The government is considering measures to improve access to export financing and expand international market opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as it seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of smaller exporters.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani chaired a high-level consultative meeting at the Finance Division on Thursday to discuss challenges faced by exporting SMEs and explore practical solutions.
The meeting also sought feedback from exporters on recently announced government support measures.
Kayani said the government was committed to helping exporting SMEs access financing, foreign markets and new products while reducing business costs and improving the ease of doing business.
Banks Urged to Improve Export Finance Access
Discussing the use of the Export Finance Scheme (EFS) by SMEs, Kayani emphasized that participating banks should designate focal persons, clearly communicate eligibility criteria and establish timelines for processing applications.
He also called for improving the effectiveness of the Export Facilitation Scheme and examining the feasibility of expanding export credit insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms for smaller exporters.
Exporters from various sectors highlighted challenges related to regulation, taxation, compliance costs and certification requirements, including emerging demands for green certification.
Participants also discussed freight availability, shipping costs and access to productivity-enhancing machinery and technology, which they said were important for improving SME productivity and export capacity.
Government to Track Exporters’ Issues
Kayani directed stakeholders to consult chambers of commerce and exporters, document key issues and establish a tracking mechanism with clear responsibilities and timelines.
Relevant institutions will review financing, regulatory and market-access matters and assess 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 improving access to export finance, strengthening coordination and helping SMEs expand their presence 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, Federal Board of Revenue Member (Strategic Transformation) Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and provincial departments, and representatives of leading SME exporters.
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