Home ›› 13 Feb 2022 ›› Corporate
Bangladeshi freelancers will now be able to receive payments instantly to their bKash account from all over the world through Payoneer.
Payoneer, a US-based commerce technology company powering payments and growth for the new global economy, BRAC Bank, and bKash jointly launched the service through a virtual event on Thursday.
State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak inaugurated the service as the chief guest, bKash said in a statement.
Russel T Ahmed, President of BASIS; Rohit Kulkarni, Regional Senior Vice President of Payoneer and Robert Clarkson, Chief Revenue Officer of Payoneer; Selim RF Hussain, Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank and Kamal Quadir, Chief Executive Officer of bKash along with senior officials of respective organisations also joined the event.
“I would like to thank bKash, Payoneer and BRAC Bank for making the process faster and secured for the freelancers,” Palak said, adding that skilled human resources are their greatest strength.
He said around 650,000 freelancers of the country have been contributing 16 per cent to the world’s online outsourcing.
According to a study by Oxford Internet Institute, Bangladesh is the second-largest destination for online outsourcing, Palak said.
During the last 13 years, 2 million young technology-based employment have been created with various initiatives and policies of the government, and we are working for further expansion, he added.
“Bangladesh is a key growth market for Payoneer globally,” said Robert Clarkson.
Clarkson said they have always believed in the incredible potential of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and this partnership with bKash highlights their commitment to invest in and provide the best solutions for our local customers.
“Our mission is to be a partner of growth for digital businesses of all sizes, from all corners of the world. We are thrilled to team up with local leaders like bKash and BRAC Bank to empower Bangladeshi freelancers to expand their economic opportunities.”
Selim RF Hussain said they are delighted to be a partner of bKash and Payoneer in bringing earnings of the freelancers directly and instantly to bKash account.
“This service will give comfort and convenience to the freelancing professionals and enhance remittance inflow to the country in legal channel. Together we can play an enabling role in making Bangladesh a global freelancing hub and boost foreign exchange earnings.”
Kamal Quadir said riding on the expanding digital infrastructure of Bangladesh, there is ample opportunity to take the country’s freelancing sector to a stronger position in the global market.
“The easy method of getting payments in their bKash accounts through a regulated process will remove one of the key pain points of freelancers, which is to conveniently receive payment from their clients. This will surely encourage more people to start freelancing as well as help the existing ones dedicate more time and attention to their tasks.”
Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi freelancers are currently providing services in this sector worldwide.
With this new service tailored for local freelancers, bKash customers will be able to easily register a new Payoneer account, or link their existing account from the ‘Remittance’ icon of the bKash app.
Once linked, freelancers can check their Payoneer account balance, and instantly bring their payments to their bKash accounts.
