U.S. diplomat assures US cooperation to Pakistan during visit to ZTBL
The U.S. Chargé
d’Affaires to Pakistan, Ms. Natalie A. Baker, visited the head office of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), where she
praised the bank’s initiatives aimed at strengthening rural financing and
empowering small farmers across the country.
ZTBL President and CEO Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti
welcomed Ms. Baker and briefed her on the bank’s long-standing contributions to
agricultural development. He highlighted that ZTBL operates over 501 branches,
with nearly 90 percent located in rural and underserved areas, providing
essential financial services to Pakistan’s farming community.
Bhatti showcased several of ZTBL’s
outreach efforts, including Zarai Baithaks and Mobile Van Services, which bring
banking and advisory services directly to remote villages. These programs, he
noted, are helping small farmers access credit, adopt modern farming
techniques, and improve productivity.
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Discussing ZTBL’s ongoing digital transformation, Bhatti outlined the introduction of internet, WhatsApp, and mobile banking services that simplify loan payments and enhance farmers’ access to financial information. He also shared the bank’s collaborations with agri-service providers to improve access to quality inputs and technology.
Ms. Baker lauded ZTBL’s commitment
to advancing Pakistan’s agricultural sector and recognized the crucial role of
small farmers in ensuring food security. She also noted growing U.S. investment
in Pakistan’s agriculture and food industries and expressed interest in
exploring further avenues of cooperation.
Both sides underscored the
importance of addressing challenges linked to food security and climate
resilience, with Ms. Baker reaffirming the U.S. government’s support for
Pakistan’s efforts to build a sustainable and inclusive agriculture sector.
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The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen U.S.–Pakistan collaboration in agribusiness, enhance investment opportunities, and promote sustainable farming practices that benefit rural communities nationwide.
Source: Pro Pakistani