The federal government is reviewing proposed changes to Pakistan’s Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) to simplify procedures, reduce compliance costs and improve access for exporters.
The proposals were discussed at a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee to Review the Export Facilitation Scheme, chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani at the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday.
According to the Finance Division, the proposed amendments aim to encourage new investment, promote local value addition and reduce administrative difficulties faced by exporting businesses.
The committee reviewed proposals to simplify exporter categories and revise the duration of authorisations. Improving access to the scheme for both new and existing exporters was also discussed.
Participants considered easing security requirements for eligible businesses and introducing a more transparent mechanism to improve the implementation of the scheme.
The government is also considering linking available incentives more closely with actual export performance to ensure that benefits support genuine export activity.
Speaking at the meeting, Kayani said the government would simplify procedures without compromising the protection of national revenue.
He stressed that eligibility requirements and compliance rules would be applied equally to all exporters. He also made it clear that no special exemptions would be granted.
The minister said the proposed changes were intended to make the scheme more practical and responsive to the needs of the export sector.
The Export Facilitation Scheme allows eligible businesses to obtain imported and locally sourced inputs for export production under specified duty and tax concessions, subject to regulatory conditions.
The proposed reforms are expected to improve the business environment, encourage domestic manufacturing and support exporters in managing production costs.
The meeting also agreed to continue consultations with exporters, trade associations and relevant government departments before finalising changes to the scheme.
The discussions come as the government seeks to strengthen export competitiveness and expand the participation of small and medium-sized businesses in international markets.
