IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and City Bank PLC signed a partnership agreement at the head office of City Bank recently. Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman, and Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director & CEO of City Bank, and Martin Holtmann, Country Manager, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal of IFC, and Allen Forlemu, IFC Regional Industry Director of Financial Institutions Group for Asia & Pacific, were present. IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is investing $50 million in City Bank PLC to help SMEs grow, create jobs, and boost economic recovery.
On this occasion, an agreement signing ceremony was recently held at the head office of City Bank, says a statement.
The investment from IFC will help close the gap in SME financing, as the City Bank will use the funds to extend new loans to SMEs, particularly those involved in import and export.
This partnership comes at a critical time for the financial sector when inflation and currency challenges have made it harder for businesses to access affordable credit. Strengthening SME financing will sustain operations, maintain jobs, and support key sectors in the economy.
City Bank's Managing Director & CEO Mashrur Arefin expressed appreciation, saying, "We are grateful for IFC's support. This investment will help small businesses overcome challenges and play a bigger role in Bangladesh's future."
Allen Forlemu, IFC Regional Industry Director of Financial Institutions Group for Asia & Pacific, said, "Small businesses are essential to Bangladesh's economy. By supporting them, we aim to improve access to finance and promote inclusive growth."
Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of City Bank PLC, and Martin Holtmann, Country Manager, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal of IFC, were present at the signing ceremony.
Building on a decade-long commitment to strengthening Bangladesh's private sector, IFC has invested $765 million in local banks since 2014 to enhance SME financing.
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