Meezan Bank Partners with UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain and ICEI to Support Pakistani Entrepreneurs

Meezan Bank has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain (UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain) and the International Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ICEI) to support startups, women- and youth-led businesses, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Pakistan.

The bank has signed two exchanges of letters with the organisations to establish a dedicated in-house Focus Group. The initiative will combine Islamic finance with UNIDO’s Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (EDIP) methodology to help businesses strengthen their operations, attract investment and access new markets.

Focus Group to Provide Business Development Support

The proposed Focus Group will offer structured advisory and non-financial services to entrepreneurs and growing businesses. Its objective is to help them become investment-ready, improve competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth.

Planned services include business advisory support, capacity-building programmes, mentoring and coaching. The initiative will also facilitate investor matchmaking, technology partnerships, market access, export promotion and business incubation.

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Additionally, the Focus Group will refer eligible businesses to suitable financial products and services offered by Meezan Bank.

UNIDO to Provide International Expertise

Under its agreement with Meezan Bank, UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain will help design, establish and operate the Focus Group. Its role will include transferring EDIP tools, methodologies and best practices to designated bank staff and advisers.

The organisation will also support enterprise development, investment promotion and incubation activities. Furthermore, it will connect the Focus Group with national and international experts, institutions and business partners.

The collaboration will explore entrepreneurship opportunities in emerging sectors. These include clean energy, the marine economy, creative industries and services for senior citizens.

Meezan Bank Highlights MSMEs’ Economic Role

Dr. Syed Amir Ali, President and CEO of Meezan Bank, said startups, MSMEs, and women and youth entrepreneurs were central to Pakistan’s economic future.

He noted that access to finance alone could not meet every business need. Entrepreneurs also require practical guidance, professional skills and connections to expand their operations.

Through the partnership, the bank aims to bring an international enterprise development methodology into its operations. The initiative will help businesses strengthen their foundations, reach new markets and prepare to attract investment.

UNIDO and ICEI Welcome the Initiative

Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain, described the initiative as an innovative approach to entrepreneurship support. He said combining financial and non-financial services could help businesses access more comprehensive assistance.

UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain will contribute its EDIP methodology, technical tools and international network. Hussein also expressed hope that the Focus Group would become a sustainable platform and a potential regional model for entrepreneurship support within the banking sector.

Meanwhile, H.E. Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and ICEI, highlighted the opportunity to extend Islamic banking’s contribution to enterprise development.

He said the collaboration aimed to help entrepreneurs transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses. In turn, successful enterprises could create employment and generate wider economic opportunities.

Expanding Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

The partnership seeks to connect financial services with the practical support entrepreneurs need to build resilient businesses. By combining Islamic finance, professional guidance and international networks, the Focus Group aims to improve access to investment and business development opportunities.

The initiative could also strengthen support for women- and youth-led enterprises while helping Pakistani MSMEs compete in broader markets.