KARACHI: MCB Bank Ltd and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) are exploring new financial tools and advisory initiatives aimed at improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and exporters.
A delegation from MCB met TDAP officials in Karachi on Tuesday to discuss a framework for closer collaboration, with a focus on easing financial constraints faced by smaller exporters, according to a statement.
Discussions centred on expanding credit access, developing tailored financing products and introducing digital solutions for corporate clients, including payroll systems. Azhar Ali Dahar, director general at TDAP’s Engineering and Minerals Development Division, said SMEs remain central to export diversification but continue to face structural barriers, including high borrowing costs, limited access to credit and stringent collateral requirements.
Participants also highlighted the need for sector-specific financing solutions, particularly for industries such as engineering, minerals and pharmaceuticals, where export potential remains underutilised.
As part of the proposed collaboration, MCB and TDAP plan to introduce customised SME financing products and jointly conduct advisory and financial literacy sessions to support businesses in navigating funding and export processes. The two sides also discussed establishing facilitation mechanisms to improve coordination between financial institutions and exporters.
The meeting included a briefing on Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector, focusing on its regulatory framework and export potential.The initiative comes as policymakers and industry stakeholders seek to boost exports and improve access to formal financing channels for smaller firms, which account for a significant share of economic activity but face persistent funding constraints.
