ACCA (the
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) organised a multi-stakeholder
corporate networking conference on the theme ‘Punjab: Pakistan’s Industrial and
Talent Powerhouse’ here in Faisalabad to emphasise on the need for
future-readiness of businesses to keep Faisalabad globally competitive and make
it lucrative for foreign investors.
As a hub for
industrialisation in Pakistan, Faisalabad is on the cusp of a technological
revolution and the need for organisations to be future-ready was never greater.
At ACCA’s conference, prominent thought leaders and policy makers discussed and
proposed recommendations on how to keep Faisalabad region up to speed amidst
the Fourth Industrial Revolution by adopting a growth agenda based on the
golden principles of inclusivity, integrity and innovation.
‘As the global
body for professional accountants, ACCA is a super-connector – seeing,
facilitating and maximising linkages across the profession for the benefit of
our members, economies and society at large. Conferences like this allow us to
share our future-focused Professional Insights and help organisations to think
ahead and stay future-fit.’ – Assad Hameed Khan, Market Head – Business
Development, ACCA Pakistan
Senator Walid
Iqbal was the Chief Guest at the event. He delivered a passionate speech on the
future of Faisalabad region, emphasised on the role of business community in
keeping ‘Manchester of Pakistan’ ahead on the global stage, and shared the
government’s commitment. He also urged policy makers and regulators to
facilitate investors and improve ease of doing business in the city.
The
conversations remained focused on three key areas: Ensuring inclusivity and
equality of opportunity to create an economy that serves everyone regardless of
their background, building trust and earning global credibility for businesses
in an environment of trust crisis by upholding highest standards of ethics, and
to encourage innovation to truly transform and future-proof our manufacturing
sector.
The conference
also discussed how our manufacturing sector can adopt latest technologies and
develop future-ready talent to compete and win globally. Rana Muhammad Sikandar
Azam, President, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industries shared with
attendees his exclusive insights into the future of textile sector in Pakistan
and shared how their member organisations are leading the change.
Speaking at the
conference, ACCA’s Head of Business Development - Central, Muhammad Shahid
Khan, said:
‘Faisalabad
contributes significantly to our national GDP and its manufacturing sector is
among the biggest employers. It’s crucial for organisations operating in the
district to ensure their sustainability and futureproof jobs by staying ahead
of the curve when it comes to disruptive technologies.’
The conference offered local businesses, thought
leaders, and policy makers an opportunity to sit together and form an
actionable agenda to help the region realise its true economic potential.
The conversation leaders at the event included, Zia Ul Mustafa, President, Institute of Cost &
Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), Dr Tanveer Hussain, Rector,
National Textile University, Muhammad Iqbal Ghori, Director Finance &
Strategic Planning, Sadaqat Limited, Syed Rehan Hussain, Chief Operating
Officer, Akhuwat Foundation, Beau Seil, Partner Singapore Southeast Asia
Investment Lead, Patamar Capital, Zunaira Riaz, Senior Manager Professional
Qualifications and Career Development Centre, The Millennium Universal College
(TMUC), Arslan Anwar, Head of Internal Audit, Master Tiles, Sarfraz
Ahmed Nadeem, Chief Manager Faisalabad, State Bank of Pakistan, and Altaf
Hussain, Depty Commissioner, Punjab Revenue Authority.
The event was supported by ACCA’s partner
organisations including, Akhuwat Foundation, British Deputy High Commission
Karachi, Sadaqat Limited, Khas Holding, Lahore Grammar School, TMUC, SKANS
School of Accountancy, Sitara Labels, University of London, Adroit Accountancy,
OBOX Accounting, and SOS Security.
ACCA will also be hosting a corporate networking
conference on similar conversation themes in Multan on 13 March
2020.
No comments:
Post a Comment