- EIM & Al-Wahda Express unveil Arabic version of UAE online Yellow Pages
- World Congress for Preserving Religious Diversity:
- UAE School Students becomes Television Presenters
- Doha WTO Conference 2001; WHO Welcomes Declaration
- Philips shows support for format through complete MP3 audio product range
- On-line contest to drive showroom traffic in the UAE
- U.S.-India Economic Dialogue Intensified
- 'Woox Wall' launched in Middle East
- Microsoft Windows XP Launched in Other Middle East countries.
keralamonitor.com The Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated and chaired the Seventh Meeting of the Inter-State Council here today. Apart from Chief Ministers, other Ministers and senior officials of various States, Union Home Minister Shri L.K. Advani, Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Murli Manohar Joshi, Union Minister for Law, Justice & Company Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley were also present on the occasion. The Home Minister Shri L.K. Advani delivered the welcome address.
"I must express my deep satisfaction – and I am sure all of you share my satisfaction – at the cordiality and spirit of cooperation that mark the Centre-State relations today in spite of an unprecedented degree of political pluralism in our country. Speaking for myself, I have never encountered any difficulty in interacting with Chief Ministers who belong to parties other than those represented in the National Democratic Alliance," Vajpayee told the chief ministers, including 10 new faces who got elected after the last meeting of the Council.
The recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission have created a lively debate in the country. Naturally, as befits a vibrant democracy, citizens and politicians have responded to these with diverse viewpoints. I am sure that the Agenda items under discussion today will also evoke a multiplicity of views and opinions, he added. As many as 59 recommendations from different chapters of the Sarkaria Commission’s Report are considered by the meeting. The Standing Committee has already considered these recommendations and its opinions have been incorporated in the Agenda papers. There have been in-depth discussions on these issues in the Standing Committee.
At the last meeting of the Council, decisions on 46 recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission were taken In pursuance of these decisions, a Committee of State Finance Ministers has made substantial progress towards reforms in domestic trade taxes. Several steps were initiated to facilitate movement towards a regime of Value Added Tax. A uniform floor rate of sales Tax is in place almost in the entire country, the prime minister told the chief ministers.
"The period of overdrafts has been extended from seven days to ten days. The normal ways and Means limit of the States with RBI has been enhanced. We have also amended the NABARD Act and increased the representation of States from two to four on the Board of Directors of NABARD,' he added..
One of the chief problems facing the state, according to Vajpayee, is the threat posed by terrorism and religious extremism. The recent terrorist attacks on the United States of America have starkly highlighted both the global scope and the extreme severity of this threat. They compelled the civilised world to launch a decisive campaign against the forces of terror, which had found a safe haven in Afghanistan, he said.
'No country has perhaps suffered as much under cross-border terrorism as India has, during the past 10-15 years. Successive governments at the Centre and in the affected States have fought this menace resolutely. We have also achieved notable successes against this challenge,' he added. Nevertheless, our experience against terrorism has clearly demonstrated that we have to have a combat programme, whose crucial ingredient has to be sustainability. Sustainability is a product of strong political will, capabilities of security forces and, last but not the least, an enabling legislative framework.
All of us know, TADA has lapsed and we have no other law in place to deal effectively with terrorism. I would like the Chief Ministers to give their views on whether there is a need to strengthen the existing legal framework to assist our relentless battle against terrorism, he added. The Law Commission has opined that such a need does, indeed exist. It has also been the longstanding demand of our security forces. Several States have already put in place laws against organized crime.
'It is this context which explains the recent promulgation of the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance by the Centre. We will discuss this issue in greater detail in tomorrow’s Chief Ministers’ Conference on Internal Security. I am confident that our deliberations will be free and frank, and will yield a consensus that answers adequately to the national need,' said Vajpayee.
