By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi delivered a compelling message to the business community on Thursday, urging traders and businessmen in the nation to uphold the principles of honesty and fairness as they strive to secure a position in the fiercely competitive global economy. Speaking at the recognition ceremony hosted by the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI), President Alvi emphasised the critical role that trust and integrity play in achieving business success.
In his address at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Alvi underlined that in today’s cutthroat economic landscape, businesses that fail to establish a reputation for ethical conduct risk becoming obsolete. He urged the gathering of traders to “sell your products with fairness, maintaining the same high standards that you present to your target audience during marketing efforts.”
President Alvi stressed that beyond a profit-centric approach, companies should also foster an environment of empathy and compassion within society. “Honesty in public dealings and the cultivation of trust between suppliers and consumers can contribute to a more accommodating societal atmosphere,” he added. He underscored the importance of instilling the values of honesty in society, aligning with the teachings of Islam, which advocate integrity in public transactions.
Additionally, President Alvi noted the responsibility of society in providing a harassment-free workplace environment for women to ensure their full participation across all fields of life. He highlighted the potential for small industries to stimulate economic growth in the country and called for the promotion of skill development through vocational courses to tap into the nation’s abundant talent pool.
President Alvi also emphasised the importance of effective tax culture implementation as a means to overcome financial and economic challenges and better the lives of the people. He called on the global community to uphold moral ideals and drew attention to the ongoing Gaza situation, expressing concern over the suffering of the Palestinian population.
The President honoured the achievements of traders by presenting them with shields during the event. President of ICSTSI, Sajjad Sarwar, outlined the Chamber’s efforts to attract foreign investments to Pakistan and its initiatives to support women in developing their vocational skills. Vice President of ICSTSI, Syeda Wajida Saleem, stressed the vital role of small enterprises in the national economy and called for the development of long-term policies in this regard. Group Chairman of ICSTSI, Qazi Muhammad Ilyas, acknowledged the positive contributions of the trader community to the national economy through adherence to the tax system.
