ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani has emphasized that expanding exports, improving access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), increasing productivity and removing structural barriers are essential for sustainable economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing a forum on economic security in Islamabad, he said export diversification and exploring new markets were vital for strengthening Pakistan\u2019s economy and generating foreign exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that fewer than 1,000 of the estimated 10,000 SMEs were benefiting from the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), stressing the need to simplify procedures and remove regulatory hurdles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Citing consultations with around 50 SME exporters, he said access to finance was their biggest challenge. He added that the government was engaging banks to improve lending to SMEs, small farmers and low-cost housing projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kayani highlighted the importance of private-sector participation in policymaking, noting that business-led recommendations had contributed to tax relief measures, including reductions and exemptions in super tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also stressed reforms in the Export Development Fund, improved coordination between federal and provincial governments, better education and workforce skills, and stronger local governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said effective governance, capable public officials and reduced discretionary powers were essential for addressing economic challenges and ensuring long-term growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani has emphasized that expanding exports, improving access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), increasing productivity and removing structural barriers are essential for sustainable economic growth. Addressing a forum on economic security in Islamabad, he said export diversification and exploring new markets were vital for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2981,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11,12],"tags":[131],"class_list":["post-2980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest","category-pakistan","tag-bilal-kayani"],"yoast_head":"\n