Globalisation has resulted in the world's capital markets becoming more closely integrated. The financial markets, especially stock markets, have grown considerably over the last two decades. Openness, structural reforms, demutualization, financial reforms, and foreign exchange liberalisation have promoted cross border activities and close linkages amongst financial markets. Revolution in the field of information technology has allowed a great number of investors are trading on bourses located outside their home territories. In this new financial landscape, markets must cater for cross-border transactions in order to remain competitive. Stock exchanges can greatly benefit due to foreign listing resulting in increased market depth, higher trading volumes, more investors, higher revenues and above all greater internationalisation of stock exchanges.
I am confident that demutualization will pave the way towards achieving all these objectives and bringing our markets at par with other international markets. I would like to reiterate that the government of Pakistan stands committed to supporting the organised development of our capital markets and engaging in progressive and proactive reforms for suitable economic growth.
I once again congratulate the SECP on this accomplishment and appreciate the stock exchanges' co-operation and efforts in the successful implementation of this transformation, which is in line with the government's vision for a prosperous Pakistan.