchmark. issued during the month of Decem- cent (5 certificates) for each. Dubai’s main share index ber, while the percentage of addi- Comparing number of certifi- tacked on 0.9 percent, driven tions permits reached 44 percent cates issued in December 2020 with mainly by a 1.8 percent gain with 429 permits. Fencing per- Villas accounted for 77 percent of all new residential buildings permits in December. those issued in the previous month, in the emirate’s biggest bank mits accounted for 4 percent with it was noted there was a general de- Emirates NBD. Sharia-com- 36 permits. ings permits with 44 percent (36 (68 percent), Al Sheehaniya (58 issuance of 95 building completion crease of 10 percent. This decrease pliant lender Dubai Islamic By analysing new residential permits), followed by industrial percent), Umm Slal (50 percent), Al certificates, accounting for 30 per- was clearly noted in some of the Bank also advanced, adding buildings permits data, it was found buildings like workshops and fac- Shammal (39 percent), Al Rayyan cent of the total issued certificates, municipalities like Al Da’ayen (51 0.8 percent. that villa topped the list, accounting tories with 31 percent (25 permits), (30 percent), Al Doha (24 percent), while the municipality of Al Wak- percent), Al Doha (33 percent), Al In Abu Dhabi, the bench- for 77 percent of all new residential then governmental buildings with On the other hand, there was a rah came in second place with 77 Wakrah (10 percent). mark firmed 1.2 percent, buildings permits with 329 permits, 19 percent (15 permits). clear decrease in the municipality certificates (24 percent), followed On the other hand, there was a helped by a more than 2 per- followed by dwellings of housing Comparing the number of per- of Al Khor (13 percent), Al Wakrah by the municipality of Al Doha with clear increase in the municipality cent gain in the UAE’s largest loans permits by 13 percent (54 per- mits issued in December 2020 with (9 percent). 44 certificates (14 percent), then Al of Al Sheehaniya (200 percent), Al lender First Abu Dhabi Bank. mits) and apartments buildings by those issued in the previous month According to the data on build- Daayen municipality with 35 certifi- Khor (25 percent), Al Rayyan (20 Saudi Arabia’s bench- 8 percent (34 permits). we noted a general increase of ing completion certificates issued cates (11 percent). percent), Umm Slal (7 percent), mark index finished the ses- On the other hand, commercial 28 percent. during the month of December Umm Slal with 32 certificates while Al Shammal municipality sion up 0.6 percent, buoyed buildings were found to be in the The increase was noted in most 2020, Al Rayyan municipality accounted for 10 percent, Al Shee- maintained the same number of is- by a 0.7 percent rise in lend- forefront of non-residential build- of the municipalities: Al Da’ayen topped all municipalities with the haniya with 18 certificates account- sued certificates. er Al Rajhi Bank.

Qatar, UAE have greater fiscal strength in GCC: Moody’s

Tribune News Network in Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia,” said Doha Alexander Perjessy an analyst at Moody’s. Increase in debt burdens for GCC sov- Qatar and the UAE have greater fis- ereigns will be among the largest globally. cal strength than their other GCC peers, “We forecast that debt will rise on average thanks to their large sovereign wealth by around 21 percentage points of GDP fund (SWF) buffers relative to their fis- over 2019-21 across the GCC, compared cal deficits, according to rating agency with an average of 12 percentage points Moody’s. for emerging markets and 14 percent- The COVID-19 related fall in oil rev- age points for advanced economies,” said enue has eroded fiscal strength of many Perjessy. GCC countries and constrained econom- GCC governments with relatively high ic recovery, resulting in lingering pres- fiscal breakevens, including Bahrain and sure on their sovereign credit strengths, Kuwait, will see the largest increases of according to Moody’s. 33.8 percentage points and 37.5 percent- The rating agency expects that it will age points respectively. The debt burdens take 2-3 years for real GDP in GCC sov- of those with lower breakevens, such ereigns to return to pre-pandemic levels. as Qatar and the UAE, will rise by only “Our outlook for GCC sovereigns four percentage points and 11 percentage reflects the coronavirus pandemic’s im- points respectively. pact on oil revenue and our expectations Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF) will for the erosion of fiscal strength expe- mitigate the impact of higher gross debt rienced last year to extend throughout burdens of GCC countries. While analysts 2021,” said Thaddeus Best, a Moody’s expect that the largest rise in debt burden analyst. will be in Kuwait, the government’s excep- “The still elevated cost of funding for tionally strong balance sheet will mitigate lower-rated sovereigns in the region will The debt burden of Qatar, which is expected to rise by only four percentage points, is much lower than most of the GCC countries. the impact on fiscal strength. amplify these strains.” “While the UAE’s and Qatar’s SWF Moody’s expects subdued oil revenue with institutional strength. 