“The ReStart Art Club” Private Party Returns to Hong Kong

The ReStart Art Club”, the annual private party hosted by Princess Alia Al-Senussi and Dino Sadhwani during Art Basel Hong Kong returned on Thursday, 23rd March 2023 at K11 ATELIER King’s Road. This one-night only event brought together the global creative community and luminaries to celebrate the reinvigoration of the international art scene in Hong Kong.

Curated by Jason Swamy and produced by COI Communications, the event explored the binaries of art – familiar and foreign, digital and analog, acoustic and electronic, while showcasing the confluence of age, ethnicities, and cultures.

Alongside the hosts, this event was brought together by five distinguished Host Chairs: Adrian Cheng of K11 Group, Alan Lau of M+, Eva Chow of LACMA, Michael Govan of LACMA, Philip Tinari of UCCA, together with 18 Host Committee members.

Celebrating arts, culture, creativity

As guests arrived, they were met with a modern Chinese music performance where musicians performed amidst an elevated flower stage with dancers concealed within the installation.

Guests were invited to enjoy a Five Flower Tea Gin cocktail before traversing through the nature-themed digital exhibit created by d’strict at ARTE M, the first overseas showcase of Korea’s largest immersive media art exhibition. A molecular cocktail was then offered as guests were guided into a lift with an eccentric dancer. The lift opened into a mysterious speakeasy with traditional Hong Kong and industrial elements. Spectacular local and international performances were unveiled throughout the night such as Grammy-award winning musician Sly5thAve, accordion virtuoso Mario Batkovic, and other dance and DJ performances.

Princess Alia Al-Senussi and Dino Sadhwani, have successfully created yet another captivating and fun-filled event. It is hoped that the event will continue its success in celebrating the collaboration among people passionate about art, culture, performance, gastronomy, music and entertainment.

Sponsors: 11 SKIES, d’strict, Moët & Chandon, Don Julio, Cloudy Bay, KHEE Soju, Two Moons Distillery

Attended Host Committees: Alan Lo, Yenn Wong, Alison Chan, Claudine Ying, Edward Tang, Eugene Tang, Gilbert and Martina Yeung, Ivan Pun, James Neary, Jonathan Cheung, Katrina Razon, Lester Lam, Loui Lim, Marc Spiegler, Pranitan Phornprapha, Rishabh Tongya

Some notable guests: Sir David Adjaye, Cecile Debray, Marc Spiegler, Kyoko Hattori, Vassilis Oikonomopoulos, Marisa Chearavanont, Lim Se-Ryung, Beeple, Staffan Ahrenberg, Simon De Pury, Sean Lee, Aaron Cezar

Source: Xinhua Finance Agency

VinFast delivers first VF 9 vehicles to customers in Vietnam

The second shipment of the VF 8 to North America leaves in early April

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 27 March 2023 – VinFast celebrated the delivery of the first 27 VF 9 all-electric SUVs to its customers at an event in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The delivery events took place approximately 1 year after introducing the VF 9 model to the public, which is a testament to VinFast’s expertise and speed in developing and delivering vehicles.

The first batch of VF 9s, produced and delivered to customers in Vietnam, has a 6-seat configuration. The 6-seat design is equipped with two captain’s seats in the second row, combined with a large armrest to bring a luxurious and spacious feel to the ample business class cabin. The VinFast VF 9 brings a classy, comfortable and technologically-advanced experience to all passengers.

The all-electric VF 9 SUV offers a panoramic glass roof (Plus version), integrated massage function with heated and ventilated front seats, (Plus version), a 15.6-inch central infotainment screen, an 8-inch infotainment screen for the second row (Plus version), windshield HUD, auto-dimming outside rearview mirrors (Plus version) and many other premium options.

The VF 9 is also equipped with level 2 ADAS and Smart Services. The electric motor has a maximum power of up to 300kW (402 hp), maximum torque of 620Nm providing a powerful and exhilarating performance. The 92kWh battery pack has a range of up to 438km for the Eco version and 423km for the Plus version on a full charge (WLTP target).

