ISLAMABAD, Oct 02 (APP): The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Pakistan has held the Multan and Faisalabad editions of its Corporate Conference 2026, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, academics and finance professionals to discuss Pakistan’s economic growth and competitiveness.
Held under the theme “Redefining Value in a Changed World,” the conferences focused on the role of regional business centres in strengthening Pakistan’s exports, manufacturing, agriculture and economic growth.
In Faisalabad, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, speaking as Guest of Honour, said the city had long been an engine of Pakistan’s industrial and export strength, said in a press release issued here.
He said the government’s priority was to create conditions enabling businesses to compete globally, including through investment in skills, sustainability and innovation.
The Faisalabad conference also examined environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability reporting as tools for expanding exports. A panel comprising business and finance professionals discussed the growing importance of credible sustainability reporting for access to international buyers and capital.
In Multan, a panel discussed capital, climate risk and business capacity, focusing on how regional enterprises could finance growth while managing climate-related risks.
Speaking at the events, Head of ACCA Pakistan Assad Hameed Khan said Pakistan’s future economic growth would be driven not only by major cities but also by regional centres such as Multan and Faisalabad.
He said finance professionals had a key role in helping businesses build resilience, transparency and adaptability.
The conferences also focused on preparing Pakistan’s workforce for opportunities arising from artificial intelligence (AI).
In Multan, Bahauddin Zakariya University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Zubair Iqbal delivered a keynote address on future skills for regional competitiveness, followed by a discussion on AI and innovation.
In Faisalabad, Nauman Sarwar, President of the Faisalabad I.T. Companies Organisation, spoke on converting the city’s industrial strength into global advantage. A subsequent panel discussed the potential of AI to accelerate business growth while stressing the importance of governance.
The events brought together representatives from government, chambers of commerce, industry, academia, the accountancy profession and the start-up sector.
The ACCA Pakistan Corporate Conference series will next move to Peshawar, extending the discussion to the business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
