The Export-Import Bank of Pakistan (Pak EXIM) is promoting its Pak EXIM-administered Export Finance Scheme (E-EFS), which provides exporters with access to short-term working capital financing through participating financial institutions. The scheme is designed to help businesses finance activities ranging from procurement of raw materials to preparation and fulfilment of export orders. Under the facility, eligible exporters can approach participating commercial banks to obtain financing, while Pak EXIM administers the scheme in coordination with the financial sector. The E-EFS offers financing for production, procurement and export preparation, with short-term working capital financing available for periods of up to 180 days. The scheme is part of the government’s wider export-financing framework aimed at improving access to credit for Pakistani businesses engaged in international trade. Pak EXIM, which is Pakistan’s government-owned export credit agency and development finance institution, manages export financing schemes alongside other products designed to support exporters and trade-related activity.
The E-EFS operates through a network of participating financial institutions, allowing exporters to apply through their respective banks rather than directly through Pak EXIM. The participating institutions listed by the bank include Allied Bank, Al Baraka Bank Pakistan, Askari Bank, Bank Alfalah, Bank AL Habib, Bank of Khyber, Bank of Punjab, BankIslami, Dubai Islamic Bank, Faysal Bank, First Women Bank, HABIBMETRO, HBL, JS Bank, MCB Bank, MCB Islamic Bank, Meezan Bank, National Bank of Pakistan, Samba Bank, Sindh Bank, Soneri Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan, Bank Makramah and UBL. The arrangement gives exporters access to the financing facility through established banking relationships. According to Pak EXIM, the E-EFS supports exporters in meeting working-capital requirements associated with the production and fulfilment of export orders, helping businesses manage financing needs between procurement and receipt of export proceeds.
The government has also expanded the overall export-financing envelope for FY2026-27. According to the government’s September 8 announcement, the Export Finance Scheme envelope was increased from PKR 1 trillion to PKR 1.5 trillion, with PKR 300 billion specifically earmarked for SME exporters, agricultural SMEs and new borrowers. The allocation is intended to broaden access to export finance among businesses that have traditionally had more limited access to such facilities. Alongside the enhanced EFS, the government has introduced the Long-Term Export Growth Financing Facility (LTEGFF), with PKR 350 billion in financing lines for exporters undertaking investments in plant, machinery, modernization and expansion. Pak EXIM is managing both schemes in coordination with the State Bank of Pakistan.
The E-EFS also offers two financing modalities, covering transaction-based financing and performance-based financing for pre-shipment and post-shipment requirements. The short-term structure is particularly relevant for exporters that need financing to purchase inputs, manufacture goods and prepare orders before receiving export proceeds. SBP information on export finance has historically identified a maximum financing tenor of 180 days for short-term export financing, while the latest government measures are intended to expand access and improve targeting of export finance. Pak EXIM has also developed an EFS Digital Portal that connects the bank with participating financial institutions and is being expanded to include development finance institutions. The portal is intended to facilitate digital, end-to-end interaction and processing between Pak EXIM and participating institutions, with the aim of improving processing efficiency and transparency. Exporters seeking information, guidance or assistance under E-EFS can approach participating banks or contact Pak EXIM through its designated support channels.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
