Pakistan will host the third World Asia Islamic Capital conference in Karachi on November 7-8, said an official statement. It would be Pakistan's largest international financial conference where delegates from more than 150 financial institutions across the globe will participate. The 3rd World Asia Islamic Capital conference seeks to bring together the policymakers, bankers, corporate sector representatives, Sharia scholars and professionals from the local and regional markets to discuss the current positioning of the Islamic capital industry and challenges for future growth. The conference is being organized by World Asia group, a subsidiary of Islamic Capital Partners, which is leading specialist venture development and private equity advisor firm. Leading international financial institutions that will be represented at the conference include Dubai International Financial Centre, UAE; Al Jomaih Group of Saudi Arabia; Qatar Islamic Bank; Al Salam Bank Bahrain; Jefferies International Bank; UAE and local financial institutions like, State Bank of Pakistan; National Commission for Government Reforms; Karachi Stock Exchange; Meezan Bank Ltd.; Emirates Global Islamic Bank; Bank-islami Pakistan; Dawood Group, National Bank of Pakistan and Habib Bank Ltd. Commenting on Market expectations, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr. Shamshad Akhtar said the conference said although our Islamic banking industry is still in its infancy, the level of activity and the interest being taken in this industry by people belonging to all walks of life is fascinating. She said that through such conferences the private sector is already contributing to the development of the Islamic banking industry in Pakistan. Ms Akhtar said that the expansion of existing banks within Pakistan and worldwide is a reflection of its potential growth which is not a temporary phenomenon. "Islamic banks are here to stay and there are signs that they will continue to flourish. State Bank of Pakistan encourages Islamic banking in Pakistan through a well thought-out policy framework and will provide all the necessary assistance in building of a strong and dynamic Islamic banking industry," she added.
