STANDPOINT by Atique Naqvi

  CEO of Travel Oregon explains tourism growth roadmap Syed Atique Hussain Naqvi, Toronto, Canada TORONTO: Along the coastlines of the United States, hides Oregon—a land of diverse landscapes and breathtaking views. The coastal gem offers over 360 state parks, but it is not just natural beauty. It also boasts some of the nation’s finest breweries and restaurants. Oregon is a destination where you can wander along stunning shorelines, trek volcanic peaks, paddle serene lakes, and adventure through the desert in dune buggies. Such adventures have consistently attracted tourists eager to make unforgettable memories with their loved ones. However, the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the drive for adventure even more – as people were stuck at home. Now, more than ever, folks are looking for their next travel destination. Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon, shared his insights with TRENDS on how tourism in Oregon has evolved before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Before and after COVID-19,...

  Alberta seeks to charm the world with a solid tourism growth plan, says Minister Joseph Schow Syed Atique Hussain Naqvi, Toronto Canada    TORONTO: Awareness campaigns and the advent of social media have broken long-held perceptions about Canada being covered in snow throughout the year and Canadians living in igloos. Today, Canada is a preferred choice as a new home for educated and skilled professionals from across the world. The G7 country is not only popular with people who want to become Canadian, but it is also a popular tourist destination owing to modern infrastructure and untouched natural beauty. Home to around 39 million people, Canada is one of the least densely populated countries in the world – four people per square kilometer. With its immense size and low population density, tourists from across the world come to Canada to explore the tranquility of its natural beauty. According to a latest report released in April 2024 by Tourism Industry Association of...

  Brand South Africa: The story of Africa is being reclaimed Syed Atique Hussain, Davos, Switzerland In the power corridors of Davos, Sithembile Ntombela maNdaba, the CEO of Brand South Africa, is as much at ease in talking about South Africa as she is about the larger continent of Africa. While she highlights the success of her country in achieving gains in economy in areas like agriculture, mining and tourism, she is keenly aware of the necessity of forging unity in the continent to have a “unified African voice.” In a wide-ranging interview with Executive Editor of TRENDS news media Syed Atique Hussain, she presents a clear and forward-looking view of South Africa and Africa’s roles in the global landscape. Her insights reflect a focus on growth, strategic planning, and adaptation to the changing world. Her insights provide a clear perspective on the nation’s role and the potential of the African continent in the global context. Excerpts: Can you give us some insigh...

  Bahrain: Investor confidence fuels sustainable growth Syed Atique Hussain, Davos, Switzerland  While world leaders discussed economic and political matters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Executive Editor of TRENDS news media Syed Atique Hussain Naqvi engaged in a discussion about investments in healthcare, education, and AI in the region during an interview with GFH Financial Group CEO Hisham Alrayes. He outlined how GFH made 2023 a great year by effectively assessing market dynamics, proactively realigning assets, and seizing growth opportunities in the face of global income and yield compressions due to rising interest rates. The discussion covered GFH’s aggressive investments in healthcare, education, logistics, and private lending in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Alrayes anticipates sustainable growth in 2024 that matches the region’s potential and is bolstered by investor confidence. Excerpts: Q: In terms of 2023, how was it for GFH, and what are you look...

  Nigeria Minister: Creative leap diversifies Nigerian economy Syed Atique Hussain Naqvi, Davos Switzerland  In the crowded avenues of the World Economic Forum in Davos, amid discussions on global economic trends and geopolitical shifts, an indication of Nigerian cultural revitalization emerges. Executive Editor of TRENDS media Syed Atique Hussain Naqvi had the opportunity to conduct a thought-provoking interview with Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, focusing on Nigeria’s vibrant creative industry and the ambitious Destination 2030 initiative. Nigeria, known for its rich cultural mix and vibrant artistic expressions, is poised for a creative revival. The Nigerian Ministry of Art and Culture is at the forefront of this transformation, spearheading initiatives to reclaim Nigeria’s global status as a creative and innovative destination. This exclusive interview delves into the complexities of Nigeria’s creative landsca...

  Business-based peace initiatives to ease tensions, says UAE business leader Syed Atique Hussain Naqvi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Tensions arising from conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia war and the Gaza crisis are affecting investor confidence and causing economic challenges in countries like Jordan, Egypt, and Israel, particularly in sectors like tourism and technology, Iyad Malas, Group CEO of Dubai-based Al Ghurair Group, told Executive Editor of TRENDS media Syed Atique Hussain Naqvi in an interview. Speaking on the sidelines of the annual Future Investment Initiative (FII) summit in Riyadh, he highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing its role in uniting regional and global participants, especially in light of current geopolitical challenges. He noted that such gatherings are vital for fostering connections and potentially promoting peace through business. Malas also stressed the importance of digitization and technological advancements in the business worl...

"The private sector in the UAE should invest more in AI as no business is immune to new technologies" Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in healthcare, trade, and transportation are set to boost several ancillary industries and provide huge growth opportunities for the businesses in the GCC. While the UAE government is figuring out opportunities in artificial intelligence to make targeted investments, the private sector should venture into the area more robustly as no business sector is immune from new technologies and right investments now will set the tone for future growth, according to the German-Australian scientist and AI expert Dr. Christian Guttmann. Click here to read from the original article on Zawya news website - a Thomson Reuters company.

The insurance market for small and medium enterprises (SME) in Dubai is likely to see significant growth in the first two quarters of 2020 owing to the positive sentiment around Expo 2020 and increased economic activity, a senior insurance executive said. Shrinking profits of SMEs have curtailed the spending power of such businesses in the past 12 to 24 months resulting in slow growth for SME insurance market, said a senior AXA Gulf executive. Speaking to Zawya on the sidelines of Smart SME MENA conference in Dubai last Wednesday, Lee said the growth opportunities in the SME insurance market is a result of strong initiatives by both Dubai and Abu Dhabi Governments. Click here to read from the original article on Zawya news website - a Thomson Reuters company.

If there was a crystal ball, it would definitely be found in the offices of futures traders. In the absence of a crystal ball, traders rely on news, reports, strategy and a fair amount of good luck to make money. ** By Atique Naqvi, aka Syed Atique Hussain, Boston, United States Energy futures fluctuations help investors make or lose money. It's a game played in big volumes. From political events to evolving business equations and, of course, demand and supply mechanisms decide the energy futures market in 2018. While the oil prices are witnessing an upswing in early 2018 from the sluggish price levels in 2015, 2016 and 2017, the global energy commodities’ futures market looks positive for now. Before looking into the impact on energy futures in 2018, there is a need to clarify some basic concepts. Futures are standardized contracts for the future delivery of specified assets, according to Tim Plaehn, a US-based financial expert who writes advisory notes for several f...