Islamabad: The Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Bilal Azhar Kayani, conducted a high-level meeting at the Finance Division to explore strategies for boosting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) exports and improving their access to export finance.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting focused on addressing challenges faced by exporting SMEs, considering practical solutions, and gathering feedback on the Government’s recent SME support measures. Mr. Kayani emphasized the importance of improving SMEs’ access to finance, new markets, and products, as well as reducing business costs and enhancing ease of business operations. He called for participating banks to appoint focal persons and clearly communicate the Export Finance Scheme’s eligibility criteria and timelines. The meeting also reviewed the Export Facilitation Scheme, export credit insurance, and risk-sharing mechanisms.

SME representatives raised issues related to regulatory and taxation matters, compliance costs, and certification requirements, including new green certification needs. Discussions also covered export costs, competitiveness, freight availability, shipping costs, and access to productivity-enhancing technology.

Mr. Kayani directed stakeholders to consult chambers and exporters, document issues, and create a tracking mechanism with clear responsibilities. Relevant institutions are tasked with reviewing financing, regulatory, and market-access issues to enhance digital access, collateral arrangements, and export credit support.

The meeting reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving export finance access, strengthening coordination, and helping SMEs enhance their competitiveness and expand internationally. Attendees included Secretary Commerce Mr. Jawad Paul, Senior Technical Advisor Dr. Saeed, Special Secretary Commerce Syed Hamid Ali, FBR Member Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, and other senior officials and SME representatives.