A five-day Start-up Mission of PKSF’s recently launched Growth for Climate Resilient and Environmental Entrepreneurship and Nutrition (GREEN) project took place from 20 to 24 September. It aimed to build a common understanding among stakeholders on different aspects of the project and prepare for smooth implementation with transparency and accountability.

Dr Valantine Achancho, Country Director of IFAD Bangladesh; Jesmin Parvin, Joint Secretary of the Economic Relations Division; Mohammad Amin Shorif, Deputy Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division; Dr Akond Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Deputy Managing Director, PKSF; and Md Habibur Rahman, Project Coordinator of the GREEN Project were present at the opening session of the mission at PKSF Bhaban-1 on 20 September.

Dr Akond Mohammad Rafiqul Islam said PKSF and IFAD have successfully implemented several projects through their longstanding partnership. The recently completed Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP) is one of their notable successes. He expressed hope that the GREEN Project would build on this experience and partnership. He said the project would work in areas including rural development, employment generation, women and youth development, climate resilience, nutrition-sensitive value chains, renewable energy and safe food systems.

Dr. Valantine Achancho said the GREEN Project has been carefully designed to create lasting opportunities for rural communities, entrepreneurs, women and youth. Stressing transparency and accountability in project implementation, he said its success would ultimately be measured by the positive changes it brings to people’s lives.

Jesmin Parvin, Joint Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, highlighted the government’s key development priorities and noted that the GREEN project is well aligned with them. Mohammad Amin Shorif, Deputy Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, expressed confidence that PKSF’s implementation capacity would contribute to the successful delivery of the project. Project Coordinator Md Habibur Rahman made a presentation on the GREEN Project.

Launched on 30 July 2026, the GREEN project will run until 2031 with an estimated investment of USD 211.7 million. More than 258,000 households are expected to benefit directly. With a particular focus on women, youth and climate-vulnerable communities, the project will promote climate-resilient food systems, green technologies, inclusive financial services and sustainable microenterprises.