Pakistan is pressing ahead with export financing reforms centred on its Export-Import Bank, digital credit portals and wider concessional lending, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said while addressing an Islamic countries’ trade forum in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 42nd session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) — the economic arm of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) — the minister said the steps are meant to improve exporters’ access to credit and strengthen their standing in international markets. The gathering was chaired by Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. This year’s theme focused on developing effective trade financing tools to raise exports among OIC members.
EXIM Bank and Islamic finance options
Jam Kamal said the Export-Import Bank of Pakistan (EXIM Bank), the state’s specialised trade finance institution, is being operationalised to give exporters clearer support. He said it now provides trade credit insurance, guarantees and refinancing facilities so firms can manage risk and expand abroad, including into OIC markets.
He also said Pakistan is expanding Shariah-compliant financing — products structured under Islamic commercial rules — naming Murabaha, Salam and Ijarah as options for businesses that want alternatives consistent with Islamic principles. Concessional financing facilities for exporters, he added, have been substantially enhanced to help them compete in global trade.
Digital portals for faster credit
On access to finance, the minister said export credit processes are being digitalised through integrated online portals that link commercial banks and development finance institutions. The aim, he said, is shorter processing times and better reach for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) — smaller firms that often struggle most with paperwork and delays.
He stressed affordable and innovative financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) so they can enter foreign markets as competitive exporters. That message aligned with the session theme on trade financing tools across OIC economies.
OIC partnerships and private-sector links
Jam Kamal reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to stronger economic and commercial partnerships with OIC member states, arguing that deeper trade integration could open shared prosperity across the Islamic world. He called for improved access to trade financing, stronger private-sector cooperation and greater digital collaboration among Islamic countries.
He noted that Pakistan hosts the headquarters of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), which connects private-sector representatives from 57 Islamic countries, and said Islamabad would keep supporting the chamber as a bridge between businesses and policymakers. Referring to global economic pressures, he also pointed to cooperation on digital integration, artificial intelligence and sustainable development as ways for OIC states to modernise and stay competitive. He thanked COMCEC for promoting practical answers to common trade challenges.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan ke commerce minister ne Istanbul mein kaha ke mulk export financing mazboot kar raha hai. EXIM Bank exporters ko insurance, guarantee aur refinance de raha hai. Online portals se chhote business ka loan process tez hone ki umeed hai. Agar yeh steps kaam karen to chhoti firms ko bahar bechne mein madad mil sakti hai.
