CFO Conference 2024: Message from Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan

It brings me great pleasure to extend my warmest greetings to all the participants of CFO Conference 2024: Curating Responsible Growth: Innovate, Illuminate, and Integrate. This year's theme, particularly relevant in Pakistan's current economic climate, underscores the critical role CFOs play in driving responsible growth.

Since its inception in 2010, ICAP's CFO Conference has been a cornerstone event, providing a platform for industry leaders and experts to converge, discuss, and strategize on critical issues shaping the field of finance. Through the tireless efforts of the ICAP PAIB Committee, the conference has evolved into a sought-after yearly gathering of local and global thought leaders.

This year's theme underscores the imperative for businesses to pursue growth strategies that not only maximize profitability but also prioritize stability and sustainability. With sessions focusing on ethical responsibilities, requisite skillsets, the impact of digital innovations and AI, and global layoffs, the conference aims to equip CFOs with the tools and insights needed to navigate uncertain times.

The theme "Curating Responsible Growth: Innovate, Illuminate, and Integrate" holds immense significance for the Government of Pakistan as it directly impacts the country's economic prosperity.

By fostering a business environment that prioritizes responsible growth, Pakistan can achieve sustainable development and create a more prosperous future for all its citizens. This requires innovation to drive new industries and create jobs, data-driven insights to inform policy decisions, and integration between the public and private sectors to ensure shared goals and effective implementation. The success of Pakistani businesses is directly linked to the country's overall economic health, and the CFO Conference plays a critical role in equipping financial leaders with the tools they need to navigate this important path.

The Professional Excellence Awards (PEA) are a commendable initiative that recognizes the outstanding contributions of ICAP members, inspiring excellence and setting a high bar for the profession.

I am confident that the CFO Conference 2024 will be a resounding success. The insights from these discussions will be instrumental in shaping the future of finance in Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024