" I can hardly overemphasize the need for the States to develop and implement their own programmes of fiscal self-reliance. The traditional belief that the solution to the financial problems of the States lies in higher allocation of funds by the Centre no longer holds good for two reasons,' he added. Firstly, it is not a sign of responsible management of State finances. Secondly, the capacity of the Centre to provide additional funds is becoming severely strained with the passage of time. In any case, both the Centre and States must put every available rupee where it is most needed to promote development and people’s welfare.
The second developmental issue that is particularly relevant to the meeting today is the need to take concrete steps to bring about decentralization of financial and administrative powers right upto the grassroots level. Next year marks the tenth anniversary of the historic 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution. Let us objectively assess our experience of the last one decade. Let us examine whether the purpose of ushering in true Panchayati Raj through these Amendments been satisfactorily achieved and what further steps are necessary, Vajpayee said.
The task before us is to speedily ensure that the process of true decentralization upto the grassroots level acquires substance and strength. Many States have been holding regular Panchayat and Municipal elections. This should become a normal phenomenon, immune from the pressures of competitive politicsm he added.
The Sarkaria Commission in its report on Centre-State relations has made several recommendations, which specifically emphasise delegation of powers to the State Governments. The Council has already decided on about seventy per cent of these recommendations. Besides devolution of powers to the State Governments, the Commission has also touched upon various provisions and procedures that act as impediments in Centre-State relations. We are now trying to remove these.
The Inter-State Council has so far concentrated on the recommendations made by the Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State relations. In order to use this institution to further strengthen the principle of cooperative federalism, the task of the Council needs to be widened. With this in view, the guidelines to conduct the business of the Inter-State Council have already been amended to the effect that, if a majority of the Council’s members propose discussion on an issue, the Council may consider taking it up on its deliberations, he said.
World Congress for Preserving Religious Diversity:
Indian Prime minister urges Religious leaders to Work for Preserving Religious Diversify keralamonitor.com The Indian Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivered the keynote address at the World Congress for Preserving Religious Diversity here today. Among those present on the occasion were His Holiness Dalai Lama, founder of All India Movement for Seva, Swami Dayanand Saraswati and former President of India Shri R. Venkataraman.
"I am happy to participate in this World Congress for Preserving Religious Diversity and bringing about cooperation and harmony amongst all faiths in the world. I offer my warm welcome and greetings to the large number of religious representatives from far and near who are attending this meet," Vajpayee said. Congratulating Swami Dayananda Saraswatiji and former President, Venkatramanji, for the, he said that recent global and regional developments have imparted added urgency and relevance to this effort. " At the very core of these familiar developments is religious intolerance of the most extreme and violent kind. Be it the destruction of the historic Buddha statues at Bamiyan in Afghanistan, or the terrorist attacks on the United States of America on September 11, or the cross-border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir for the past decade and more – a single common causative thread runs through them all,' Vajpayee said. "And that is the irreligious mindset that rejects and abhors religious diversity. It does not believe in the principle of co-existence of diverse faiths and traditions, which constitute our common humanity. Representatives of this mindset do not show any respect for human life. They believe that their bigoted ends can justify the most diabolical means of terror – of killing innocent people in scores, in hundreds, even in thousands," he added.
'' These terrorists take the name of God and religion, they call their campaign a "Holy War". But they do so only to excite sentiments and emotions and in a bid to mobilise wider support for their cause. In actual fact, they represent no religion. How can they, when the very essence of every religion is respect for human life, which is the highest creation of God? When every faith, at its core, preaches tolerance towards other faiths?,' the Hindu Prime minister asked.
Rejection of diversity – be it religious diversity, cultural diversity or intellectual diversity – not only violates natural laws but it also goes against human nature. Uniformity is not acceptable either in God’s non-living creation or in His living creation. So how can it be acceptable to human beings, who are blessed by God with the power of inquiry and search, of doubt and independent investigation of reform and re-synthesis?
There is unity in nature, but not uniformity. Nevertheless, even the realisation and acceptance of unity requires acceptance of diversity. History has shown that those who try to cast the various faiths and cultures and traditions around the world in the same uniform mould of their choice never succeeded in their endeavour. When they use violence to achieve their ends, their failure becomes even more certain.
