PM scraps 80% export condition for SME financing

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the removal of an 80% export requirement for small and medium enterprises seeking long-term financing, Mettis Global reported on November 06, 2026. He also said banks must follow the concessional financing scheme for SMEs and exporters, while government support should help businesses build capacity, improve skills and widen opportunities.

At a meeting in Islamabad, officials said about 17,000 Pakistani SMEs are connected to exports and more than 10,000 loan applications have arrived through an SBP portal launched on November 1. The Export Finance Scheme for SMEs and new exporters has Rs300bn allocated, while Rs350bn has been set aside this year for the Long-Term Financing Facility. Sharif also called for simpler rules, stronger accreditation and modern laboratories, and the meeting discussed efforts to expand exports to African countries.