Staff Reporter : Prime Bank PLC. successfully organized an SME Cluster Financing Awareness Program at the Small Garments Cluster, Saidpur, Nilphamari recently, aimed at promoting inclusive and accessible financial services for the region’s thriving SME garment sector.
The event was graced by Nawshad Mustafa, Director, SMESPD, Bangladesh Bank as the Chief Guest; while M. Nazeem A. Choudhury, Deputy Managing Director of Prime Bank presided over the program. The event was part of Prime Bank’s broader strategy to empower Cottage, Micro, Small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs) through targeted cluster-based financing solutions.
More than 100 entrepreneurs and members of the local garments cluster participated in the interactive session. During the program, cluster members had the opportunity to exchange views directly with the Director of Bangladesh Bank and the DMD of Prime Bank on critical financing needs, barriers to accessing formal financial services and expectations from banks and regulators.
Nawshad Mustafa, Director, SMESPD, Bangladesh Bank emphasized the central bank’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion, enhancing access to credit for CMSMEs and supporting cluster-based growth models that spur regional economic development. He appreciated Prime Bank’s initiative in bridging the gap between CMSME entrepreneurs and formal banking channels.
Nazeem A. Choudhury, Deputy Managing Director of Prime Bank reiterated Prime Bank’s strong focus on CMSME financing, highlighting its dedicated cluster financing model, tailored products and digital tools to facilitate seamless access to finance for cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises across the country.
The awareness session featured presentations on available financing schemes, documentation support and capacity-building programs to enhance the bankability of CMSMEs. Prime Bank also shared success stories from similar clusters in other parts of Bangladesh.
This program marks a significant step toward strengthening the partnership between financial institutions and grassroots entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development goals and economic upliftment of underserved regions.