SAF Conference: Messages

Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan

It is a matter of immense pride for Pakistan to host the SAFA Conference on “South Asia’s Economic Outlook: Challenges & Opportunities” on January 10 and 11, 2025 in Karachi. This significant event reflects the spirit of regional cooperation and collective determination to address the pressing economic challenges faced by South Asia while identifying pathways to unlock its vast potential.

South Asia, with its diverse economies and vibrant cultures, holds a unique position in the global economic framework. However, it is also confronted with challenges that demand strategic collaboration and innovative solutions. The conference brings together policymakers from across South Asia to collectively build a strong and sustainable economy.

The South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) has played a pivotal role in uniting the accountancy profession across borders, promoting transparency, and advocating for good governance. This conference is yet another testament to SAFA's unwavering commitment to advancing the region’s economic potential.

As Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, I deeply value the theme of this year’s conference. It aligns with our national vision of fostering inclusivity, innovation, and regional connectivity to achieve shared prosperity. Topics such as trade facilitation, renewable energy, governance reforms, and digital transformations are particularly timely for shaping South Asia’s economic future.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) for their exceptional efforts in organising this conference. My appreciation also goes to Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, President of SAFA, Farukh Rehman, President of ICAP, and Samiullah Siddiqui, Council Member of ICAP, for their unwavering commitment and leadership in advancing the profession globally. Their dedication and vision have been instrumental in making this conference a reality.

I am confident that the outcomes of this conference will contribute meaningfully to shaping South Asia’s economic trajectory, having a positive impact on Pakistan and the entire region.

Muhammad Aurangzeb

Minister of Finance & Revenue of Pakistan

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) and South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) for organising the landmark conference titled “South Asia’s Economic Outlook: Challenges & Opportunities”. This prestigious event being held in Karachi on January 10 and 11, 2025, highlights the critical need for regional collaboration to address the changing economic dynamics of South Asia.

The chosen theme aptly reflects the region’s immense potential, compared with the complex challenges it faces. As one of the world’s most dynamic and populous regions, South Asia

now stands at crossroads where timely policy reforms, effective governance, and strategic collaboration can transform its economic narrative. This conference serves as a platform to convene policymakers, industry leaders, and thought pioneers to exchange insights and chart a path towards sustainable growth.

Key discussions on trade barriers, adapting to digital transformation of accounting services and exploring renewable energy are critical to unlocking South Asia’s economic potential while ensuring a prosperous future.

The Government of Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic and financial development. I sincerely hope that this conference will yield actionable insights and forge alliances that will empower South Asia to navigate its challenges.

My deep appreciation goes to ICAP and SAFA and all member organisations for their tireless efforts in promoting professional excellence, transparency, and governance across the region. I extend my best wishes to the organizers, Farrukh Rehman President ICAP, Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, President SAFA, Samiullah Siddiqui, Council member ICAP and speakers for a highly productive and intellectually stimulating event. May this conference be a catalyst for progress, innovation, and prosperity in South Asia.

Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, FCA

President, SAFA, former minister of State of Pakistan, former President ICAP

It is my distinct honour to welcome you to the SAFA Conference 2025, themed “South Asia’s Economic Outlook: Challenges & Opportunities.” This conference represents a defining moment for our region as it brings together financial leaders and policymakers to address the ongoing economic turmoil and explore the boundless opportunities within South Asia.

Established in 1984 under the umbrella of SAARC, SAFA has consistently championed the cause of harmonised standards, regional cooperation, and professional excellence. It aims to advance transparency, governance, and sustainable economic

development across the eight member nations. The SAFA Conference exemplifies this mission, providing a collaborative platform to drive impactful discussions and meaningful actions.

This year’s theme underscores the immense potential of South Asia—one of the world’s most populous regions. While challenges such as trade barriers, policy inefficiencies, and the need for innovation persist, they also present us with opportunities to reimagine strategies and strengthen our regional resilience.

The conference’s sessions are designed to address key areas that are critical to our economic progress. Discussions on policy reforms and governance will highlight the need for robust frameworks to enhance investor confidence and drive sustainable growth. Trade barriers will also be a focus as we explore actionable solutions to mitigate hurdles and foster economic integration across the region. Furthermore, we will examine opportunities in renewable energy and assess how advancements in technology can bolster the export of accountancy services.

Gathering in Karachi on January 10 and 11, 2025, I urge you all to seize this opportunity to engage, learn, and collaborate. By working together, we can create a comprehensive roadmap for financial growth and fiscal prosperity in South Asia.

I look forward to the insightful discussions and valuable connections created at the SAFA Conference.

Farrukh Rehman, FCA

President, Institute of Chartered

Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP)

It is with great pride that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) welcomes the delegates from across the region to the SAFA Conference 2025, hosted in the city of Karachi, the financial hub of Pakistan. With the theme “South Asia’s Economic Outlook: Challenges & Opportunities,” this event reflects ICAP’s unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration for the sustainable economic development of our region.

As the regulatory body for the accountancy profession in Pakistan, ICAP has always strived to uphold excellence, innovation, and leadership in financial management and governance. Hosting the SAFA Conference

upholds our dedication to creating platforms that enable meaningful conversations on the challenges and opportunities facing South Asia's diverse economies.

