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Pakistan, US Gear Up for High-Level Bilateral Talks This Week
World

Pakistan, US Gear Up for High-Level Bilateral Talks This Week

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Pakistan and the United States are set to engage in high-level bilateral talks early this week, covering a broad spectrum of international and bilateral matters, with a particular emphasis on trade and investment opportunities. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/pakistan-stock-exchange-weekly-review-a-calm-surface-hiding-powerful-undercurrents/ Preparations and Scope of Discussions Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has actively coordinated by requesting detailed talking points and briefing materials from numerous ministries and divisions. These include Finance, Commerce, Economic Affairs, Energy, Education, Human Rights, Industries, IT and Telecommunication, Interior, Food Security, Health Services, National Security, Planning, Religious Affairs, Science and Technology, the Special Investment Facilitation Council, and the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. This wide-ranging input indicates a comprehensive agenda aimed at addressing multifaceted issues beyond just economic ties. Context Amid Regional Tensions The talks are unfolding against a backdrop of heightened regional uncertainty, particularly stemming from the ongoing standoff between Iran and the United States. Despite mediation efforts through Oman, tensions persist in the area. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has dismissed earlier media reports of a US delegation visiting Pakistan as “disinformation,” clarifying that no such visit is confirmed. The venue for the current discussions has not been publicly disclosed, and the US Embassy in Islamabad has not issued a response on the matter. Broader Diplomatic Engagements These bilateral exchanges coincide with Pakistan’s active international diplomacy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently participated in Davos, where he endorsed the “Board of Peace” charter—an initiative linked to US President Donald Trump focused on Gaza peace and reconstruction. Upcoming visits include the Munich Security Conference in Germany from February 13-15, followed by a trip to Vienna, Austria. Such engagements underscore Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen relations with global partners amid complex geopolitical dynamics. The anticipated discussions reflect ongoing commitment to deepening Pakistan-US cooperation in trade, investment, and security, potentially paving the way for enhanced economic collaboration and regional stability contributions.

Pakistan and Iran Target Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation Amid Regional Talks
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Pakistan and Iran Target Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation Amid Regional Talks

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Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening economic cooperation, emphasizing the need to boost bilateral trade volumes. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/iphone-17e-release-date-why-apples-next-budget-iphone-is-creating-buzz/ This development came during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Iran’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, Dr. Seyed Ali Madanizadeh. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference 2026 for Emerging Market Economies in Saudi Arabia. Strengthening Bilateral Trade Ties Both ministers aligned their efforts with the vision and directives of the top leadership in Pakistan and Iran. They stressed sustained engagement, trade facilitation measures, and the removal of existing bottlenecks to unlock greater economic potential. The focus was on enhancing overall trade volume through practical steps and consistent dialogue. Exploring Investment and Collaboration Opportunities The Iranian side presented specific sector-based proposals for investment and market partnerships, aiming to create mutually beneficial outcomes and further integrate the two economies. Senator Aurangzeb welcomed these ideas positively. Mutual invitations were extended for official visits— the Iranian minister invited his Pakistani counterpart to Iran, while the gesture was reciprocated for a visit to Islamabad. This exchange signals intent for continued high-level interactions to advance shared economic goals. The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to elevate Pakistan-Iran economic relations amid regional dynamics, building on prior targets like achieving higher trade milestones. Such commitments could pave the way for expanded collaboration in trade, investment, and related sectors, benefiting both nations through stronger connectivity and reduced barriers.

South Korean Exchange Bithumb Sends $44 Billion in Bitcoin to Users in Promo Blunder
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South Korean Exchange Bithumb Sends $44 Billion in Bitcoin to Users in Promo Blunder

