Dhaka:The government is set to facilitate easier access to loans and services for women entrepreneurs by removing administrative obstacles, as announced by Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir. This initiative aims to enhance credit access and improve women's representation in policymaking.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Minister Muktadir shared these plans during a meeting with the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), led by President Sangita Ahmed. He emphasized the introduction of a single-window system, which will allow women entrepreneurs to obtain necessary documents such as trade licenses and import/export registration certificates online. This system will enable applications and fee payments from anywhere in the country or abroad, reducing the need for in-person visits to government offices.
The minister also highlighted an increase in SME financing, with loan facilities rising from Tk 300 crore to Tk 2,000 crore at an interest rate of 6 percent. He expressed optimism about restructuring the SME Board to increase women's representation in policymaking, thereby maximizing opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
BWCCI representatives pointed out key barriers such as lack of information, registration complexities, and limited district-level coordination. They proposed creating a comprehensive database, a central compliance desk, and holding regular coordination meetings between central and district levels to address these challenges.
The BWCCI delegation noted the absence of precise statistics on the number of women entrepreneurs and their business sectors, which hampers effective policy formulation and support. They suggested maintaining mandatory entrepreneur data at the district level and establishing a central compliance desk to assist with registration, documentation, and legal matters.
Minister Muktadir commended the alternative service platforms supporting women entrepreneurs and reiterated the government's commitment to improving access to business services and financing for women.