Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with officials from the International Finance Corporation, during which the global lender highlighted a commitment of around $2.7 billion for Pakistan in the current year, aimed at supporting private sector development, infrastructure expansion, and job creation.
The IFC delegation, led by Simon Andrews, Divisional Director for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia, briefed the minister on its growing portfolio in Pakistan, which now exceeds $2 billion annually, with approximately $2.7 billion committed this year.
The finance minister welcomed Andrews on his recent appointment and appreciated the IFC’s enhanced engagement in Pakistan in recent years, particularly in investment, trade finance, and advisory support.
Key areas of engagement include financial sector support through risk sharing and guarantee facilities to promote trade and SME financing, expansion of local currency financing to reduce foreign exchange risks, and upcoming initiatives such as a diversified payment rights facility and a green bond issuance with a leading local bank.
Discussions also focused on scaling up private sector investment, particularly in infrastructure and public private partnerships. While progress has been made in urban water management and distribution efficiency projects, both sides stressed the need to build a stronger pipeline of bankable projects in sectors such as energy, transport, logistics, and agribusiness.
The meeting further covered collaboration on job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, including proposals for building a venture capital ecosystem and strengthening private sector participation in policy formulation.
Broader discussions also addressed regional economic connectivity, particularly with Central Asian countries, and emerging opportunities in trade linkages and infrastructure.
The finance minister also briefed the delegation on the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability amid global uncertainties, including energy supply chain management, fiscal discipline, and targeted subsidy frameworks.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration and accelerating initiatives to support Pakistan’s reform agenda, private sector development, and sustainable economic growth.
