Meezan Bank has signed two exchanges of letters with UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain and the International Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ICEI) to support startups, women and youth entrepreneurs, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Pakistan.

Under the collaboration, Meezan Bank will establish a dedicated in-house Focus Group based on UNIDO’s Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (EDIP) methodology. The initiative will provide non-financial support services to help businesses become investment-ready, expand operations, and improve competitiveness.

The Focus Group will offer business advisory services, training programs, mentoring, investment-readiness support, investor matchmaking, technology linkages, market access assistance, incubation opportunities, and referrals to suitable banking products.

UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain will help design and operate the platform by providing EDIP tools, staff training, best practices, and access to international networks and experts.

Dr. Syed Amir Ali, President and CEO of Meezan Bank, said the initiative will help entrepreneurs gain the skills, guidance, and connections needed to grow sustainable businesses and access new markets.

Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain, called the collaboration an innovative model that brings financial and non-financial services under one roof, while H.E. Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the partnership aims to turn promising business ideas into sustainable enterprises, creating jobs and economic opportunities.