InfraZamin Pakistan (IZP) has achieved a significant milestone by issuing its first short-term guarantee to support an innovative trade finance facility worth PKR 800 million, provided by HabibMetro for Jaffer Business Systems (JBS). This landmark transaction is set to strengthen Pakistan’s digital and IT infrastructure, enabling JBS to scale its operations and deliver advanced technological solutions to key sectors, including banking and multinational corporations.
The collaboration between InfraZamin, HabibMetro, and JBS comes at a crucial time when access to trade finance remains a challenge for many businesses in Pakistan. By guaranteeing the facility, InfraZamin mitigates credit risks associated with import Letters of Credit (LCs), ensuring the timely availability of essential IT equipment and infrastructure. This move is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the digital capabilities of Pakistan’s corporate sector while fostering economic growth and development.
For JBS, a leading provider of technology and business solutions, this facility marks a significant opportunity to expand its footprint in the digital economy. With the guarantee in place, JBS will be better positioned to import critical IT infrastructure, enabling it to meet the growing demands of its clients. The initiative is expected to create ripple effects across the industry, contributing to the development of internet banking, digital wallets, and other digital solutions that promote financial inclusion and economic activity.
This transaction also underscores InfraZamin’s mission to enable private-sector credit expansion in Pakistan. As the organization’s first PKR-denominated short-term guarantee, it highlights InfraZamin’s innovative approach to addressing market needs and fostering sustainable development. The economic benefits of this transaction extend beyond JBS, as the company plans to collaborate with local firms to enhance its domestic outreach, creating 80-90 new jobs over the next two years. Notably, 20% of these positions are reserved for women, aligning with the goals of promoting gender equality and inclusion.
Maheen Rahman, CEO of InfraZamin Pakistan, expressed pride in the groundbreaking transaction, stating:
“This transaction represents InfraZamin’s dedication to addressing critical market needs for private sector credit expansion. We are proud to partner with Jaffer Business Systems and HABIBMETRO to support trade finance, IT infrastructure, and the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.”
JBS CEO Veqar Ul Islam emphasized the importance of this collaboration in achieving the company’s long-term vision:
“Truly delighted with the signing today. JBS is growing at an aggressive pace both locally and internationally. It has a bold vision for 2030, and the partnership with InfraZamin and HABIBMETRO will act as one of the key drivers to strongly push towards the vision of 2030.”
HabibMetro President & CEO, Mr. Khurram Shahzad Khan, echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the bank’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure:
“We are pleased to partner with InfraZamin Pakistan to provide a guaranteed trade finance facility to Jaffer Business Systems. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of businesses in Pakistan, particularly in the digital and IT infrastructure sectors. By enabling companies like JBS, we aim to contribute to the advancement of Pakistan’s digital economy.”
The partnership aligns with Pakistan’s broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses key objectives such as job creation, gender equality, and the enhancement of digital infrastructure to support sustainable economic growth. As JBS continues to expand its services and client base, this collaboration will have a lasting impact on Pakistan’s transition to a more connected and digitally empowered economy.
This milestone transaction serves as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in addressing critical market gaps and driving economic transformation. By combining the strengths of InfraZamin’s risk mitigation capabilities, HABIBMETRO’s financial expertise, and JBS’s innovative vision, the collaboration is poised to set new benchmarks for trade finance and digital growth in Pakistan. As the country continues to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy, initiatives like this one reaffirm the potential of Pakistan’s private sector to lead the charge in shaping a resilient and inclusive future.
