Speakers in a workshop on Sunday emphasized the need for extending the stimulus loan repayment schedule and relaxing the existing conditions to accelerate the disbursement of loans in the SME sector.

 They also laid emphasis on a transparent policy ensuring inclusiveness and transparent policy response so that SMEs and women-led enterprises can tackle the Covid-induced challenges.

Read: Stimulus loan for CMSMEs: Disbursement may miss Dec deadline

They said the pandemic shock is still there in the business, and the price hike of raw materials has created a problem for the small enterprises to grow as the product price at the consumer level is not increasing.

 The workshop, held at a city hotel, focused on 'Covid-induced stimulus packages for SME's and women-led enterprises exploring research policy interlaces.

 Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Tazul Islam said the government always appreciates research work and innovations for financial inclusion.

 The government is implementing various stimulus packages with a special focus on the CMSME sector so that it can rebound soon, he said.

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 CPD research director Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem presented the keynote paper on the topic.

 Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde said Bangladesh women entrepreneurs are doing well and their country will continue to support them.

 Kazi Nabil Ahmed, member of the parliamentary standing committee on Finance Ministry, was present at the programme moderated by CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun.