Pakistan’s top business chiefs and entrepreneurs on Monday called for positive change as they spoke about “Reshaping the Future, Building Greater Pakistan” at the UMA-16th CEO Summit Asia 2017 held here at a local hotel.

Hundreds of leading CEOs and executives representing their companies attended the summit where Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair was the chief guest.

The Sindh Governor spoke about the various challenges facing Pakistan and stressed that free and fair elections are the way forward for the country.

Earlier, Sohail Shams, CEO of United Marine Agencies (UMA) – the lead sponsors of the Summit – in his opening speech underlined the importance of positive change saying that Pakistan needs it to tackle the various challenges and issues confronting it.

Sohail Shams hoped that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will help boost Pakistan’s economy.

“CPEC is a beacon of hope for the entire region and in future will usher in a period of peace, development and growth of economy. Economic growth will be supported by progress on CPEC energy projects and improved domestic business sentiment,” he said.

“Pakistan should continue to maintain liberal policies towards foreign investment.”

Sirajuddin Aziz, President and CEO of Habib Metropolitan Bank, in his speech stressed that we should learn from the examples set by our founding fathers especially the Quaid-e-Azam and strive for the progress of Pakistan.

Kimihide Ando, Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Corporation and CEO of Mitsubishi Pakistan, spoke about the resilience of Pakistan appreciating the country’s fighting spirit in the face of adversity.

Irfan Siddiqui, President and CEO Meezan Bank, gave a presentation on Islamic banking and its growth in Pakistan.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini, Ikram Sehgal, Aamir Niazi, CEO Descon Oxychem Ltd, etc.

The UMA-16th CEO Summit was held as a tribute to the CEOs, 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.

The Sindh Governor gave away Leadership Awards to the top-performing CEOs and graced the launch ceremony of 100 Performing CEOs and Companies of Pakistan.