British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, has announced a $75 million finance facility with HBL, Pakistan’s largest bank, aimed at boosting food security and promoting climate resilience within the country’s critical agriculture sector. The agreement was formally signed by Ms. Maya Inayat Ismail, Chair of HBL Microfinance Bank and the HBL Sustainability Committee, and Ms. Maria Smith, Chief Impact Officer at BII. Senior representatives from both institutions were also present to witness this landmark partnership.
The funding facility, unveiled on March 10, 2025, is a strategic effort to address the financial and environmental vulnerabilities facing Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which contributes 24 percent to the national GDP and employs 37 percent of the workforce—making it the country’s largest employer, particularly for women. Despite its central role in the economy, the sector continues to grapple with limited access to finance, outdated infrastructure, and heightened exposure to climate change.
A key focus of the new facility is on empowering smallholder farmers, including those involved in dairy and poultry farming, who often face significant barriers to accessing formal financial services. Approximately 50 percent of the $75 million funding will be dedicated to smallholders, who constitute over 90 percent of Pakistan’s farming community. These funds will be directed towards improving access to modern machinery, inputs, and climate-adaptive technologies to increase farm productivity and ensure long-term sustainability.
HBL plans to leverage the funds not only to broaden its agricultural finance portfolio but also to fortify the agricultural value chain—from farm production to distribution and logistics. The initiative will also support climate-smart agriculture practices, such as the adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems, with the dual aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing environmental resilience.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Jane Marriott CMG OBE, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating: “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 contribute to this important part of the economy.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. 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.”
HBL’s sustainability leadership was also emphasized by Ms. Maya Inayat Ismail, who 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.”
As Pakistan faces mounting climate risks, this facility provides a timely and targeted intervention to support one of its most crucial sectors. By expanding access to finance, encouraging climate-smart agricultural practices, and integrating farmers and agribusinesses into broader markets and value chains, the BII-HBL partnership is poised to deliver significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. It also reinforces both organizations’ commitment to inclusive growth and climate action—key pillars for a sustainable future.