'Diwali, the festival of light,celebrates the journey from darkness to light, of the victory of good over evil. All of us can rejoice in the current defeat of the Taliban in city after city in Afghanistan – a defeat which shows that the Afghan people’s long-awaited journey from darkness to light has begun. May all of us send our best wishes and generous assistance to our brethren in Afghanistan for taking this victorious journey forward to early reconstruction and lasting peace,' he added. 'Now that the world community has known the true face of terrorism, and now that international cooperation against terror have been proved to yield desired results, such cooperation should be continued and further strengthened around the world,' he added.' The world needs a parallel and continuing international cooperation among leaders of various faiths and communities against extremism and terrorism. These two efforts will supplement and complement each other,' he said.
Recognising this, the Secretary General of the United Nations took the commendable initiative last year of organising the first ever summit of religious leaders, coinciding with the Millennium Summit of the UN. I am happy that today’s Congress in New Delhi represents a much-needed follow-up step in that direction. ' If we examine all the tenets of all religions, we find that all of them without exception preach good conduct, virtue, selflessness, charity, kindness, compassion etc. They differ on theological principles, such as the nature of Good. But all of them agree that humanity must follow a conduct, which is conducive to the existence of a harmonious society,' he added.
The principle of tolerance must be matched by non-intervention in other’s religions and religious practices. "We in India are proud that our nation represents religious diversity of such antiquity and innate conviction as is unparalleled anywhere in the world. We have all the religions of the world within our borders, and we accord equal respect to all of them,' he said. 'This secular principle of Sarva Pantha Samabhaav is not something that India borrowed from others after Independence. Rather, secularism has been a part of India’s ethos for as long as India has existed. I must point out here that this principle of equal respect for all faiths works smoothly when it is accepted and practised by all. If some people do not do so, and try to strike their own separate path in order to show that they are different, it creates a reaction among others which does no good to social harmony," Vajpayee added. " From time immemorial India has practiced tolerance towards all religions. Addressing the Parliament of Religions at Chicago, more than a 100 years ago, Swami Vivekananda said: "I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and nations of the earth".
'Christianity came to India in the first Century A.D. but not with the East India Company. Islam came to India in the seventh Century A.D., but not with Mohammed of Gazni. The renowned Islamic saint Khwajah Moinuddin Chishti, born abroad, education in Samarkand and Baghdad, which were then great seats of learning, ultimately came to India and settled in Delhi and Ajmer. His makbara or grave is even today visited by hundred of thousands of Hindus and Muslims. Similarly, many Muslim poets have sung songs in praise of Rama and Krishna," he added. "These are not exceptions. In spite of many irreligious acts in the past, and in spite of the Partition of India on the specious Two-Nation Theory, all of India is even today dotted with similar symbols and traditions of inter-religious tolerance. We shall preserve and further strengthen this ethos, which I believe is also greatly needed by our inter-dependent world today,' he concluded by saying that the Congress deliberations would help the world move in the direction of the preservation of religious diversity and promotion of peace and harmonious co-existence of all religious communities in the world.
DOHA MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 2001; WHO Welcomes Declaration
The members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued an historic Ministerial Declaration yesterday stating that the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) should be interpreted and implemented so as to protect public health and promote access to medicines for all, said WHO in a statement. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland said: "Ministers of trade, economy, industry and foreign affairs gave a great deal of attention to the issue of access to essential medicines in Doha. This demonstrates the growing appreciation of importance of international trade agreements for people's lives and well-being.
I am pleased to hear of the Ministers' conclusion that the TRIPS agreement 'can and should be interpreted and implemented in a manner supportive of WTO members' right to protect public health and, in particular, promote access to medicines for all'.
WHO will continue to work with its member states, with the WTO, and with other relevant organizations to help with implementation."EIM & Al-Wahda Express unveil Arabic version of online Yellow Pages
English interface undergoes major enhancements; Company listings cross 30,000Dubai, November 15, 2001: Emirates Internet & Multimedia (EIM) today announced the launch of its latest customer-driven offering, the Arabic online version of the Etisalat Yellow Pages.
