Dubai: The Pak Chinar Wing of the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) hosted its inaugural Chinar Business Conference on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the PAD Auditorium. The event served as a dynamic platform for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from various sectors to network, engage in intellectual discourse, and explore emerging business trends.
The conference aimed to foster business networking, create promotional opportunities, and facilitate knowledge sharing within the community. Key themes included promoting healthy business competition, offering a forum for job seekers and providers, connecting investors with entrepreneurs, and promoting the Kashmiri business community's presence on national and international platforms.
Additionally, the event highlighted business ethics, UAE compliance regulations, and the importance of a unified business platform for professionals.
The event was presided over by Raja Amjid Kabir, President of the Pak Chinar Wing, while the Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, Hussain Muhammad, served as the Chief Guest. He emphasized the potential for collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE, stating, “Technology and new economic models are transforming global business, opening new avenues for growth and innovation. The strong ties between Pakistan and the UAE, built on mutual respect and cooperation, offer great potential for collaboration. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and achieve even greater success.” The conference attracted a large audience, including prominent members of the UAE business community.
Keynote speeches were delivered by esteemed professionals. Dr. Faisal Ikram, President of PAD, spoke on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and urged attendees to contribute to the well-being of both their communities in the UAE and back home. He added: "Serving humanity is not only our moral responsibility but also a central tenet of our religion. We must focus on supporting those in need, wherever they may be.” While thanking the participants and guests, Dr. Ikram invited them to get involved in ongoing PAD projects or collaborate on future initiatives, encouraging them to “take an active role in serving the community through our current and upcoming ventures.”
Alia Noor, Associate Partner Tax and Compliance from Ahmad Alghabari Chartered Accountants in Dubai, provided insights on UAE tax compliance, while young business leader Amman Haq, from Microsoft Corp USA, introduced his product "Nimbus" and discussed IT trends.
A panel discussion on "Strategies to Become a Successful Entrepreneur" was a highlight of the event, moderated by Muhammad Dawood Khan. Panelists included Khalid Imtiaz, Sajid Iqbal, Samina Shaheen, and Nasir Bangash, who shared their diverse perspectives on entrepreneurship in a comprehensive 360-degree review.
In his concluding remarks, Raja Amjid Kabir emphasized the need for a unified platform for business leaders and young entrepreneurs, underscoring the importance of collaboration within the community. The event closed with a vote of thanks to the attendees, including Ali Zeb Khan, Trade and Investment Counsellor, Sheikh Muhammad Al Noori from Dubai Municipality, and several prominent business figures from the UAE.
Honorary shields were presented to distinguished guests and participants, while a special Umrah package draw was announced for the young volunteers. The Chinar Business Conference 2024 successfully established itself as a premier event, uniting thought leaders and innovators while setting the stage for future collaborations within the business community.