The key factors that constrain the growth of SMEs in Bangladesh are access to capital, high interest rate, weak marketing and lack of diversified products for export etc. It is vital to strengthen SMEs for overall economic development of our country said ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman while inaugurating the workshop on Financing SMEs : Demystifying Myths and Realities organized by ICC Bangladesh at a local hotel in Dhaka on October 11.

Mr. Rahman praised the Bangladesh Bank for introduction of several schemes and programme to flourish and expand SMEs. Refinance scheme funded by Bangladesh Bank, IDA and ADB has been facilitating for the development of SMEs, he added. Besides, to ensure institutional financing facilities under easy conditions, Bangladesh Bank has also taken various steps.

The SME sector is gradually being recognized as a major thrust sector for industrial growth of our economy. Yet, given their potential, much more can and should be done in areas such as credit facilities, infrastructure, market access, quality and standards as well as training etc. mentioned ICCB President.

As we know that not only in Asia but across the globe, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are considered to be the engine for economic growth and job creation. Also SMEs are important sources of export revenue in almost every developing economy. In Bangladesh, these enterprises are the largest employers said Mahbubur Rahman.

Prof. Mamun Rashid, Chairman, ICCB Standing Committee on Banking, Technique and Practice and Dean, BRAC university expressed his hope that after completion of the workshop the participants will feel that SME financing is possible, rewarding and also will be aware that SMEs plays a significant role for development of our economic growth. ICCB Secretary General Ataur Rahman also spoke at the workshop.

The workshop was conducted by Dr. sailendra Narain, Chairman of the Centre for SME Growth and Development Finance (CESMED) in USA & India also spoke at the occasion.

A total of 41 participants attended the workshop. Another workshop on same topic was held in Chittagong on October 10 and 26 participants attended the workshop.