Long-term financing: PM orders removal of 80pc export requirement for SMEs

ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at improving access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and boosting exports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered the removal of the 80 per cent export requirement for SMEs seeking long-term financing.

Chairing a high-level meeting on facilitating export-oriented SMEs, the prime minister also directed that no bank should be allowed to deviate from the subsidised financing scheme for SMEs and exporters.

He called for greater government support to help SMEs expand their businesses, improve productivity and develop workforce skills, assuring that the government would provide all possible assistance to strengthen the sector.

Sharif also directed the relevant authorities to improve accreditation standards, expand laboratory facilities and simplify regulatory procedures to facilitate exporters.

He further directed the establishment of modern laboratories to ensure that exporters could access essential testing and accreditation facilities closer to their workplaces.

The meeting was briefed on recent consultations with SME representatives, during which participants highlighted challenges relating to taxation, refunds, provincial levies, accreditation, logistics, payments and access to financing.

Pakistan has approximately 17,000 SMEs involved in exports, the meeting was informed.

Officials said more than 10,000 applications had been received since the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) launched a portal on November 1 to facilitate access to loans for the SME sector.

Under the Export Finance Scheme, Rs300 billion has been allocated for SMEs and new exporters, while Rs350 billion has been earmarked this year for the long-term financing facility (LTFF), the meeting was told.

The meeting was also informed that measures were being taken to increase Pakistani exports to African countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal, Musadik Malik, Ahad Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Awais Leghari attended the meeting.

The prime minister’s adviser on industries and production Haroon Akhtar, State Minister for Finance Bilal Kayani, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad and senior government officials were also present.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026