Govt eyes easier export financing for SMEs

October 29, 2026 (MLN): The government is exploring measures to improve access to export financing, reduce business costs and strengthen the international competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The measures were discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani at the Finance Division, where exporters highlighted financial, regulatory and operational hurdles affecting their export activities.

The meeting reviewed challenges faced by exporting SMEs and sought feedback on recently announced government support initiatives. Discussions focused on improving access to finance and foreign markets, developing new products, reducing the cost of doing business and simplifying business procedures.

Regarding the Export Finance Scheme (EFS), Bilal Azhar Kayani stressed the need for participating banks to appoint focal persons, communicate eligibility requirements clearly and establish defined timelines for processing applications.

The meeting also examined ways to improve the effectiveness of the Export Facilitation Scheme, expand export credit insurance and introduce risk-sharing mechanisms to support smaller exporters.

Representatives of exporting SMEs from various sectors highlighted concerns over regulatory and taxation requirements, compliance expenses and certification procedures. They also pointed to emerging green certification requirements and difficulties in accessing international markets.

Participants further discussed freight availability, shipping expenses and access to modern machinery and technology, identifying these areas as important to improving productivity and strengthening the export capacity of SMEs.

Bilal Azhar Kayani directed relevant stakeholders to consult chambers of commerce and exporters, document key concerns and establish a tracking mechanism with clearly defined responsibilities and timelines.

Relevant institutions will review financing arrangements, regulatory issues and market-access barriers, while assessing options to improve digital access, collateral arrangements and export credit support.

The meeting reaffirmed the government's commitment, in line with the Prime Minister's directives, to facilitating SME exporters through better access to finance, stronger institutional coordination and measures aimed at improving competitiveness in international markets.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, Senior Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister's Office on Trade Dr. Saeed, Special Secretary Commerce Syed Hamid Ali, Member (Strategic Transformation) FBR Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and provincial departments, and representatives of leading SME exporters.

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