2021 after coronavirus-related costs de- added tax (VAT) in April 2021. assets will remain smaller than Kuwait’s will constrain government spending in “We estimate that Qatar and the UAE, layed a planned tightening in expendi- Spending is forecast to stay above pre- relative to GDP at 124 per cent and 163 2021. Global oil demand is vulnerable to which have the strongest institutions and ture in 2020. pandemic levels in Kuwait and Bahrain, per cent respectively, their fiscal deficits any subsequent flare-ups in the corona- governance scores in the region, made Limited market access will keep largely driven by public sector wage bills are also much narrower. This implies virus outbreak and further government the largest cuts to expenditure in 2020. Oman’s expenditure low. The govern- in Kuwait and already committed 2020 that their SWF assets would cover deficit lockdowns, which could hurt oil prices We expect that this discipline will persist ment announced several fiscal consoli- budget spending in Bahrain. spending for a much longer period of time and delay the planned easing of produc- throughout 2021, with spending remain- dation measures in 2020, which it is Moody’s expects GCC fiscal deficits to than in Kuwait,” said Best tion cuts by the Organisation of the Pe- ing significantly below pre-pandemic likely to maintain into 2021. These in- narrow only modestly in GCC in 2021. In Saudi Arabia and Oman, government troleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). levels, despite a year-on-year increase in clude a 10 percent cut in noninterest “We forecast the median fiscal deficit debt burdens now exceed the SWF asset Analysts said the Capacity of GCC the UAE,” said Best. spending – double what it committed to to remain wide at 6 per cent of GDP in stock, and Moody’s expects the net asset sovereigns to reduce expenditure after a In Saudi Arabia, the government is in March 2020 – and government wage 2021, driving a further deterioration in positions to fall to negative balances of 18 drop in oil prices is strongly correlated likely to push through spending cuts in bill reforms. It will also introduce value fiscal strength, which will be most acute per cent and 65 per cent of GDP by 2021. Economy & Business Tuesday, January 12, 2021 09 China’s Baidu and China’s second-half car sales Geely partner up for smart electric cars defy global slump with 8% gain Tribune News Network likely to face strong compe- Doha tition, with carmakers and tech giants globally trying to Electric vehicles make huge leaps in sales, increasing by 12 percent in 2020 to 1.17 million units China’s search engine develop smart cars. Baidu has announced it will Internet giants includ- Agencies partner with carmaker Geely ing Tencent, Amazon and to make smart electric vehi- Alphabet have all developed China’s car sales increased cles (EVs). auto-related technology or during the six months ended Baidu will provide “intel- invested in smart-car start- in December, as customers re- ligent driving capabilities”, ups in recent years. turned to showrooms amid a while Geely will offer design China’s e-commerce gi- tentative recovery in consum- and manufacturing exper- ant Alibaba has formed an er sentiment in the first major tise. EV joint venture with Gee- economy to emerge from the Geely is one of China’s ly’s competitor SAIC. coronavirus lockdown. largest carmakers, and also Chinese ride-hailing app Sales of passenger vehicles owns Volvo and a stake Didi Chuxing has partnered – cars, sports-utility vehicles in Mercedes-Benz owner (SUVs) and minivans, exclud- Daimler. ing commercial trucks and The two companies will buses – rose 8 per cent to 11.75 be competing not just with million units in the six-month Elon Musk’s Tesla, but also period, compared with the in- with several Chinese com- terim a year earlier. Annual petitors. sales volume fell for the third “We believe that by com- Competition straight year in 2020, shrink- bining Baidu’s expertise in Baidu and Geely are likely ing by 6.8 per cent to 19.6 mil- smart transportation, con- to face strong competition, lion units, according to data nected vehicles and autono- with carmakers and tech by the China Passenger Car mous driving with Geely’s giants globally trying to Association (CPCA), as fac- expertise as a leading auto- develop smart cars. tories and businesses across mobile and EV manufactur- Internet giants including the country were locked down er, the new partnership will Tencent, Amazon and Alpha- during the first half to contain pave the way for future pas- the Covid-19 disease. senger vehicles,” said Robin bet have all developed auto- “Given the huge impact Li, co-founder and chief ex- related technology or from the coronavirus out- ecutive of Baidu. invested in smart-car break, the full-year sales re- Baidu established its startups in recent years. sult can be interpreted as a autonomous driving unit rare achievement, because Apollo in 2017, which main- with automaker BYD to a recovery has taken shape China’s passenger car deliveries rose 6.6 percent in December to 2.29 million units. ly supplies technology pow- make electric vehicles spe- with customers’ confidence ered by artificial intelligence cifically designed for ride restored,” said Cui Dongshu, Daimler said sales of its by 2060. Chinese customers like interi- and works with a number of hailing services. secretary general of the CPCA, Mercedes-Benz marque rose The enthusiasm for elec- or wood panelling and heated international and Chinese The announcement fol- the industry guild. “The strong 11.7 per cent in China. Audi, The winners tric cars was due in no small steering, set off a buying fren- carmakers lows reports of a possible growth momentum in [elec- the premium brand in the ● Premium marques, or part to Tesla’s US$2 billion in- zy. Some new buyers said they China is the world’s lead- electric car tie-up with Apple tric] vehicles during the sec- Volkswagen portfolio and the vehicles that sell for at vestment to make the Model 3 had to wait until the second ing market for electric vehi- and Hyundai. ond half proved to be a major standard issue for ministerial least 400,000 yuan in Shanghai, which slashed the quarter for their Model Ys to cles. Shares of the South Ko- growth driver.” vehicles, reported a 4.4 per waiting period for the brand’s be delivered. According to the Inter- rean car company surged by The slump-defying sec- cent increase in sales in the (US$61,700), were the legion of customers. Tesla’s Passenger car deliveries national Energy Agency, more than 20% on Friday ond half explains why global first nine