Following the initial delivery events, VinFast will continuously to deliver to other individual customers nationwide in accord with their reservation order. Customers can also choose to receive their vehicles at a VinFast showroom or at their home.

In addition to the 6-seat configuration, the VinFast VF 9 also has a 7-seat option, which is expected to be delivered to customers in the near future. VinFast will continue to offer EV test drive opportunities at VinFast showrooms nationwide to allow customers the opportunity to experience the VF 8 and VF 9 all-electric vehicles.

Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup, CEO of VinFast Holdings shared: “Today’s VF 9 delivery event is the beginning of VinFast’s series of events that will be consistently held on a global basis. We expect to export the VF 8 standard edition models to the U.S. and Canadian markets in April 2023 and expect to soon deliver the VF 5 Plus model to customers in the Vietnamese market. Following that, we expect to export the VF 9 and open reservation for the VF 6 and VF 7 in the coming months. I am confident that VinFast’s high-quality electric vehicles will meet the needs of our customers, bringing a high-level of satisfaction to customers around the world.”

Along with a high-quality passenger vehicle lineup, VinFast has also developed an infrastructure of 150,000 charging ports for electric vehicles and e-scooters; a system of 89 showrooms; as well as dealers and service centers across 63 provinces and cities in Vietnam. With three core values (1) High-quality product, (2) Good price, (3) Excellent services, VinFast is the only automotive company in Vietnam providing a “non-stop” service, along with dedicated customer care options such as Mobile Service, Mobile Charging and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Hashtag: #VinFast #Vingroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About VinFast

VinFast – a member of Vingroup – envisioned to drive the movement of global smart electric vehicle revolution. Established in 2017, VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with globally leading scalability that boasts up to 90% automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

Strongly committed to the mission for a sustainable future for everyone, VinFast constantly innovates to bring high-quality products, advanced smart services, seamless customer experiences, and pricing strategy to inspire global customers to jointly create a future of smart mobility and a sustainable planet. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.us.

VinFast Safe Harbor Disclosure

This news release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and include VinFast’s expectations. Forward-looking statements typically can be identified by the use of words such as “will,” “expect,” “believe,” and similar terms. While these forward-looking statements represent VinFast’s current judgment on what the future holds, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the automotive industry, competition in certain markets, the volatility of battery prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, changes in government regulation of markets and of environmental emissions, and our ability to achieve the expected benefits and timing of our electric vehicle projects. VinFast undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause VinFast’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this news release should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect VinFast’s future results.

Source: Xinhua Finance Agency

Caretaker CM KP directs to improve mechanism of provision of free flour to deserving families

Caretaker Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Azam Khan has directed the concerned authorities to improve the mechanism of provision of free flour to the deserving and needy people in the province.

In a statement issued in Peshawar on Monday, he asked the District Administration officials to ensure their presence on ground during distribution of free flour across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Muhammad Azam Khan stressed the need for proper monitoring of the process of free flour distribution so that the needy and poor families can get the flour.

The Chief Minister also directed for appropriate and effective planning to avoid any untoward incident.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Govt determined to provide safe, secure environment to residents of ICT: Kanju

The National Assembly was informed today that street crimes have witnessed a decline as a result of the establishment of eagle force in the federal capital Islamabad.

Minister of State for Interior Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju told the house while responding to a calling attention notice that the government is determined to provide a safe and secure environment to the residents of Islamabad especially women at public places. He pointed out that one hundred cameras and other necessary facilities have been installed at F-9 Park. He said the number of police stations have also been enhanced in Islamabad. He said it is being ensured that each police station has a female investigation officer in order to encourage women to register their cases.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Death anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan observed

The 125th death anniversary of great leader, scholar, Philosopher poet and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was observed on Monday.

Sir Syed is hailed as the father of the Two Nation Theory and one of the founding fathers of Pakistan, along with Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

He was the founder of Aligarh movement which was the base of Pakistan movement.

