Pakistan key player in region with Chinese investment plans, says Zubair

KARACHI: Governor Sindh Mohammad Zubair said on Monday the world is witnessing Pakistan as important player in the region with Chinese mega investment plans, which will integrate the country closer to Central Asian states with a strategic role.

He was speaking as a chief guest at “United Marine Agency (UMA) - 16th CEO Summit Asia & Leadership Award Ceremony 2017” & “Book Launch 100 Performing CEOs, Leaders & Companies of Pakistan 2017” organised by CEO Club Pakistan & CEO Today Magazine held at a local hotel here on Monday.

On the occasion, the CEO Club Pakistan paid tribute to the entrepreneurs, business leaders, policy makers, economic managers, and difference makers in appreciation and recognition of their tireless efforts, commitment and contribution to the economy of Pakistan in testing times with the theme “Reshaping the Future: Build Greater Pakistan”.

The Sindh governor said that Pakistan has been changed into a different and a progressing country, having a lot of potential for foreign and local investors and businessman to start and expand their business on the land of world’s new emerging economy.

He said the corporate sector and masses should alter their approach towards Pakistan as positive in tandem with visible development and peaceful scenario across the country, which was made possible with efforts of the incumbent government.

"Pakistan's economy was facing uncertain situation in 2013. Government worked day and night in its first three years to revive the country's economy and our hard work has put the economy on the path of prosperity. Pakistan Stock Exchange is now the best stock exchange of region and its rise is a proof of the government's successful economic policies," Zubair said.

S.M Muneer, chairman of Din Group of Industries and chief executive of TDAP, said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will bring development and prosperity in the country. "The trade corridor will not only be limited to a country or a sector but it will expand its scope to mainstream industries and allied businesses that will be boosted by new road of progress."

Muneer said the government is taking solid initiatives to build Pakistan in collaboration with local and foreign investors who believe Pakistan as lucrative and high-returned market for them.

Ijaz Nisar, founding president of CEO Club Pakistan said: "We always quote success stories of western CEOs but do not highlight achievements of local entrepreneurs. We have our own local Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Laxmi Mittal who can turn the fate and face of the country if they are provided conducive and friendly environment for doing business."

Nisar said the summit was an ideal opportunity for building relationships with peers and colleagues who can share information, insights and inspiration that can be of vital help for organisations. The summit also provided multiple opportunities to gather with other summit attendees in order to extend one's reach and influence into the community of his/her fellow senior CEO leaders.

As many as 600 top chairmen, CEOs, presidents, MDs, country managers, entrepreneurs, government officials, diplomats, business leaders and C-level management attended the event.

The purpose of the mega corporate event was to bring the soft corporate image of Pakistan at global level and book culture.