Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani led a high-level meeting at the Finance Division to discuss ways to increase exports for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and improve their access to export finance.
Bilal Kayani stated the government is committed to supporting exporting SMEs by improving their access to finance, foreign markets, and new products while reducing the cost of doing business and promoting ease of business. The Minister of State for Finance called for participating banks to appoint focal persons, communicate eligibility criteria clearly, and set specific timelines for processing applications.
He also noted the need to improve the effectiveness of the Export Facilitation Scheme and explore the feasibility of expanding export credit insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms for smaller exporters. SME exporters from various sectors identified regulatory and taxation issues, compliance costs, and certification requirements, including new demands for green certification and international market access.
Participants discussed export costs and competitiveness, focusing on freight availability, shipping prices, and access to technology and machinery that enhance productivity. Kayani instructed stakeholders to consult with chambers and exporters to document key issues and create a tracking mechanism with defined responsibilities and timelines.
Relevant institutions will now review financing, regulatory, and market-access matters while assessing options to improve digital access, collateral arrangements, and export credit support.
