Inaugural Address

It is a matter of privilege and pleasure for me to attend thisannual Conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists.Over the past years this gathering has turned into a regular eventproviding a unique opportunity to scholars, economists and socialscientists to deliberate on issues of national and internationalsignificance. The participation of eminent scholars and experts fromwithin and outside the country and the large number of papers on varioustopics to be presented during its four-day deliberations signify theimportance of the Conference and augurs well for its success. I feelthat in addition to offering a platform for academic and professionalinteraction, the Conference can also be used for putting forwardspecific recommendations that may be considered by the government informulating its policies. The theme of the Conference, namely“Governance and Development”, is critical and timely. It implies thatthe issue of governance is not only significant in its own right butalso has a direct and close bearing on development issues. Experience inPakistan and elsewhere shows that neglecting the issue of governance andmanagement has severely impaired economic growth and contributed tosocial and political malaise. It is a happy coincidence that this themeis also occupying a high position in the agenda of the presentGovernment. You may recall that in his address to the nation on 17thOctober, the Chief Executive, General Pervez Musharraf, has identifiedgood governance as the pre-requisite to achieving the seven aims andobjectives that the government has set before it. This seven pointagenda, includes the revival of the economy, restoration of investors’confidence and ensuring swift and across the boardaccountability.