Karachi, Pakistan — Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s largest Islamic bank, has signed a strategic partnership with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, to introduce the ITFC Letter of Credit (LC) Confirmation product. This collaboration marks Meezan Bank as the first Pakistani bank to partner with ITFC for this facility, aimed at facilitating international trade for private sector clients, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The ITFC LC Confirmation product provides a crucial assurance mechanism for exporters and issuing banks by securing payment through ITFC’s support, effectively mitigating credit risks. By leveraging this facility, Meezan Bank will enhance its ability to facilitate a range of import transactions in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries, providing a new level of financial security for businesses engaged in cross-border trade.
The agreement was signed by Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer of ITFC, and Syed Amir Ali, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Meezan Bank, in the presence of senior executives from both organizations. This trade facility will extend Meezan Bank’s geographical reach, supported by ITFC’s expansive network across both member and non-member countries, allowing the bank to manage longer-term LC Confirmation transactions spanning six to twelve months.
Syed Amir Ali, Deputy CEO of Meezan Bank, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Today marks a major milestone in our relationship with ITFC, as we solidify our commitment to providing reliable, stable, and excellence-driven financial solutions. The Letter of Credit Confirmation Agreement enhances our position in the market, allowing us to capitalize on new opportunities and advance international Islamic trade.”
M. Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer of ITFC, echoed this sentiment, expressing, “We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Meezan Bank through this LC Confirmation Agreement, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting private sector clients in our member countries.”
This collaboration highlights Meezan Bank’s dedication to expanding its offerings in Islamic trade finance, reinforcing its role as a key player in Pakistan’s financial landscape.