Financial service for ICT entrepreneurs launched

Aiming to solve the shortage of capital of the ICT entrepreneurs and companies in Bangladesh, BASIS and IDLC have officially launched a complete financial service programme called "IDLC Udbhabon", reports BSS.

Loan facilities will be offered under this programme including loans for startups, short term loan, loan to buy domestic software or IT enable services and commercial space.

State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak Thursday officially launched the programme at a city hotel. Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Naznin Sultana, BASIS President Shameem Ahsan, IDLC CEO and Managing Director Selim R F Hussain and BASIS Joint Secretary General Mostafizur Rahman Sohel were also present on the occasion, said a press release.

Speaking on the occasion,  Mr Palak said new IT entrepreneurs and young entrepreneurs are facing challenges relating to capital or investment.

To overcome the challenges, IDLC will facilitate the special interest loans for the BASIS member companies including startups loan and short term loan, he added.

 Mr Palak hoped the joint initiative of BASIS and IDLC will open the window of opportunity for the new generation.

Naznin Sultana termed the financial offer as a very timely initiative for the growth of the ICT industry.

She hoped this financial service will surely contribute towards the development of the country's economy.

Under this programme, IDLC will not only provide the financial services for ICT companies but also will refer it's SME/corporate clients to BASIS if they wish to purchase any software. The client will get special discount in this way. IDLC will provide loans to the companies who wish to purchase software from the BASIS member companies. Due to this, domestic software sale will be increased and import will be discouraged. Above all, this will help the Software and ICT industry of the country to contribute to the GDP by 1 per cent by 2018.