Entrepreneurs call for easier finance, export expansion

Entrepreneurs at the ongoing “SME Baishakhi Fair 1433” have called for easier access to finance, lower-interest loans, expanded export opportunities, and stronger technology-driven modernisation to ensure the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector.
The seven-day fair, organised by the SME Foundation at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, began on Sunday and will continue until 18 April. 
Industries, Commerce, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir inaugurated the event as the chief guest.
At the fair, SME entrepreneurs said that despite their significant contribution to the economy, the sector still lacks adequate financial and policy support.
Aryan Imran, CEO and CMO of Trendyfur, said his company is participating in the fair for the first time with more than 150 wood and handicraft products featuring unique designs and patterns.
“We have priced our products between Tk45 and Tk4,000. They are made entirely from local materials, but we plan to import raw materials for future production,” he said, adding that policy support and low-interest loans are essential for expansion.
Nur Hossain, representing “Tant Palli” from Shahjadpur in Sirajganj, said their weaving business is a family heritage passed down through generations. 
“We come here every year mainly to promote our products. Buyers place orders according to their needs,” he said, adding that they have brought sarees priced between Tk1,000 and Tk16,000 this year.
Entrepreneurs collectively stressed the need to expand export markets beyond domestic demand, warning that without global integration, the sector’s growth potential would remain limited. 
They also called for simplified loan procedures and reduced interest rates, particularly for women entrepreneurs.
They further emphasised the importance of technology-driven modernisation in production, marketing, and branding to remain competitive in international markets, noting that the sector still lacks sufficient financial and policy support despite its major contribution to the economy.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the SME sector is the backbone of the economy. 
He announced that the SME Foundation’s credit wholesaling fund will be increased from Tk300 crore to Tk2,000 crore to support sectoral growth.
He said the government aims to strengthen SME development and will support practical proposals from entrepreneurs under the leadership of the BNP government led by Tarique Rahman.
Fair as cultural and commercial platform
Organisers said the fair aims to bring together Bengali heritage, culture, and festive spirit, offering families a safe and joyful environment to celebrate the Bengali New Year. 
More than 150 stalls are showcasing handicrafts, jute products, garments, fashion items, agro-processed goods, traditional heritage products, street food, artificial jewellery, leather goods, perfumes, and lifestyle products.
The fair is open daily from 10am to 7pm, while Pahela Baishakh celebrations begin at 8am. 
Cultural programmes include performances by students of Shanto-Mariam University, Kudus Boyati, Sohan Ali, Projonmo Dance Troupe, Ocean Music Crew, Nrityachhaya, and Baul artists.
Visitors are also enjoying a range of attractions including ferris wheels, face painting, fortune-telling with parrots, monkey shows, kids’ zones, balloon shooting, stilt walking, indigenous and folk dances such as Gambhira and Manipuri, live T-shirt painting, and traditional drum performances.
A “Tokai Group” is performing street shows throughout the event, while the “Taste of Bangladesh” corner is featuring traditional foods from eight districts.
Ticket prices are set at Tk30 for daily entry and Tk200 for a seven-day express pass, with free parking facilities.
According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics economic survey, SMEs contribute around 30% to the national economy. 
About 99% of the country’s 1.18 crore industrial establishments fall under cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprises (CMSMEs), which also generate around 85% of total industrial employment. More than three crore people are engaged in the sector.
Since its establishment in 2006, the SME Foundation has supported around 21 lakh entrepreneurs, 60% of whom are women.