Dhaka:The government is initiating measures to simplify administrative processes for women entrepreneurs, improve their access to financing, and enhance their representation in policymaking, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized efforts to make business services more accessible to women entrepreneurs through digitalization and a single-window system during a meeting with a delegation from the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) at the Industries Ministry.
The introduction of a single-window system will allow women entrepreneurs to obtain essential documents, such as trade licenses and Import and Export Registration Certificates, online. This initiative aims to enable entrepreneurs to apply for services and pay fees remotely, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices and easing the completion of necessary business formalities.
Regarding financing for the SME sector, Muktadir stated that the loan allocation had been increased significantly from Taka 300 crore to Taka 2,000 crore, with a reduced interest rate of 6 percent. He also expressed support for restructuring the SME Board to increase women's representation in policymaking bodies, ensuring greater access to opportunities.
BWCCI representatives, led by President Sangeeta Ahmed, addressed several challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, such as the absence of reliable data, complexities in formal business registration, and limited coordination at the district level. They proposed creating a comprehensive database of women entrepreneurs and establishing a central compliance desk to assist with business registration and legal procedures.
Moreover, the BWCCI delegation stressed the need for regular meetings between central and district-level representatives to address local issues and facilitate coordinated solutions. The commerce minister acknowledged these proposals and reiterated the government's commitment to expanding access to business services and financing for women entrepreneurs.