U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, ZTBL Chief Discuss Collaboration to Boost Pakistan’s Agriculture Sector

ISLAMABAD: The United States Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan, Ms. Natalie A. Baker, visited the Head Office of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) in Islamabad, where she was warmly received by the President/CEO, Mr. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti.

During the meeting, Mr. Bhatti briefed Ms. Baker on ZTBL’s vision, operations, and strategic initiatives focused on promoting agricultural and rural development across Pakistan. He highlighted the bank’s pivotal role as the country’s leading specialized financial institution serving the agriculture sector for nearly seven decades. With a nationwide network of 501 branches—over 90% of which are located in rural and underserved areas—ZTBL continues to drive financial inclusion and literacy among farmers.

A video presentation showcased ZTBL’s key initiatives, including innovative outreach programs such as ZTBL Zarai Baithaks and Mobile Van Services, which bring financial and advisory services directly to remote farming communities. Mr. Bhatti also discussed the bank’s partnerships with academic and research institutions to boost agricultural productivity and encourage the adoption of modern technologies.

The discussion also covered ZTBL’s ongoing digital transformation, featuring new internet, WhatsApp, and mobile banking services designed to make financial transactions and information access easier for farmers. The President/CEO underscored the bank’s efforts to connect smallholder farmers with agricultural service providers, ensuring better access to quality inputs and services.

Ms. Natalie A. Baker commended ZTBL’s efforts in empowering small farmers and strengthening Pakistan’s agriculture-driven economy. She noted that several U.S. companies are already investing in Pakistan’s agriculture and food sectors. Both sides exchanged views on shared challenges related to food security and the pressures facing the agriculture sector.

Read more: ZTBL Achieves Remarkable Financial Success in 2023

Ms. Baker reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Pakistan in building a more resilient agricultural system. In turn, Mr. Bhatti expressed ZTBL’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that enhance productivity, promote financial inclusion, and ensure long-term food security.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to explore future avenues of cooperation aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s farming communities, creating new investment opportunities for U.S. businesses, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the agriculture economy.