http://www.gulufuture.com Good reports from Iraq Iranian armed forces urged to prepare for probable foreign threats
TEHRAN, April 7 -- Iranian army chief Major General Mohammad Salimi Monday called on the armed forces to get prepared to confront any probable foreign threats, the official IRNA news agency said. Speaking to a group of army cadets and their trainers, Salimi said "the armed forces, especially students of higher military science courses, must be ready to confront any probable threats andattacks of aliens."
He stressed Iran had not been safe from global and regional crisis so far and its northern, western and eastern neighbors have been attacked. "We are being threatened and this leaves no other alternative than for our armed forces to get totally prepared and remain vigilant," Salimi said. He asked Iranian commanders to "make scientific and tactical exploitation from the prevailing situation in the region and maintain their optimal preparedness by examining military issues ofthe warring countries and identifying their weak and strong points."
Iran is among the staunchest opponents of the ongoing US-led waron Iraq and has taken a position of "active neutrality", saying it will not back one side or the other in the warfare. But some of Iranian officials have occasionally warned of the USplans to look beyond Iraq after doing its job against the regime ofSaddam Hussein.
9 civilians killed in bombing of Baghdad's residential neighborhood
CAIRO, April 7 -- At least nine civilians were killed and 13 others wounded Monday as a US warplane bombed a residential neighborhood in western Baghdad, the Al Jazeera TV reported. Two houses were flattened and four other buildings severely damaged during the afternoon attack on the neighborhood in Mansur, western Baghdad, the Qatar-based Arabic-language news channel said.
The channel broadcast footage of the scene, where a missile gouged a crater of 10 metres deep and 15 metres wide in the road. A bulldozer was seen clearing the rubble at the scene. A witnesssaid that he saw a US warplane roaring overhead and firing a missile at the neighborhood, which reportedly also houses some military offices.
At least eight adults were killed, plus a baby who was hit by glass shards and shrapnel, Al Jazeera reported.Baghdad has been under daily relentless bombardment by US-led coalition warplanes since the invasion of Iraq started on March 20 under the name of disarming Iraq of alleged weapons of mass destruction. An estimated 1,251 Iraqi civilians have been killed and 5,103 others injured since the war began, according to Iraqi estimates. With US forces storming into the heart of Baghdad Monday, there arefears that the Iraqi civilian casualties will rise dramatically as an urban war is imminent inside the city of 5 million people.
Aptec projects a 40% increase in growth in 2003
Middle East's fastest-growing IT distributor's revenues in 2002 reach US$250 million
April 7, 2003
Aptec, one of the biggest and fastest-growing IT distributor in the Middle East, which has charted an aggressive strategy to tap the booming IT market in the Middle East and North Africa forecasts the company's profits to increase by 40% in 2003, bolstered by a strong performance in 2002 with total revenues touching US$250 million.
Aptec's targets are in line with independent market research figures, which have projected a compound growth of nearly 10-20 per cent in IT sector in the Middle East, over the next few years. The region's IT market which was worth US$ 6 billion in 2002 is expected to reach US$ 8 billion by 2005.
"Aptec is geared to spread its wings in this region through a systematic expansion programme. Our experience and expertise puts us in a highly favourable position to meet our goals and offer world-class standards of service to the resellers," said Bahaa Salah, Regional General Manager, Gulf, Lebanon and Africa at Aptec Gulf.
Indepth market intelligence and rapid geographical expansion in the region through the setting up of offices in Lebanon, Africa, Kuwait and other emerging markets has been the key to Aptec's increasing growth figures. The company focusses on small and medium enterprise (SME) segments and forging stronger links with resellers.
In 2002, Aptec recorded its biggest ever sales volumes in the GCC. However, in terms of percentage, the biggest growth of 300 per cent was witnessed in Central and North Africa. Other key markets such as Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE also recorded good results.
A key component of Aptec's plan for 2003 is a conscious effort to target the small to medium size (SME) businesses, based on feedback from the market.
