It is once again a matter of immense pleasure to host the Annual Best Practices Day event 2008. In a span of seven years BPD has emerged as a significant event for corporate Pakistan and provides a platform for participants to gain valuable insight into the best practices of the organisations.
This year BPD expands its coverage in terms of geographical spread. For the first time, we take the BPD forum known for "learning through sharing" to cover all the three principal commercial cities of Pakistan. As you may be aware, BPD was held only in Karachi for the first five years (2002 to 2006).
Last year we also hosted BPD in Islamabad and this year for the first time, the BPD event moves to Lahore as well. Throughout this onward journey the sponsors, speakers, and participants have overwhelmingly supported BPD over the years. With the continued support of our distinguished Sponsors, in the days and years to come we would like to continue this onward march and reach beyond to make BPD an international event.
BPD 2008 is being held at a time when the business community in Pakistan is faced with numerous challenges in the context of the emerging domestic situation and the global economic meltdown.
Mindful of this situation, we have made efforts to include discussion on contemporary issues which would help to crystallise the way forward. Best practices may be optional in good times, but become a necessity when the going gets tough. On a positive note, we believe that BPD reinforces the belief that "Only best practices" help steer the way to a better future.
BPD 2008 would not have been possible without the support of our Lead Sponsor English Biscuit Manufacturing Ltd; our Co-Sponsors Hilton Pharma, Jahangir Siddiqui & Company Ltd (JS) and Tuwairqi Steel Mills; our Associate Sponsors DADEX and Johnson & Johnson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd; Media Partners CNBC, Business Recorder and City FM 89 and Logistics Partner TCS. On behalf of Sidat Hyder Morshed Associates, I would like to extend my gratitude to all the sponsors, speakers, panellists and delegates who have made it possible for us to organise this event.