The new service, which can be accessed at the URL prompt of www.yellowpages.net.ae has been initiated in association with Al Wahda Express (AWE), and follows in the wake of the highly successful launch of the online English version of the Etisalat Yellow Pages by the two companies, in July last year.Simultaneously, EIM also announced that the English interface of the service has evolved to provide several enhancements, making it more user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Launching the online Arabic Yellow Pages in Dubai today, Ms. Maroua Naim General Manager, EIM said that the new service would provide Arab Internet users with easy access to up-to-date information on the business and corporate sectors in the UAE.
"The service includes listings of over 30,000 companies, in 3,000 categories, from across the country. Its powerful search engine, which is among the fastest in the world, is keyword enabled, while the home page directly links to over 50 popular industry and activity listings to facilitate easy access", she added. "In addition to our extensive free listing database, we have also provided the same highly successful advertising options available on the English interface," said Mr. Wayne Foster, CEO, AWE.
"These will allow businesses to distinguish themselves and exclusively target the Arabic audience and cost effectively promote their products and services to a global audience", he added. The technological and communication infrastructure for the web-service has been provided by EIM, while the sales, marketing & help-desk functions and content enhancements are being managed by AWE, a premier publishing company with over 15 years of experience in the UAE.
"For any such web-service to be successful in the long-term, it is important for it to constantly evolve and incorporate more value added features for the benefit of customers. In the near-medium future, we plan to introduce several new features, including digitalized maps for business locations and streaming video", added Ms. Naim.
The BSA Announces 'Great Opportunity'
Companies in the UAE given the opportunity to license their software without risking legal action
Dubai, UAE, 15 November 2001 - To promote proper software licensing, the BSA ( an association of leading software developers) is offering UAE businesses a 45 days software "Great Opportunity" campaign from November 17th to January 2nd, the BSA will hold off on investigating businesses they've heard are running unlicensed software. That gives businesses time to check their compliance and, if necessary, get the licenses they need. Businesses who wish to legalise can call the BSA hotline at number 800 4828 to obtain assistance in auditing their software and establishing the exact number of licenses that they need to purchase, if they want to be in compliance with the state's copyright laws. The BSA will provide experts to audit software and will offer companies the tools to implement an effective software management program. Yet, the Alliance has made it clear that resellers of illegal software will still be raided during this period.
" We really see this as an awareness campaigns for companies. We know that no one wants to live in the fear of being raided because their software is not licensed, yet they are concerned about the costs. On the other hand, many people do not really know where and how to start, which is why we launched this campaign, we can provide them with the experts who can help," said Jawad El-Redha, the BSA's regional director.
Businesses which take advantage of this duration and fill in the License Information List and fax it back to BSA shall not be affected by the extensive activities of BSA that will resume following immediately the expiry of this campaign. By filling in the said form, the firms shall have acknowledged that their software are already licensed or that they will have their software licensed within the duration given.
"After the Campaign, investigations will resume, if your business is contacted by the BSA and you've participated in the campaign, you'll save your company from investigations, negative reputation, and penalties. Legal software is an essential part of a growing IT industry and the national economy as a whole: the law on copyright was passed in support of the government's vision for that growth, and it is every company's duty to uphold the law," added Al-Redha
This is the second campaign of its kind that the BSA initiates in the Middle East. The first one was held in Kuwait and the UAE last year. Together with its members, the BSA works to educate the public about software compliance and protection of intellectual property rights. "Our members tell us that last year's campaign was successful," Al-Redha said. "There are a lot of businesses out there who are waiting for the right opportunity to legalise their products, and this is it."
The BSA will embark on an informative campaign to brief businesses in the UAE about this opportunity. Extensive vehicles for delivering the message will be used to increase awareness in the market, including informative advertising in newspapers and on the radio and television. After the campaign, business will resume as usual, where companies will face serious penalties for software violations including heavy fines, confiscation of material and in certain cases, prison terms.
