Pakistan Removes 80% Export Requirement for SME Financing Eligibility

On 5 November, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to remove the requirement that SMEs generate at least 80% of their revenue from exports to qualify for long-term financing. Officials also reported that approximately 17,000 export-oriented SMEs operate in Pakistan and more than 10,000 loan applications had been received through the new financing portal. The policy creates opportunities for workforce expansion, employee training and organisational development among growing businesses. HPC can support HR assessments, workforce planning and professional development programmes.