"The region's booming IT market will revolve round the SME segment. Overall we have found this to be an effective strategy and are confident that our growth in this sector will continue," said Salah. "Aptec will continue to concentrate its energies on consolidating its base in the MENA region which has given us excellent returns in recent years.""Aptec believes that the region's IT potential can be tapped by enabling resellers to achieve the highest standards of service. Our expertise in providing training and technical support places us in a strong position to assist resellers in enhancing their knowledge and skills. Our strategy for 2003 is to turn our resellers into ambassadors for the vendors we represent and thus provide high comfort levels to the customers," said Salah.
"As a value-added distributor (VAD), our aim is to provide a range of extra benefits to resellers across the region, including minimal shipping charges, B2B facilities that allow orders to be placed online, and online support desks with the Auto Track facility," added Salah.
An excellent distribution and logistics system has also ably aided Aptec's continued growth as a leading IT distributor, with the company posting a 35% increase in profits for the fiscal year 2002 in comparison to 2001.
Aptec Gulf has a large warehousing and logistics centre based in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone. Aptec also has additional large warehousing facilities in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Lebanon.
The company's phenomenal growth has also been achieved through focus on customer service, a highly motivated management team and re-investment of profits. Continuous investment in training to ensure that ever-increasing international standards of quality and service are met and exceeded is one of the cornerstones of Aptec's philosophy. In 2002, Aptec boosted its staff strength by 40% and expects to increase this figure by another 15% by the end of 2003.
"Aptec is driven by a constant endeavour for excellence through a policy that puts great emphasis on employee commitment and performance, internal communications and customer service. We focus on 'people excellence' at all levels and our new HR department should play a key role in selecting and grooming the right type of employees. These sound management principles have helped us achieve high profitability and better margins, while creating an excellent profile among our clients," added Salah. Aptec represents some of the most prestigious names in IT, including 3Com, D-Link, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Epson, Network Associates, Microsoft, IBM, HP/Compaq, Benq, Acer, Philips, Novell, US Robotics, Symantec and others.
Dubai Cable Company to build a new factory in Abu Dhabi
The new plant will nearly double existing capacity
April 7, 2003
In the first major expansion outside its Dubai base, Dubai Cable Company (Private) Limited (Ducab) has announced the construction of a state-of-the-art factory in Abu Dhabi, to be commissioned by November 2004, for manufacturing a wide range of power cables. It will also add capacity at its existing factory in Jebel Ali. Total investment will be AED 125 million.
Ducab (Abu Dhabi), coming up in the new Abu Dhabi industrial city at Mussafah, has been designed to increase the combined copper processing capacity of Ducab in the two plants to 60,000 tonnes from the current 35, 000 tonnes at Ducab Dubai.
The new plant will have a production capacity nearly similar to that of Ducab (Dubai) in copper processing, but will make complementary products. It will primarily serve the UAE, as well as export markets in the GCC and beyond.
"It is appropriate that Ducab should have a presence in Abu Dhabi as the company is owned jointly by the governments of Abu Dhabi and Dubai," said Saeed bin Hamooda, Director of Finance and Administration, Department of Economy, Abu Dhabi and Ducab Board Member. "The move signifies a vote of confidence in the high standards and working practices adopted by Ducab to emerge as the region's leading producer of power cables. We are pleased that the same standards that have made Ducab a prestigious brand in the local and international market will be adopted at the Abu Dhabi plant, using state-of-the-art technology from the world's best specialist suppliers."
"The setting up of Ducab (Abu Dhabi) will fulfill the requirements of clients from Abu Dhabi, who will not only get faster delivery but also enjoy a cost-effective advantage due to lower transportation costs," Bin Hamooda added. "It will also provide a further boost to the efforts of Abu Dhabi authorities to enhance industrial activity in the emirate by diversifying its manufacturing sector."
Mohammed Ali Alabbar, Chairman of Ducab, said: "The UAE has been promoting a diversified economic base by encouraging the non-oil sector, including manufacturing. The country has been making rapid progress in this area through progressive policies and incentives being provided by the government to encourage investment in key sectors. Ducab was one of the pioneers in this field and today stands out as a shining example by supplying quality cables not only to the local market but also overseas."
