Olympian and Four-time NBA Champion Tony Parker Named as Face of Alibaba.com’s Olympic Games Paris 2024 Campaign

                                                             

Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, today announced Tony Parker as a Global Ambassador for its “Same Player, New Game” creative campaign for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Alibaba.com is the Official E-Commerce Services Partner of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

As the world’s only truly global, multi-sport athletics competition, the Olympic Games brings together over 200 countries in more than 300 events. Just as the Olympic Games reaches a global audience, Alibaba.com—which connects B2B buyers and suppliers from over 200 countries and regions and offers services and business tools to enable businesses to discover products, find suppliers and place orders quickly—serves as a hub for ambitious individuals to go for gold in the world of commerce.

Alibaba.com’s Global Ambassador, Tony Parker, is a two-time Olympian who reached the quarterfinals of Men’s Basketball with France at the Olympic Games Rio 2016. Regarded as a legend of his sport, Tony is a four-time winner of the NBA and has been featured in the NBA All-Star team six times. However, Tony’s successful career goes beyond his sporting accomplishments. Since retiring from the game, he has become a serial entrepreneur and investor who has successfully bridged the divide between sports and business.

Reflecting this sentiment, the “Same Player, New Game” campaign will raise awareness of the opportunities for athletes and Olympians to transition from sporting success to entrepreneurship. As a Global Ambassador, Tony will highlight the ease at which aspiring entrepreneurs—including athletes and former athletes—can set up their own businesses, establish supply chains with buyers and sellers from around the globe, and drive long-term growth through Alibaba.com. 

In the campaign, Tony will be joined by Simona Galik Moore, a former Women’s Tennis Association professional, and Elias Schwärzler, the adrenaline-chasing mountain biker who—since 2022—has held the Guinness World Record for “Fastest Bicycle Towed by a Motorcycle.” Like Tony, both athletes have gone on to achieve success outside of sports. In 2020, Simona launched a professional pickleball brand driving interest in one of the most exciting new sports. Meanwhile, Elias is the founder and owner of a specialist mountain biking clothing brand and mountain biking academy. Both use Alibaba.com as an integral part of their businesses to source new products, forge new partnerships, and support growth. Each will also share more details of their journey from sporting stars to entrepreneurs in the run-up to the Games, including at a high-profile press event scheduled to take place on July 31 in Paris. 

Over the coming weeks, fans can also expect to see Alibaba.com’s Global Ambassadors featured in the run-up to and during the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Launching this month, the three Global Ambassadors will star in a new brand campaign highlighting Alibaba.com’s innovative approach to business.

Liz Wang, Global Head of Marketing, Alibaba.com, said: “To reach the pinnacle of your sport, you need to be self-motivated, disciplined, resilient and competitive—all traits that are also needed to be a successful entrepreneur. Tony Parker, Simona Galik Moore and Elias Schwärzler are inspiring examples of the transition from sports to business, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Alibaba.com team during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to put a spotlight on the business opportunities available to former professional sportspeople, and how platforms such as Alibaba.com can help turn their entrepreneurial ambitions into reality.”

Tony Parker said: “Since retiring from professional sport, I’ve focused all my energy on running my own businesses.  I’m a regular buyer on Alibaba.com and have seen first-hand the huge value that can be created by connecting with suppliers and efficiently sourcing products through its innovative digital platform. Now, in my role as an ambassador for Alibaba.com, I will use my personal experience to help other athletes embark upon their entrepreneurial journeys and enjoy a successful second career.”

PCC RECEIVES PRIME PLOTS FROM CBD PUNJAB AT LANDMARK POSSESSION CEREMONY

                    

                                                

Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) hosted an official possession ceremony for Plot #4 and Plot #5 of Lahore Prime CBD Punjab Quaid District. The possession of the plots was given to Pakistan Consortium Company Reit Fund (PCC). The event was attended by distinguished members of PCC including Gohar Ijaz, Mian Amir Mehmood, Naeem Butt, and representatives from Habib Rafiq Group. On behalf of CBD Punjab, CEO Imran Amin, Chairman Board Barrister Syed Azfar Ali Nasir, and senior officials of CBD Punjab were present to mark this significant milestone.

CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin, emphasized the strategic importance of this development in his address, stating, “In the next five to ten years, our vision is to create a master plan and development projects that not only instill confidence and trust within the business community but also lay down a robust infrastructure foundation. The trust bestowed upon us by the business community, represented by Gohar Ijaz, is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure. This project is a pivotal step towards realizing that vision."

While addressing the ceremony Chairman Syed Azfar Ali Nasir said, “We have worked diligently to build an organization that introduces customer-friendly policies and earns the trust of the business community. The support from our consortium and the public sector has been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Today, we are proud to see Pakistan’s first super high-rise infrastructure taking shape.”

Business Tycoon Gohar Ijaz, representing PCC, added, "The possession of these plots is a significant milestone for us and reaffirms our commitment to contributing to Punjab’s economic growth. The collaboration with CBD Punjab will enable us to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure that will attract further investment and foster a thriving business environment."

The technical and commercial teams, along with partners such as NLC and NESPAK, have played a crucial role in this development. The project includes the construction of a four-kilometer road connecting Main Boulevard to Walton, incorporating advanced elements like vertical electric conduits approved by LESCO, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart services. The cost of this infrastructure development is estimated at 25 billion PKR, reflecting the significant investment in creating a business-friendly environment.

The possession of Plot # 4 and Plot # 5 marks the beginning of a new era of development and commercial growth in Lahore. With projects such as the completion of Kalma Chowk, CBD Route 47 and the Walton Road development, CBD Punjab continues to pave the way for innovative infrastructure and commercial corridors that will drive economic growth.

Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited Partners with Dewan Farooque Motors Limited for Motor Takaful Coverage

                                                     

Pak-Qatar General Takaful Limited (PQGTL), a leading provider of Shariah-compliant General Takaful solutions in Pakistan, announced partnership with Dewan Farooque Motors Limited (DFML) to offer motor Takaful coverage for vehicles distributed through their nationwide network.

This collaboration will see PQGTL provide Takaful coverage for both the electric vehicle, offered under the banner of Eco-Green Motors Limited (EGML), and trucks sold through the nationwide distribution network of DFML.

“We are looking forward to having a lasting partnership with Dewan Farooque Motors Limited for expanding our Takaful coverage to electric vehicles and a wider range of commercial vehicles,” said Mr. Saqib Zeeshan, CEO of PQGTL. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to providing innovative and Shariah-compliant solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Ms. Saleha Hassan, Head of Marketing at DFML, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Pak-Qatar General Takaful to offer our customers with added comfort of comprehensive Takaful coverage for their vehicles. This partnership ensures that our customers, whether they require dependable commercial vehicles or eco-friendly electric vehicles, have access to exceptional motor Takaful protection.”

The partnership highlights PQGTL's commitment to expanding its reach and providing Shariah-compliant Takaful solutions to a broader customer base across Pakistan. Whether for commercial logistics or personal commuting, PQGTL's motor Takaful solutions aim to deliver comprehensive coverage for diverse customer needs.

Alibaba.com Launches Inaugural KEL Award to Recognize Leading B2B E-commerce Talent

                                              

Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, today announced the inaugural Key E-commerce Leader Award (KEL Award), designed to honor distinguished e-commerce suppliers within the South and Southeast Asia regions.

Launching this week and continuing through November 2024, the KEL Award will see eligible Alibaba.com suppliers from seven countries – India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – compete in a national round in their respective markets from August to October. The 10 best performers from the national round will take the stage in the finale to be held in Vietnam in November, where the three most outstanding contestants among them will be crowned the winners of the KEL Award.

Contestants are expected to showcase their use of Alibaba.com in developing and expanding their export ventures, along with the strategies they employ to stand out in the global market. Evaluations of the KEL Award will be based on the substance and creativity of their presentations, effectiveness in communication and personal brand portrayal, in-depth understanding of the Alibaba.com platform, and adeptness in fielding questions and articulating plans to impact and inspire others within the e-commerce community.

The competition is open to owners, key personnel and managers of companies selling on Alibaba.com with a minimum rating of two stars and an active presence on the platform for at least six months.

