ICAP CFO Conference Highlights Inclusive Growth and Strategic Business Transformation Through Collaboration and Innovation

Dubai, UAE: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), through its PAIB Committee, has successfully hosted the fourth annual CFO Conference Middle East 2024 in Dubai, bringing together over 400 finance professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the Middle East and South Asia. Under the theme “Inclusive Growth: Reconfiguring Business Strategies,” this year’s conference delved into vital topics like artificial intelligence (AI), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, regional partnerships, and investment opportunities for a rapidly evolving financial sector.

One of the conference’s highlights was the keynote address by H.E. Aarefa Al Falahi, Board Member of the RAK Chamber of Commerce and RAK Insurance Company, on the role of women in finance in the Middle East. Emphasizing the value of gender diversity, she shared insights on how empowering women in the financial sector drives economic growth and innovation, essential for building resilience in today’s market.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Faisal Tirmizi, spoke on the importance of Pakistan-UAE collaboration for economic prosperity, noting how such partnerships enhance trade and create opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth. The conference, he remarked, is instrumental in fostering these connections.

ICAP President Mr. Farrukh Rehman underscored ICAP’s mission to equip finance professionals with the tools and insights needed to excel amid a rapidly shifting economic landscape. Reflecting on the event’s success, he commented, “The CFO Conference Middle East 2024 has provided an impactful platform for fostering inclusive growth and preparing finance leaders for the future.”

Mr. Muhammad Samiullah Siddiqui, Chairman of the PAIB Committee, welcomed attendees and emphasized collaboration and innovation as key to driving change within organizations. His sentiments echoed in various presentations and discussions throughout the event.

Among the conference sessions, Mr. Bikash Prasad, President & CFO of Olam Agri, presented “Net Zero Targets: Are We on Track?”, assessing global progress on climate targets and sharing actionable strategies to accelerate corporate sustainability. Another engaging session, led by entrepreneur Khalid Al Ameri, focused on resilience and innovation in the finance profession, inspiring attendees to cultivate growth and adaptability.

A prominent panel, moderated by Mr. Ali Abouda, Group CFO of Gulf Navigation Holding, explored the transformative power of automation in finance, with leaders like Mr. Giovanni Funes Nova (CFO, The Bahri & Mazroei Group), Mr. Hatem Hosny (Group CFO, Paris Group International), and Mr. Muhammad Shafiq (CFO, Bayer Middle East) examining how automation improves efficiency and strategic decision-making.

The Open Forum Discussion, led by Alia Noor, Associate Partner at Ahmad Alagbari Chartered Accountants, tackled enhancing diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and the UAE, with insights from key speakers including Ambassador Tirmizi and Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, Vice President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants.

The conference concluded with a commitment to building a more inclusive professional community dedicated to growth and resilience across borders. ICAP reaffirmed its dedication to supporting finance professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks essential for shaping a sustainable future.