21st Health Asia exhibition ‘Medical devices, equipment manufacturing may reduce import bill by $2 bn’

on 24/10/2024

Pakistani companies have made notable progress in developing and manufacturing medical devices and equipment. This advancement could reduce the import bill by $2 billion within the next five years and generate foreign exchange by exporting technological items to various countries, said Zubair Motiwala, the CEO of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
“Items such as ventilators, dialysis machines, and cardiac stents, previously unavailable in Pakistan, are now being manufactured locally. We believe this development will not only reduce reliance on imported medical equipment but also help Pakistan significantly cut its health sector import bill by $2 billion in the next five years,” Motiwala said while speaking at the 21st Health Asia exhibition held at Karachi’s Expo Centre last week.
Motiwala added that Pakistani companies have established export networks worldwide for surgical items and pharmaceutical products and that exports of medical devices and equipment could be enhanced through collaborative efforts among all stakeholders.
Manufacturing medical devices is a sophisticated specialty; thus, exporting these items requires a greater level of testing and standardization before marketing them in the international market. Pakistan has great potential in various fields that can be actualized through realistic efforts, such as achieving export values of $5 to $8 billion through agro-based products.
Chairman of the Samane Shifa Foundation, Dr. Syed Shahid Noor, stated that Pakistan is capable of producing nuclear technology and military aircraft, and has now developed medical devices for local hospitals to ensure affordable healthcare for the masses. More than ten devices, including ventilators and cardiac stimulators, have been made locally, and over 20 devices are in the pipeline.
He mentioned that the global market for medical devices and equipment is valued at approximately Rs. 1 trillion. If Pakistan can capture just 1% of the worldwide market, it could significantly support the national economy.
Dr. Noor urged the government to incentivize this sector with a comprehensive policy aimed at reducing the country’s current account deficit. He suggested introducing investor-friendly policies based on recommendations from all stakeholders. Additionally, he stated that duties on raw materials should be reduced or waived, and that both government and private sector hospitals should be encouraged to procure DRAP-approved, made-in-Pakistan products.
Syed Omar Ahmed, Chairman of the Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan (HDAP), argued that medical device importers have the potential to become manufacturers due to their established sales distribution networks and knowledge of the sector. However, he emphasized that the government should develop policies to attract both foreign and local investment through a level playing field. He pointed out that 98% of medical devices in Pakistan are imported, and since margins in this business depend on volume, the government should rationalize the tax structure in this sector. A strong political will is needed to promote the emerging medical device industry through supportive policies, interventions, and incentives, fostering both import substitution and the export of medical equipment.

Dewan Farooque starts dispatching Honri EVs to Eco-Green Motors

on 24/10/2024

In a significant milestone for its electric vehicle initiative, Dewan Farooque Motors Limited has announced the dispatch of the inaugural batch of its Honri EV electric vehicles to Eco-Green Motors Limited. This development was disclosed in a stock filing on October 11, marking an important step in the company’s commitment to the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
The official notice, sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), highlighted the company’s progress in its toll manufacturing venture. “In continuation of our earlier letter dated July 23, 2024, in which we outlined our plans for toll manufacturing of Electric Vehicles Honri EV, we are pleased to announce that, Al-Hamdullilah, Dewan Farooque Motors Limited is successfully assembling these vehicles. The first lot of Electric Vehicles has now been dispatched to Eco-Green Motors Limited,” the notice stated.
This development aligns with Dewan Farooque Motors’ strategic focus on innovation in automotive technology and its commitment to promoting sustainable transportation solutions across Pakistan.
Earlier this year, on May 30, 2024, the company formalized a toll manufacturing agreement with Eco-Green Motors, paving the way for the production of the Horn-EV models, which are designed with ranges of 200KM and 300KM. This agreement positions Dewan Farooque Motors as a frontrunner in the electric vehicle sector within the country. The production of these electric vehicles officially began in September at the company’s assembly plant, further cementing its role as a key player in the industry.
Founded in 1998 and part of the Yousuf Dewan Group, Dewan Farooque Motors has a rich history of collaboration with global automotive giants such as Hyundai and KIA, focusing on the assembly, manufacture, and sale of their vehicles in Pakistan. With this latest advancement in electric vehicle manufacturing, the company is poised to contribute significantly to the transition towards eco-friendly transportation solutions in the region.