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South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb suffered a major operational blunder on February 6, 2026, accidentally transferring 620,000 bitcoins—valued at approximately $44 billion—to 695 users as part of a promotional giveaway. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/site-industrial-water-crisis-sparks-alarm-across-pakistans-economic-nerve-center/ The exchange intended to distribute small cash rewards of 2,000 Korean won ($1.37) or more but mistakenly credited winners with at least 2,000 bitcoins each, triggering immediate chaos and a brief market selloff. Massive Error in Promotional Rewards The incident stemmed from a glitch during a “random box” style promotion aimed at rewarding users with modest fiat amounts in Korean won. Instead of small cash prizes, the system erroneously sent vast quantities of Bitcoin, totaling 620,000 BTC. Bithumb acted swiftly, detecting the mistake and restricting trading and withdrawals for the affected 695 accounts within 35 minutes. The exchange emphasized that the error was internal and not the result of any external hacking or security breach, stating: “There are no problems with system security or customer asset management.” Rapid Recovery and Market Impact Bithumb successfully recovered 99.7% of the distributed bitcoins, mitigating most of the potential loss. The blunder caused Bitcoin prices on the platform to slump 17% temporarily to 81.1 million won before recovering to around 104.5 million won. The exchange issued an apology on February 7, 2026, reassuring users of asset safety. As South Korea’s second-largest crypto platform behind Upbit, Bithumb faces scrutiny over internal controls despite the quick resolution. No details emerged on potential legal repercussions or compensation for affected users, though the incident highlights risks in high-volume promotional systems amid volatile crypto markets.

Made in Uzbekistan Exhibition Opens New Doors for Pakistan–Uzbekistan Trade
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Made in Uzbekistan Exhibition Opens New Doors for Pakistan–Uzbekistan Trade

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The Made in Uzbekistan Exhibition emerged as a powerful symbol of deepening economic diplomacy when it was inaugurated in Islamabad during the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Business Forum. Far more than a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, the exhibition marked a strategic moment—one that signals a shift from political goodwill to tangible commercial outcomes between the two regional partners. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan officially inaugurated the Made in Uzbekistan Exhibition, reinforcing Pakistan’s intent to transform regional connectivity into real trade, investment, and industrial collaboration. With decision-makers, investors, and manufacturers under one roof, the exhibition set the stage for what many see as a new chapter in Central and South Asian trade integration. Made in Uzbekistan Exhibition Highlights Growing Regional Economic Ambitions The inauguration ceremony drew strong representation from both governments. Alongside Jam Kamal Khan were Uzbekistan’s Minister of Trade, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan. As Jam Kamal Khan toured the exhibition stalls, he praised the quality, innovation, and export readiness of Uzbek products. From textiles and leather goods to pharmaceuticals, engineering solutions, food products, and consumer goods, the exhibition demonstrated Uzbekistan’s growing industrial depth while revealing strong complementarities with Pakistan’s own export-driven economy. Why the Made in Uzbekistan Exhibition Matters for Pakistan According to the Commerce Minister, exhibitions like Made in Uzbekistan are not just showcases they are deal-making platforms. He emphasized that Pakistan is actively working to expand bilateral trade through structured mechanisms such as the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Joint Business Council, and regular business forums. Previous Pakistan–Uzbekistan Business Forums have already resulted in multiple MoUs, commercial agreements, and sectoral understandings. This exhibition, officials believe, could accelerate cooperation across key sectors including: • Textiles and apparel manufacturing• Leather and footwear• Agriculture and food processing• Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products• Engineering and light manufacturing• Consumer goods and logistics Rather than listing figures and charts, the exhibition tells its own story—one of industrial capability meeting market opportunity. Connectivity, Corridors, and the Trade Future A recurring theme during the event was regional connectivity. Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating Uzbek trade and transit, even amid regional logistical challenges. He stressed the urgency of developing alternative trade corridors to ensure uninterrupted commercial flows between Central Asia and South Asia. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of infrastructure and transport connectivity in sustaining rising trade volumes. Improved road, rail, and logistics cooperation, he noted, could unlock Pakistan’s role as a natural trade gateway for Uzbekistan. Agriculture and Industry Take Center Stage Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain pointed to agriculture and food processing as low-hanging fruit for bilateral cooperation. With Pakistan’s fertile lands and Uzbekistan’s evolving agri-technology, both sides see potential in value-added agri-exports and food security partnerships. Meanwhile, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized industrial cooperation, manufacturing alliances, and investment in priority sectors suggesting that the exhibition could evolve into long-term joint production ventures rather than one-off trade deals. Made in Uzbekistan Exhibition: A Strategic Signal, Not Just a Showcase Held from February 5–6, 2026, the Made in Uzbekistan Exhibition does more than display products it reflects a broader shift in regional economic thinking. Uzbekistan’s industrial rise and Pakistan’s export ambitions are increasingly aligned, creating a foundation for sustainable trade growth. As political ties mature into commercial partnerships, this exhibition may well be remembered as a turning point where curiosity sparked conversations, conversations sparked deals, and deals reshaped regional trade dynamics.

