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Speakers at a discussion marking International Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day 2025 stressed the need for enhanced policy support, easier access to finance, and nationwide expansion of services to strengthen the MSME sector as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The SME Foundation observed the day on Sunday, with a series of events including a colourful rally, a high-level discussion, and a women entrepreneurs' product exhibition at the Parjatan Bhaban and BIDA Auditorium in Dhaka.
The theme of this year's MSME Day, celebrated globally for the ninth time since its declaration by the United Nations in 2017, was 'Enhancing the Role of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises as Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation'.
The discussion was chaired by SME Foundation Chairperson Md Musfiqur Rahman, with Lutfey Siddiqui, special assistant to the Chief Adviser on international affairs, attending as special guest.
Among other distinguished guests were BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, Industry Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman, ILO Bangladesh Officer-in-Charge Pedro Jr Bellen, and CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya.
In his speech, Lutfey Siddiqui conveyed the government's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, saying, "The Chief Adviser has consistently promoted SME development and youth entrepreneurship both nationally and internationally. The interim government stands ready to support aspiring entrepreneurs."
BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury emphasised the interconnection between SMEs and investment. "If we aim for an inclusive and sustainable economy, we must create an SME-friendly investment climate," he said, calling for the sectors to be seen as complementary forces in national development.
Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman noted that the Ministry of Industries has prioritised SME development, and proposed establishing a permanent infrastructure for the SME Foundation with facilities including a product display centre, incubation space, and training institute.
Presenting a keynote paper, Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya underlined the critical importance of political will in SME development. "This sector is the backbone of our economy. Political parties must clearly outline in their election manifestos how they plan to advance SME development," he said.
SME Foundation Chairperson Md Musfiqur Rahman highlighted the Foundation's achievements, noting that over 2.5 million entrepreneurs-including 55 per cent women-have benefited directly from its services.
He acknowledged the Foundation's limitations due to financial and institutional constraints, such as the absence of regional branches, and called for urgent government support to expand its reach nationwide.
"The SME sector cannot be advanced unless policies are simplified, institutional capacity is enhanced, and access to finance is improved," he stressed.
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