The UAE government has been one of the most active in the region in its efforts to curb the trade and use of illegal software. Today, the UAE benefits from the lowest rate of illegal software in the region, at 44%, which is credited as one of the factors that have turned the country into the IT hub of the region. The government collaborates with BSA in its fight against illegal software, as they seek to create a business environment favourable for the development of a viable information technology industry in the region.
Jordan's national ICT strategy given more impetus by launch of Windows XP, says Dr. Fawaz H. Zu'bi
H.E. Fawaz H. Zu'bi, Minister of Post and Communications receives an edition of Microsoft Windows XP, on behalf of the government, from Charbel Fakhouri, Country Manager, Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean, at the Windows XP event in Jordan on November 13, 2001
Amman, Jordan, November 15, 2001: "The launch of Microsoft Windows XP is a milestone in Jordan's Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) strategy," said Dr. Fawaz H. Zu'bi, the Jordanian Minister of Post & Communications, at a high-profile event held at the Royal Cultural Center in Amman on November 13, where over 650 partners and customers gathered to launch Microsoft's new operating system software locally.
In his key note address Dr. Zu'bi said: "We take great pride in Microsoft's decision to celebrate the launch of their latest product with us, which illustrates that our market is maturing in its acceptance of state-of-the-art technologies and confirms the Jordanian Government's commitment towards safe-guarding intellectual property.
"The release of the Arabic version of Windows XP, simultaneously with the English version signals the increasing importance of the regional market to IT multinationals," he added.
"Windows XP promises to introduce powerful new tools into our work environment that will improve communication and enhance productivity. In Jordan, we share Microsoft's view that technology can improve the quality of life of our citizens. This is why we are investing in a nation-wide Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) strategy, that will place technology in the hands of our people, and drive our young but aggressive IT agenda."
The Windows XP event in Amman marked the first major product introduction by Microsoft in Jordan, and followed the opening of the first Microsoft office in the country earlier this year. In August 2000, His Majesty King Abdullah II signed a landmark agreement between the Jordanian Government and Microsoft as a step towards achieving Jordan's stated vision to transform the country into a technology research and development hub for the region.
Charbel Fakhoury, Country Manager for Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean said: "The Windows XP launch marks the biggest step forward in the PC experience since Windows 95. We believe customers will now be able to unleash the full power of their PC to help them at work, home and school because of the new operating system's reliability, dependability and simplicity. We have had customers from across the region, including Jordan, preview and evaluate the operating system ahead of its launch and we have received excellent feedback from them."
Philips shows unprecedented support for format through complete MP3 audio product range
15th November 2001, Dubai, UAE - In a major show of support for a digital audio format that is taking consumers by storm worldwide, Philips today announced that it would provide to consumers in the Middle East region a complete range of audio products that support MP3 technology. According to Philips, this range is unrivalled in the region's consumer electronic industry, with no other manufacturer currently providing the breadth and variety of products introduced by Philips.
"MP3 technology is expected to play a major role in the consumer electronic and music industries," commented Olivier Delahaye, General Manager of Philips Middle East and Africa. "It has already generated much awareness and interest amongst consumers and we believe it will become even bigger within a short period of time. This is why we have today introduced the most comprehensive range of MP3 playback audio products in the Middle East".
Delahaye explained, however, that the format "will not replace CD technology" which offers superior sound quality. It will develop as a complementary audio format, especially for music content, offering convenience in portable use and the personal creation of song mixes from CDs or Internet sites.
The use of MP3, a digital format that greatly compresses audio files, is a trend that has dramatically spread in the last year all over the world. It enables consumers to download songs or other audio material in digital format from Internet websites and record them using their PCs onto CD-writers, using special software. It also enables consumers to create mixes from different CDs and record several songs, as the MP3 file size is smaller than CD format, on either MP3-CDs or smaller MP3 disks *.
