Shabir Ahmed, being recognised by the Republic of France for his role in promoting bilateral relations between Pakistan and France, merits more than congratulations on this honour that he richly deserves. It is a tribute and pride to our family, entire business community and also great honour for our Chiniot Community which have and serving an active role in the business in Pakistan.
He has served with distinction for such long years. He was among the founding fathers of Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association; it's President for several years and is now its patron-in-chief. He has represented the business community on the EDF Board; various advisory bodies set up by the Government, and accompanied several government delegations. He was an effective President of Pakistan France Business Alliance, and gave so much of his time to ensure the relief goods from France reached the affectees of the 2005 earthquake expeditiously and economically.
Mr Shabir Ahmed is respected as much for his boldness as for his thorough understanding of the issues. He fought our battles, at different forums, with courage and conviction. If the cause is right he can be counted upon to rush in where angels fear to tread.
He is a role model to all those businessmen who start small, as he did. With God's kindness, and his hard work, he today runs a very successful company. His exports continue to grow despite these turbulent times for international trade. I would never forget the time when young Shabir and his family migrated from East Pakistan after the Dacca Fall. Leaving their entire fortune back, they started with a yarn brokerage in 1973 from scratch in Karachi. With his hard work, devotion and leadership abilities, he established the first Pakistan France Joint Venture Company in 2001 in the field of Home Textiles.
No doubt, his father who passed away few months ago, would be a proud man today, seeing his son live up to all his expectations - and true to the values of integrity, compassion, and commitment that he taught him. It is good to have honours and awards, especially when well deserved. It is the respect of your friends - and especially competitors - that is of paramount importance. Shabir has that. I wish him and his affectionate family even greater success.
The National Order of Merit (Chevalier de L'ordre Nationale du Merite) is a French order of merit with membership awarded by the President of the French Republic, founded on 3 December 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle.