BB scheme for women entrepreneurs gets bigger

Bangladesh Bank yesterday increased the volume of the refinance scheme dedicated to women entrepreneurs with a view to facilitating female-led businesses.The volume of the scheme now stands at Tk 3,000 crore compared to Tk 1,500 crore previously, according to a central bank notice.Female entrepreneurs in cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises will be able to take loans from the scheme.A central bank official says it rolled out the scheme in 2019, when both male and female entrepreneurs were allowed to avail the loans. But the scheme was later dedicated only to female entrepreneurs.

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/bb-scheme-women-entrepreneurs-gets-bigger-3355621

Nagad offers smart payment options at cattle markets

Nagad, a mobile financial service provider in Bangladesh, has come up with a smart payment option at the cattle haat, offering its customers safe and convenient buying and selling of sacrificial animals. As part of its efforts to help Bangladesh’s transition to a ‘Smart Nation’, such a payment option has been introduced at smart cattle markets. Customers will get attractive gifts alongside a maximum security while making payments using Nagad.Nagad has taken the lead in every initiative of the government to promote cashless transactions. As part of that, it has been entrusted with the responsibility to ensure cashless transactions at two smart haats in the capital – Gabtali and Basila cattle markets.

Source: https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade-market/nagad-offers-smart-payment-options-at-cattle-markets-1687711232

RMG exports get new route through Mongla Port

Mongla Port, the country’s second-largest seaport, has witnessed a surge in activity and has become a key gateway for garment exports and imports, thanks to the enhanced connectivity provided by the Padma Bridge. This development has opened up new opportunities for Bangladesh’s largest export-earning sector, the apparel industry, which previously relied heavily on the Chattogram port. On 27 July 2022, Swedish fashion giant H&M took the initiative to ship goods from Mongla port through the Padma Bridge, aiming to reduce lead time, as reported by industry insiders and buyers eager to capitalise on the time and cost savings.

Source: https://www.tbsnews.net/supplement/rmg-exports-get-new-route-through-mongla-port-656382