FE Report

Speakers at a discussion Sunday emphasised on developing a policy for quota and separate market allocation for women entrepreneurs.

Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) organised the discussion meeting at CSS Ava Center in Khulna in cooperation with USAID and PRODIP of The Asia Foundation to identify the challenges women entrepreneurs face and the ways to overcome those.

Nazrul Islam Monju, local lawmaker (Khulna-2 constituency), was the chief guest and Ms Ruma Khatu, panel mayor of Khulna City Corporation was the guest of honor at the discussion, which was addressed, among others, by various stakeholders including government and non-government officials, bankers, representatives from civil society and women entrepreneurs.

BWCCI's vice president Ms Hasina Newaaz presided over the meeting, said a press release.

Hasina Newaaz said involvement of women in entrepreneurial activities in last few years created new dimensions in the socio-economic structure of the country.

But still we don't have separate national business policies for women entrepreneurs, she said, emphasising on promoting women entrepreneurship development especially for facilitating their access in finance and market, policy and legislative support.

BWCCI's Project Manager Sultan Chand presented findings of an assessment, conducted by the chamber on constraints and opportunities of women entrepreneurs in relation to access to finance and in access to market.

Mr Nazrul Islam expressed his comment to join his hands for enhancing the policy environment and oversight support.

If anyone informs about any obstacle in getting bank loan then he will move to the bank with BWCCI as part of oversight support, he said.