Daily Times

KARACHI: ACCA Pakistan hosted the Pakistan Leadership Conversation (PLC) 2018 with the theme, ‘Collective vision for an Emerging Pakistan’ on Thursday in Karachi.

Head of ACCA Pakistan Sajjed Aslam told that the conversations are focused to shape the future of society and economy of Pakistan. Two Panel discussions conducted in Karachi involved the topics; Embracing digital age and ethics, harnessing financial inclusion and Innovation and ERM; nurturing Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem respectively

State Bank of Pakistan Deputy Governor Riaz Riazuddin as a chief guest said that ethics, technology, disruption and connectivity have emerged in Pakistan.

Arif Habib Limited Chief Executive Officer Nasim Beg on his address to the topic ‘Embracing digital age and ethics’ said harnessing financial inclusion is the most important element of the current age. The discussion was followed by Portfolio Manager Acumen Fund Khurram Shahid, other panelists were Partner Deloitte Zeeshan Shahid, Chartered Accountants Yousaf Adil, SBP Executive Director Dr. Inayat Hussain, EFG Hermes Pakistan Limited CEO Muzzamil Aslam, Pakistan Stock Exchange Director Shehzad Chamdia and Sheikh Salman Partner Ernst & Young Ford Rhodes Sidat Hyder.

Discussion on Innovation and risk management followed: How to support the start-up culture? Engro Corporation Limited Chief Information Officer Khawaja Tanveer Saleem highlighted that the government as well as private entities are taking a keen interest towards boosting the entrepreneurial environment in the country.

He attributed this to the increased number of smart phone users and internet penetration across the country. Other panelists involved in the discussion were SEVP & Group Head Corporate & Investment Banking Meezan Bank Limited Syed Amir Ali, Engro Corporation Limited Chief Information Officer Khawaja Tanveer Saleem, Territory Senior Partner & Chairman, A. F. Ferguson & Co. Chartered Accountants Syed Muhammad Shabbar Zaidi, Unilever Pakistan Limited Director Finance Excellence Naved Hashmi, , Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited CEO Shazad Dada and Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Advisor & former Senior Vice President Ibrahim Kasumbi.

“ACCA is known to be a strong champion of public value – acting in the public interest, promoting ethical businesses and growing economies. Such sessions reflect ACCA’s commitment towards sharing knowledge and capacity building,” Sajjed Aslam said.

He said that ACCA members have contributed 7% GDP growth. This would put Pakistan’s ranking in top 50’s for business and global competitiveness index in next 5 years by collaborating with government and private sector.

Published in Daily Times, March 23^rd 2018.