"The new plant in Abu Dhabi will considerably augment Ducab's production capacity and provide a further boost to the national economy," Alabbar added. "By replicating the success of Ducab (Dubai), the new factory will extend the benefits to new customers as well as generate substantial employment. We are confident that Ducab (Abu Dhabi) will excel in all its activities, because it is based on the same world-class principles and work culture that have made the Dubai factory such a major player in the power cables market."
Ducab, established in 1979, has not only recorded remarkable success in the production of quality cables, but also achieved tremendous recognition for its occupational safety and environmental standards. In 2002, it won the joint manufacturing industry sector award, world wide from RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) and the prestigious AGCC Environmental Award. The Abu Dhabi factory will follow the same safety and environmentally friendly policies that have earned Ducab international acclaim.
Colin Paskins, Managing Director, Ducab, said the new Abu Dhabi plant would be financed through internal earnings and bank facilities. "The new Ducab plant in Abu Dhabi will, however, have nearly the same production capacity as that of Ducab Dubai. Consequently, revenues too are set to double to reach AED 800 million by the year 2006. This will allow us to further consolidate our local and regional market share, as well as increase our exports."
"Ducab (Abu Dhabi) will be built on highly advanced technology, using the best of European and Japanese expertise incorporating proven methodologies for efficient production and shop floor practices," said Paskins. "The design is such that it leaves room for future expansion. The new factory will have all the features that have helped Ducab enhance working performance as well as safety, including the adoption of the Sigma Six performance improvement programme and the Japanese 5 S methodology for shop floor management."
Farid Mohammed Ahmed, General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Ducab said: "Besides bringing a world-class cable manufacturing plant to the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the new Ducab factory will provide jobs to qualified people, including UAE nationals. Ducab will increase its staff by 130 employees therefore offering many excellent employment opportunities."
WHO HEALTH BRIEFING FOR IRAQ
1. Children
Today to mark World Health Day and its theme of "Healthy Environments for Children" we want to focus on the 12 million children in Iraq (half of the population) and the impact war is having on their lives. The fundamental right of any child is the right to life and that right is under serious threat in Iraq. Wars inevitably have a major impact on civilians, and particularly on children. We have all seen some very disturbing pictures of child victims of this conflict - children with burn injuries, a young boy lying in a hospital bed, both his arms blown off. And away from the cameras, these scenes are being repeated every day. The World Health Organization again reminds of all sides in the conflict of their obligations to avoid injuries to civilians.
Hundreds of civilians are being injured, every day. And civilian injuries have a double impact on children - whether or not they are the direct victims, they may find themselves without a mother, a father, brothers or sisters. And don't forget that many of the "military casualties" we hear about are men whose children will now have to grow up without them.
Those who are injured and survive may end up in hospital needing treatment for third degree burns, or having limbs amputated and never again being able to run properly or play. Hospitals in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq are being overwhelmed by the numbers of injured people being brought in for treatment. Many are reported to be running short of supplies of medicines, anaesthetics and basic equipment. Some hospitals and health centres have also been affected by the damage to electricity and water supplies. Even those with functioning back-up generators may not have access to regular supplies of clean, safe water. Treating people and particularly conducting surgical operations under these circumstances is extremely dangerous for the health of patients.
Even before this conflict began, the children of Iraq were suffering from the combined impact of poverty and international sanctions. Infant mortality rates before the war began were twice as high as those in 1990. One in eight Iraqi children dies before reaching the age of five, one in three is undernourished, one in four begins life as an underweight baby. The three biggest child killers are acute respiratory infection, diarrhoeal diseases and measles.
Damage to electricity and water systems, combined with rising temperatures, will only increase the risk of diarrhoea and other diseases, add to the difficulties of women giving birth, and kill even more children.WHO is also extremely concerned about the psychological impact of conflict, fear, and the loss of family members or neighbours on Iraqi children. The physical and psychological damage of conflict could take years to heal, and are likely to leave many permanent scars.
The United Nations humanitarian agencies have appealed for US$ 325 million to cover the immediate health, nutrition, water and sanitation needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. With half of the population representing the future of the country, it is absolutely imperative for all to ensure the rapid reinstatement of a safe environment for children to grow up in.Health is a fundamental right of children. It is our responsibility to create conditions for children that safeguard their health.
