Govt urges SMEs to make full use of EFS

The government has asked small and medium-sized exporters to make greater use of the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), while confirming that its eligibility rules will apply consistently and without exemptions. At a meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on November 04, 2026, officials were also told to make requirements for importing machinery and other capital goods clearer and simpler.

Mettis Global reported that the Prime Minister’s Committee reviewing EFS considered proposals to streamline the scheme and reduce exporters’ costs. Participants included officials from Finance, Commerce and the Federal Board of Revenue, as well as representatives of APTMA, PTEA and the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue consultations as the government seeks to align exporter support with trade needs, promote local value addition and strengthen domestic manufacturing.