​Maya Inayat Ismail - Chair, HBL Microfinance Bank and HBL Sustainability Committee (left) and Maria Smith – Chief Impact Officer, BII (right) signed the agreement between BII and HBL. Senior members from both organizations were also present on this occasion.

Funding from the facility will be directed towards the agriculture sector, which contributes 24 per cent to Pakistan’s GDP and employs 37 per cent of its workforce.

The facility will mainly support smallholder farmers, including those in dairy and poultry farming, who often lack access to finance.

Farmers vulnerable to climate change impacts, will receive support to adopt sustainable practices, enhancing their resilience, yields and incomes.

(BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, today announced a $75 million finance facility with HBL, Pakistan’s leading bank. The new facility will support farmers and agribusinesses in Pakistan by providing increased access to essential finance and enhancing their resilience to climate change.

Pakistan, Karachi – 10 March 2025:

The agriculture sector is vital for Pakistan’s economic growth, food security, and the livelihoods of many, contributing 24 per cent to the GDP and employing 37 per cent of the workforce, including being the largest employer of women. However, the sector faces numerous challenges such as limited access to finance, modern machinery, and equipment, increased vulnerability to climate change, and underdeveloped value chains.

With this financing, HBL plans to expand its agriculture portfolio, dedicating 50 per cent of the funds to smallholder farmers who constitute over 90 per cent of Pakistan’s farming population. Agribusinesses throughout the agricultural value chain, from production to logistics, will also be supported to strengthen the entire sector, ensuring long-term growth and stability.

Furthermore, the Bank will promote climate adaptation initiatives such as solar-powered irrigation systems, to reduce emissions and bolster farmers’ resilience to environmental challenges.

By improving access to finance and the integration of farmers and agribusinesses into value chains and markets as well as increasing their resilience to climate change, this partnership seeks to boost productivity in the agriculture sector and support food security in Pakistan.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said: “The agriculture sector is critical for Pakistan’s economic growth, food security, and the livelihoods of many. This UK partnership will help overcome financial barriers to investing in climate-proof farming practices and contributing to this important part of the economy.”

Habib Yousuf, Regional Director for South Asia at BII said: “BII is proud to partner with HBL to enhance the resilience and productivity of Pakistan’s agriculture sector. By increasing access to essential finance and promoting climate adaptation measures, this partnership aims to address critical challenges in the sector, ensuring sustainable growth, improved livelihoods, and food security for the nation.”

Maya Inayat Ismail, Chairperson, HBL Sustainability Forum commented: “At HBL, sustainability is a core principle embedded across our operations—from inclusive financial services to responsible supply chain management. Through climate-smart financing and yield insurance programs we are helping farmers mitigate risks from climate change, ensuring financial security and long-term resilience. Our partnership with BII strengthens these efforts, driving sustainable impact where it matters most.”

Notes to editors

For media inquiries please contact:

farhan.ahmed3@hbl.com

press@bii.co.uk

About British International Investment

British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. As a trusted investment partner to businesses in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, BII invests to create productive, sustainable and inclusive economies in our markets. Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development. The company has investments in over 1,580 businesses across 65 countries and total net assets of £8.5 billion.

BII has been investing in Pakistan since 1988, supporting high-impact sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy, financial services, food and agriculture. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn and X.

About HBL

HBL was the first Pakistani commercial bank to be established in Pakistan in 1947. Over the years, HBL has grown its branch network and maintained its position as the leading private sector bank in Pakistan with 1700+ branches, serving over 37 million clients worldwide. With a presence across major trade zones in the world, the Bank is recognized as the leading financial institution in the country for its client-centric innovation in financial services.