Trump Orders Tells His Colleagues to Identify Countries with Higher Defence Spending as Customers for US Weapons
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Trump Orders Tells His Colleagues to Identify Countries with Higher Defence Spending as Customers for US Weapons

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President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 6, 2026, establishing the “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to overhaul U.S. foreign military sales by prioritizing nations with robust defense spending and key regional roles. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/toyotas-ceo-change-finance-focus-as-sato-steps-aside-after-three-years/ This marks a departure from decades of queue-based arms exports, focusing instead on aligning sales with U.S. national security and economic goals to speed deliveries and enhance domestic production. Shift to Favor High-Spending Strategic Partners The directive instructs agencies to favor partners investing heavily in self-defense, contributing to U.S. economic security, or holding critical geographic positions in American strategy. It ties into NATO’s 2025 Hague commitment to a 5% GDP defense spending standard, emphasizing burden-sharing. The approach aims to reward allies meeting higher thresholds while addressing complaints of delays from mismatched orders and limited U.S. capacity. No explicit list of prioritized nations appears in the order, leaving flexibility for implementation. Enhancing Production and Reducing Bureaucratic Hurdles Within 120 days, the Secretaries of War (Defense), State, and Commerce must submit a prioritized sales catalog and identify acquisition opportunities that reinforce supply chains and readiness. The order calls for improved transparency and faster processes, including end-use monitoring, to prevent backlogs that hinder U.S. and allied forces. Officials highlight using foreign investments to “supercharge” the defense industrial base, supporting Trump’s vision of revitalizing American manufacturing. The White House emphasized that the strategy ensures arms transfers advance U.S. interests without unnecessary delays, potentially accelerating exports to compliant allies amid heightened focus on homeland defense and deterring adversaries.

Karachi Hosts Grand Celebration of Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day
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Karachi Hosts Grand Celebration of Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day

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Karachi: The Sri Lanka Consulate in Karachi hosted a vibrant and memorable celebration on the occasion of Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day, highlighting the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The event was presided over by H.E. Sanjeewa Pattiwila, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, who also hoisted the Sri Lankan national flag while the national anthem played, marking the historic day with pride and dignity. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/shabbar-zaidi-calls-for-economic-reform-and-relocation-of-fbr-headquarters-to-karachi/ In his keynote address, Consul General Pattiwila reflected on Sri Lanka’s journey of resilience, economic recovery, and principled governance. “Within eighteen months, through collective struggle and determination, Sri Lanka has achieved tangible economic progress, and even in the face of Cyclone Ditwah, our strong foundations allowed us to rebuild and support our communities successfully,” he said.Consul General Pattiwila extended heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for their unwavering support during natural disasters and throughout history. “Pakistan has been a true and reliable friend, providing humanitarian aid, security cooperation, and educational opportunities, including scholarships for hundreds of Sri Lankan students through the Allama Iqbal Scholarship Scheme,” he stated.The celebrations also highlighted Sri Lanka-Pakistan trade and technical cooperation. Consul General Pattiwila emphasized ongoing efforts to expand bilateral trade under the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA), noting potential opportunities in textiles, tea, medical supplies, agriculture, and joint technical ventures. A large number of Sri Lankan students currently studying in Karachi attended the ceremony, symbolizing the nation’s growing educational ties with Pakistan. The event also included prayers representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, showcasing the nation’s cultural diversity.In a gesture of service and solidarity, the Sri Lanka Consulate, in collaboration with the Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation (AMTF) Pakistan, organized a blood donation campaign to benefit Pakistani thalassemia patients. Many Sri Lankans present at the event generously donated blood, reflecting the community’s compassion and shared commitment to humanity.Consul General Pattiwila praised the Sri Lankan expatriates working in Karachi as “true ambassadors of our nation,” recognizing their contributions across various sectors including finance, aviation, manufacturing, and logistics. Closing his speech, he urged attendees to join hands in unity and brotherhood, quoting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: “Let us work together to build the beautiful shared dream of a thriving nation and a beautiful life.” The event successfully combined national pride, cultural heritage, and community service, reaffirming the strong bonds between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

