If we can equip our CMSMEs with technological advancement, innovation and know-how with necessary policy guidelines and reform, this crucial sector will implement future of our smartBangladesh, said Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar, President of DCCI at a seminar on Saturday.
He also said that it is high time to support the SMEs and make them digitally equipped to grab future opportunities. We all are aware that SME is instrumental in the economy of Bangladesh, making substantial contributions to employment, GDP and export earnings.
"As a whole, 9 million SMEs with 24.5 million workforces in diverse sectors from agriculture, manufacturing, trade and services to export-oriented sectors are recognized as the lifeline of the economy of Bangladesh", he added.
The seminar titled “Technology for Smart CMSMEs” was organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI).
Md. ShamsulArefin, Secretary, Information and Communication Technology Division, Government of Bangladesh was present as the chief guest while Md. Abul Kalam Azad, former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister was present as special guest.
Md. Mahbubor Rahman, Chairman, BSCIC was present as guest of honour. Md. Shamsul Arefin, Secretary, Information and Communication Technology Division, Government of Bangladesh urged upon good governance and said that technology is the best way to ensure good governance. He also said that private sector gets the most benefitsout of good governance as they can get easy and hassle free government services. He said that adequate data of SME sector is essential for taking data-driven decision by the government. He termed CMSME sector as the main player of economic growth in the country. If we can strengthen private sector technologically, they will move our economy into the next level, he added.
Md. Abul Kalam Azad, former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister said private sector is the engine of growth and the CMSMEs play the vital role in this regard. Despite having various problems, our resilient SMEs are carrying the economy of the country forward. Later he said that there is no fear of embracing technology rather it’s a blessings of time and the more we can adopt technology, the faster we can achieve development.
Md. Mahbubor Rahman, Chairman, BSCIC said that countrywide, BSCIC has 85 offices and they have a refinancing scheme of 100 crore taka and out of it BSCIC gives loan to the SMEs at a rate of 5% interest. Since the CMSMEs cannot afford large plot in BSCIC industrial area that is why, BSCIC in its new policy allows small spaces to be allotted for CMSMEs, he informed.
He agreed that skill development is a big challenge and for that BSCIC is working to train people through their training center in Uttara.
Md. Saifur Rahman, Managing Director, GBL Fintech Ltd. in his power point presentation said that in the entrepreneurship development and global innovation index, the position of Bangladesh is 84th and 105th respectively.
Md. Mezbaul Haque, Executive Director, Bangladesh Bank urged to implement digital payment system across the country. “We have come to an era of digital lifestyle rollout”, he said. He moreover, said that we have a lot of technology in hand but we have limitations in real-time optimum utilization.
DCCI Senior Vice President S M Golam Faruk Alamgir (Arman), Vice President Md. Junaed Ibna Ali were also present on the occasion. Coordinating Director, Convenor and Joint Convenor of DCCI ICT Standing Committee respectively Mamnun Quader, Rashad Kabir and Mir Shahrukh Islam also spoke on the occasion.