This year’s theme is particularly relevant, addressing key issues such as policy reforms, trade barriers, and the adoption of innovative solutions in renewable energy and digital services. At ICAP, we believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of progress. By bringing together South Asia’s industry experts, the SAFA Conference 2025 will serve as a catalyst for transformative ideas and strategies to drive sustainable growth and resilience across the region.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) for entrusting ICAP with the opportunity to host this prestigious event. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, FCA, President of SAFA, and Samiullah Siddiqui, Council Member of ICAP, for their commitment to shaping a brighter economic future for South Asia.

I look forward to witnessing the meaningful exchanges and impactful discussions that will take place at the SAFA Conference 2025. Together, let us chart a path toward shared prosperity and growth for our region.

Mr. Jean Bouquot

President

The International Federation of

Accountants (IFAC)

It is my great pleasure to extend warm greetings to the delegates of the SAFA Conference 2025, being held in Karachi, Pakistan under the theme “South Asia’s Economic Outlook: Challenges & Opportunities.”

This important event, hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), reflects the remarkable commitment of the accountancy profession in South Asia to addressing pressing economic issues and driving sustainable growth in the region.

On behalf of IFAC, I commend SAFA’s unwavering dedication to fostering regional cooperation, consistent standards, and professional excellence.

The SAFA Conference offers a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and financial experts to engage in a meaningful discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of South Asia’s economies.

The theme of this year’s conference highlights the dual imperatives of navigating complex challenges, such as regulatory fragmentation, while also capitalizing on opportunities, including the transformations in sustainability and digitalization. These priorities are shared around the world, so SAFA’s leadership is an important contribution to the global profession’s efforts.

I applaud SAFA, ICAP, and the organizing committee for curating an event that embodies the principles of transparency, innovation, and accountability. My heartfelt thanks go to Mr. Farrukh Rehman, President ICAP; Mr. Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, President SAFA; and Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui, Council Member ICAP for their vision and dedication in hosting and curating this conference. To the delegates, I encourage you to use this forum to exchange ideas, forge new collaborations, and contribute to shaping a prosperous and resilient future for South Asia.

The accountancy profession continues to play an irreplaceable role in supporting economic progress and the public interest—and this conference is the latest example of SAFA leading the way. I thank SAFA for its partnership with IFAC and I look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration.

Akif Saeed

Chairman, Securities & Exchange

Commission of Pakistan (SECP)

I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) for organising the SAFA Conference on “South Asia’s Economic Outlook: Challenges & Opportunities.” International events such as these provide an ideal platform for leveraging collective wisdom to deliberate upon the economic challenges being faced by the region.

The chosen theme of this year’s conference reflects the dynamic and evolving economic landscape of South Asia. Considering our shared goals of sustainable growth and social progress, collaborative efforts at the

regional level are the need of the hour to ensure economic resilience and equitable prosperity. This is an area where I believe SAFA and ICAP can play a pivotal role by facilitating meaningful dialogue between all stakeholders.

The Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), being a progressive regulator, is an ardent supporter of international cooperation, which holds immense potential for the development of the local business ecosystem. In line with its core objective of beneficial regulations, the SECP remains firmly committed to enhancing the ease of doing business in the country, while equally ensuring the transparency and integrity of the regulatory ecosystem.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of SAFA and ICAP in encouraging professional excellence and harmonising regional accounting standards. I would also like to applaud the visionary leadership of SAFA and ICAP, especially Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, Farrukh Rehman, and Samiullah Siddiqui, and their respective teams, that have made significant contributions to strengthening the accounting profession in Pakistan.

On behalf of the SECP, I extend my best wishes to all the participants for a successful and impactful conference.

Samiullah Siddiqui

Council member & Chairman,

Organising committee,

SAFA conference 2025

I am honored to welcome you to the SAFA Conference 2025, proudly hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) in Karachi. This year’s theme, “South Asia’s Economic Outlook: Challenges & Opportunities,” reflects the region's commitment to harnessing its vast potential while addressing pressing challenges.

As Chairman of the Organizing Committee, I have had the privilege of working alongside distinguished professionals and South Asian leaders to design a conference that promises impactful dialogue and actionable strategies. This significant event unites policymakers, economic experts, and industry leaders to examine

critical issues shaping South Asia’s economic trajectory, including policy reforms, trade facilitation, renewable energy advancements, and the integration of digital technologies in accountancy.

The SAFA Conference serves as a dynamic platform to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and build pathways for sustainable regional growth. By tackling key barriers and enhancing cooperation among South Asian nations, we aim to drive transformative progress that benefits the region collectively.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) and ICAP for their invaluable support in organizing this esteemed gathering. I also acknowledge the efforts of the distinguished speakers, participants, and contributors whose involvement has made this event possible.

Let us seize this opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, innovate solutions, and strengthen regional partnerships as we collectively envision a brighter economic future for South Asia. I look forward to welcoming you to Karachi and to the insightful exchanges that will define the SAFA Conference 2025.