EU Charges TikTok Over Addictive Features; Major App Changes Demanded
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EU Charges TikTok Over Addictive Features; Major App Changes Demanded

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The European Union has issued preliminary charges against TikTok for breaching online content regulations, focusing on the app’s “addictive design” features that could harm users’ wellbeing, especially children. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/former-australian-fast-bowler-brett-lee-urges-india-pak-match-icc-t20-world-cup/ The European Commission announced the findings on February 6, 2026, after a year-long investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This landmark EU law mandates large platforms to mitigate risks from harmful content and practices. Key Allegations TikTok’s features, including infinite scroll, autoplay videos, push notifications, and a highly personalized recommender system, were cited as problematic. These elements constantly reward users with new content, fueling endless scrolling and shifting users into “autopilot mode.” This can lead to compulsive behavior and reduced self-control, the Commission alleged.The platform reportedly failed to properly assess risks to physical and mental health, particularly for minors and vulnerable adults. It ignored signs of excessive use, such as late-night activity by children or frequent app openings, and lacked effective mitigation like robust screen-time tools or parental controls. Potential Consequences TikTok may need to fundamentally change its app design in Europe to comply. Failure could result in a fine of up to 6% of parent company ByteDance’s global annual turnover—a potentially massive penalty given the company’s scale. The Commission emphasized protecting young users, with EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stating actions are expected to redesign the service for better safety, especially for minors. TikTok strongly rejected the claims. A spokesperson called the findings “categorically false and entirely meritless,” vowing to challenge them through all available means. This follows prior DSA scrutiny, including a 2025 settlement over advertising transparency. The case highlights growing EU pressure on Big Tech to prioritize user safety over engagement-driven models.

Berlin Airport Paralyzed by Treacherous Black Ice Conditions
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Berlin Airport Paralyzed by Treacherous Black Ice Conditions

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Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), the German capital’s main international hub, ground to a halt on Friday morning as severe weather wreaked havoc on operations. Freezing rain and black ice turned runways into slippery hazards, preventing any takeoffs or landings. Airport officials confirmed the suspension, which began Thursday evening, shows no immediate signs of lifting, leaving thousands of passengers stranded amid the winter chaos. Impact on Travelers and Airlines Passengers faced mounting frustration as flight boards displayed endless delays and cancellations. Many had arrived early, only to find check-in counters overwhelmed and lounges packed. Airlines like Lufthansa and EasyJet scrambled to rebook flights, offering vouchers for hotels and meals. One traveler, a business executive from London, described the scene as “utter disarray,” with families huddling in terminals and announcements echoing apologies. The economic ripple effects are significant. Berlin’s airport handles over 25 million passengers annually, and disruptions like this could cost millions in lost revenue for carriers and local businesses. Ground crews worked tirelessly overnight, applying de-icing agents to runways and taxiways. Despite their efforts, the persistent freezing rain rendered treatments ineffective, with surfaces remaining perilously slick. Meteorologists attribute the black ice to a rare combination of sub-zero temperatures and moisture from Atlantic weather systems. This phenomenon, where clear ice forms invisibly on surfaces, poses extreme risks to aviation safety. Efforts to Resume Operations and Future Precautions Airport spokeswoman Anna Müller stated that safety remains the top priority, with no risks being taken until conditions improve. “We’re monitoring the weather hourly,” she said. Teams are deploying advanced heating equipment and additional anti-slip materials in hopes of a midday restart. Forecasts predict a slight thaw by afternoon, but uncertainty lingers. If operations don’t resume soon, diversions to nearby airports like Leipzig or Hamburg may increase. This incident highlights Berlin’s vulnerability to extreme weather, prompting calls for infrastructure upgrades. Experts suggest investing in heated runways and better predictive tech to prevent future shutdowns. In the meantime, passengers are advised to check airline apps for updates and consider alternative travel options, such as high-speed trains connecting Berlin to major European cities. The disruption underscores broader climate challenges, with more frequent severe winters affecting global travel. Berlin officials promise a full review once the crisis passes, aiming to enhance resilience against such events.

