New Business Guide Highlights Business Performance in Pakistan and Calls out for Creating more Business Opportunities

The Financial Daily (TFD) today launched a book on KSE 100 Index Fundamental Guide at a special event held under the presence of leading business executives from across Pakistan. The book is the 2nd of “investors’ awareness program series” of publications carried out by TFD which showcases a compilation of companies listed in the KSE-100 and also highlights their performance over the last five years (FY04-FY09).

The report highlighted that although many businesses were doing well despite the current socio-political situation in Pakistan, the importance of an enabling environment played a key role in increasing investments and business opportunities. The financial institutions were identified as one of the key players in developing business feasibility. The event was also held to applaud leading business executives for sustaining successful businesses in challenging times.

Mr. Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer, SAMAA TV, also the Chief Guest was presented a special memento for his remarkable services for Pakistani Media. He was also acknowledged for representing Pakistan at international forums such as the International Media Excellence Awards 2009 by The Association for International Broadcasting where Mr. Jahangir has been selected as the only Pakistani member of the international jury panel.

Speaking on occasion Amir Jahangir said, “Innovation and technology are the stimulator for the economic growth of the country. Pakistan being among the developing economies of the world has the benefit of holding the status of emerging markets, with the abundance of young resource available; Pakistan could become as successful as the other countries around the world.”

“The country is like what Malaysia was in the 1960s: short on infrastructure and production technology, lots of security challenges but with loads of natural resources and commodities just waiting for the right companies to come in and develop” said Jahangir.

The event also highlighted the initiatives carried out by the Government of Pakistan, which has already established 64 honorary investment counselors all over the world for the promotion of trade and investment; out of which positive results have started showing in terms of business partnerships and investments.

While presenting the book, a representative of the TFD said that the government in collaboration with private sector is working on finding sustainable and economically viable solutions to the challenges being faced by the business community.

Speaking at the concluding event, the Chief Guest, Ms. Shazia Marri, Sindh Minister for Information said that “a number of foreign investors were ready to come to Pakistan only because of the huge undiscovered potential it has and for having a unique food basket”. Ms. Marri futher said that the business community needs to understand that economic issues being faced by the country were not going to stay for long and hopefully the situation would take a positive turn in next eight to nine months.

She further added that “special attention was being given to law and order and supply of electricity. The restoration of confidence of the business community is another area, which is on the priority list of the government; economic zones were being carved out to attract direct foreign investment.”

She ended her note by saying that “Pakistan is committed to providing an optimum investment climate for both local and foreign investors, and the government is in the process of implementing measures to ensure the protection of all investments – and investors – in the country”.

Those present on the occasion also included Mr. Tariq Iqbal Khan Chairman, National Investment Trust, Mr. Nasir Ali Shah, Chairman, KASB Group and Mr. Arif. Habib, Chairman, Arif Habib Group.

SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan’s leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel is the first media channel is Pakistan to have established a well-integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program as part of it business activities. SAMAA TV’s CSR program carries various initiatives within health, education, environment and outreach programs focusing on improving the socio-economic situation of Pakistan.

The channel has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and five (5) bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.