Exporters require wider access to credit insurance
“Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has called for wider access to export credit insurance and financing to help Pakistani exporters enter new markets, manage payment risks and expand their b…”
The minister was speaking during a meeting with Exim Bank CEO Shahbaz H Syed. Khan emphasised that export support should reach emerging businesses and smaller producers seeking to enter international markets. He noted that access to capital, practical guidance and appropriate risk protection could help these enterprises become established exporters.
The minister proposed closer coordination between Exim Bank and Pakistan's trade and investment officers abroad to identify opportunities, facilitate business contacts and support exporters in destination markets. He also encouraged the bank to explore cooperation with international export credit agencies and financial institutions to broaden financing opportunities.
Speaking at the meeting, Shahbaz H Syed explained that Exim Bank's export credit insurance was protecting exporters from specified commercial and political risks associated with overseas transactions. These included buyer default and events that prevented payments or the transfer of funds from destination markets.
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The CEO said coverage could extend up to 90% of the insured risk, subject to applicable terms and assessment, with exporters retaining a share of the exposure. He explained that the assessment focused on the overseas buyer's creditworthiness and the destination market's risk profile, allowing new exporters to seek coverage as well.
Syed highlighted the role of commercial banks as potential partners and distribution channels for export credit insurance. He explained that insured export receivables could support access to financing, subject to banks' requirements and the applicable regulatory framework.
Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, who was present in the meeting, underscored the importance of connecting insurance protection with practical financing arrangements. The discussion considered how cooperation among Exim Bank, commercial banks and other financial institutions could help exporters use insured transactions to obtain working capital and pursue business growth.
The meeting also examined the financing needs of small enterprises, including businesses supplying larger exporters, and the importance of longer-term investment in production capacity alongside short-term working capital support. Jam Kamal Khan encouraged Exim Bank to participate more actively in trade exhibitions, including Food.
Ag, where Pakistani exporters and international buyers could receive guidance on insurance and financing options.
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