PM scraps 80% export condition for SME financing

November 06, 2026 (MLN): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the government will extend all possible assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to build their capacity, improve skills and expand business opportunities, directing the removal of the condition requiring SMEs to export at least 80% of their products to qualify for long-term financing.

He said no bank will be allowed to deviate from the concessional financing scheme for SMEs and exporters, and that government patronage and facilities should be ensured to promote the growth of SMEs.

He was chairing a meeting on facilitation for SMEs in the export sector in Islamabad, said a press release issued.

The prime minister called for better accreditation standards, expanded laboratory facilities and simpler regulatory procedures for exporters, and directed the setting up of modern laboratories to provide facilities at exporters’ doorsteps.

The meeting was briefed on recent consultations with SME representatives, which covered issues relating to taxes, refunds, provincial levies, accreditation, logistics, payments and financing.

It was told that around 17,000 SMEs in Pakistan are linked to exports, and that over 10,000 applications have been received since the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) launched a portal on November 1 to ease access to loans for the sector.

Rs300bn has been allocated under the Export Finance Scheme for SMEs and new exporters, while Rs350bn has been earmarked this year for the Long-Term Financing Facility.

The meeting was also informed that steps are being taken to increase Pakistan’s exports to African countries.

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