Launching of Si3, Canada - System Innovations Inc. in Markham
On November 16th 2006, the largest IT company of Pakistan SI3, launched its office in Markham Ontario. The chief executive officer and president of the company, Mr.Amer Hashmi flew in specially from Pakistan for the ceremony. Amer is also the chief of the CPBC Karachi Secretariat.
The Consul General of Pakistan, Mr.Ghalib Iqbal inaugurated the Si3 office by cutting the ribbons to officially open the doors for business activities. The ceremony was attended by the Councillor of the Town of Markham, Federal MP Mr.Jim Karygiannis, executives of the Economic Development Board of Markham, director of CPBC and other member of the business community. Later in the evening, a joint dinner between CPBC and Si3 was held at the Bayview country club where about hundred and twenty five people were invited as guests including the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Hon.Mike Colle and the former Minister of industries, Hon. Sinclair Steavens. Mr.Amer Hashmi made an impressive presentation of the IT industry in Pakistan and his companies’ activities. Si3 has had five hundred and fifty percent growths in the last year and has received several prestigious awards. Si3 is an international company with presence in Malaysia, Dallas and now in Toronto. The objective is to engage in Canada locally and also to enter into the US market. The company has great ambitions to become the first billion dollar IT company of Pakistan and to go public in the near future. Si3 is headed in Canada by Mr.Behram Faroogh, senior VP Global Operation, who brings with him a wealth of experience. |
Amer Hashmi, Behram Faroogh and dignitaries at the launching of Si3
CPBC holds its Annual General Meeting
On November 28th, CPBC held its Annual General Meeting at it office location which was attended by its members, advisors and directors. The president, Andy Merchant in the opening remarks thanked the members and directors for their continued support which has elevated the presence and the image of the Council at various business and government levels. The membership and sponsorship continues to grow. He gave the Highlights of the activities and presented the accounts which showed a healthy financial growth despite increase activities. Andy then briefed them about the success of the Trade Mission of September-2006. He further presented the plans for the forthcoming Trade Mission with the Premier of Ontario Hon. Dalton McGuinty and other future activities. He specially thanked Mr.Samir Dossal whose continued efforts are an encouragement and help towards the Council activities. Special thanks were also given to the director, Mr.Khalid Awan whose enormous engagement contributed towards the success of the Trade Mission. The support of Mr.S.M.Muneer of Din Group in Pakistan was also acknowledged. The valuable advice of Mr.Farooq Dawood and other advisors was greatly appreciated. The floor was opened for discussions for members’ input and suggestions for continued improvements.
CPBC once again wishes to thank all those responsible for a very successful year despite the challenges of the earthquake which was struck in Pakistan in October-2005 and the cancellation of the Trade Mission schedule for February-2006. CPBC could not have achieved the objectives without the combined efforts and team work of its directors, members, supporters, government officials in Canada and Pakistan, volunteers and most of all the sponsors without whose support CPBC would not have been able to function at such dignified level.
Dinner Hosted in Honour of Premier Dalton McGuinty
On Friday Jan 5th,2007 CPBC hosted the most prestigious event in honor of the Premier of Ontario, Hon. Dalton McGuinty who will be visiting India and Pakistan this month. Approximately three hundred guests attended the event held at the Bayview Country Club. Andy Merchant welcomed the Premier and the guests. He told the audience about the Council as an organization with a heart and soul which has contributed towards various social and charitable causes. He said that the net proceeds of this evening’s dinner of Five Thousand Dollar would go towards the scholarship for LUMS which will be presented during the visit with the Premier this month.
The Premier was in attendance at the dinner with his wife. He spoke from his heart and delivered an impressive speech about the opportunities of trade between Ontario and Pakistan and where the diaspora could also play a significant role. He appreciated the role played by CPBC in further enhancing the trade. The Premier also witnessed the signing ceremony of agreement between CPBC and CATA (Canadian Advance Technology Association) which has over 22,000 thousand members who are associated with the IT and Communication industry.
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The Signing ceremony between CPBC and CATA
At the event, Mr.Ghalib Iqbal Consul General of Pakistan was also bid farewell and was presented a plaque of recognition for his support to CPBC during his over four year tenure in Toronto. Among the dignitaries who were present at this occasions included the Leader of the Opposition, Mr.John Tory, Minister Hon.Mike Colle, and MP Hon.Bryon Wilfert, Hon.Sinclair Stevens, Mayor of Richmond Hill David Barrow, Chief of Police, York region, Mr.Armand LaBarge, Consul General of Sri Lanka who were all present with their spouses. In addition Deputy Ministers, Councilors and other dignitaries, community leaders, government official and businessmen graced the occasion with their presence. The dinner was sumptuous and the entertainment was delightful which the audience thoroughly enjoyed as an evening to remember.
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