MUHAMMAD ALI

I am pleased to know that the South Asian Federation of Exchanges (SAFE) has taken the initiative of holding a series of seminars on 'Investor Relation's across Pakistan. On behalf of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), I appreciate this effort by SAFE which is aimed at raising the investor awareness level in the country and educating companies of the importance of investor relations.
Globally, Investor Relations is a crucial component in determining success of corporate entities. Greater emphasis is placed on relationship building and putting in place effective means of communication with their investors. Investors or shareholders form the backbone of a public company and cannot be kept isolated from information on the company's activities and financial position. Educating investors about the operations, business and price sensitive information of the company can serve manifold advantage to both investors and companies.
While improved investor relations will provide stimulus to the existing investors to become more informed and responsible shareholders, it will also improve the market share of the company by attracting more investors through image-building and positive word of mouth. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate SECP's commitment towards promoting investor confidence by encouraging investor education and awareness. The roadmap for future envisaged by the apex regulator lays great emphasis on providing individuals with the education they need to become more informed about the capital market. It is an important responsibility and we mean to deliver on this. Our ultimate objective is for the Pakistani investing community to be continuously aware of the need to be informed, educated and active by being alert to what is going on in the market place, knowledgeable about their rights and obligations as shareholders, and to be savvy about the products and services they invest in.
I hope that this seminar will provide a forum for imparting a better understanding of the new challenges being faced by corporations in formulating successful investor relation policies, and will educate corporations on benefits and means of devising such policies, for the growth and stability of the corporations and ultimately of our capital markets.
I wish SAFE a great success for the Seminar!