ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has underscored the critical need for expanding financing avenues for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agriculture, entrepreneurs, and housing. In discussions with representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), he highlighted that enhanced access to long-term and affordable capital could catalyze private investment, bolster business growth, and enhance productive activity.

According to Radio Pakistan, Minister Aurangzeb expressed appreciation for the IFC’s efforts in creating innovative financing solutions and in mobilizing private capital across the targeted sectors. The IFC representatives updated the Minister on the progress of establishing a fund for entrepreneurs, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s entrepreneurial and start-up ecosystem through collaboration with relevant stakeholders. They also discussed advancements in affordable housing initiatives, particularly focusing on overcoming supply-side constraints with potential developer finance models.