SC Closes Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand Dams Fund

on 24/10/2024

The Supreme Court of Pakistan issued a written order concerning the hearing from October 9 about the funds for the Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand dams. Chief Justice Qaze Faez Isa authored the order, which directs that the dam funds be transferred to the Public Account of the Federation. Following this transfer, the accounts under “The Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fund” are to be closed.
The court instructed that a sub-account be created in the Public Account of the Federation or another suitable measure be taken to allow these funds to be deposited in high-rated private scheduled banks to earn interest. When funds are needed for the dams’ construction, the collected amount along with any accrued interest should be used.
The order also mentioned the Implementation Bench, which was formed on January 9, 2019, consisting of five judges: Justice Sh. Azmat Saeed, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Faisal Arab, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, and Justice Munib Akhtar. This bench was established by a previous court panel that included the then Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar. However, the court noted that there is no record indicating that the Implementation Bench carried out any work or reviewed the progress reports submitted by WAPDA.
The court stated, “If the Implementation Bench did not examine the progress reports, their submission is pointless. Furthermore, with the retirement of four of the judges, the Implementation Bench currently lacks a quorum. WAPDA’s counsel also indicated that preparing progress reports requires significant time, money, and effort.”
Consequently, the court ruled that WAPDA need not submit any further progress reports unless specifically directed, given that the Implementation Bench is effectively non-existent. The order concluded with the disposal of the listed applications and all related petitions.

Thin-film technology Vs conventional solar cells

on 23/10/2024

Significant progress has been made in thin-film solar technology, which has completely changed the solar energy market. By solving major issues with conventional photovoltaic technologies, these advancements concentrate on developing solar panels that are more lightweight, less costly, and more efficient. A noteworthy innovation is the creation of thin-film materials that are fundamentally lighter than traditional silicon-based solar panels. Because of its less weight, thin-film solar is now a more accessible and adaptable solution for a wider range of applications. This has significant consequences for installation, transport, and overall structural requirements. The pursuit of reduced expenses in the generation of solar energy has propelled advancements in thin-film technology. Thin-film solar modules are produced with less material and with less complicated manufacturing techniques than conventional silicon-based solar panels. As a result, production costs are lowered, increasing the affordability of producing thin-film solar panels. Thin-film technology’s cost advantages add to solar power’s overall affordability, making it a more competitive and practical choice for both industrial and household uses.
Advanced thin-film solar technology is primarily focused on increasing efficiency. Comparing early thin-film technologies to conventional silicon-based solar cells revealed poorer efficiency. Nonetheless, continuous research and development have resulted in notable improvements in thin-film material efficiency. The structure and composition of thin-film layers can be optimized by researchers to enhance electron generation and light absorption, hence raising the total efficiency of thin-film solar panels. Thinning-film technology is now more efficient than conventional solar cells thanks to these developments. One important characteristic that makes thin-film solar materials so popular is their flexibility. Plastics and metal foils are common flexible substrates used in the fabrication of thin-film solar panels. Due to its adaptability, solar modules can now be made that are lightweight and flexible, creating new opportunities for solar integration into atypical surfaces and structures. The prospective uses of solar energy can be expanded by incorporating flexible thin-film solar panels into wearable technology, building-integrated photovoltaics, and curved surfaces.
In solar technology, resistance, and durability are important factors, and developments in thin-film technology have addressed these issues. Advances in thin-film encapsulation methods shield solar cells from external elements like humidity, ultraviolet light, and temperature changes. Improved durability guarantees a longer working life for thin-film solar panels, which lowers the need for periodic replacements and adds to the viability of solar energy systems. One of thin-film solar technology’s main benefits for large-scale solar installations is its scalability. Large-scale and high-throughput production is possible with thin-film modules since they can be produced in continuous rolls. This scalability makes it easier to install thin-film solar panels in utility-scale solar power plants, where large amounts of clean energy may be produced by utilizing the efficiency and affordability of thin-film technology. Global solar energy capacity is expected to continue growing due to thin-film solar’s scalability.
Thin-film technology has become even more efficient and performs better since new materials have been included. Thin-film solar cell absorber materials and sophisticated semiconductors have been developed as a result of advances in materials science. Expanding the limits of thin-film solar technology, technologies including organic photovoltaic materials, copper indium gallium selenide, and cadmium telluride have shown increased stability and efficiency. Thin-film solar panel manufacturing techniques have evolved to be more ecologically friendly. Reducing the use of harmful materials and putting recycling schemes for solar panels that have reached the end of their useful life are two steps in the transition to greener production techniques. The environmentally benign features of thin-film manufacturing add to the sustainability profile of this technology as environmental concerns become more and more important in the implementation of renewable energy sources. The payback periods for solar systems have shortened as a result of developments in thin-film solar technology. The energy payback period, which measures how long it takes a solar panel to produce as much energy as was required in its manufacture, has been getting shorter as thin-film performance and manufacturing processes have improved. The overall environmental advantages of thin-film solar panels are increased by a shorter payback period.
One noteworthy development in thin-film solar technology is integration with building materials. Windows, facades, roofing materials, and other construction components can all use thin-film solar cells. This integration makes it possible for solar energy generation to be seamlessly included into building architecture, thus advancing the idea of solar-integrated design. At the same time as producing sustainable energy, thin-film solar components can improve a building’s visual attractiveness. The market is now more competitive as a result of thin-film solar technologies’ commercialization. Thin-film solar panels are capturing more of the world’s solar business as they grow more affordable when compared to conventional solar technologies. Thin-film solar’s growing market share is stimulating additional research and development, which is accelerating the rate of technological progress in the industry. Research and development are still vital for the advancement of thin-film solar technology. The goal of ongoing work in materials science, engineering, and production procedures is to further increase the thin-film solar materials’ durability, efficiency, and adaptability. Research institutions, industry participants, and governments working together to launch collaborative initiatives create a vibrant ecosystem that supports ongoing advancements in thin-film solar technology. Thin-film solar’s future holds potential for ever lighter, more affordable, and more efficient solar energy solutions as research advances, hence enhancing its significance in the world’s shift to sustainable energy sources.

