‘We Aim To Emerge As A Development Focused And Impact Driven Boutique DFI In The Country’: Rizwan Sheikh General Manager And Chief Executive Saudi Pak – Interview

Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh is the General Manager and Chief Executive of Saudi Pak Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company Limited. He is a seasoned business and banking executive with over 25 years of diverse experience in driving business strategies for local and international Commercial Banks, Development Finance Institution and Export Credit Agency. He has proven track record of developing new business segments and leading growth initiatives to maximize shareholders value. He has worked extensively with multilateral Development institutions and International Impact Funds for executing complex structured finance transactions and rolling out innovative capital market initiatives. His career spans leadership roles in renowned organizations such as Standard Chartered, United Bank Limited, and Export-Import Bank of Pakistan. Followings are excerpts from an exclusive interview with Sheikh.

Saudi Pak has been a key player in Pakistan’s financial sector for over four decades. Could you begin by telling us about the history and mission of Saudi Pak?

Rizwan Sheikh: Saudi Pak Industrial & Agriculture Investment Company Limited (Saudi Pak) has a rich legacy of contributing to Pakistan’s economic development. Established in 1981, we have grown into one of the country’s leading Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). Over the past 42 years, we’ve stood strong, guided by our commitment to integrity, excellence, and a focus on responsible investments. Our mission is to support sustainable growth by investing in sectors that benefit both community and country. We are particularly involved in financing industrial and agricultural projects, climate-resilient initiatives, and value chain finance. Through our services, which span Corporate; Investment Banking, and Financial Advisory, we cater to both local and international clients. We aim not only for corporate success but to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by driving meaningful impact in Pakistan’s economy.

Saudi Pak has a broad portfolio in Corporate, Investment Banking, agriculture, infrastructure and fintech etc. Can you elaborate on your strategies in these key areas?

Sheikh: Indeed, our focus spans multiple important sectors. In agriculture, we are building a strong portfolio to support players across the supply chain, driving productivity and sustainability. We have also invested in infrastructure, particularly in renewable energy, BMR and backward integration project to promote export and import substitution. We support companies with financing for network expansion and offer financial solutions against their receivables, integrating cutting-edge digital solutions into our offerings.

Additionally, we promote structured trade finance and offer guarantees and credit enhancements to banks and corporate, encouraging exposure in SMEs, and agriculture—critical sectors for Pakistan’s growth. These initiatives help strengthen trade and investment flows, both domestically and internationally.

How is Saudi Pak contributing to Pakistan’s climate resilience and sustainability goals?

Sheikh: Climate resilience is central to our long-term strategy. We have made substantial investments in renewable energy projects such as solar, which contribute to reducing carbon emissions and supporting Pakistan’s environmental objectives. Our approach aligns with global sustainable finance trends, ensuring that our projects have a positive environmental impact while supporting economic development.

Saudi Pak is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. How does this alignment influence your strategic direction in Pakistan?

Sheikh: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 focuses on economic diversification, sustainability, and regional cooperation. At Saudi Pak, we are fully aligned with these goals. We invest in key sectors like industrial development, renewable energy, and agriculture, which contribute to Pakistan’s growth while promoting stronger ties with Saudi Arabia. Our financial initiatives in priority export and import substitution and food security projects support the long-term vision of regional economic integration and sustainable development.

What role does digital finance play in Saudi Pak’s strategy for economic growth and financial inclusion?

Sheikh: Digital finance is a game-changer, particularly for emerging markets like Pakistan. We are committed to supporting fintech players by providing the necessary funding to help them scale. Through our digital finance initiatives, we aim to enhance financial inclusion, bringing more young and promising entrepreneurs and businesses into the formal financial system. Our partnerships with fintech companies allow us to offer innovative solutions that benefit both small businesses and larger corporations, thus driving economic growth.

Saudi Pak has been involved in M&A and project finance. How do these areas fit into your broader business model?

Sheikh: M&A and project finance are integral to our growth strategy. We work closely with our investment banking team to structure and finance mergers and acquisitions, offering support in acquisition finance, guarantees, syndicate and bonds or equity participation. Our involvement in project finance, especially for infrastructure and renewable energy projects, enables us to make a significant impact on Pakistan’s development, aligning with both our commercial objectives and our commitment to sustainability.

Islamic banking is a significant growth area for Saudi Pak. What steps are you taking in this sector?

Sheikh: We are in the process of acquiring a license from the State Bank of Pakistan to commence Islamic operations through an Islamic window. This strategic move will enable us to offer Sharia-compliant financial solutions, catering to a broader base of clients who seek these types of financial services. We believe this will enhance our product offerings and support our goal of providing inclusive and responsible financial solutions.

In closing, what’s your vision for Saudi Pak’s future?

Sheikh: Our vision is to continue being a catalyst for growth in Pakistan by driving meaningful, sustainable impact. Whether through innovation in fintech, expansion in agriculture finance, or investments in climate-resilient projects, we are dedicated to empowering Pakistan to dream big and achieve its full potential. We are also deeply committed to maintaining our reputation as a responsible financial institution that not only pursues business success but also contributes to the well-being of society and the environment and emerge as a development focused and impact driven boutique DFI in the country.