Kasikornbank plans to increase its lending activities to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by participating in various government support programmes.
The bank intends to focus on SMEs with annual sales of under 50 million baht ((US$1.2m), said Pipit Aneaknithi, a first vice-president for Kasikornbank's retail business group.
Loan programmes such as mini-shop financing of 500,000 to 1 million baht (US$12,000 – US$24,000) would be offered to encourage new entrepreneurs. Other loan programmes would target the poultry and jewellery sectors.
The bank has already extended some 100 million baht in loans to approximately 100 companies producing goods under the One Tambon*, One Product (Otop) programme, as well as other loans to companies participating in the government's "smart fashion" campaign.
"The bank will continually launch new campaigns to show Otop entrepreneurs that we are serious," Mr Pipit said.