Alibaba.com’s KEL Award aims to bring together top-notch suppliers across the region and foster mutual learning and engagement. It also offers a stage for participants to expand their influence within Alibaba.com’s community of global buyers and suppliers, enhancing their visibility and opening doors to collaborative opportunities.

Contestants will stand a chance to gain access to Alibaba.com’s expert-led training sessions designed to bolster their operational proficiency on the platform as well as develop their soft skills critical to leadership, public speaking and team management.

Outstanding suppliers in the competition will be entitled to exclusive benefits including enhanced product showcase slots and keyword advertising bonuses to boost their products’ exposure on Alibaba.com. The top three contestants will receive the additional award of a sponsored “Dream Trip” to Alibaba.com’s headquarters in Hangzhou, China. All winners from the country round will also be appointed as Alibaba.com lecturers, gaining opportunities to impart their insights and experiences with fellow suppliers from the South and Southeast Asia region.

“The Alibaba.com KEL Award aims to serve as a vital platform for high-caliber small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on our platform to showcase their business acumen and innovation while fostering cross-market collaboration and learning. By spotlighting the success stories of the contestants, we aspire to motivate countless other SMEs engaged in global trade to reach new heights of success on the international stage,” said Mr. Roger Luo, Head of South and Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com.

Registration for the KEL Award is open from now until late July 2024. For registration, please visit: https://survey.alibaba.com/apps/zhiliao/g9Iw8Uien

CBD PUNJAB EXECUTES HISTORIC LAND TRANSFER IN RECORD 24 HOURS’ WORTH 6.9 BILLION PKR

                                                     

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has successfully completed the fastest land transfer in its history, closing a transaction worth 6.9 billion PKR for plots Lahore Prime 4 & 5. Taxes deposited for this transfer exceeded 310 million PKR to the government treasury through the Board of Revenue (BOR), marking the largest plot transfer at auction price in Punjab.

This significant transfer, involving a 23-kanal plot owned by the Pakistan Corporate Consortium REIT fund, is a milestone for both CBD Punjab and the Pakistan Corporate Consortium (PCC). It represents the first plot to be transferred by CBD Punjab to PCC, with the BOR recording its largest transfer fee on a single purchase for the year 2023-2024.

In a groundbreaking move to boost investor confidence and streamline business operations, CBD Punjab has fulfilled its promise of transferring land to investors within record 24 hours of full payment. This achievement underscores CBD Punjab's dedication to creating an efficient, investor-friendly environment.

CBD Punjab has committed to providing a one-window operation for its investors, simplifying processes and ensuring a hassle-free experience. Demonstrating this commitment, CBD Punjab recently completed the transfer of ownership for two amalgamated plots in Lahore Prime CBD Punjab Quaid District to the Pakistan Corporate Consortium (PCC) following their full payment. PCC emerged victorious in the competitive auction for these plots, marking a significant milestone in their investment journey.

Commenting on the swift transfer process, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin said, "This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to providing our investors with the best possible experience. At CBD Punjab, we believe in creating an environment where investors can thrive and contribute to the economic development of the region. Our one-window operation is designed to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, and we are proud to see it in action."

With the land transfer completed, the next phase of development is set to commence. CBD Punjab will provide full support in building design and other formalities required for the construction of its first skyscraper. This landmark project is expected to set new standards in urban development and further reinforce CBD Punjab's position as a premier investment destination.

Voila Aesthetic Clinic by Saima Dahri launches 'InMode' Technology

                                 

A leading expert in the cosmetic surgery – Saima Dahri recently hosted a grand event, to celebrate the first anniversary of the ‘Voila Aesthetic Clinic’ (Instagram: Voila Aesthetic Clinic). This clinic is the first of its kind in Karachi, to introduce the revolutionary ‘InMode’ cosmetic surgery machine, based on next-generation technology, imported from the United States of America.

Aesthetic plastic surgery encompasses various procedures designed to enhance the appearance of the face and body. The InMode technology is globally renowned for doing wonders to a person’s beauty. The Viola Aesthetics Clinic also offers the highly acclaimed Morpheus 8 procedure, which targets subdermal layers of the skin and tissue to remodel collagen on the face and body. It ensures minimal risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making it suitable for all skin types. Fractional tissue treatment simulates collagen production. For darker skin and tones, effective skin and tissue remodelling can be achieved.

