- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Sunday the United States will have to rely on low-ranking Iraqi officials from Saddam Hussein's government to disclose the existence of banned weapons.
Masala Giri Giri
Mohanlal Shooting a Masala Movie in the Gulf!
DUBAI- Padmabhooshan Bhrath Mohan Lal is acting for a new masala movie! Surprising to believe? The super star of Malayalam cinema is stooping down to the level of a Masala actor? It is not a masala movie, but a Masala business that Mohan Lal is trying to promote in the Gulf region. 'Mohanlal Taste Buds', is a new range of spices, masalas and pickles which are introduced in the GCC market targeting the large number of Lal fans and the Kerala community in the Gulf. Films play a crucial role in the life of a Gulf Malayali who are spending most of the free time watching the idiot box. Mohanlal is venturing out to woo Malayali customers with his popularity and good will that he earned in his long film carrier of 22 years.
A commerce graduate from a local college in Kerala, Mohanlal seems to remember the basics of commerce and business. Lal is not the first superstar to venture into an unknown business terrain. Prem Nasir, the green hero of the yesteryears tried to enter a different terrain - politics and failed miserably because the political culture in Kerala did not encourage the celluloid heroes rule the politically conscious people of the state. Even though many film stars tried to enter Kerala politics, it did not succeed. The latest case is tht of Bharath Murali --one of the most talented actors So politics is not an attractive area for the film stars.
But doing business is a different game all together and Mohanlal is bold enough to start a new business in his forties. (or fifties? we don't know exactly). Amithabh Bachan tried to become a billionaire by venturing into unknown business terrain and burned his fingers very badly. He was on the verge of bankruptcy following the Banglore Miss World Pageantry and the Amithabh Bhachan Corporation was declared almost bankrupt. However, the firm determination of Bachan helped him to stage a come back with this Karotpadi TV programmes and the induction of his son Abhishek Bachan as a super star in the making. Dileep Kumar started a number of businesses including the Copper Chimney Chain of Restaurants all over the world. And in some part of the world it has succeeded and in parts it failed miserably as the film stars name alone was not enough to sustain in competitive business. But there are success stories as well and Mohanlal seems to be determined to enter new business areas with a clear cut strategy.
'Mohanlal Taste Buds' brand was started with a new Restaurant in Karama, the UAE, which according to Lal has received overwhelming response from the Gulf Keralite community. "We have received inquiries from different countries including the US and UK to start franchise of Taste Buds Restaurants," says one of his close associates. He has plans to start Mohanlal Taste Buds Restaurant in different Gulf countries. He is already running a successful hotel business in Chennai, one of the links in the Copper Chimney chain of restaurants started by the veteran actor Dileep Kumar. Mohanlal has been associated with a marine export company and his name was initially associated with a few media ventures like Kairali TV. "I am only a shareholder in Kairali TV. I don't have any other role in that," he says. About the performance of Kairali channel, headed by his friend and competitor Mamootty, Mohanlal said he is not concerned about its performance. "I have made an investment as a friend (of Mamootty)," he says. Lal's name was also associated with other TV ventures in Kerala, but the actor has ruled out any active role in the forthcoming TV projects of M.K.Muneer . "I have released a logo of one of the TV channels," he hastened to add.
Sharath Kumar, Chartered Accountant and financial advisor to Mohanlal, the superstar, Ravi Narayanan, General Manager, Strategic Marketing Services, Dubai John Varghese, senior marketing manager of OUA explainig the Masala concept. - Photo by Manoj, Al Falahi Studio.
The superstar has now tied up with the best distribution companies in the Gulf to market the new range of spices and pickles. In Oman, Mohanlal has tied up with the Oman United Agencies (OUA), one of the leading distribution and marketing companies handling mainly multinational brands. For the Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Lal has chalked out ambitious business plans in collaboration with leading marketing companies in each country. The hidden businessman in the actor realized the potential foreign exchange earned by leading pickles and spices exporters from Kerala. Food business is never affected by a recession of economic crisis. As long as man is hungry, he will eat something. And the margin in export market is very attractive.
Some of the small-scale units in Kerala, which started from a humble beginning, have become multi-crore business ventures. "Melam" and "Eastern" are two leading pickle brands, which mint millions every year only by exporting spices and pickles. If these ventures can monpolise the market, Mohanlal Taste Buds brand of spices, pickles and premium pickles would be well accepted by the Keralite community in the Gulf. Mohanlal has been the brand ambassador of some of the premium products in Kerala. Lal has been promoting Kannan Devan Tea brand of Tea. There are many other products that he has promoted in Kerala, the second best consumer market in India after Bombay and the Gulf region, where NRK market is seizable. Family Center in Qatar, OUA in Oman and the Shetty Group in the UAE (Oman UAE Exchange Company) are the selected distributors of Lal brand of pickles and spices.
