Rs3bn risk pool to power SME exports

September 06, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has set up a Rs3 billion risk pool to expand export credit insurance coverage, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expected to be among the key beneficiaries as the government seeks to push the economy toward an export-led growth model.

The initiative, being jointly pursued by the Export Development Fund (EDF) and Export-Import Bank of Pakistan (EXIM Bank), is aimed at helping businesses manage risks associated with international trade and gain better access to export financing, as APP reported. 

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the initiative during a meeting on the restructuring and reforms of the EDF, saying improved access to export credit insurance would help businesses increase their export volumes.

The meeting was informed that the entire Rs24 billion currently available with the EDF has been allocated for investment aimed at facilitating the business community.

The government is also seeking to redirect EDF resources toward research, skills development and competitiveness-enhancing initiatives, while avoiding additional spending on infrastructure.

The Prime Minister said the EDF’s restructuring had placed its leadership in the hands of private-sector professionals, with the available funds being utilised to support businesses.

The meeting also reviewed efforts to maintain Pakistan’s access to European markets through the extension of the country’s preferential trade arrangement under the GSP Plus framework.

The measures come as the government seeks to strengthen export capacity and reduce constraints faced by businesses, particularly smaller exporters, in accessing trade finance and international markets.

Shehbaz Sharif said the initiatives reflected the government’s commitment to an export-led economy and its objective of positioning Pakistan as a global investment hub.

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