Responding to an increasing demand for international finance professionals throughout the region CIMA, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants opened its latest branch in Karachi on 22 April 09.

Chief Guest at the opening was Dr. Hafiz Pasha, Dean of the School of Social Sciences at the Beaconhouse National University, and Vice Chairman of the Institute of Public Policy in Lahore who spoke alongside CIMA Director Andrew Harding, Regional Director Bradley Emerson and keynote speaker and Centre correspondent CIMA Karachi, Mr Javeed Iqbal.

Speaking at the event, Dr Hafiz Pasha commended CIMA for opening its office in Pakistan despite the negative propaganda against Pakistan and providing an opportunity to its students to acquire world class accounting professional education. He also went on record to say that being the best talented youth Pakistanis would definitely shine in the accounting field."

Andrew Harding, Director at CIMA, who hosted the launch, said "Pakistan is amongst the world's most exciting emerging markets, recording a recent average growth in GDP of 6-8% and attracting multinationals from around the globe. Our new office in Karachi will allow us to offer even greater support to our existing members and students and to create opportunities for the talented young people of Pakistan."

Regional Director South Asia and Middle East, Bradley Emerson speaking to the exclusive gathering of corporates, tuition providers, members and students hinted that South East Asia will play a significant role in providing a talent pool to the global economy in the future. Sri Lanka, India & Pakistan have already substantial head way in providing international education to the youth.

It is in this context that CIMA office was opened in Pakistan which complements the youth population and the education strategy in that country. The Sri Lanka Division will be the hub and be responsible in providing the back office support for operations in Pakistan which is a major boost to the division which is now called on to play a regional role.

As a leading global professional institute, CIMA offers an internationally recognised qualification in management accountancy and has seen 22% membership growth over the last five years. As Chief Executives increasingly turn to their Financial Directors to lead them out of the downturn, CIMA provides professional qualifications that are highly relevant to today's ever changing business world.

The CIMA qualification equips members to work anywhere in the world. It is the only international professional accountancy qualification with a syllabus that has a sole focus on the education and training of accountants in business. Globally, 70% of CIMA members are employed by organisations with an annual turnover of £50 million or more.