Once again it is an immense pleasure to host the annual Best Practices Day event 2009, which has emerged as a significant and successful event over the span of eight years. BPD provides a platform for participants to gain valuable insight into the best practices of leading organisations operating in Pakistan and fosters an environment of striving for corporate excellence.
This year, BPD is taking place in the two prime commercial centers of Pakistan I.e. Karachi and Lahore. We hope that soon BPD will return to Islamabad as well once the environment is again conducive to learning and sharing. Efforts are also being made to host BPD in the region and we hope that in the years to come we can expand to make it an international event.
The theme for BPD 2009, "Survive, Sustain and Succeed" is suggestive of the current corporate mindset of cautious optimism. For many companies, the focus is on survival as the ride has become bumpy, but they need to be firm in their resolve to continue the journey with the conviction that the phenomenon is going pass soon for those who are steadfast in their approach. If they are able to sustain through these challenging times, then they would be able to succeed and enjoy the rewards thereof. With this inspiration in mind, we have made efforts to include discussions of contemporary issues. We believe that BPD reinforces the belief that "best practices" helps steer the way to a better future.
BPD 2009 would not have been possible without the support of our Lead Sponsor English Biscuit Manufacturing Ltd; our Associate Sponsors Hilton Pharma and ZONG; our Media Partners Business Recorder, Dawn TV and City FM89; and other sponsors HBL and Zil Ltd; and our Logistics Partner TCS. On behalf of Sidat Hyder Morshed Associates, I would like to extend my gratitude to all the sponsors, speakers, and delegates whose enthusiasm and active participation in this event has made it possible.