In pursuance with the vision of President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani for alleviation of rural poverty and ensure agriculture uplift, ZTBL has taken revolutionary steps by focusing on new initiatives aimed at financing the entire value-added chain of the agriculture sector.
This was stated by President ZTBL, Zaka Ashraf on the eve of ground-breaking ceremony of ZTBL Building Abbottabad on Monday. President ZTBL said that the designing of the building by renowned architecture in this beautiful and scenic city will be an added beauty and it would not only be an asset, but would also provide modem amenities and accessible services to its valuable customers of the area.
He said that meeting food security challenges, enhancing agriculture productivity & growth, and alleviating rural poverty in line with the vision of present government is achievable through expanded outreach, increased agriculture credit and introduction of innovative agriculture technology. He said ZTBL is the largest source of provision of institutional credit at only eight percent mark-up and has the largest share in agriculture financing.
Though a large gap still exists between the demand and supply of credit but the bank has been playing its pivotal role for the last 50 years to bridge this gap. Ashraf said that revamping of the bank started under the present government has made the institution financially viable and the proactive approach and government support will help the bank revolutionise agriculture sector.
Earlier, Zonal Chief ZTBL, Abdul Hameed Bhatti welcomed the president and gave a presentation on the profile of Abbottabad and its potential areas of investment. Architect/contractor also gave briefing on the salient features of the proposed project. The ceremony was attended by a large number of dignitaries of the area, local farmers, politicians and bank's executives.-PR