ACCA holds moot on Faisalabad’s future-readiness in the digital age

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 futurre-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 the Faisalabad region, emphasised on the role of the business community in keeping ‘Manchester of Pakistan’ ahead on the global stage, and shared the government’s commitment. He also urged policymakers and regulators to facilitate investors and improve the 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 the 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 the 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 policymakers 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, Deputy 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.