KARACHI - Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad said on Thursday that Pakistan had changed into a different and a developing country, having a lot of potential for foreign and local investors and businessman to start and expand their businesses.

He was speaking as a chief guest at ‘13th CEO Summit Asia 2016, the Best Leadership Award’ and ‘Book Launch 100 Performing CEOs, Leaders and Companies of Pakistan 2016’, organised by CEO Club Pakistan and Manager Today, here at a local hotel.

Office-bearers of CEO Club paid tributes 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 with the theme, ‘Believe In Pakistan’.

The Sindh governor said the corporate sector and masses should change their approach towards Pakistan, and see it as a peaceful and developing country which was made possible due to the efforts of the democratic government.

He added the world was witnessing Pakistan as an important player in the region, with the Chinese mega investment coming in, which will bring the country closer to the Central Asian countries.

Din Group of Industries Chairman S M Muneer said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will bring development and prosperity in the country.

“The trade corridor will not remain limited to a country or a sector, but will expand its scope to mainstream industries and allied businesses that will be given boost by a new way of progress,” he said, and added, “The government is taking solid initiatives to build Pakistan in collaboration with local and foreign investors who consider Pakistan as a lucrative and high-returned market for.

Minister of State for Privatisation, while speaking to participants of the Summit, said, “Pakistan’s economy was facing an uncertain situation in 2013. The government worked day and night in its first three years to revive the country’s economy, and our hard work has put the economy on the path to prosperity.”

He added that Pakistan Stock Exchange was now the best stock exchange in the region and its rise was a proof of the government’s successful economic policies.

Former chief secretary Sindh Sajjad Saleem Hotiana said that CPEC was a revolutionary project, under which new power plants would be set up and new employment opportunities would be created.

“Heavy investment will change the fortunes of Gwadar and Balochistan. Thar will also reap benefits of various projects. New power plants will be set up in Sindh, which will resolve electricity problems of province,” he added.

Ijaz Nisar, Founder and President CEO Club Pakistan, said, "We always quote success stories of western CEOs but do not highlight achievements of local entrepreneurs. We have our own local Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Laxmi Mittal who can turn the fate and face of the country if they are provided conducive and friendly environment for doing business."