BSS-16 Exploring SME sector stressed for faster economic growth

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ZCZC

BSS-16

SME-FAIR-RANGPUR (with picture)

Exploring SME sector stressed for faster economic growth

RANGPUR, Feb 25, 2019 (BSS) – Officials and business community leaders
here today stressed on exploring potential of the small and medium enterprise
(SME) sector to create job opportunities for boosting uplift and faster
economic growth.

They made these observations today at a post-rally discussion arranged
in the launching ceremony of the seven-day Rangpur Regional SME Product Fair-
2019 being organised by the SME Foundation on the Public Library ground in
the city.

The fair is being arranged with assistance of the district
administration, Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC),
Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Rangpur Metropolitan Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (RMCCI), Rangpur Women Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (RWCCI), National Association of Small and Cottage Industries
Bangladesh (NASIB) and other SME-related organisations.

The main objective of arranging the fair is to promote the local SME
sector and create jobs, enhance production of international standard SME
products, exhibition and introduction of SME goods for expanding business,
trade and commerce.

Divisional Director (Local Government) Md. Zakir Hossain formally
launched the fair by cutting ribbon and releasing balloons at the inaugural
ceremony as the chief guest with Deputy Commissioner Enamul Habib in the
chair.

Additional DIG for Rangpur Range Police Md. Mazid Ali, Deputy Director
(Local Government) Ruhul Amin Mian, RCCI President Mostafa Sohrab Chowdhury
Titu, RMCCI President Rezaul Islam Milon, President of district Awami League
Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, its Office Secretary Tauhidur Rahman Tutul addressed as
special guests.

Deputy General Manager of BSCIC for Rangpur AFM Jalal Uddin delivered
welcome speech narrating the importance, goals and objectives of arranging
the fair.

Sixty-nine SME institutions from all over the country, including Rangpur
division, women entrepreneurs, RCCI, RMCCI and RWCCI have set up their
respective stalls on the fair premises.

A huge spectrum of locally produced SME goods like leather and jute-made
products, handicrafts, processed agricultural products, electrical and
electronic goods, clothes, design and fashion wares and other products are
being exhibited and sold in the fair.

The speakers put special importance on promoting the local SME sector
involving more female entrepreneurs to create job opportunities for
unemployed youths for accelerating the pace of national development, economic
growth and poverty alleviation.

The RCCI President stressed on further easing the process of allocating
SME loans at single digit interest rates and skill development of local
entrepreneurs to flourish the sector and ensure production of international
standard SME products.

The chief guest discussed various pragmatic steps taken by the
government to promote the local SME sector for cutting poverty and creating
jobs to ensure faster economic growth and strengthening of the national
economy to accelerate progress.

BSS/MI/IJ/1630 hrs