PHMA welcomes Rs300bn export finance reserve for SMEs
KARACHI: The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) has welcomed the government’s decision to reserve Rs300 billion exclusively for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under the Pak EXIM-administered Export Finance Scheme (E-EFS) for FY2026–27.
PHMA Chairman Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain said the decision reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening the SME sector, improving access to affordable financing and promoting export-led economic growth.
He praised the vision and leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Ministry of Finance and Pak EXIM Bank in taking this step to support SME exporters. The PHMA chairman said access to affordable working capital had long been one of the biggest challenges for small and medium-size exporters, especially those looking to expand production capacity, take on new export orders and compete in international markets.
Reserving the entire Rs300 billion allocation for eligible SMEs, he said, would provide dedicated financing and help make them more competitive.
He added that SMEs were an important part of Pakistan’s industrial and export ecosystem, contributing to employment generation, industrial diversification, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
The initiative, he said, would encourage smaller enterprises to enter export markets, grow their businesses and add more effectively to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. He said that participating banks must process financing applications in a transparent, timely and hassle-free manner so that the funds reached genuine SME exporters without unnecessary delays.
Banks, he said, should also clearly communicate the eligibility requirements and help deserving businesses access the scheme.
He hoped that the government would continue introducing practical, business-friendly policies to reduce the cost of doing business, improve access to finance, ensure competitive energy tariffs and strengthen the overall export environment.
Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain reaffirmed PHMA’s commitment to working closely with the government and relevant institutions to promote Pakistan’s textile, hosiery and knitwear exports and to strengthen the country’s position in international markets.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026