PM Shehbaz welcomes export insurance support for SMEs

He also praised the EDF team for introducing reforms aimed at strengthening the national economy. He said that following restructuring and reforms, the EDF had been placed under the leadership of private-sector experts, while all funds available with the organization were being utilized to facilitate the business community.

The prime minister said the measures reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening the national economy and increasing exports. He expressed confidence that such initiatives would help make Pakistan a global investment hub and advance the country toward an export-oriented economy.

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the restructuring and reforms undertaken by the EDF. Officials said Rs24 billion available with the EDF had been fully earmarked for investment aimed at facilitating the business community, with no further expenditure planned on infrastructure.

The meeting was also informed that the EDF was undertaking initiatives in research, skills development and enhancing competitiveness to support economic growth and facilitate businesses. Officials further briefed the meeting on measures being taken to secure an extension of Pakistan’s GSP Plus preferential trade status, aimed at maintaining access to European markets.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal Khan and Ahsan Khan Cheema, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Prime Minister’s Adviser Haroon Akhtar, EDF Board Chairman Umar Saeed and senior officials of relevant institutions attended the meeting.