Bangkok: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema, met with Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), to discuss strategies for enhancing private-sector investment. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, focusing on supporting Pakistan’s economic transformation agenda.

According to the Press Information Department, Minister Cheema highlighted Pakistan’s shift from macroeconomic stabilization to sustainable growth through investment, exports, innovation, and employment generation. He pointed out the progress in IFC’s engagement, noting the placement of Division Directors in Pakistan has increased its visibility and collaboration with the government. The Minister acknowledged the expansion of IFC’s investment portfolio in Pakistan, which grew to approximately $3 billion by 2026.

Minister Cheema emphasized aligning IFC investments with government priorities, targeting sectors like small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), housing finance, agriculture, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) for economic growth and job creation. He sought IFC’s support for developing an SME roadmap, enhancing SMEDA’s capacity, and improving access to finance. In housing, he stressed the need for long-term private financing to expand affordable housing. He encouraged greater involvement in the AgriConnect initiative, focusing on farmer financing and agro-processing. The Minister also invited IFC to support the Public Private Partnership Authority in developing bankable projects to attract private capital.

Diop underscored the importance of a strategy for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to foster growth and improve access to finance. Discussions also included a proposed Fund of Funds to support start-ups and strengthen Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Minister called for measuring partnership success by jobs created, exports generated, and opportunities expanded for women, youth, and smaller enterprises. He urged coordination across the WBG to ensure financing and expertise lead to tangible economic gains.

Both parties committed to deepening cooperation for private-sector-led growth, aiming to mobilize investment, strengthen businesses, and create sustainable economic opportunities in Pakistan.