Bangkok:Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema held discussions with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Managing Director Makhtar Diop during the 2026 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. Their talks centered on enhancing private-sector investment to aid Pakistan's economic transformation and sustainable growth.
According to Radio Pakistan, Ahad Cheema highlighted Pakistan's progression from macroeconomic stabilization to sustainable growth driven by investment, exports, innovation, and job creation. He noted that since 2022, the IFC's investment portfolio in Pakistan has grown fourfold, reaching approximately $3 billion by 2026.
The minister emphasized the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), housing finance, agriculture, and public-private partnerships as key areas for increased IFC engagement. He also sought the IFC's support in crafting a comprehensive roadmap for SMEs, strengthening the institutional capacity of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), and improving access to finance.
Discussions also covered affordable housing finance, farmer financing, agro-processing, private-sector wheat storage, and technical support for developing bankable public-private partnership projects. Makhtar Diop stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and enhance their access to finance.
Both parties committed to strengthening cooperation to support private-sector-led growth, with a mutual focus on mobilizing investment, fortifying businesses, and creating sustainable economic opportunities in Pakistan.