Govt plans expanding export schemes for SMEs: Kayani

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani convened a high-level meeting to explore ways to bolster the export capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The government is contemplating measures such as extending export credit insurance, incorporating risk-sharing mechanisms, and broadening access to export financing to mitigate the burdensome costs, regulatory obstacles, and international market constraints faced by SMEs.

The meeting, chaired by Kayani, addressed the hurdles encountered by exporting SMEs and sought insights from exporters on the recently introduced government-backed SME support initiatives. Kayani emphasized the government's dedication to supporting exporting SMEs in accessing finance, foreign markets, novel products, cost reduction, and ease of doing business.

He also stressed the importance of designating focal points for Export Finance Scheme (EFS) participants, transparently communicating eligibility parameters, and setting timelines for application processing. Moreover, Kayani urged enhancements to the Export Facilitation Scheme's efficacy, the viability of enlarging export credit insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms for smaller exporters.

Exporters from various sectors pointed out regulatory and tax-related challenges, compliance expenses and certification prerequisites, including new requirements for green certification, and market access. Factors like shipping costs, availability of freight, and access to technology that enhances productivity were also deliberated upon to boost SME productivity and export capacity.

Kayani instructed stakeholders to engage with chambers and exporters, document key concerns, and create a tracking system with defined responsibilities and deadlines. Relevant agencies will scrutinize financing, regulatory, and market-access matters and evaluate options to enhance digital accessibility, collateral arrangements, and export credit backing.

The meeting underlined the government's pledge, in accordance with Prime Minister's orders, to enhance access to export finance, bolster coordination, and empower SMEs to enhance competitiveness and broaden their international market presence. The meeting convened Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul, Senior Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister's Office on Trade Dr. Saeed, Special Secretary Commerce Syed Hamid Ali, Member (Strategic Transformation), FBR Dr. Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce, provincial departments, and representatives of prominent SME exporters.