Corporate news, published in Arab News on 28 October 2010

Rubaiyat/Brioni Panasonic Petromin SABIC Saudi Steel Chevrolet Rubaiyat/Brioni Rubaiyat announced its partnership with Brioni at a press conference in Jeddah recently. Rubaiyats CEO and owner Abdullah S. Binzagr and President Wafaa Abbar, and Brionis Regional Manager Marco Galli were among those present. Being known for its high quality and chic trends, Brioni in collaboration with Rubaiyat is establishing its presence in the Kingdoms upscale market. Rubaiyats ownership of the Brioni franchise comes as part of its expansion plan across the Kingdoms market, which is marked by the latest trends in mens fashion. Marco Galli, regional manager of Brioni, emphasized Brionis high quality production and tailoring since it started in 1945. He spoke about how it has grown to become one of the dynamic outfit brands. Brioni offers a wide range of high quality fashion lines such as jackets, jeans, cotton and leather outfits for both men and women, in addition to its well known Golf and Polo shirt cuts. It is universally recognized as the most prestigious luxury brand in the mens fashion world. Likewise, the materials and finishing used in the womens collection reflect the same expertise, Galli added. Panasonic Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE (PMM) recently announced the Eco Ideas Declaration for the Middle East and Africa region at GITEX UAE, an IT exhibition. By adopting the declaration, Panasonic aims to become the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the electronics industry in the Middle East as part of its group-wide global commitment to drive eco-innovation by 2018, the 100th anniversary of its foundation. To achieve this goal, the company is pursuing its eco ideas for lifestyles by promoting sustainable and comfortable green lifestyles as well as eco ideas for business-styles with aims to reduce the environmental impact of its operations to a maximum extent and spread technologies and ideas that are brought forth through such reduction efforts. Panasonic is combining these environmental efforts and business growth. Panasonic is strongly committed to conserving the environment. As a global leader in the electronics industry, it is our duty to ensure a sustainable future. We pledge to reduce CO2 emissions by 15 percent from our facility and double the sales of our industry-leading environmentally conscious products in the region. We will also encourage Panasonic employees to lead conservation efforts in cooperation with the local communities, said Seiji Koyanagi, MD, PMM. Petromin Supporting the growth of the lube oils industry across the region, Petromin was program partner of the 7th ICIS Middle Eastern Base Oils & Lubricants Conference, held recently in Dubai. The event, cochaired by Petromin CEO Samir Nawar, was attended by more than 400 experts from the regional lube oils industry who met to discuss the challenges and developments facing the base oils and lubricants industry in the Middle East now and in the future. Nawar noted that the strength of the petroleum sector has been fundamental in seeing the GCC through the recent economic crisis and the sector continues to be a dominant force in the global economy and said: As representatives of the oils and lubricants industry, we can be proud of our role as key players in the petroleum sector we can all look forward to playing an increasingly important part in the growth and development of our respective countries. Petromins active participation and thought leadership in the forum included a special presentation by Imran Mufti, general manager exports of Petromin, titled Outlook on Africa and its Lubricants Industry.

In his presentation Mufti highlighted key issues affecting the African lube oil markets including fuel refineries, base oil production, blending facilities, and the lubricant market environment and the lubricant environment future trends. Petromin had a specially made stand that attracted hundreds of visitors in addition to its Internet lounge.

SABIC Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has been awarded the Level 1 Gold System Status of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services (AQIS) in recognition of its effective fertilizer industry best practice systems. AQIS is a regulatory body responsible for reducing the risk of exotic pests or diseases entering Australia that may harm the countrys environment, agricultural and horticultural industries. Fahad Al-Sheaibi, executive VP, fertilizers SBU, said, We are indeed proud of this award. SABIC has always been giving top priority to safety and health. We even ensure that our suppliers and contractors are aware of their responsibilities in this regard. Our employees are to be congratulated for their strict adherence to all issues related to health and hygiene. To assist the fertilizer industry comply with Australias strict import requirements, AQIS and the Fertilizer Industry Federation of Australia (FIFA) have developed a set of standards to streamline quarantine inspection processes and requirements. To acknowledge industry best practice systems, AQIS has launched the new Level 1 Gold System Status for companies that are assessed by AQIS as meeting the new criteria. Companies that achieve the Level 1 Gold System Status receive formal recognition of their best practice systems and processes, which will be audited by AQIS. Saudi Steel British Consul General Kate Rudd visited Saudi Steel plants in Jeddah Industrial Citys phase 4, at the invitation of Mohamed H. Zakaria, CEO of Saudi Steel and senior vice president of Ahmed Salem Bugshan Group, recently. Rudd, who acknowledged Zakarias hosting of several UK diplomats stationed in Jeddah, was given a detailed power point presentation about Ahmed Salem Bugshan Group and Saudi Steel that included comprehensive market data on global and regional steel and soft drinks industry. She was informed of growing business relationship between Saudi Steel and UK steel companies as European companies are exporting their products to the Middle East due to decline in manufacturing activity in EU after the financial crisis. Rudd was also briefed about financing of a major project in Jeddah last year by a British Bank to the tune of $40 million while negotiations have been concluded successfully for another $40 million financing. The diplomat, who herself is an accountant by profession was informed of growing Islamic Banking industry in the UK as both deals were Shariah complaint Murabaha financing. She urged Zakaria to explore the possibilities of a joint venture or business cooperation/partnership with the British Offset Program. Chevrolet Four Chevrolet dealers in Saudi Arabia have announced the results of their Ramadan competition and handed over a brand new Chevrolet Traverse crossover to each of four winners. Run in partnership with AAC, UMA, Al Issa and Balubaid dealers, the Chevrolet Gold Tag Promotion takes place in the Kingdom every Ramadan and lasts for the duration of the Holy month. This year, participants were entered into a raffle with the chance to win one of four Chevrolet Traverse crossovers. The four owners of the new Chevrolet Traverse crossovers are Najat Ali Al Redha, Ahmad Ali Ahmad Al Habashi, Emad Jamil AbuKhuloud and Haitham Ibrahim Halawani. Together with our dealers, Chevrolet is pleased to announce the four winners of this years Gold Tag Promotion raffle in the Kingdom, said Luay Alshurafa, regional brand manager for Chevrolet in the Middle East. Chevrolet Traverse is an expressively styled and wellequipped crossover. Since it entered the market, the Traverse has quickly become one of the most popular crossovers available, and it challenges all the usual names from its segment through its beautifully safe approach. The Traverse is Chevrolets first entry into the crossover SUV segment and can seat up to eight adults, making it an ideal choice for families, and includes a comprehensive roster of standard and tailored features for optimal driver and passenger comfort and convenience.