DHAKA, June 26, 2022 (BSS) - The Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day will be observed tomorrow in the country to recognize the contribution of these industries in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Foundation has taken several programmes marking MSMEs Day.

On the eve of the day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today issued separate messages conveying greetings to SME entrepreneurs who are dedicated to economic development of the country.

In a message, the President said as a result of the implementation of extensive development activities by the government, Bangladesh is moving forward at an impeccable pace on the development highway today.

Bangladesh has already elevated to a developing country from a least-developed country, the head of the state said, adding: "I hope that the country's SME sector will be able to play a significant role in making this achievement sustainable and in tackling the various challenges following the transition to developing countries."

The Prime Minister, in her message, said that the present Awami League (AL)-led government is formulating various business-friendly policies and implementing programmes for the smooth development of small and medium industries.

"We have formulated Industrial Policy 2016 and SME Policy 2019," the premier added.

In various policies and strategies including SDG-2030, Vision-2041 and Eighth five-year plan, the SME sector has given importance, she said.

To counter the effects of the corona pandemic, the government has provided financial incentives to the SME industry and provided cash assistance to contribute to the export-sector, she added.

As a result of the development of cluster based industries at the grassroots level, more manpower is being employed in the labor sector and the number of women-entrepreneurs and workers are also increasing, Sheikh Hasina continued.

She said that the country's SME sector is playing an important role in increasing the employment opportunities of skilled manpower.

"Our government will continue to work together to strengthen the SME sector," she said.

She hoped that all those involved in the MSME-sector will play a more effective role in the overall economic development of the country.

Both the president and the premier wished all the success of the day.