months, while BMW biggest winners of 2020 in Gigafactory 3 sold more than rose 6.6 per cent in December there were 7.2 million elec- after it initially said it was in carmakers and start-ups are posted a 6.4 per cent gain in Chin. 138,000 units of its Shanghai- to 2.29 million units. The year tric cars on the road globally the “early stage” of talks with doubling down on their invest- the same period. ● made Model 3 last year. ended in a stark contrast to its by 2019, with 47% of them in the iPhone maker about a ments, sales and marketing in Electric vehicles, or new- One in six new cars sold “Tesla’s locally built Model start. First-quarter sales plum- China. possible electric car partner- China, betting on the spending energy vehicles (NEVs) as they in China now belongs in 3 inspired young customers meted 41 per cent in 2020, as Data provider S&P Platts ship. power in the world’s second- are known in China, also made the premium category, to own electric vehicles,” said multiple cities across China estimates that “new energy But hours later it back- largest economy to make up huge leaps in sales, rising 12 compared with the 2017 Tian Maowei, a sales man- were locked down to contain vehicles” will account for tracked and said it was talk- for declines elsewhere. per cent in 2020 to 1.17 million ratio of 10 per cent, ager at Yiyou Auto Service the spread of the coronavirus. 20% of total new car sales in ing with a number of poten- Premium marques, or units in total. according to IHS Markit. in Shanghai. “Fast growth in Hundreds of car assemblies China by 2025. tial partners without naming vehicles that sell for at least China’s central govern- NEVs will certainly be achiev- and parts factories were left “China has become the Apple. 400,000 yuan (US$61,700), ment and local authorities able this year.” idle, as workers were ordered world’s largest market for A report in Korea IT were the biggest winners of handed out cash subsidies tax rol-electric motors. The gov- On New Year’s Day, Tesla to stay home to prevent the vi- EVs, and we are seeing EV News on Sunday said the 2020 in China. One in six new exemptions and distributed ernment wants one in every unexpectedly launched its sec- rus from spreading. That sent consumers demanding next two companies planned to cars sold in China now belongs free number plates to encour- fivecars on the nation’s roads ond Shanghai-made vehicle, production and sales into a generation vehicles to be sign a deal by March and in the premium category, com- age car owners to ditch their to run on non-petroleum en- with a 30 per cent discount tailspin, leaving the second- more intelligent,” Mr Li said. start production around pared with the 2017 ratio of petroleum guzzlers for cars ergy source by 2025, part of a from its pre-launch guidance quarter with a 3.6 per cent Baidu and Geely are 2024. 10 per cent, according to IHS that ran on battery packs, hy- plan to put China on the path price. The Model Y, built with sales decline compared with Markit. drogen fuel cells or hybrid pet- to achieving carbon neutrality specifications preferred by the same period in 2019. Semiconductor shortage forces automobile production cuts

Agencies email Friday. “We are evalu- in Brampton, Ontario, and a automakers recovered, there new vehicles with electronic ating the supply constraint of small-SUV plant in Toluca, weren’t enough chips. features such as Bluetooth A widening global shortage of semiconductors and develop- Mexico, while Volkswagen In many cases, automak- connectivity and driver assist, semiconductors for auto parts ing countermeasures to mini- said in December it was facing ers have stopped making navigation and hybrid elec- is forcing major auto compa- mize the impact to produc- production slowdowns due slower-selling vehicles in or- tric systems. Semiconductors nies to halt or slow vehicle tion.” to the shortage. Nissan said der to divert the chips to hot- are typically silicon chips that production just as they were Toyota was forced to cut it has had to adjust produc- ter segments of the market perform control and memory recovering from pandemic- production of the full-size tion in Japan but hasn’t seen including pickup trucks and functions in products rang- related factory shutdowns. Tundra pickup at a factory in a significant impact so far in SUVs. ing from computers and cell- Officials atVolkswagen, San Antonio, Texas. Ford had the U.S. “This will minimize the phones to vehicles and micro- Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota scheduled down time next Industry officials say sem- impact of the current semi- wave ovens. and Nissan all say they have week at its Louisville, Ken- iconductor companies divert- conductor shortage while Auto sales plunged during been hit by the shortage and tucky, assembly plant, but ed production to consumer ensuring we maintain pro- the first wave of lockdowns in forced to delay production of moved it ahead to this week. electronics during the worst duction at our other North April but have since recovered some models in order to keep The plant makes the Ford of the COVID-19 slowdown in American plants,” Fiat significant ground. U.S. new other factories running. Escape and Lincoln Corsair auto sales last spring. Global Chrysler said in a statement. vehicle sales were down 34% “This is absolutely an in- small SUVs. automakers were forced to Officials at Volkswagen, Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota and Nissan all say The auto industry is using during the first half of last dustry issue,” Toyota spokes- Fiat Chrysler has tem- close plants to prevent the they have been hit by the shortage and forced to delay production of more semiconductors than year, but recovered to end the man Scott Vazin said in an porarily car closed factories spread of the virus. When some models in order to keep other factories running. ever before while producing year down only 15%.

