KARACHI: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Standard Chartered Pakistan have announced a new $400 million risk-participation facility designed to strengthen short-term trade financing and working-capital support for Pakistani businesses. According to a statement from Standard Chartered, the facility will be extended to major local corporates and exporters, helping to increase foreign exchange inflows and reinforce sustainable economic activity.
Rehan Shaikh, CEO of Standard Chartered Pakistan, described the initiative as a significant step forward in the bank’s long-standing partnership with IFC. He noted that the agreement reflects a deepened collaboration aimed at supporting Pakistan’s business ecosystem through enhanced access to trade finance.
The new facility, formalised in September, builds on a previous joint $200 million programme introduced in December 2022. The expansion demonstrates both institutions’ confidence in Pakistan’s financial sector and its export-driven industries.
Momina Aijazuddin, Regional Head of Industry for IFC’s Financial Institutions Group across the Middle East, Türkiye, Central Asia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, emphasised that doubling the facility’s size underscores IFC’s commitment to improving liquidity for businesses that play a vital role in economic development. She said the enhanced support will help companies secure essential trade and working capital, enabling them to grow, generate employment, and contribute to the country’s long-term financial resilience.
The initiative marks a key milestone in efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s trade infrastructure and broaden financial support for sectors critical to the nation’s economic stability.