Conference proceedings

Conference proceedings

Leader Dialogue II: Views from the Middle East

Speakers 

Momina Aijazuddin, Global Head Microfinance, International Finance Corporation (IFC) 

Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson, Karandaaz Board and Chairperson, Pakistan Stock Exchange 

 

Why is it so critical to green MSMEs in Pakistan? 

  • Greening SMEs is critical for sustainable growth as SMEs contribute so heavily to the national GDP. That is just critical for competitiveness and productivity. 

  • We need to create a holistic framework for SMEs to develop. It requires effectiveness by allowing supportive policy environment and incentive framework. 

  • There's a need to recognize that greening SMEs requires promoting SMEs access to the right mix of resources, which is not just financial. Building an ecosystem is critical. 

  • Sustainable finance is a business opportunity, in the post-covid context and the importance of green recovery 
     

Strategic green finance and innovation 

  • Importance of the focusing on SMEs that are suppliers and vendors to Governments and to large corporations for greening standards 

  • Leverage the micropayment system to help small entrepreneurs in Pakistan go green 

 

Words of Wisdom 

“There's a need to recognize that greening SMEs requires promoting SMEs access to the right mix of resources, which is not just financial. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson of Karandaaz Pakistan and Chairperson of Pakistan Stock Exchange.