Huawei’s secure keyboard now protects your passwords PwC Middle East welcomes 17 Tribune News Network core of the new security regime Doha is centered on the encryption new partners to its regional offices of all biometric data and using When you pay for something a Trusted Execution Environ- Tribune News Network online or log into an app, mak- ment to store sensitive infor- Doha Partner Line of Service ing your phone forget your mation. This keeps that infor- Aktham Odeh Assurance password is often more dif- mation from ever being sent to PwC Middle East and Strategy &, part of the Darren Harris Legal ficult than remembering it. a cloud server. PwC network, have named 17 new partners Diana Dib Strategy& With 5G, almost every service The Secure Keyboard fea- across the region, from January 2021 to sup- Fady Dernayka Assurance we now use is handled through ture is now taking the same port client demands in a transforming market Ghassan Ghazzawi Consulting our phones. This means the standards and applying them and a challenging economic landscape. Hani Zein Strategy& security of our user accounts to password protection. By The firm continues to invest in the region Hiba Darwish Consulting is more important than ever. blocking third parties from and its digital capabilities reflecting its commit- Jad El Mir Strategy& Third-party keyboards are also harvesting your password ment to the transformation agenda as a priority Joseph Bou Eid Deals increasingly common. data, it ultimately prevents to a more & yet required digital future. Qamar Sheikh Assurance Many of those keyboards other sensitive information The new intake will bring the firm to almost Rebhi AbdelQader Consulting have features that allow them from being sent out into the 300 partners across 6000 people in the region. Roy Hintze Deals to save frequently entered remember our passwords. board on your phone, go to world. Currently, all Huawei The admitted partners, from various lines of Sajidah AbuZeit Legal user names and passwords. With Huawei’s Secure Key- System & updates under Set- phones running EMUI 11, service, hold skills and expertise in an array of Samar Sayegh Assurance They take that data and store board, your passwords are nev- tings, then Language & input, like the Huawei Mate 40 Pro industries including Government & Public Sec- Shafiq Hussaini Assurance it on private servers, helping er recorded, regardless of what and then tap Secure keyboard. and the Huawei P40 series, tor, Financial Services and M&A. Shubham Agarwal Consulting you log in automatically the you are logging into. Screen- Huawei’s smartphone secu- support dual biometric au- Hani Ashkar, PwC Middle East Senior Part- Stephen Tudhope Consulting next time you access an app. shots and screen recording are rity features have generally be- thentication that uses 3D face ner said, “We are proud of our new partners Even though this is a conveni- also disabled when you type to come very good in recent years. scans and fingerprint readers who have demonstrated their resilience, dedi- ent service, it presents a mas- make sure malicious apps don’t The standards used in EMUI to unlock your phone. This is cation and commitment to our clients and peo- region is unwavering, and our new partners sive risk to your privacy. The secretly monitor you when you 11 new security features have a more secure authentication ple in what has been an unprecedented year.” have demonstrated that they have the skills, ca- truth is, we need to be able to enter a password. proven repeatedly to display a method than just traditional He added, “Our commitment to solving pabilities and relationships to lead in the new control whether our keyboards To activate Secure Key- higher attention to detail. The passwords. important problems and building trust in our normal.” 10 Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Economy & Business Biden’s options for reviving travel economy ravaged by COVID-19 Biden has promised several steps to restore the nation’s confidence in travel — here are a few of the steps that he’s been asked or has committed to take

DPA/TCA more likely to be exposed. Washington Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president of One of the first tasks Presi- public affairs and policy for dent-elect Joe Biden will face the U.S. Travel Association, when he assumes office will argues that some aspects of be to bring back an economy the travel industry should be crippled by the Covid-19 pan- prioritized because of frequent demic. interaction with the public. Among the hardest-hit in- She includes airline workers, dustries: travel. The US travel hotel workers and restaurant economy has lost about 500 workers. billion dollars since the pan- “If they were able to have demic began last March - a the vaccine, it gives a greater daily loss of 1.75 billion dol- protection to those out and lars, according to the US Trav- about,” she said. “It would el Association. lessen the chance of others Biden has promised to getting the virus.” Even as take a number of steps to re- Congress worked late last year store the nation’s confidence to finish up a 908 billion dol- in travel. Here are a few of the lar coronavirus relief bill with steps that he’s been asked or 45 billion dollars in aid for the has committed to take. travel industry, Biden said it During the pandemic’s was merely a “down payment” early days, transportation on what was needed to revive groups begged U.S. the economy. Department of Transpor- The relief, which includes tation officials