ICCB lists problems of SMEs

A leading chamber has identified some problems the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country are facing.
Access to capital, high interest rate, weak marketing and a lack of diversified products for exports are the key factors that hinder their growth, according to the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh.
“The SME sector is gradually being recognised as a thrust sector for industrial growth of the economy. Yet, given their potential, much more can and should be done,” said Mahbubur Rahman, president of the chamber.
Areas such as credit facilities, infrastructure, market access, quality and standards as well as training should be addressed, he said after inaugurating a workshop on “Financing SMEs: demystifying myths and realities” organised by the chamber in Dhaka.
He praised the Bangladesh Bank for introducing several schemes to help the SMEs develop further.
The central bank has taken various other steps to ensure institutional financing facilities under easy conditions, he added.
Mamun Rashid, chairman of the ICCB standing committee on banking, technique and practice, and Ataur Rahman, ICCB secretary general, also spoke.