Bank of Punjab and AFD Partners to Strengthen Pakistan’s Climate Resilience with $54 Million Green Financing Initiatives

Bank of Punjab and AFD Partners

In a pivotal move to address Pakistan’s growing structural challenges—ranging from climate hazards to energy shortages—the Bank of Punjab (BoP) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have announced a transformative partnership. This initiative is set to bolster Pakistan’s climate finance strategy and support its commitment to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030. Ranked as the world’s twentieth highest gas emitter, Pakistan has been taking crucial steps to mitigate its environmental impact, and this collaboration marks a significant stride toward that goal.

Key Objectives of the Initiative

The project’s core mission is to enhance BoP’s capacity in financing climate-resilient investments and fostering sustainable growth. Specifically, it will:

  1. Strengthen BoP’s climate finance strategy and align it with national emission-reduction goals.
  2. Sustain and expand electricity production capacities across Pakistan.
  3. Provide support to project holders deploying low-emission, climate-resilient solutions.
  4. Integrate environmental, social, and gender equality considerations into BoP’s operations.

This partnership is further underpinned by a $54 million non-sovereign credit line, along with a €675,000 grant aimed at building the bank’s capacity in addressing climate-related challenges.

Driving Sustainable Growth Amid High Interest Rates

With high interest rates posing a significant challenge for long-term financing, this package will deliver concessional long-term green financing, ensuring that Pakistan continues on its path toward decarbonizing its electricity production. By focusing on reliable and low-carbon energy solutions, the initiative will bolster the country’s resilience to the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.

AFD’s Head of Department for Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Cyrille Bellier, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating:

“This partnership with the Bank of Punjab represents a major step towards achieving a sustainable future for Pakistan. By integrating climate finance into the core strategy of one of the country’s leading public banks, we are not only addressing immediate energy needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term resilience against climate change. Our joint efforts will support the deployment of innovative, low-carbon projects that benefit both the environment and the people of Pakistan.”

A Model for Climate-Resilient Growth

This partnership between AFD and BoP signifies a robust commitment to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable economic development in Pakistan. The initiative sets the stage for the development of a decarbonized and resilient electricity system, ensuring that Pakistan can meet its future energy demands while protecting its environmental resources.

Looking forward, this project aims to serve as a model for other sectors and regions in Pakistan, setting a new benchmark for climate-resilient growth.

About Agence Française de Développement (AFD)

AFD is France’s public development bank, working to support international development and solidarity. Through financing, research, and capacity-building, AFD is at the forefront of accelerating transitions toward a more equitable and sustainable world. Operating in over 115 countries, AFD is involved in more than 3,250 projects worldwide, promoting global public goods like climate stability, biodiversity, peace, gender equality, education, and healthcare. Its commitment contributes to France’s efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This partnership marks another step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to transition towards a more sustainable, resilient future.

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