to require air- 15 billion dollars to reinstate lines and other transportation payroll reimbursements to companies to provide protec- airlines, will only last through tive equipment to workers and March. The law also includes 1 require their use. billion dollars for airline con- But the DOT made it clear: tractors, 2 billion dollars for Its role was to coordinate with airports and concessionaires, other agencies and provide a 14 billion dollars for transit, regulatory environment that 10 billion dollars for state made it easier to move goods highways, 1 billion dollars for and services. Amtrak and 2 billion dollars “While the FAA remains for buses, motor coaches and steadfast in its focus on safety In this file photo, president-elect Joe Biden removes his face mask before delivering a Thanksgiving address at the Queen Theatre on Nov. 25, 2020, in Wilmington, Delaware. ferries. of flight, we are not a public (Mark Makela/Getty Images/TNS) Barnes said additional health agency,” wrote FAA stimulus funding in a Biden Administrator Stephen Dick- argued since at least 1999 that more regulations than neces- just a very individualistic cul- presidency would help guide son in late March when asked because DOT oversees air- sary.” Nelson said much of the ture,” she said. “As much as we the economy through the re- by Air Line Pilots Association lines, it does not have jurisdic- heavy lifting has already been say we’re all in this together, mainder of the pandemic. International President Joe tion over aircraft crews. America in general - we’re just a very individualistic culture. done, with most airlines re- a lot of people don’t feel that “To get folks moving, we DePete to make mandatory Greg Regan, secretary- As much as we say we’re all in this together, a lot of people quiring masks. Now, she said, way. Some unifying message need consistent recovery to CDC guidelines on protecting treasurer of the Transporta- don’t feel that way. Some unifying message could maybe a federal mandate that will cre- could maybe make us feel get us through this next year,” workforces from the spread of tion Trades Department at ate uniformity “is job number more together.” But messag- she said, saying the package the coronavirus. the AFL-CIO, said Biden and make us feel more together. one.” In the days after the 9/11 ing, she warns, can only go so that passed in December was Three months later, the Transportation Secretary Martina Jones-Johnson, a founding member and board officer attacks, the federal govern- far. “a bridge to 2021.” For some message was unchanged. nominee Pete Buttigieg would for the Black Travel Alliance ment put out unified messag- “We need something to modes, such as airlines, it was “DOT is not a public health likely take a more aggressive ing: If you see something, they get rid of this virus,” she said. the second tranche of funding. agency,” a DOT spokesman approach. urged, say something. “That’s when we’ll start to do The first round of 25 billion said after transportation work- “DOT is a public health Other airlines have varying opposed as “overly restrictive” Such messaging is one of a lot of traveling.” While labor dollars worth airline payroll ers complained to a House agency,” Regan said. “It does policies on medical exemp- a spending bill that included the most important things the groups representing transpor- funding, which was part of the panel about the absence of have a responsibility when it tions or mask requirements an amendment by Rep. David federal government can do to tation workers say they have 2-trillion-dollar stimulus bill, such a requirement. comes to public health in our for young children. E. Price, D-N.C., the chairman ensure confidence in travel no interest in cutting ahead expired in October, leading to The assertion, said Sara transportation system.” While In October, Biden prom- of the House Transportation, once the pandemic is passed, of health care workers or vul- tens of thousands of furloughs. Nelson, international presi- nearly all passenger airlines ised to institute a nationwide Housing and Urban Develop- analysts say. nerable populations, they’ve Nelson said many of the dent of the Association of have instituted some passen- mask mandate, and he’s since ment Appropriations Subcom- Martina Jones-Johnson, a made it clear believe their furloughed workers who re- Flight Attendants-CWA, is ger mask requirement, Nel- said he will ask Americans to mittee, requiring masks on founding member and board members should be a priority turned have to be recertified “100 per cent absurd.” DOT son said Biden’s promise to join him for 100 days of mask planes, trains and buses. officer for the Black Travel Al- population for the Covid-19 and re-credentialed, and by has taken the lead on banning require masks on all interstate wearing after he is sworn in. The DOT also rejected a liance, said standardization of vaccines. the time that’s done, the new- e-cigarettes from airlines, she travel would provide much- That’s a sharp difference petition from a group called rules - and clear messaging on “We are absolutely ad- est round of aid will be expir- said. It played a major role in needed uniformity. from the Trump White House, the “Flyers Rights Education what those rules are - would vocating flight attendants be ing. helping to quash the transmis- For example, some airlines which has rejected a universal Fund” seeking a mask man- help people who must travel among the first to get vacci- “We’ve seen how damag- sion of Ebola. And the fed- initially did