NRBC Bank on Friday organised a discussion with cluster-based industrial entrepreneurs to raise public awareness about the Tk 25,000 crore 'Pre-Finance Scheme' established by Bangladesh Bank (BB) for entrepreneurs in the Cottage, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CMSME) sector.
During the event held at a hotel in Gaibandha, loans were openly distributed among the hosiery cluster entrepreneurs of Gaibandha, according to a press release.
BB Executive Director Dr Md Kabir Ahmed handed over the loan cheques to the entrepreneurs. Also present were the central bank’s SME and Special Programs Department Director Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman, NRBC Bank Acting Managing Director Md Rabiul Islam, BB Additional Director Md Mostafizur Rahman, Joint Director Rahima Khatun, NRBC Bank SEVP Tanushree Mitra, NRBC Bank Micro Credit Department Head Md Ramzan Ali Bhuiyan, and local business association leaders.
A total of Tk 67 lakh in loan cheques was distributed among 10 entrepreneurs, including Ma Hosiery, Nazma Hosiery, Joba Hosiery, Hozaifa Fashion House, Tawfiq & Junaid Cloth Store & Garments, Lincoln Hosiery, Mahi Hosiery, Maruf & Lubna Cloth Store, Najis & Nirob Hosiery, and Sumi Hosiery.
Kabir Ahmed said that inclusive economic trends have been established through the initiatives of the government and BB. The programme to bring micro-entrepreneurs from remote villages under banking services is being successfully implemented, making banking services and loan access much easier for them. Various funds have been established to support entrepreneurs.
“Through commercial banks, BB is providing loans at low-interest rates under easy terms from various funds to new entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, and small entrepreneurs. The loans distributed today by NRBC Bank are also a result of Bangladesh Bank's efforts,” he said.
He further said that BB has identified and supported 177 clusters so far. By providing training and financial support to entrepreneurs, initiatives have been taken to export their products abroad. Cluster-based industries can play an important role in diversifying export products.
Like hosiery, other clusters also have large markets abroad. To ensure the proper export of Bangladeshi products to these markets, BB is forming various funds and providing other supportive measures, he added.
Rabiul Islam stated that NRBC Bank is prioritising cluster-based financing for the economic development of people in remote areas of the country. Microcredit programmes and SME loans are being brought to the doorstep of entrepreneurs.
He said that 80,000 entrepreneurs have received microloans so far. From BB’s Pre-Finance Fund, loans amounting to Tk 68.4 lakh have been distributed among approximately 10,000 entrepreneurs.
NRBC Bank is a successful implementer of all funds established by the government and BB for the development of new entrepreneurs at the grassroots level and the overall economy. This activity of NRBC Bank will be further expanded and continued for rural development, he added.
