Joint initiatives of Bangladesh Bank and CIRDAP for Development of SMEs

Date: July 14, 2013.

Time: 11:00am. 

Venue: CIRDAP International Conference Centre, Dhaka.

Chair of today’s program Dr. Cecep Effendi, Director General, CIRDAP, Guest of Honor H.E. Mr. Iwan H.S. Wiranataatmadia, Ambassador of Indonesia, Special Guests, Mr. Md. Sabur Khan, President, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce (DCCI) and Deputy Governor, Bangladesh Bank, CEO/MDs and SME Heads of Scheduled Banks andNBFIs, Representatives from different Chambers, Ministries, SME Foundation and other organizations, Good Morning. It's my pleasure today to participate in theprogram on joint initiatives of Bangladesh Bank and CIRDAP for development of SMEs.

We take SME as the priority and we always give importance to communications and joint initiatives with different stakeholders. Within the countries we are taking lot of initiatives with different organizations like Ministries, SME Foundation, EPB, BSCIC, Chambers, Women Chambers including Banks and NBFIs. Our initiatives are now going beyond the country. We performed different programs with international organizations, donor agencies and even with different High Commissions and Embassies. For SME development, joint initiatives both nationally and internationally are very important and we are committed to continue such initiatives. Ours is an exceptional central bank which is taking a lot of field focus initiatives for the sake of  unserved and undeserved people for accelerating inclusive growth process. Financial inclusion is our motto and we are trying to achieve it through financing agriculture, micro, cottage and small enterprise activities. Due to such efforts, Bangladesh economy is now on a very strong footing despite  on-going world recession.

I am indeed pleased to know that Bangladesh Bank is going to work with CIRDAP on SME sector. I think this is a very good idea which aims at talking joint initiatives with CIRDAP for pushing SME initiatives forward regionally and globally. CIRDAP member countries are also involved in SME activities and they also feel that SME initiatives are crucially important for hastening inclusive growth of individual country.

I feel especially enthused about all local, regional and global initiatives for SME promotion and development and believe there is ample scope for deepening mutuallybeneficial cooperation and support between SME policymakers and stakeholders of the CIRDAP member countries. I heartily congratulate CIRDAP for taking  thisinitiative.

I think it is a timely decision for both Bangladesh Bank and CIRDAP and they have signed a Memorandum of Understading (MOU) to cooperate with each other for the development of SMEs in Bangladesh. With this MOU, entrepreneurs, policymakers and other stakeholders related to SME sector of Bangladesh will be able to share and upgrade their knowledge with the counterparts of CIRDAP member countries. I hope this MOU will be effectively implemented.

I wish that both the organizations will work with dedication in different areas and develop overall SME environment for the benefit of cottage, micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. I wish the best success of today’s program with engaging, interactive deliberations.

Let me conclude here, looking forward to further deepening of relation with CIRDAP member countries. I wish success in cooperation of SME development.

Thank you all. 

The above speech is given by present governor of Bangladesh Bank, Dr. Atiur Rahman.