President Dr. Arif Alvi emphasized the imperative of bolstering the inclusion of marginalized segments of society, notably women and individuals with disabilities, in the mainstream economy through digitalizing the financial sector for socio-economic advancement.
Addressing the third edition of Hosting Business Net 2024, a platform dedicated to promoting financial inclusion and digital transformation while acknowledging the contributions of companies within the sector, President Alvi stressed the vitality of investing in the intellectual development and capacity building of the Pakistani populace.
He underscored the necessity of integrating the 26.2 million out-of-school children into the education system, asserting that neglecting this demographic could result in exporting raw labor devoid of value addition. Citing China’s success in poverty alleviation through investments in education and health, President Alvi advocated for leveraging technology for internet voting (i-voting) and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to enhance political inclusion.
Furthermore, President Alvi highlighted the significance of setting priorities, making sound decisions, and efficiently utilizing human resources for national progress. He pinpointed the perennial issue of Pakistan’s low tax-to-GDP ratio and urged for greater utilization of financial instruments like business loans for women and micro-credit facilities, emphasizing the need for enhanced outreach and awareness in remote areas.
Transforming Hub CEO Iftikhar Hussain emphasized BizNet’s role in fostering collaboration, commitment, and innovation, while Airlinks Communication CEO Muzaffar Piracha stressed the pivotal role of digitizing the economy for financial inclusion, particularly in the mobile industry. Jazz’s Chief Digital Officer Aamir Aijaz advocated for addressing the large undocumented economy through formal banking channels and proper payment mechanisms to empower grassroots communities, especially women.
In recognition of their efforts to enhance financial inclusion through technological and digital transformation, President Alvi conferred shields upon various companies during the event.
