Commerce minister pushes EXIM Bank on exporter support

October 09, 2026 (MLN): Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has called for wider access to export credit insurance and financing so that Pakistani exporters can enter new markets, manage payment risks and expand their businesses, with a particular focus on small enterprises and first-time exporters.

He made the call during a meeting with Export-Import (EXIM) Bank Chief Executive Officer Shahbaz H. Syed at his office, said a press release issued.

Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul also attended.

Jam Kamal stressed that export support should reach emerging businesses and smaller producers looking to go global, as access to capital, practical guidance and suitable risk protection could help them grow into established exporters.

He proposed closer coordination between EXIM Bank and Pakistan’s trade and investment officers abroad to spot opportunities, facilitate business contacts and back exporters in destination markets.

He also urged the bank to explore cooperation with international export credit agencies and financial institutions to widen financing options.

Shahbaz H. Syed said the bank’s export credit insurance shields exporters against specified commercial and political risks in overseas deals, including buyer default and covered events that block payment or fund transfers from destination markets.

Coverage can extend to up to 90% of the insured risk, subject to terms and assessment, with exporters bearing a share of the exposure.

The assessment looks at the overseas buyer’s creditworthiness and the destination market’s risk profile, which allows new exporters to seek cover as well.

He described commercial banks as potential partners and distribution channels, noting that insured export receivables could help exporters secure financing, subject to banks’ requirements and the regulatory framework.

Jawad Paul stressed the need to link insurance protection with practical financing, and the meeting considered how cooperation among EXIM Bank, commercial banks and other financial institutions could help exporters use insured transactions to obtain working capital and grow.

The meeting also looked at the financing needs of small enterprises, including suppliers to larger exporters, and the need for longer-term investment in production capacity alongside short-term working capital.

Jam Kamal urged EXIM Bank to take a more active part in trade exhibitions, including FoodAg, where exporters and international buyers could get guidance on insurance and financing.

Dedicated technical sessions to explain available products were discussed. He said exhibitions should leave enough time for business-to-business meetings, and options for inviting the prime minister to an opening or closing session were also discussed for further consideration.

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