At a recent event in Karachi, Malik Tahir Javaid, President of the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), highlighted the importance of responsible business practices. He emphasized that these practices promote decent work, enterprise sustainability, and social justice. The occasion was the National Conference on Responsible Businesses and the 10th Employer of the Year Award Distribution, organized by the EFP with support from the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Fostering Fair and Ethical Business
In his opening remarks, Javaid expressed gratitude to Minister of Labor Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim and the ILO for their collaboration. He stressed the significance of fair business practices and explained how the EFP is working to promote these principles and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for decent work and the 2030 Agenda. Javaid noted that for ten years, the EFP has organized the Employer of the Year (EOY) ceremony to encourage ethical and legal responsibilities among organizations. Compliance with labor laws and international standards is crucial for meeting GSP+ requirements and staying competitive globally.
Government and International Support
Minister Thahim, the chief guest, commended the EFP, ILO, and all participants. He praised the awardees for establishing responsible practices that improve business conditions by creating a dedicated and robust workforce.
Philippe Oliver Gross, the EU’s Charge D’Affaires, delivered a video message emphasizing the commitment to fair and ethical business practices. He highlighted the EU’s goal of promoting free trade while ensuring businesses comply with regulations that support a sustainable economy. Gross assured that the EU aims to create an environment where businesses can succeed responsibly, achieving sustainable gains for all involved.
Advocating for Social Responsibility
Majyd Aziz, former EFP president, spoke about the importance of responsible business practices for Pakistani employers, especially under the GSP+ framework. He emphasized that businesses should prioritize profits and the social welfare of their communities. Aziz praised member organizations for supporting the EFP’s efforts to create a culture of compliance and responsible practices, benefiting both businesses and the country.
Resources for Responsible Business
Yulia Bazhenova, Head of the TextILES Project at GIZ, thanked the EFP and ILO and congratulated the awardees. She explained the purpose of the Responsible Business Helpdesk established by GIZ, which provides practical support and advice for businesses adopting responsible practices and complying with GSP+ and EU regulations.
Panel Discussion on Responsible Practices
A panel discussion featured Saghir Bukhari (ILO Pakistan), Kiran Zubair (Sindh Human Rights Department), Ch. Saad Muhammad (Pakistan Workers Federation), and Mustafa Ahmad (Artistic Milliners). The panelists discussed the importance of responsible business practices and how their organizations support sustainable development and compliance efforts.
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Recognition and Awards
Geir Tonstol, ILO Pakistan Country Director, praised the EFP’s efforts in organizing the EOY ceremony to promote decent work and social justice. He highlighted the role of strong employers’ organizations in economic development and the need for legal and ethical responsibilities for an inclusive business environment. Tonstol congratulated the awardees for their compliance and exemplary efforts in responsible business practices.
Syed Nazar Ali, EFP’s representative, thanked the Minister of Labor, ILO Country Director, and all participants. He detailed the rigorous evaluation methodology used by EFP for the awards, focusing on best practices, promoting decent work, and advancing SDGs.
Award Winners
Several companies were honored at the 10th EOY Awards 2024:
- CEO of the Year: Feroze1888 Mills Ltd and K-Electric Limited.
- Position Holder Awards: Feroze1888 Mills Ltd, Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited, K-Electric Limited, Pak-Qatar Asset Management Company Limited, Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited, Harbin Electric International Company Limited, Pak Arab Refinery Limited, Masood Textile Mills Ltd., Sino Sindh Resources Private Limited, and Nishat Mills Limited (Apparel Division).
- Recognition Awards: 36 companies for their commitment to responsible practices.
- Participation Awards: 7 companies for promoting best business practices.
The conference set a positive tone for promoting responsible business practices, celebrating the achievements of outstanding employers in Pakistan.