not ban masks mask requirement on public date at airports and for U.S. figure out the best way to do nated,” said Nelson, who add- ing this was to let this lapse,” eral Occupational Safety and with face valves, though most transportation. airlines, saying the department so safely. ed that transportation workers she said. “We can’t let it hap- Health Administration has have since moved to do so. In July, the White House believes “there should be no “America in general - we’re are on the front lines and thus pen again.” UK economy ‘to get Twitter shares dive 7% after Trump account suspension Agencies “Trump has a very high paring it to the global crack- worse before it gets and loyal following and a lot down on terrorism after the Shares of Twitter Inc of those eyeballs will go away attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. slumped 7% on Monday, on if Trump is permanently re- “The fact that a CEO can better’, warns Sunak course to knock off about $2.5 stricted from posting,” said pull the plug on POTUS’s billion from the market value Andrea Cicione, head of strat- loudspeaker without any Agencies of the social media company egy at brokerage TS Lombard. checks and balances is per- after it permanently suspend- Other social media plat- plexing,” he wrote in a column The UK economy will “get ed the account of U.S. Presi- forms, including Facebook for Politico. worse before it gets better” as dent Donald Trump. Inc, have been quick to issue “It is not only confirma- the country battles the pan- The slide came as some similar bans on the outgoing tion of the power of these demic, Chancellor Rishi Su- Republicans hit out over president last week after the platforms, but it also displays nak has warned. the weekend at the platform violence at Capitol Hill. deep weaknesses in the way The chancellor told MPs for gagging one of its most But the fall in Twitter’s our society is organized in the the new national restrictions watched participants, with shares in premarket trading digital space.” were necessary to control the traders also pointing to signs was much heavier than for any Twitter said on Friday by the suspension of accounts Twitter, Facebook and spread of coronavirus. that the affair was further of its peers. Trump’s suspension was due belonging to vitriolic Trump Google have faced a surge in However, he said they fuelling calls for greater regu- U.S. media also reported to the risk of further violence, fans. the cost of moderating con- would have a further signifi- lation of Big Tech. San Francisco police were following the storming of the European Union Commis- tent on their platforms in re- cant economic impact, Trump’s account had more bracing for a possible protest U.S. Capitol last Wednesday. sioner Thierry Breton said the cent years, so far countered “Even with the significant than 88 million followers and by pro-Trump supporters out- It was the first time the events at the Capitol were like- by rises in the revenue they economic support we’ve pro- had been retweeted billions of side Twitter’s headquarters on company had banned a head ly to herald an era of tougher get from advertising and other vided, over 800,000 people times. Monday. of state and was accompanied social media regulation, com- services. have lost their job since Feb- UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak ruary,” he said. “Sadly, we have not and At the same time, three will not be able to save every million people had ben- job and every business. efited from self-employment US Capitol siege heralds tougher social media curbs, says EU commissioner “But I am confident that grants. our economic plan is support- Sunak said he would Agencies the role of digital platforms in online platforms have become society by arguing that they Kovacs said on Twitter. “Big ing the finances of millions of “bear in mind” calls to ex- our democracy,” the Commis- systemic actors in our soci- merely provide hosting ser- Tech preaches tolerance and people and businesses.” tend business rate relief and The storming of the U.S. sioner for the Internal Market eties and democracies, last vices,” the member of the EU’s pluralism. They talk the talk The chancellor said “the provide further support for Capitol will herald an era of wrote in a column for Politico. week’s events on Capitol Hill” executive said. but don’t walk the walk.” road ahead will be tough”, but the hospitality sector at the tougher social media regula- Twitter permanently cut were their answer, Breton Hungary, meanwhile, In December, the Euro- maintained that the govern- Budget in March. tion, European Union Com- off U.S. President Donald wrote. criticized Twitter for interfer- pean Commission announced ment was “taking the difficult Shadow chancellor An- missioner Thierry Breton said, Trump’s personal account and By blocking Trump’s ac- ing with official accounts after draft rules to rein in tech gi- but right long-term decisions neliese Dodds accused Mr comparing the violence with access to his nearly 90 million count, social media compa- suspending the Budapest gov- ants such as Alphabet’s Goog- for our country”. Sunak of being “out of ideas” the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, followers on Friday, citing the nies had finally recognised ernment’s account in Septem- le, Facebook, Apple and Ama- He said that fiscal stimu- and providing “nothing new”. that led to a global crackdown risk of further incitement of their responsibility, duty and ber. zon. lus provided so far amounted She said: “The