Small Business loans in Pakistan

The thought came to me from that other thread about success stories in Pakistan for returning students… My dad told me that it is really easy in Pakistan to get a small business loan in Pakistan from the various banks, provided you have some people who act as gaurantors for you and sign a bond. Does anyone here have any insight into that? I am sure they offer some sort of incentive to qualified applicants, who are starting a business based on some important technological expertise, which could bring foriegn revenue to the country. Any insights gentlemen (and ladies, if any)…

Re: Small Business loans in Pakistan

Good thread.
Keep me posted. I want to do business in pakistan too. I know few areas where money can be made.

Re: Small Business loans in Pakistan

One thing I know for sure, you need gaurantors which isnt a big problem in Pakistan, relatives etc share more trust there so they'd do it.

Re: Small Business loans in Pakistan

This doesn't apply to your small loans question but does address the ease of starting new businesses by returning students.

A group of HBS grads started a business in Pakistan and got funded by the banks (50/50 ownership). Also, they found that Musharraf administration has made all the processes very transparent -- all transaction were above board i.e. no one asked for a bribe.

Last I heard, they were doing well.

Re: Small Business loans in Pakistan

i am also interested, keep me posted.

Re: Small Business loans in Pakistan

Spock, only yesterday I came across two fliers one from Bank ALFallah the other from ABN AMRO, alluring people towards small business loans; the major particualrs were 'easy terms', '2-15 year tenure option', 'quick process', 'minimum documentation' 'from 200,000-1500,000' and '1500,000-7500,000'
Guarantees and industry based discrimination must be a part of the game I think, but the diff are minimum, everybody is encouraged in any area.
There's a program started by NBP as well, their rates must be better than other banks while their policies may be different in some ways.

Re: Small Business loans in Pakistan

And another bank's flier reads similar terms with a range half a million to 20 million.

Re: Small Business loans in Pakistan

what about smeda