By Waqar Naseem Wamiq
“VISION 2030 is the way forward, towards an even better future for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pakistani professionals especially chartered accountants based here have a big role to play in this regard given their demand and expertise,” said Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, then recently-arrived Pakistan Ambassador.
He was speaking at the 5th annual Saudi-Pak accounting symposium held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Riyadh. The event was held under an MOU of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) with Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) and support of its Chairman Dr. Ahmad Al Meghames.
On the occasion, Asher Noor, an active fellow member of ICAP was awarded the “Most Valuable Contribution to the Profession” award. Another honored recipient was Tareq Al-Sadhan, DG General Authority of Zakat and Tax.
Asher is currently working as Chief Investment Officer and Group CFO for Al Touq Group, which is a leading family investment office of Saudi Arabia. His immediate past jobs in Saudi Arabia have included being CFO for Morgan Stanley Saudi Arabia as well as having worked in senior management positions at Banque Saudi Fransi in the past.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Asher reiterated his resolve to continue to promote the chartered accountancy brand as well as work towards further enhancing the business cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. He was grateful to ICAP and its local chapter, for having bestowed on him the coveted award which he dedicated to his productive and collaborative efforts in the past 15 years in Saudi Arabia and his role as a prominent speaker on the global stage on financial topics. He stated that under the aegis of Ambassador Saddique, a new chapter of innovation, collaboration and positivity will be created and ICAP accountants will lend support to help fuel that growth.
Prominent dignitaries of active associations in Saudi Arabia, such as from Pakistan Cultural Group, Bazm-e-Riaz and Halqa e Fikrofun have felicitated Asher Noor on his professional achievements and the award.
