Bangladesh Bank (BB) is receiving encouraging response both from financial institutions and donors to its small business refinancing fund introduced to offer small entrepreneurs easy access to loans.
The central bank's revelation delighted the SME (small- and medium-sized enterprise) sector as the country's micro entrepreneurs gather in Dhaka from Monday to take part in the 'SME Fair 2005'. Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will inaugurate the 12-day exhibition at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
BB disbursed Tk101m (US$1,6m) among commercial banks and financial institutions from its small business refinancing fund during June 2004 to February 2005. Apart from the central bank's Tk101m contribution, the World Bank extended US$10m to the fund.
