The Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) has approved the Procurement Policy of the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of Pakistan 2025, marking a key step toward strengthening governance, transparency, and operational efficiency within the country’s state-owned financial institutions. The decision reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize public sector entities and align their operational frameworks with international best practices.
The meeting of the committee was held at the Finance Division and was chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry participated in the session virtually, while senior officials, secretaries from relevant ministries, divisions, and representatives of regulatory bodies attended in person. The meeting reviewed multiple agenda items related to state-owned enterprises, with a focus on governance, compliance, and institutional strengthening.
The approved Procurement Policy is designed to streamline EXIM Bank’s procurement operations by introducing structured procedures that enhance accountability and transparency. The policy aligns with the requirements of the State-Owned Enterprises Act, 2023, and incorporates internationally recognized standards of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. It also ensures compliance with regulations issued by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, reinforcing adherence to national procurement frameworks.
Officials noted that the adoption of a comprehensive procurement policy is expected to improve internal controls, reduce operational risks, and promote efficiency in the bank’s purchasing and contracting processes. By standardizing procurement practices, the policy aims to support EXIM Bank’s broader mandate of facilitating exports, promoting trade finance, and strengthening Pakistan’s external trade ecosystem.
In addition to the approval of the EXIM Bank Procurement Policy, the committee considered several proposals submitted by the Ministry of Commerce related to governance matters in other state-owned enterprises. These included the filling of a vacant position of Independent Director and the appointment of a chairman of the board at the National Insurance Company Limited. The committee also approved the filling of a vacant Independent Director position on the board of the State Life Insurance Corporation.
Furthermore, the committee reviewed and approved the appointment of an Independent Director on the board of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan against one of its vacant positions. These decisions form part of the government’s wider effort to strengthen board oversight, enhance independence, and improve decision-making across key state-owned entities.
The meeting also reviewed additional SOE-related matters placed before the committee, reflecting continued attention to governance reforms and institutional performance. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning SOE operations with regulatory requirements while ensuring that public sector organizations operate efficiently and transparently.
The approval of the EXIM Bank Procurement Policy 2025 underscores the government’s focus on improving governance frameworks within state-owned enterprises, particularly those playing a strategic role in economic development. By aligning procurement practices with global standards and strengthening institutional oversight, the move is expected to contribute to improved confidence in public sector institutions and support broader economic reform objectives.
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