"Introducing a range of pure spices, masalas, pickles from Gods own country" Padma Shree Viswanathan Mohan Lal, one of India's finest acting talents and a super star, is venturing into the packaged food business with his range of spices, masalas and pickles, says the promotional material distributed among Keralites. "An avid culinary enthusiast, Mohan Lal sought an avenue to share his love of the various cousines. This was the genesis of the brand Taste Buds. The range of spices, masalas and pickles is only a prelude to a whole line of ready-to-eat packaged foods, which will be introduced in the near future. At present the range of spices, masalas and pickles consist of over 30 varieties and will be available in various pack sizes ranging from 100 gm to 400 gm," it says. All the ingredients for the entire range of spices, masalas and pickles are sourced from the best regions of the world's spice capital, the state of Kerala. "All products will offer a natural flavour with no artificial additives or preservatives. Additionally, the consumer will also have a unique assurance of quality and purity with every pack bearing Mohanlal's personal seal of approval. Even though Mohan Lal has not acted in any "Masala Movies" he is proud to be part of this Masala business. I am sure that the Keralite community in the Gulf will support his Masala initiative and begin a changing business culture in Kerala where doing business and earning a reasonable profit is still considered to be a sin by certain political parties and activities.
Is there anything that the Gulf Keralaite community can learn from Mohan Lal's new business initiative? At least some people with resources can think of doing useful business and generate income, employment and prosperity to the state. Instead of spending your lifetime achievements in building palace like houses and spending on luxurious cars, invest your money wisely. I am not advising every one to start pickle business. There are any number of business opportunities available in and outside Kerala. Explore the market and invest wisely. It was Mohanlal who presented in 'Varavelppu' a Gulf returnee who fails in all of his business ventures due to bureaucracy, red tapism, militant labour unions and an overall atmosphere in Kerala not conducive to do business. If that role model Mohanlal can become a Masala businessman, others too can follow suit and nurture a new culture in the state. The Gulf Keralites who are going back in large numbers can learn from such ventures and think about starting small businesses. - Keralamonitor.com Editor
Al Ghurair City Reports 42% Increase in Footfall
Consistent creative marketing campaigns
Dubai, 4 May 2003: Recent performance results at Al Ghurair City (AGC) show a remarkable increase in both footfall and sales figures compared to 2002. Statistics released earlier this week show that more than 13,000 visitors flock to AGC on weekdays, rising to 16,000 on weekends - an increase of 42 per cent compared to last year's figures.
Attributing the success to the group's innovative marketing strategy, Fadi Kachkouche, Marketing Manager at Al Ghurair City, explained, "In Q2 2002, we launched our imaginative marketing campaign 'Surprise Yourself Everyday' with our primary focus on both the youth market and the nuclear family, where market segmentation and tactical media bytes were key. The increase in our sales and footfall figures demonstrates that our strategy was spot on and in keeping with our desire to cater to the needs of our target market."
The US$120 million refurbishment and expansion programme that was launched by the UAE's flagship shopping mall in 2002 has resulted in a complete transformation of Al Ghurair City, throughout the retail mall, external streetscape, and across the offices and residential area of the complex.
Since June 2002, over 16 new tenants have joined Al Ghurair City, with Plug-ins, Spinneys, and Liwa Trading's Virgin Cosmetics, Tally Weijl, La Senza Girl and La Senza Lingerie all coming on board. The entry of Liwa Trading into Al Ghurair City has marked a major coup for the Middle East's most established shopping complex and is further testimony to the success of the refurbishment programme. In addition to this, the recent VIP opening of Grand Cinecity, the 8-screen digital multiplex at Al Ghurair City, has further enhanced the profile of Al Ghurair City by bringing entertainment into the mix.
In particular, the period from Q4 2002 to the present has been an incredibly successful time in terms of new store openings with a 45,000-sq-foot Spinneys, the Middle East's largest Book store: Book Corner, and in April an 8000-sq-foot Plug-Ins Electronix outlet, alongside four new restaurants - Bait Aldein, Chow King, Lobster Bay and Dennis. Adams and Early Learning Centre are also due to open in the coming month.
AGC has also revealed a range of new facilities, including a multi-storey indoor car park with extra-width bays for easy parking that can accommodate 2000 cars, and a sky bridge that provides quick and easy access to shoppers from the car park directly into the mall. Kachkouche commented, "A strategic and planned approach to partnerships between tenants and management, alongside our successful marketing strategy and the culmination of our refurbishment and expansion programme, has further consolidated Al Ghurair's position as a premier shopping, entertainment and leisure destination in the UAE." Kerala Monitor.com
DUBAI PROPERTY MARKET SET TO BOOM SAYS BIN SULAYEM
SUMMIT EXPO SHOWCASING MID EAST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Dubai April 4, 2003 Dubai's property market is set to grow much faster over the next decade, compared to the past 10 years, according to Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Nakheel, the UAE-based property development company. In a statement timed to coincide with the International Investment Summit Network Marketing Exhibition, underway at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference Centre, Bin Sulayem said evolving regional stability along with planned new development initiatives will continue to attract regional and international investors to Dubai.The decision to allow non-UAE citizens to purchase freehold property has provided a major boost to the property development sector, he added, kick starting a diverse range of projects that have encouraged foreign investment.