Saima Dahri - the founder of Voila Aesthetic Clinic stated: “As we celebrate the successful completion of our clinic’s first year of operations, I would like to express my gratitude for our customers’ overwhelming response and trust in our offerings. Our clinic is fully equipped and certified to provide the most advanced services, promising the best results and addressing the aesthetic concerns of its customers.”

Dr. Sach Mohan - an award-winning cosmetic dermatologist and expert, with over 25 years of experience in facial aesthetics and lasers, chaired the launch event. While Ghazanfar Rauf - the official distributor of InMode, Candela, Hydrafacial Md, Lutronic, and other devices in Pakistan, also attended the ceremony, besides many celebrities who are regular customers of Viola Aesthetic Clinic. These prominent guests who appreciated the high-quality services offered by this clinic included; Javeria Saud, Mariam Ansari, and Shan Baig.

Many of the guests expressed their confidence in Saima Dahri’s expertise and personalized care, for enhancing the natural beauty of her clients, while she is also qualified to ensure skillful use of state-of-the-art technology. Selection of the InMode technology has once again proved the highest standards of safety and effectiveness adopted by Viola Aesthetic Clinic by Saima Dahri.

A Gamers Paradise: Enter the GT Verse with Infinix GT 20 Pro

                              

In the competitive mobile gaming landscape, Infinix has carved a niche for itself by prioritizing exceptional performance. Their dedication to the gaming community is evident in their smartphone designs, which incorporate powerful processors, high refresh rate displays, and innovative cooling systems. The Infinix GT 20 Pro perfectly exemplifies this commitment to smooth gameplay. Remarkably, within its price range, the GT 20 Pro stands out as the only phone capable of delivering a stunning 120 fps experience in PUBG Mobile. Therefore, this industry-leading performance has earned it the prestigious title of the official gaming phone for PMSL, a testament to Infinix's ability to deliver exceptional value and power to serious mobile gamers.

Talking about exceptional value the Infinix GT 20 Pro boasts a trio of features meticulously crafted to propel your mobile gaming to the forefront. At its heart lies the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate processor, a 4nm powerhouse built for unparalleled performance and efficiency. This translates to seamless gameplay, even in demanding titles like PUBG Mobile, where you can experience a buttery-smooth 120 fps for a significant edge in competitive play.

Complementing this processing prowess is a dedicated gaming display chip. This specialized component optimizes the phone's display for smooth visuals, ensuring tear-free graphics and rapid response times – crucial for those split-second decisions in PUBG.

Finally, the GT 20 Pro stuns with a bezel-less 144Hz FHD+ AMOLED display. This high refresh rate translates to incredibly fluid visuals, where on-screen actions appear lifelike. The AMOLED technology further enhances the experience with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast, making every in-game world a feast for the eyes. Together, these features create an unparalleled gaming environment, allowing you to react instantly, dominate the competition in PUBG Mobile, and experience the thrill of mobile gaming at its absolute best.

Moreover, professional gamers have also lauded the Infinix GT 20 Pro's ability to deliver an immersive and lag-free PUBG Mobile experience. Renowned players like Star Anonymous, SP Joker, and Mr. Jay Plays have all been thoroughly impressed by the phone's performance. They've commented on the phone's ability to flawlessly handle even the most demanding in-game scenarios, praising the smooth visuals and rapid response times that translate to a significant competitive advantage that transports them into a world devoid of distractions, allowing them to fully focus on strategic decision-making and dominate the battlefield.

"The Infinix GT 20 Pro is a game-changer. PUBG Mobile on this phone feels buttery smooth at 120 fps – it's like having a competitive advantage built right in," said Star Anonymous.

Mr. Jay Plays commented “Finally, a phone that can keep up with my skills! The GT 20 Pro's display and processing power are insane. I can dominate any PUBG Mobile match with this beast in my hand."

SP Joker also commented "Forget lag, forget dropped frames. The Infinix GT 20 Pro is a dream come true for PUBG Mobile players."

In conclusion, the GT 20 Pro ushers in a new era of mobile gaming prowess, offering an uplifting experience and a professional-grade environment for the next generation of gamers.