Pakistani to benefit from Belarusian agricultural machinery to enhance mechanization, productivity

on 23/10/2024

A high-level delegation from the Republic of Belarus met with the President and CEO of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) at the bank’s head office in Islamabad. The delegation included Sergei Stolyarchuk, Chairman of the Bank of Development of Belarus; Vadim Shagoiko, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food; and Ilya Kanapliou, Trade Counsellor at the Belarusian Embassy in Pakistan.
ZTBL’s President/CEO, Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, warmly welcomed the Belarusian delegation. During their discussions, the delegation shared detailed insights into Belarus’s agriculture sector, a vital component of the country’s economy. They emphasized that agricultural and livestock exports are significant contributors to Belarus’s foreign exchange earnings, showcasing strengths in agricultural mechanization, heavy machinery production, and livestock development. Belarus is particularly recognized for its advanced farming practices and high-quality agricultural machinery, including tractors.
The Belarusian representatives proposed potential collaboration with ZTBL, suggesting that Pakistani farmers could benefit from Belarusian agricultural machinery to enhance mechanization and productivity in Pakistan’s agriculture sector. They expressed a strong interest in investing in various projects in Pakistan and indicated that they would share a detailed proposal with ZTBL.
In response, President/CEO Bhatti presented an overview of Pakistan’s agriculture sector and ZTBL’s crucial role in supporting small and subsistence farmers. He highlighted that ZTBL recently disbursed PKR 33 billion in agricultural loans under the Prime Minister’s Kissan Package, with over PKR 10 billion allocated for farm mechanization. He underscored ZTBL’s extensive outreach through more than 500 branches, supported by a dedicated team of Mobile Credit Officers and Branch Managers who provide financial and advisory services directly to farmers.
Both parties stressed the importance of further cooperation, particularly in introducing Belarusian agricultural machinery to Pakistani farmers. Bhatti reaffirmed ZTBL’s commitment to exploring joint ventures, guided by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, and the State Bank of Pakistan, aimed at uplifting small farmers and advancing the rural economy.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue collaboration, leveraging ZTBL’s extensive network and Belarus’s expertise in agricultural technology and mechanization.