May 7, 2006	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 8, 1427

HYDERABAD, May 6: Chairman Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Razi-ur-Rahman Khan on Saturday inaugurated the branch office of Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (CDC) in Hyderabad.

Speaking on the occasion he lauded the efforts of CDC for development of capital market in the country and said that the CDC had realized the need of an expanding investors-base and opened its branch office to enable small investors to invest in capital market.

He said that being a key pillar of the capital market infrastructure, the CDC was working commendably to increase investment awareness by providing advanced facilities to the existing & potential investors all over the country.

He said that the SECP had been actively pursuing a capital market reform program for the development of a modern and efficient corporate sector and capital market. He cited lack of investment facilities as one of the reasons for low investment level in Pakistan.

Mr Razi said in order to achieve vision of a strong and widespread investment culture and vibrant capital market in the country the commission was working for improvement in transparency to bring it at par with international standards. He added that the efforts of the SECP had been directed towards protection of investors’ interest, raising standards of corporate governance, improving disclosure standards, curbing use of insider trading and other forms of market abuse and strengthening role of equity as vital means of resource mobilization.

He pointed out that the SECP always attached great importance to investors’ education and awareness regarding investment in capital market.

He said that the SECP also supported steps by broker community and stock exchanges for increasing geographical access to markets by establishing branch offices and networks in other cities of the country.