Pakistan’s Export-Import Bank (Pak EXIM) and Saudi EXIM have entered into a wide-ranging Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening development cooperation and expanding the scope of cross-border trade support between the two nations. The agreement, signed in Riyadh, marks a major advancement in Pakistan’s efforts to build stronger institutional linkages with global export credit agencies while enhancing the country’s international trade architecture.
The MoU establishes a detailed framework through which both institutions will collaborate on credit facilities, trade credit insurance, and financial guarantees designed to support exporters and businesses operating across sectors. This collaboration is expected to give Pakistani exporters greater access to structured financing instruments, reduce risks associated with international transactions, and create smoother pathways for trade with global partners, including the Gulf region.
A significant component of the agreement focuses on knowledge sharing and capacity building. The two agencies will jointly conduct training programs, technical exchanges, and workshops as part of their long-term cooperation roadmap. These initiatives aim to strengthen institutional capabilities and ensure that both organizations remain aligned with evolving global standards in export finance, risk management, and trade facilitation.
The MoU also lays the foundation for cooperation in future strategic events and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the operational reach of both export credit agencies. By creating a formalized platform for partnership, the agreement is expected to play a meaningful role in advancing Pakistan’s trade diversification strategy and boosting the confidence of businesses seeking to enter or expand in international markets.
The signing took place during the Global Partners Forum 2025 hosted by Saudi EXIM. Pak EXIM President and CEO, Shahbaz H. Syed, participated in the forum as part of his first official international visit. He described the collaboration as a milestone for Pakistan and an important moment in the bank’s young institutional history.
While expressing gratitude to Saudi EXIM for its hospitality and successful organization of the forum, Mr. Shahbaz shared his reflections on returning to Riyadh in a new role. He noted that representing Pakistan on an international platform alongside colleagues from Saudi EXIM carries deep personal and professional significance. He highlighted that the MoU will play a central role in expanding Pak EXIM’s global partnerships and will make the institution’s journey more impactful by leveraging the experience and support of its Saudi counterpart.
During the event, Mr. Shahbaz also took part in a panel session titled “Exporting in a Service-Driven World – Use Cases from the Global South.” He emphasized the growing global shift toward service-based exports and underscored Pakistan’s untapped potential in digital services, technology outsourcing, and financial services. With enhanced institutional backing, he noted that Pakistan could accelerate its participation in high-value service exports aligned with global demand.
The partnership between Pak EXIM and Saudi EXIM is expected to contribute to long-term regional trade development while opening new avenues for exporters across both countries. It reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening global economic ties and improving access to structured financial tools that support sustainable export growth.
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