KARACHI: Interna­tio­nal Finance Corporation (IFC) and Standard Char­tered Pakistan annou­n­ced on Tuesday a new $400 million risk-participation facility to support short-term trade and working capital needs of local companies.

The statement issued by the Standard Charte­red said the facility will be available for major local corporates and exporters based in Pakistan, helping to boost foreign exchange inflows and drive sustainable economic growth.

“We are delighted to fu­­rther solidify our end­uring partnership with IFC through this groundbreaking agreement — a unique collaboration bet­ween IFC and Standard Chartered Pakistan,” said CEO Rehan Shaikh.

This initiative, which was formalised in September, builds on the previous joint $200m facility that was committed in December 2022.

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“This new important milestone in our strong, longstanding partnership with Standard Chartered reflects IFC’s deep commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s financial sector and supporting its export-driven industries,” said Momina Aijazuddin, Regional Head of Industry of IFC’s Financial Institutions Group for the Middle East, Türkiye, Central Asia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, commented.

By doubling the size of risk-participation facility, we are helping unlock vital trade and working capital financing for businesses that drive growth, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s long-term economic resilience, she said.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2025