Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan – HBL Microfinance Bank (HBL MfB) has signed a strategic agreement with the Economic Transformation Initiative, Gilgit-Baltistan (ETI-GB), to expand financial inclusion for rural farmers in the region. The collaboration aims to enhance access to finance, empowering small-scale farmers and agribusinesses. The Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Program (GBRSP) will serve as the implementing partner for this initiative.
ETI-GB is a key development program jointly financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). This partnership is set to strengthen agricultural productivity and economic growth in the region through tailored financial solutions.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior government officials and key development partners. Notable attendees included Maya Inayat Ismail, Chairperson, and Amir Khan, President & CEO of HBL Microfinance Bank, along with the Bank’s Executive Committee members. Also present were Fernanda Thomaz Da Rocha, Country Director, IFAD Pakistan; Imran Ashraf, Advisor to AICS Islamabad; Khadim Hussain Saleem, Program Coordinator, ETI-GB; and Ashfaq Ahmad, General Manager, GBRSP, along with their respective teams.
Speaking on the occasion, Amir Khan, CEO of HBL MfB, emphasized the bank’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion and supporting rural communities. He highlighted that this collaboration would create sustainable economic opportunities for farmers by providing accessible and affordable financial solutions.
The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader rural development goals, ensuring that smallholder farmers in Gilgit-Baltistan have the resources they need to enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and contribute to regional economic growth.
