Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman on Wednesday said the central bank is contemplating easy access to bank loans for creative entrepreneurs in the information technology and renewable energy sectors, reports Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
BB has a renewable energy fund, which gives loans at five per cent interest rate to commercial banks, he said, adding that these loans could be arranged for entrepreneurs in IT and solar energy sectors.
Atiur was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on 'Alternative Sources of Finance for Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)' in the auditorium Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
DCCI and Small Enterprise Assistance Fund (AEAF) Ventures Bangladesh LLC jointly organised the seminar, chaired by DCCI president Asif Ibrahim.
Business leaders, chiefs of trade bodies, senior bankers and trade analysts shared views on diverse issues related to SMEs at the function.
Atiur said the country witnessed a tangible progress in agriculture sector due to the combined efforts of the government and the central bank but the IT sector is yet to be developed.
The BB governor said the government was fully committed to support development of the SMEs with financial as well as technical and business know-how support through SME Foundation and other agencies, adds United News of Bangladesh.
'The just launched online CIB [Credit Information Bureau] services of Bangladesh Bank will facilitate SME financing activities in faster and more transparent manner,' he said.
Asif Ibrahim said SMEs are treated as one of the engines of growth for many countries around the globe, especially for the developing nations, adds Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
'We should intensify our efforts to develop SME sector to reinforce our industrial base and increase the volume of foreign trade,' he said.
The DCCI chief suggested SMEs upgrade their technological capabilities and production facilities in order to produce quality products at a competitive price.
Source : New Age