Delahaye also predicted that with consumer demand driving the MP3 market, the format will secure a much greater level of support from the consumer electronic industry, with a substantial majority of CD, VCD and DVD players being MP3 compatible within the next 2 years.The emphasis on the new technology is evident in Philips new audio product range. 30% of the company's audio range currently supports MP3 technology. The range is the most comprehensive that has been introduced in the Middle East and caters to home and portable uses and a range of consumer budgets. The products include stationary Hi-Fi-s, portable CD players as well as the extremely light handheld MP3 players. And with many customers using their DVD players to play music, Philips has also ensured that its DVD players are MP3-compatible.
The Expanium, the world's smallest handheld MP3-CD player recently launched by Philips, is included in the range and is expected to be a star product within the range. The stationary products play cassette and CD formats as well as having the additional feature of MP3-CD playback, whereas the handhelds are designed to only playback MP3 disk formats that are smaller than CDs, for lighter and more convenient use.
Photo caption: Neil Fonseca, Audio Product Manager, and Olivier Delahaye, General Manager, display a wide range of Philips MP3 sound systems.
'Woox Wall' launched in Middle East
New Concept makes Philips 'Ace of Bass'
14th November 2001, Dubai, UAE - Faced with the challenge of promoting the sound performance of its Hi-fi systems in busy and noisy retail stores, Philips has today announced an innovative concept in audio promotional displays called the 'Woox Wall'. The Woox Wall is Philips' solution to creating an in-store activity that grabs consumer attention and instantly communicates the powerful performance of Philips sound systems - simply with the creative use of Philips audio products. This impressive display is set to make several appearances in various consumer electronic outlets in the Middle East over the next couple of months.
The concept was especially developed to create hype around a new sound technology developed and patented by Philips and built into its Hi-Fi systems. 'Woox' technology boosts overall sound performance in Mini systems by enhancing bass signals, which are an essential element in good quality audio output. The lower and more dynamic the bass, the higher the impact of the music, but as the human ear does not recognize low frequencies at the same level as high frequencies, bass sounds need to be enhanced in order to create richness in sound. Woox technology achieves this without the usual need for expensive or bulky external devices, such as sub-woofers and loudspeakers.
The Woox Wall concept is able to demonstrate the clarity and richness from Philips sound systems above the din in retail stores, by magnifying the sound performance. The display is created by stacking and connecting several units of Philips audio Hi-Fi systems that use Woox technology on top and adjacent to each other. The result is an impressive audio 'wall', with sound from a track playing in one central unit reproduced in all the other unit speakers simultaneously, greatly magnifying the audio impact. The powerful sound, coupled with built-in blue luminescent flashing lights synchronized to the music beat, is so attractive, that it is expected to be a strong crowd puller even in very noisy outlets.
"Consumers want to recognize the key benefit of a product instantly, without long brochures and complicated explanations," explained Olivier Delahaye, General Manager, Philips Middle East and Africa. "Deliver that message to them in a creative and impactful way, let them see it and hear it to believe it…and you effectively communicate your product's competitive advantage."
However, impressive as it may be, the Woox Wall is not what Philips is looking to sell in retail stores, although it is available to a niche market that may be interested. It is the individual units of the Woox Wall, the Philips V720, C780 and MC70 models, which can be sold as standalone Hi-Fi systems. Using Woox technology, these Hi-Fi models produce sound with clear powerful bass and create an impressive home display with the optional flashing lights feature.
The Woox Wall display concept has worked exceptionally well in India and Singapore, with a considerable rise in sales of the individual Hi-Fi units during the display promotions. The Middle East is the next stop in the worldwide roadshow of the Woox Wall, with an average of 1-2 week promotion periods in various retails outlets over the next couple of months.