His famous books included Khutbat-e-Ahmediya, Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind, The Aligarh Institute Gazette and Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”.

He was conferred upon the title of Javad-ud Daulah and Arif Jang.

He died on this day in 1898 in Aligarh, India.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Rupee Declines Against US Dollar, Other Currencies Despite Import Relief

The Pakistani rupee (PKR) reversed gains against the US Dollar and posted losses during intraday trade today.

The Pakistani rupee was initially green during the early hours of intraday trade today with the interbank rate gaining Rs. 4 to reach 279.8 by 11 AM. By 11:25 AM, it went as low as 279.3 before falling later.

At close, the PKR depreciated by 0.13 percent to close at 283.58 after dropping 38 paisas during intraday trade today.

The rupee reported losses after a long break today despite expectations of improved fundamentals following the authorities’ decision to reopen imports of the full range of goods by removing restrictions imposed on the import of 826 items from time to time between 2017 and 2022. According to a circular of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the bank has removed the condition of depositing up to 100 percent payment in advance for the import of hundreds of items.

The rupee is still down over Rs. 51 since its record-breaking single-day drop of Rs. 25 in the last week of January and has since then played in mostly red due to immense economic pressure. As per exchange rate movements witnessed today, the PKR has lost over 38 paisas today, noting a fresh drop and falling near last week’s low of 284.03.

Money changers say today’s losses come amid uncertainty due to a stalemate between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and local authorities. However, due to the Holy Month of Ramazan, cash counters are slowly adjusting to the new business hours and few gains are expected this week with the relaxation of import regulations to help improve yield hunting for dollar hoarders and traders alike.

Linking the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to unban the import of different items with the agenda of the IMF was one more step in the direction of reviving the lender’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

Technically, demand for US dollars in the interbank market should fall, however, because of the small foreign exchange reserves that we hold, it is a small bet but with great returns.

The PKR was stable against some of the other major currencies in the interbank market today. It gained four paisas against the Euro (EUR), 26 paisas against the Pound Sterling (GBP), and 94 paisas against the Australian Dollar (AUD).

Conversely, it lost one paisa against the Canadian Dollar (CAD), nine paisas against the Saudi Riyal (SAR), and 10 paisas against the UAE Dirham (AED) in today’s interbank currency market.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan Imported Spices Worth Rs. 3.1 Billion in February

Pakistan imported spices worth Rs. 3.145 billion in February of the current fiscal year (FY23), up marginally from imports of Rs. 3.107 billion reported in the same month of the previous fiscal year (FY22), according to the data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

In dollar terms, the imports of spices stood at $11.792 million in February, down 33 percent compared to imports of $17.7 million reported in the same month of FY22.

The imports of spices stood at Rs. 23.9 billion in the first eight months (July-February) of the current fiscal year (FY23), down 11 percent compared to imports of Rs. 26.9 billion reported in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

In dollar terms, the imports of spices stood at $104.15 million, down 34 percent compared to imports of $158.5 million reported in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

It is pertinent to mention here though that the country also exported spices worth Rs. 2 billion in February, up 16 percent compared to exports of Rs. 1.78 billion in the same month of FY22.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Reliance Cotton to Make Equity Investment of Rs. 1 Billion in Sapphire Fibres

The shareholders of Reliance Cotton Spinning Mills Limited (RCML) have accorded approval for an investment of up to Rs. 1 billion by way of equity investment in Sapphire Fibres Limited, an associated company.

In a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), RCML said that the investment would be made through the market purchase of ordinary shares at the prevailing market price on the date of purchase/transaction on such terms and conditions as authorized by the Board of Directors.

The notice further said that the market purchase of shares will be made from time to time over a period of one year.

The notice said that the Chief Executive of the company has been authorized to take all necessary actions which may be required for the purchase of said shares of Sapphire Fibres Limited.

Source: Pro Pakistani