Pak Brunei Investment Company has recently instituted a “Distinguished Speaker Series” program. This is an effort in employee development through interaction and dialogue with Government, Business and Academic Leaders.

Pak Brunei started this series by inviting Dr Ishrat Hussain for a discussion on the current economic environment and ensuing risks and opportunities. The discussion was held at Pak Brunei offices in Karachi on Tuesday 6th January 2009.

Dr Ishrat who is currently the dean of IBA and has served as Governor State Bank of Pakistan, was upbeat on the economy and investment opportunities in Pakistan. He discussed in detail how the economy plagued with international sanctions, effects of 9/11, tense border relations and worse economic fundamentals had shown its innate resilience and made a strong recovery in the past. He encouraged DFI’s in Pakistan to work on their strategies and take a longer term view on the opportunities in the country.

The second session of the Distinguished Speaker Series was held on January 28th 2009 in which Mr. Khalid Mirza, Chairman of the Competition Commission of Pakistan was invited. In this session Mr. Mirza discussed the importance of strict regulatory measures in a developing economy as well as the role of Development Financial Institutions in the current economic environment and the challenges faced by them.

Both the sessions were followed by interactive questions and answers with the Speakers.

Pak Brunei signed an MoU with IGI Funds for setting up Hybrid Portfolio Fund
Pak Brunei Investment Company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IGI Funds Limited, a part of the IGI Financial Services Group, to set up a ‘Hybrid Portfolio Fund’ which will offer a steady income while providing a high degree of principal safety to its investors. The fund will be unique in its nature as it is directed towards the needs of a specific investor class.