purpose on terrorism. violence after Trump exhort- means to prevent the spread “Today, their censors The new rules would oblige to more than £280bn, while of an update is to provide us “Just as 9/11 marked a ed thousands of supporters to of illegal viral content, he upped the game, removed the companies to do more to 1.2 million employers had with new information, not paradigm shift for global secu- march on the Capitol. added. nearly 200 of my followers tackle illegal content such as furloughed almost 10 million to repeat what we already rity, 20 years later we are wit- “If there was anyone out “They can no longer hide without explanation,” gov- hate speech and intentional employees. know.” nessing a before-and-after in there who still doubted that their responsibility toward ernment spokesman Zoltan manipulation of platforms. Tuesday, January 12, 2021 11 Economy & Business

QAC launches Mitsubishi Xpander, unveils new versions of Mirage, Attrage Launched as part of the expansion plans of Qatar Automobiles Company and Mitsubishi in Qatar, the unveiling of new cars is aimed at coping with the rapidly changing demands of both individual and corporate customers Tribune News Network Doha

Qatar Automobiles Company (QAC), the authorised general dis- tributor of Mitsubishi Motors in Qatar, on Sunday, launched the all- new Mitsubishi SUV Xpander 2021, along with the new versions of Mi- rage and Attrage compact cars 2021 models in Qatar. Launched as part of the expan- sion plans of Qatar Automobiles Company and Mitsubishi in Qatar, the new cars aim to cope with the rapidly changing demands of both individual and corporate customers. Speaking at the launch cer- emony, Nasser Bin Khaled Group Managing Director- Auto, Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani said, “To- day’s launch creates a new milestone in the growth expansion of Qatar Automobiles and Mitsubishi in Qa- tar. Together, we overcame various challenges and circumstances and continued working hard to serve our customers in the best possible way. Nasser Bin Khaled Group will con- tinue its enduring approach by focus- ing on sectors that support the Qatari economy’s requirements, achieving Nasser Bin Khaled Group Managing Director- Auto Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani and senior officials of Qatar Automobiles Company at the launch of all-new Mitsubishi SUV Xpander 2021 and new the National Vision 2030, and con- versions of Mirage and Attrage compact cars in Doha on Sunday. tributing to the growth and prosper- ity of Qatar.” rough or flooded roads, while the mance is significantly enhanced by QAC General Manager Hisham The launch creates a new milestone in the growth reinforced suspension, coupled with Mitsubishi Motors’ RISE (Reinforced El Sahn, who also spoke on the oc- expansion of Qatar Automobiles and Mitsubishi in high-performance shock absorbers Impact Safety Evolution) body, and casion, said, “Qatar Automobiles and a rigid and lightweight body, en- Active Stability Control [ASC] which continues to provide the best and Qatar. Together, we overcame various challenges and sure stability and comfort. automatically adjusts engine output latest Mitsubishi cars as soon as it is circumstances and continued working hard to serve and applies braking force at the ap- launched globally. We aim to make our customers in the best possible way. Nasser Bin Attrage and Mirage propriate wheels to help maintain Qatar one of the first countries to in- The new 2021 Attrage and Mirage control and prevent skidding. troduce the latest distinctive models Khaled Group will continue its enduring approach by have an advanced dynamic look and ECO mode indicator illuminates in the region. These launches show- focusing on sectors that support Qatari economy’s feel, reliable safety, and intelligent fea- whenever you operate the accelera- case QAC’s strong relationship with requirements, achieving the National Vision 2030, and tures that are combined with good fuel tor pedal in an ecofriendly way. It Mitsubishi that is primarily built on economy and genuine quality. The encourages you to develop good driv- trust, commitment, significance, and contributing to the growth and prosperity of Qatar. body is streamlined to slip smoothly ing habits that lower fuel costs and the joint effort to provide the best ~ Nasser Bin Khaled Group Managing Director- Auto through the air. Reduced drag lowers contribute to a cleaner environment customer service. Today’s launch wind noise and CO2 emissions while for everyone. motivates us to improve our business Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani raising fuel efficiency and high-speed throughout the year. It approves that stability. Performance our ambitions are continuing accord- The tight turning radius contrib- The highly responsive 1.2-liter ing to the two companies’ strategic utes to excellent handling and makes 3-cylinder MIVEC engine delivers growth visions and as part of Nasser LED position lamps are arranged in as well as four rear roof vents, to keep power supply adjacent to convenient driving easy for anyone, at any age. an ample maximum output of 57 kW Bin Khaled Group’s plans.” crystal-like blocks and are positioned everyone on board comfortable. storage space. Experience peppy performance and (78 HP) at 6,000 rpm and practical Held at QAC’s Salwa Road show- higher for better visibility. The L- Flexibility in the seating configu- good fuel efficiency that bring joy to maximum torque of 100 N·m (10.2 room, the launch ceremony was also