Nakheel, which has projects including The Palm, Jumeirah Islands, The Gardens and The Gardens Shopping Mall, is among a list of high profile institutions from the Arab world showcasing investment opportunities at the exhibition."Our projects have received a massive response on a local, regional and global level," said bin Sulayem. "Many of the residential properties have been sold to people in neighbouring GCC countries, the wider Middle East and elsewhere.
"In addition there has been strong interest in the hotels from a range of countries including the UAE, Kuwait, France and Germany. "The UAE's political and economic stability, combined with a tax-free environment and the high rate of return on investment has substantially aided the property market," added bin Sulayem.
The International Investment Summit Network Marketing Exhibition, organised by IIR on behalf of the Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA), has brought together investment authorities and promotion boards, multinational corporations, major property developers, international and regional non-governmental organisations, free zone representatives and financial institutions.
Major overseas institutions participating include Jordan's Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority; Algeria's Blanky Group; Bahrain Economic Development Board; Bahrain Financial Harbour; Solidere and the Investment Development Authority, Lebanon; Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Shell.Among exhibitors from the UAE are the DDIA; Dubai International Financial Centre; the Technology E-commerce and Media Free Zone (Tecom); Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority; Al Tamimi & Company; Jumeirah Beach Residence and SHUAA Capital. The exhibition, that closes tomorrow, is being held alongside the International Investment Summit. The conference has brought together leading decision-makers and key stakeholders, from government and the private sector, to map out a blue print for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the GCC and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Kerala Monitor.com
MRO Software helps reduce IT costs for customers
with new IT Asset Management Solution
MRO Software launches expanded solution set to include IT Asset Management
May 04 2003, Dubai UAE - eSolutions, the Middle East agent of MRO Software, Inc., a leading provider of e-Business solutions for strategic asset management (SAM), has launched MRO's new IT Asset Management solution called MAXIMO® MainControl. A significant enhancement to the company's existing enterprise asset management solution, MAXIMOâ, the additional functionality from MAXIMO MainControl software enables businesses to strategically manage the configurations and costs of technology resources, including PCs, laptops, network equipment, servers, mobile devices and software across the enterprise.
According to Gartner*, "managing your assets effectively can reduce your IT costs by up to 40%" - a significant saving in such cost-conscious times. James Fair, VP of EMEA, MRO Software, commented: "Strategic assets can be defined as those having a direct and significant impact on a company's operations and performance. With the launch of MAXIMO MainControl, MRO Software now has an application suite that enables companies to manage, maintain and extend the life of all assets strategic to a business and is positioning itself to lead this new marketplace.
He continued: "We are seeing a growing recognition among businesses that tighter and more sophisticated management of all strategic assets contributes directly to an enterprise's bottom line. With this expanded solution, our customers can gauge the performance of all their critical IT assets as precisely as they manage financials and productivity measures, even across a global enterprise."
MAXIMO, MRO Software's strategic maintenance, repair and operations solution, manages assets throughout their lifecycle, allowing for more efficient planning, purchasing, deployment, tracking, maintenance and retirement of these critical assets. The new IT asset management solution enables customers to reduce IT costs by an average of 15% by significantly improving software license compliance, purchasing practices, lease management, warranty and service management, equipment retirement and recovery, change management and business continuity.
MAXIMO is currently used by nearly 10,000 customers worldwide and approximately 100 renowned organizations throughout the Middle East and manages a variety of physical asset classes, including: production plants, facilities and fleets. The addition of IT asset management expands the company's ability to manage all of the enterprise's strategic assets, and streamlines integration between asset management and back-office applications. Using MRO Software's application suite, customers can manage the complete lifecycle of strategic assets and asset-related sourcing and procurement.
MAXIMO MainControl, which is based on the capabilities added to the MAXIMO suite through acquisition of MainControl in May 2002, currently manages in excess of 30 million assets at more than 200 companies. This new product supports the company's belief that strategic asset management is becoming more important and, in turn, customers are seeking a single asset management suite and not a series of point solutions from multiple vendors.
James Fair concluded: "Through this new product we are extending our leadership into the burgeoning field of strategic asset management, encompassing all classes of assets, from heavy manufacturing to computing and technology, in a single analytical model that can measure their real-time performance across the enterprise. The lack of a strategic approach to asset management comes at a very high price - low levels of company performance - and that is why moving to a more unified approach of managing all assets in the enterprise is where the truly innovative business leaders are turning to increase value and build competitive advantage."Tariq Aziz not telling truth: Bush
Washington, May. 4. Apparently frustrated by the inability of the US to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, President George W Bush has lashed out at former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz for not "telling the truth" to his American captors. "We are learning that Tariq Aziz still does not know how to tell the truth. He did not know how to tell the truth when he was in office. He does not know to tell the truth as a captive," Bush said at a joint appearance at his ranch in Texas with Australian Prime Minister John Howard yesterday.
Aziz, the most visible face of Saddam Hussein's regime, recently surrendered to US troops. But Bush reiterated that weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) were present in Iraq and it was only a matter of time before they were found.
