SME sector contributes nearly 30pc to GDP Industries adviser

Business Report :

Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said yesterday that the Buyer-Seller Summit 2025 will boost entrepreneurs’ confidence, open new markets, and strengthen buyer-seller relationships.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the summit, held at the Institute of Architects Bangladesh multipurpose hall in Agargaon, the adviser noted that the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector contributes nearly 30 percent to the country’s GDP and generates 85 percent of industrial employment.

He added that SME Foundation is working on policy support, entrepreneur training, technology development, market expansion, and women entrepreneurship promotion. So far, around 2,800 entrepreneurs have received loans totaling Tk185 crore through the foundation.

Adilur also emphasised that such initiatives connect cluster-based grassroots entrepreneurs directly with commercial buyers, help create new markets, and provide mentoring support for business growth.

The event was jointly organized by SME Foundation and the World Bank Group, Bangladesh. Among the distinguished attendees were World Bank Group Division Director Jean Peme, Senior Private Sector Specialist Hosna Ferdous Sumi, SME Foundation Chairperson Mushfiqur Rahman, and other entrepreneurs. The welcome address was delivered by SME Foundation Managing Director Anwar Hossain Chowdhury. This year’s summit featured 46 entrepreneurs, including 17 cluster-based groups from sectors such as leather, light engineering, handloom, home textiles, bamboo-cane, wood, pottery, and jewelry, along with 12 women-led enterprises. Nearly 50 chain buyer houses participated in the summit.About 70,000 companies in 177 clusters across 51 districts generate an annual turnover of around Tk 30,000 crore. Subsequently, 20 more clusters have been identified.

Among the most significant clusters are those in light engineering, handloom, embroidery, small garments, handicrafts, furniture, bamboo and rattan, jewellery, and leather goods.
Following the discussion session, the industries adviser and the World Bank director visited the exhibition stalls showcasing signature products from participating entrepreneurs.