shaped LED rear combination lamps ration to meet changing needs also Safety every drive. Whether commuting to kg-m) at 4,000 rpm. The INVECS- attended by QAC General Sales Man- that extend onto the tailgate and ac- allows for easy loading. The second- Safety performance is signifi- work, shopping in the city or travel- III CVT wide-ratio transmission ager Haitham Ebef, QAC Marketing centuate the strong stance. row armrest can be folded down cantly enhanced thanks to Mitsubi- ling through the countryside, one will maintains optimal rpm for high per- Manager Karim Monir, media repre- The 16-inch diamond-cut alloy and the second and third-row seats shi Motors’ Reinforced Impact Safety enjoy sporty handling that is excep- formance and fuel economy. You’ll sentatives and several guests. wheels in a two-tone finish, a shark folded flat to accommodate lengthy Evolution body or RISE, which ef- tionally stable, quick acceleration in enjoy smooth acceleration and decel- fin antenna, side bumpers flush with loads. Additionally, entertainment ficiently absorbs energy and main- response to your command, and agile eration, as well as efficiently selected Mitsubishi Xpander: the body and the side panels and and hands-free operation are availa- tains high cabin integrity in the event manoeuvrability that makes parking gear ratios in all driving conditions. Expand Your Possibilities rear quarter complete the robust and ble via the large 7-inch Smartphone- of a collision. All four doors are also and sharp turns a breeze. The Mitsubishi Xpander is a new sculpted look. link Display Audio - SDA that is equipped with a support beam to in- The new compacts have an ad- Smartphone–link display versatile 7-seat SUV that offers com- The Xpander has a 2,775 wheel- compatible with both Apple CarPlay crease protection by reducing door vanced, friendly, spacious cabin that’s audio fort, functionality, quality and value base, an overall length of 4,475 mm, a and Android Auto, allowing intuitive deformation in the event of a side equally impressive as its exterior. Chic The Smartphone-link Display for money. The Mitsubishi Xpander width of 1,750 mm, and height of 1,700 operation of music, calls, maps and collision. The Xpander also enjoys fabric trim and high-quality materials Audio (SDA) with its large 7-inch provides the best of both worlds. The m (Midline)/1,730m (High line). messages for a more enjoyable and a variety of active safety features in- for the soft yet supportive seats are touch screen lets you intuitively op- interior enjoys plenty of cabin space, safer driving experience. cluding Anti-lock Braking System complemented with hi-tech meters. erate music playback and calls with storage facilities and smart technolo- Interior (ABS), Emergency Stop Signal Sys- In terms of safety, both compact voice actions for a more enjoyable gies, and the exterior bold styling The spacious interior of the Features for Convenience tem (ESS), Active Stability Control cars are equipped with ABS and and safer drive. With Apple CarPlay- does not compromise on high ground Xpander is designed to reflect Japa- Even with passengers in the (ASC) and Hill Start Assist (HAS). Electronic Brake-force Distribution TM or Android Auto TM, one can use clearance, handling stability, and nese hospitality “OMOTENASHI” third-row seats, luggage space re- [EBD] that distributes braking force audio, messaging, voice calling, and overall driving experience. and provides comfort for all seven mains sufficient to accommodate Performance to all four wheels to enhance braking 3rd party navigation apps from your adult passengers thanks to support- four 4-gallon water bottles. Power is provided by the spir- performance. Tyre Pressure Monitor- iPhone with CarPlay as well other Exterior ive seating, convenient amenities Storage features in the Xpander ited and responsive 1.5-litre 16-valve ing System [TPMS] employs sensor- services such as maps, Siri, Phone, The front of the Xpander has a and high-quality materials. in addition to the glove box include Dual overhead camshaft engine with transmitters in the wheels to monitor Some supported 3rd party apps futuristic look and features a chrome Noise and vibration in the cabin door pockets, drink holders, seatback advanced MIVEC - Mitsubishi Inno- tyre pressure and illuminates a warn- Other features upper grille, swept-back LED head- are effectively absorbed by using spe- pockets, floor console box, passenger vative Valve timing Electronic Con- ing lamp on the combination meter The Attrage and Mirage compact lights, and daytime running lights cial materials, ensuring a supremely seat undertray, and underfloor lug- trol system – making it easy for the cluster if one or more tyres become cars are equipped with a package of and incorporates Mitsubishi Mo- quiet experience for the driver and gage area. Xpander to carry seven adults uphill significantly underinflated. features including a USB PORT, CD tors’ Dynamic Shield signature look all passengers. The air conditioning Smartphone and device charg- with ease. Other systems included are Hill player with AUX terminal and, a that offers greater protection for pe- system enjoys eight fan adjustment ing is accessible to every passenger Excellent ground clearance in Start Assistant, Driver and passenger unique type center panel and Trunk destrians and passengers alike. The levels in the front and four in the rear as each of the three rows has its 12V its class provides confidence on SRS airbags, Collision safety perfor- lid spoiler (colour-keyed).