U.S.-India Economic Dialogue Intensified
In conjunction with the November 9 meeting between President Bush
and Prime Minister Vajpayee, the U.S. and India announce the
expansion and intensification of the U.S.-India Economic
Dialogue. This is one of the most important manifestations of
the Administration's commitment to fundamentally transform U.S.-
India bilateral relations.The Dialogue was inaugurated in March 2000. Intended to
institutionalize economic cooperation, it was originally
comprised of three fora -- a "Financial and Economic Forum," a
"Commercial Dialogue," and a "Working Group on Trade."The two sides agreed during Prime Minister Vajpayee's visit to
expand the Economic Dialogue by significantly enhancing private
sector interaction, and by adding separate energy and environment
components. Recognizing the relationship between energy and
environment issues, we anticipate interaction between them.The Dialogue's private sector counterpart will broaden and deepen
ties between the Indian and American business communities and
enable the government-to-government discussions to benefit more
fully from their practical and specific experiences.U.S. National Economic Council Director Larry Lindsey and Indian
National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra serve as Coordinators
for the Dialogue. Under Secretary of State Alan Larson and Dr.
Prodipto Ghosh, Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister's
Office, serve as Executive Secretaries responsible for advancing
the Dialogue, including especially on issues that cut across
ministerial lines.Treasury Secretary O'Neill and Finance Minister Sinha held the
initial Financial and Economic Forum meeting in April and will
meet again this month to discuss issues including Forum next
steps. USTR Zoellick and Commerce Minister Maran renewed the
Working Group on Trade during their August meetings in New Delhi.The U.S.-India Business Council is serving as convener for the
U.S. side of the private sector counterpart, pulling together
participants from a variety of sectors, companies, and
organizations. The Indian private sector is currently developing
a structure for its participation.Mr. Lindsey and Mr. Mishra directed Under Secretary Larson and
Dr. Ghosh to ensure the Economic Dialogue provides special
attention to issues related to high technology, infrastructure,
and knowledge-based industries.NEW JEEP CHEROKEE TAKES A TRIP ON THE WEB
On-line contest to drive showroom trafficNovember 15, 2001
Dubai: JeepÒ in the Middle East has made its first venture into Net marketing with a challenging on-line contest via five of the region's most popular sites and a launch link to its new dedicated Jeep Cherokee web-site. For a four week period, visitors can log onto www.jeepcherokeeme.com via ajeeb.com, yahoo.com, ameinfo.com, arabia.com and maktoob.com and register to test drive the all-new Jeep Cherokee and possibly win an all-expenses-paid Jeep adventure on America's famed Rubicon Trail.
www.jeepcherokeeme.com puts on-line to the test
"This is our first regional venture into web-based marketing and is designed to drive traffic to our JeepÒ showrooms and generate test drives," said David Glorius, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Director, Chrysler, JeepÒ and Dodge Middle East. "If successful, we hope it will be the first of many."
Those registering for a test drive via www.jeepcherokeeme.com will be automatically entered for the Rubicon draw once they actually take the test drive."The Rubicon Trail is one of the toughest off-road tracks in the world and the ultimate four-wheel driving experience," explained Glorius. "As the all-new Jeep Cherokee offers an unrivalled combination of ruggedness and refinement, the Rubicon trip perfectly fit the positioning of this exceptionally capable vehicle."
Photos of the challenging Rubicon Trail are featured on www.jeepcherokeeme.com along with a list of Jeep distributor showrooms throughout 10 Middle East countries, including all six GCC states, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Yemen. The site also features complete details of the all-new Jeep Cherokee, including its performance, specifications, colours and the test drive registration form.
The result of a US $1.7 billion development programme, the new Cherokee is designed to meet the stringent demands of the Middle East market with many technological advancements, such as its innovative hybrid cooling and special ABS braking sensors calibrated for off-road driving."This Rubicon contest will not only put the Jeep and the winner to the test - but also the web," added Glorius.
Children from Al Ittihad Private School in Dubai, had the chance to find out what it is like to be a TV presenter and to make voice over recordings during a fun, educational visit at the E-Vision Broadcasting Centre in Dhaid, Sharjah. The children were able to learn more about the state-of-the-art Broadcasting Centre and see for themselves how different television channels from around the world are brought to TV screens in the UAE.
