SME sector is making a big contribution to the country’s economy: Commerce Minister

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Commerce and Industry Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that the life of the country’s economy is the SME and MSME sector. The minister said that a large part of the total economy of Bangladesh is in the informal sector and the contribution of the SME sector is very important. 

He said this while addressing the chief guest at the opening ceremony of SME Boishakhi Mela 1433 at the premises of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center on Sunday (April 12) afternoon. 

The minister said that recently a credit wholesaling program of Tk 300 crore has been taken up for the development of the SME sector, which is being reached to the entrepreneurs through about 15 banks and 4 financial institutions. He expressed hope that this allocation will be further increased to 2000 crores in the future. 

He further said that through the development of SME sector, it is possible to create employment, diversify production and involve more people in this sector. For this purpose, the government will play a supportive role and stand by the entrepreneurs.

The 7-day SME Boishakhi fair has started at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon of the capital under the initiative of SME Foundation.

SME Foundation Chairperson and Industry Secretary. Shamim Ahmed, member of the board of directors of SME Foundation, was present as a special guest in the opening ceremony organized under the chairmanship of Obaidur Rahman. Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, managing director of the foundation, delivered the welcome speech.

This fair is organized to enliven the joy of the new year by capturing the tradition, culture and festival spirit of Bengal. This initiative has been taken to provide an opportunity to celebrate Boishakh with family, friends and loved ones in a safe and joyful environment.

In more than 150 stalls, SME entrepreneurs from different parts of the country are exhibiting and selling handicrafts and handicrafts, jute products, ready-made garments and fashion items, agro-processed products, traditional/heritage products, homemade food and street food, artificial jewellery, leather products and fragrances and lifestyle products.

It should be noted that the fair will be open for all from morning to night till April 18.