Tetra Pak, a world leader in food processing and packaging solutions, has announced that its food for development program has been awarded the 2006 World Business Award in support of the UN millennium development goals. The award, which recognizes the significant role business can play in implementing UN targets for reducing poverty, was presented on behalf of the UNDP, the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum and the International Chamber of Commerce. Presenting the award in New York at a special ceremony during a session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, former UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mary Robinson said Tetra Pak and nine other award recipients are being recognized for their pursuit of innovative approaches.

NOKIA

Nokia has started deliveries of the Nokia 6233 phone, a classically designed 3G model tailored for work and entertainment. This sleek 110-gram model offers a 2 megapixel camera, a large QVGA color screen, a digital music player, stereo speakers and a broad range of features and applications which take full advantage of WCDMA services. “The Nokia 6233 brings the many benefits that 3G offers to a broader range of consumers,” says Aage Snorgaard, senior vice president, broad appeal, mobile phones, Nokia. “This feature filled phone balances performance with a classic and sophisticated design to suit all occasions. As 3G gains even greater mass-market attraction, we’re confident this product will be extremely popular with consumers.”

INVESTCORP

Investcorp President & CEO Nemir A Kirdar was honored by Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs recently. Kirdar was presented with the Global Leadership Award at a reception held in his honor in New York. The award was given in recognition of Kirdar’s distinguished career in international banking and finance, as well as his work to enhance the role of institutions of higher education around the world. School of International and Public Affairs Dean Lisa Anderson paid tribute to Kirdar’s leadership and commitment to international and pubic affairs. Arnaud De Borchgrave, editor-at-large of The Washington Times and senior adviser and director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described Kirdar as a bridge-builder between the Gulf States, Europe and North America.

CENTIGON

As part of its relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Centigon, one of the world’s major commercial vehicle armoring manufacturers, acts as the exclusive armorer for several major manufacturers and is increasingly viewed as the armoring partner of choice for those who build passenger wheeled vehicles. Centigon’s unrivaled expertise allows OEMs to focus on what they do best — build outstanding cars and SUVs — while having full confidence that the armor solution Centigon adds to their vehicles. Centigon’s sophisticated capabilities have enabled it to establish direct relationships with leading auto manufacturers, including Land Rover, Jaguar, Peugeot, Renault, Citroen and others, whereby it serves as the exclusive provider of armoring for the models sold by each manufacturer.

SUZUKI APV

The Suzuki APV, a family car from Japanese automobile maker Suzuki, is claimed to have evoked a “huge response” from a wide section of customers looking for a car that meets their diverse needs. “The car meets the highest standards in comfort, luxury and safety and is competitively priced, which sets it apart from other cars in the family segment,” Omar Bamarouf, GM, Suzuki Saudi Arabia, which is part of the Bamarouf Group, said. “The Suzuki APV’s unique design is unmatched in its category. The car offers an advanced and practical transport solution in the family car segment, bringing luxury, security, comfort and safety to daily family travel,” he said, adding that its other features include spacious interiors, powerful engine, excellent braking system and power steering.

ARAMEX

ARAMEX KSA has won a number of performance awards for achieving a high level of customer satisfaction and offering superior logistics services in the Kingdom. The awards to the company’s highest achievers were distributed during the two-day annual conference held in Beirut recently. A total of 400 of the company’s leaders attended the meeting, which has been its tradition for over 20 years. They meet to exchange views, share ideas and experiences, and renew the group’s culture among its 5,000 employees in 240 offices across the world. This year’s conference was themed ‘Exploring the World,’ reflecting ARAMEX’s focus on strengthening its global presence through a strategic expansion and acquisition plan, according to ARAMEX’s President & CEO Fadi Ghandour.

NCB

The National Commercial Bank (NCB) recently opened its Al-Salam branch in Riyadh. The new architectural design approved by the bank for its new branches reflects the latest advancements and launch of its new identity. Abdulrazak ElKhraijy, Islamic banking division head, NCB, said that opening new branches was part of the bank’s ongoing expansion plan. The bank held a training course in the Mid-Western and Eastern regions of the Kingdom. A large group of clients from the bank’s commercial service centers participated. The program was part of the bank’s agenda to update its clients with the latest changes in document. “The bank is committed to planning more such courses that are customer-focused across all the regions,” NCB’s Sector Head Abdulrahman Addas said.

MYNM/JTC

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors (MYNM), the exclusive dealer of BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce in the Kingdom, has teamed up with Juffali Tyres Company (JTC) to exclusively equip the cars of its service centers with Michelin tires. Bayman Mulla, after-sales manager services, MYNM, and Mohammed Nizar Sanadiqi, Michelin’s representative in the Kingdom, signed the deal. “This venture with JTC is part of our ongoing strategy to provide premier after-sales service,” Musa Al Aruri, GM, MYNM, said. “Over the years, we’ve offered a wide range of products that have upgraded driver safety and comfort,” he added. “We’re pleased to partner with MYNM and offer superior French-made Michelin tires for BMW, MINI and rolls-Royce vehicles,” Mahmoud Dihom, sales GM, JTC, said.

IDAL

New investments launched in Lebanon under the incentive schemes provided by Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) reflect the strength of the Lebanese economy and the increasing trust placed by investors in the country’s promising economic environment, Nabil Itani, chairman and GM, IDAL, said. He urged investors to take advantage of the many opportunities emerging from a growing economy, and expressed confidence that successful execution of important IDAL-supported projects will catalyze increased presence from business owners, multinational companies and investors. Itani made the statement during a recent media tour organized by IDAL to showcase some of the projects benefiting from Investment Development Law 360, brought to force toward 2003-end.

BMB CAPITAL

BMB Capital, whose parent company is based in Brunei Darussalam, has recently introduced what could be the largest and most aggressive private Islamic Alternative Asset Management fund in the world with a rollout agenda to invest over $5 billion in Islamic Alternative asset opportunities over the next two years with a specific focus in emerging markets. BMB Capital has reputedly brought on some of the most successful investors in the Middle East and Asia as its founding stakeholders. The founders of BMB Capital draw on an investment track record of managing over $120 billion in alternative assets. The sheer size however does not deter the group from a very specific focus. As Media Spokesperson Halley Mestrinho explains “Most of these assets are to be invested according to Shariah principles. We are also planning to invest nearly $1 billion in the GCC and Emerging Markets in conjunction with local investment partners as we aim to take advantage of our Asian roots to tangibly support the Asian investment policy of many GCC investors.”

EUROSTAR

Al Hamli Trading-Eurostar, a global satellite industry leader, announced the launch of the Arab Box, described as the world’s first Arabic digital satellite receiver, at a presentation held in Jeddah recently. The Arab Box is claimed to be the only 100 percent Arabic- and English-enabled digital satellite receiver, and incorporates a host of functionalities in both languages. Al Hamli Trading is a major dealer for ART in the region, which is set to broadcast premier sporting events live. “With the launch of Arab Box, viewers across the Kingdom will for the first time have the benefit of a digital satellite receiver that offers a complete set of features in Arabic. This one-of-a-kind product offers a whole array of features,” Raju T. Jethwani, chairman, Eurostar Group, said.