The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed around $2.7 billion for Pakistan this year to support private sector development, infrastructure expansion, and job creation.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with the IFC delegation led by Simon Andrews, which highlighted the corporation’s growing portfolio in Pakistan, now exceeding $2 billion annually.
Key areas of engagement include:
- Financial sector support via risk sharing and guarantee facilities for trade and SME financing.
- Expansion of local currency financing to mitigate foreign exchange risks.
- Upcoming initiatives such as a diversified payment rights facility and green bond issuance in collaboration with a local bank.
The discussions also focused on scaling up private sector investments, particularly in infrastructure and public-private partnerships. While progress has been made in urban water management and distribution efficiency projects, both sides emphasized the need for a stronger pipeline of bankable projects in energy, transport, logistics, and agribusiness.
Collaboration on job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation was also highlighted, including building a venture capital ecosystem and enhancing private sector participation in policy formulation. Broader regional economic connectivity with Central Asian countries and emerging trade and infrastructure opportunities were discussed as well.
Minister Aurangzeb briefed the IFC delegation on ongoing government 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 supporting Pakistan’s reform agenda, private sector growth, and sustainable economic development.
