Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema met with Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Makhtar Diop on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

The two sides discussed measures to boost private-sector investment in support of Pakistan's economic transformation and sustainable growth.

Ahad Cheema highlighted Pakistan's shift from macroeconomic stabilisation towards sustainable growth through investment, exports, innovation and job creation.

He noted that the IFC's investment portfolio in Pakistan had expanded fourfold since 2022 to approximately 3 billion dollars in 2026.

The minister identified small and medium-sized enterprises, housing finance, agriculture and public-private partnerships as priority areas for greater IFC engagement.

He also sought IFC's support in developing a comprehensive SME roadmap, strengthening the institutional capacity of SMEDA and expanding access to finance.

The 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 emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and improve their access to finance.

Both sides committed to deepening cooperation in support of private-sector-led growth, with a shared focus on mobilising investment, strengthening businesses and creating sustainable economic opportunities for Pakistan.