Microfinance effective tool for an inclusive financial system: SBP Deputy Governor.

ISLAMABAD -- 'The State Bank of Pakistan recognizes microfinance as an effective tool for an inclusive financial system as it gives access to those socio-economic segments, especially enterprises, who are otherwise neglected. The SBP has enhanced the limit for micro enterprises and micro housing from 1 million to 3 million to support the financing needs of the low-income segments."

This was stated by Ms. Sima Kamil, Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) at the 14th Citi Micro-entrepreneurship Award (CMA) ceremony where 37 entrepreneurial champions from the rural areas of Pakistan were honored.

Moreover, it was jointly hosted by the Citi Foundation and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

Ms. Sima Kamil commended all the community members who have established small businesses with the help of micro loans.

The recipients of the Awards from all geographical localities of Pakistan had shown remarkable entrepreneurial skills by availing microfinance facility through various Financial Institutions (FIs).

They have not only secured a prosperous life for their families but also emerged as role models in their respective communities.

Thardeep Microfinance Institution won the award for the most innovative Micro-finance Institution (MFI), while Telenor Microfinance Bank and the Kashf Foundation were the runner-ups in this category.

The winner for the national microfinance (female) category is Ms. Sumera Arzoo who was a borrower from the CSC Empowerment and Inclusion Programme, while Abdul Ghaffar bagged the award for national microfinance (male) category who availed financing from Khushhali Microfinance Bank Ltd.

Deputy Governor State Bank Ms. Sima Kamil said she was immensely happy to note that almost 60% of award winners were women.

She further stated that the share of women borrowers currently is just 20% and urged the MFIs to formulate gender inclusive policies.

She especially commended the efforts of the Citi Foundation and PPAF for strengthening the microfinance sector in Pakistan through these years.

Ahmed Bozai, Citi Country Officer and Managing Director, Pakistan while addressing the ceremony said, "These aspiring individuals are a living testament of how hard work, perseverance, and determination can spell success, despite very little capital and resources.

He...