Licensed by Ministry of Commerce, GOB & Affiliated to FBCCI

T.O. License No. 08/2007, RJSC Registration No. T680

SMEOAB news will be updated soon !!!

Introduction

Small and medium industries play vital role in the economic development specially the countries of emerging economy. They are engaged in manufacturing, services and trading sector. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are treated as the engines of growth and drivers of innovation worldwide. They play a significant role in driving economic growth and creating jobs. In Bangladesh, the sector is changing the face of the economy. SMEs are playing a vital role for the country's accelerated industrialization and economic growth, employment generation and reducing poverty. SMEs now occupy an important position in the national economy. They account for about 45 percent of manufacturing value addition, about 80 percent of industrial employment, about 90 percent of total industrial units and about 25 percent of the labour force. Their total contribution to export earnings varies from 75 percent to 80 percent. The industrial sector makes up 33 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), most of which is coming from the SMEs. The total number of SMEs in Bangladesh is estimated to be 82,00,000 establishments. Of which, 92 percent are micro and small, and 8 percent are medium enterprises.

Problems of SME sector

SMEs in Bangladesh facing severe problems in doing their businesses. They face undue competition with the large industrial groups who are in better competitive facilities .Large industries are now engaged in manufacturing and marketing with the products that are produced by the micro and small industries such as Jhal muri, Canachur, Vermicelli’s, Noddle’s, Bon Ruti, Plastic Mug, Bodna, bowl etc. These large industries engaged in dumping products, because of which SME products & manufacturers may ousted from the market. Advertising and promotional budget of these large industries are higher than the total capital of a small industry. Their cost of fund is significantly lower and have easy access than the SME industries. A law named Competition law-2012 exists in country to protect the small sectors but not functioning at all. Government should take necessary measures to protect the SMEs but in reality, those are not seen.

Prospects

Since independence, our countrymen are working independently & have engaged themselves in different activities to earn as per their demand. Our businesses come from an infinite period. But the distinction & classification appears in recent couple of decades. If we could overcome the above-mentioned problems like SME financing, achieving modern technology & existing marketing problems, business & industry of our country may reach to a certain level on economic development. we must give support to the SMEs`. That support for SMEs might come both from Government side as well as the private sector.