Wall Street: Selloff Intensifies as AI Doubts Shake Investor Confidence
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Wall Street: Selloff Intensifies as AI Doubts Shake Investor Confidence

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On February 6, 2026, global financial markets faced continued turmoil, with Asian equities leading the decline amid Wall Street’s ongoing rout and sharp drops in precious metals and digital currencies. The selloff, driven by AI-related profit fears and U.S. employment data, has investors rethinking core market drivers. Key Asian and U.S. Futures Movements South Korea’s Kospi index crashed 5%, triggering a brief halt in trading, while MSCI’s Asia-Pacific ex-Japan gauge slipped 0.9%. Japan’s Nikkei shed 0.7%, contributing to the region’s second straight day of losses. U.S. futures pointed to more pain, with S&P 500 e-minis down 0.6% and Nasdaq e-minis falling 1.1%. The broader S&P 500 has now erased its yearly gains, battered by economic signals. Fears that new AI technologies might cut into software firms’ revenues sparked the initial drop. This, combined with labor market fragility, has amplified selling pressure across asset classes. January’s U.S. layoffs hit a 17-year high for the month, per Challenger, Gray & Christmas, fueling recession worries and prompting a flight from riskier investments. Sharp Drops in Metals and Crypto Assets Gold prices retreated 1.6% to $4,691.76, and silver nosedived 8.9% to $64.912, as safe-haven demand waned in the volatile environment. Following a $2 trillion evaporation in crypto value on Thursday, bitcoin declined 3% to $61,238.64, and ether lost 1.8% to $1,813.77, extending the sector’s pain. Market analyst Tony Sycamore from IG in Sydney commented, “Investors are questioning their commitment to the pillars that have underpinned markets over the past six months: AI, crypto, and precious metals. This raises the odds of a deeper unwind.” With no detailed updates on European or emerging markets, the focus remains on U.S. and Asian trends. Analysts suggest this could evolve into a broader correction if sentiment doesn’t improve. Traders are bracing for potential policy responses, though immediate relief seems unlikely. Diversification strategies are gaining traction amid the uncertainty.

Russia-US Nuclear Arm Treaty Expires, Risking New Arms Race
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Russia-US Nuclear Arm Treaty Expires, Risking New Arms Race

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The New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the United States, expired on February 5, 2026, ending more than half a century of mutual restraints on strategic nuclear arsenals. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/pia-forges-major-cargo-alliance-with-air-france-klm-to-boost-global-exports/ This development removes verifiable limits on deployed warheads, missiles, and launchers, raising alarms about a potential new nuclear arms race involving the world’s major powers, including China’s expanding arsenal. Treaty Expiry and Immediate Consequences New START, signed in 2010 and extended once in 2021, capped each side at 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads. With its lapse at midnight Prague time (February 5), neither Russia nor the U.S. is bound by these caps or inspection mechanisms. Russia proposed a one-year voluntary extension to allow time for successor talks, but the U.S. under President Trump did not formally respond. Moscow criticized the U.S. stance as “mistaken and regrettable,” stating both sides are now free to act independently while remaining open to diplomacy for stabilization. Russia’s Position and U.S. Silence Russian officials emphasized responsibility, readiness for countermeasures against new threats, and willingness to negotiate a comprehensive framework. President Putin had floated informal adherence for another year, but Trump made no public statement on the expiry. The White House indicated decisions on arms control would come on his timeline, with interest in a broader deal potentially including China. China’s Role and Rising Risks China’s nuclear stockpile, estimated at around 600 warheads (far smaller than the roughly 4,000 each for Russia and the U.S.), continues rapid growth. Beijing has refused trilateral talks, citing its smaller arsenal. Experts warn that the treaty’s end, combined with China’s buildup, could fuel an unconstrained arms race. Without transparency, predictability erodes, increasing crisis risks—exacerbated by AI, new technologies, and limited communication channels among nuclear states. Global Alarm and Calls for Action U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the expiry as coming “at a worse time,” with nuclear weapon use risk at its highest in decades. He urged immediate negotiations for a successor with verifiable limits and risk reduction. Analysts predict both Russia and the U.S. could add hundreds of warheads within a couple of years under worst-case planning. The lapse ends Cold War-era restraint traditions, heightening global instability amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. This milestone underscores the fragility of nuclear arms control in a multipolar world, with no immediate replacement in sight despite diplomatic openings.

The Boardroom PK delivers trusted business news, analysis, and insights from Pakistan and beyond, keeping readers informed, inspired, and ahead in the evolving world of business and leadership.

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