Exporters Could Soon See Simpler Bank Financing Options

The finance ministry is reviewing steps to ease export financing for SMEs, urging banks to appoint contacts and streamline applications, while tracking exporter concerns.

NationPulse Desk

Oct 29, 2026 · 5:42 PM 2 min read

Key takeaways

Bilal Azhar Kayani chaired a high-level consultative meeting on Thursday at the Finance Division to discuss SME export challenges.

Kayani urged banks using the Export Finance Scheme to appoint focal persons, clarify eligibility and set processing timelines.

The meeting called for better Export Facilitation Scheme performance and possible expansion of export credit insurance for small exporters.

Stakeholders were asked to document exporter issues and create a tracking system with clear responsibilities.

Attendees included Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, trade advisor Dr. Saeed, Special Secretary Syed Hamid Ali, and FBR member Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar.

The government is weighing actions to boost export financing and widen overseas market chances for small and medium-sized enterprises, aiming to raise the competitiveness of smaller exporters.

Finance Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani chaired a high-level consultative session at the Finance Division on Thursday, focusing on the hurdles faced by exporting SMEs and possible practical fixes.

The gathering also sought input from exporters on recently announced government support measures.

Kayani said the government was committed to helping exporting SMEs obtain financing, reach foreign markets and launch new products while cutting business costs and easing the ease of doing business.

Banks Urged to Improve Export Finance Access

When talking about the Export Finance Scheme (EFS) used by SMEs, Kayani stressed that participating banks should appoint focal persons, clearly explain eligibility rules and set timelines for processing applications.

He also called for better performance of the Export Facilitation Scheme and for studying the possibility of widening export credit insurance and risk-sharing tools for smaller exporters.

Exporters from a range of sectors pointed out difficulties linked to regulation, taxation, compliance costs and certification demands, including new needs for green certification.

Attendees also discussed freight availability, shipping expenses and access to productivity-boosting machinery and technology, which they said were key to raising SME productivity and export capacity.

Government to Track Exporters' Issues

Kayani instructed stakeholders to consult chambers of commerce and exporters, record main issues and set up a tracking mechanism with clear duties and timelines.

Relevant bodies will examine financing, regulatory and market-access topics and consider options to improve digital access, collateral arrangements and export credit support.

The meeting reaffirmed the government's pledge, in line with the prime minister's directives, to improve export finance access, strengthen coordination and help SMEs grow their presence in international markets.

The session 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.