Prime Bank Backs Export Growth Initiative

In a significant move to bolster Bangladesh’s export landscape, Prime Bank PLC has entered into a strategic partnership with Export Sheba. The collaboration is designed to promote export business development while enhancing the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and emerging exporters across the country.

The agreement was formally signed at a ceremony in Dhaka, underscoring a shared commitment to improving exporter readiness through structured training, advisory services, and the dissemination of practical knowledge. The initiative is expected to address long-standing gaps in export expertise, particularly among first-time exporters and businesses seeking to diversify beyond traditional sectors.

Under the terms of the partnership, Export Sheba will take the lead in organising specialised training programmes, workshops, and advisory sessions. These will focus on critical areas such as international trade regulations, export documentation procedures, compliance standards, and identifying viable opportunities in global markets. By equipping entrepreneurs with these essential skills, the programme aims to reduce entry barriers and improve the competitiveness of Bangladeshi products abroad.

A notable feature of the initiative is its emphasis on non-ready-made garment (non-RMG) sectors. While Bangladesh has achieved considerable success in garment exports, diversification remains a key economic priority. This collaboration seeks to nurture exporters in sectors such as agro-processing, light engineering, handicrafts, and information technology, enabling them to operate in a more structured and compliant manner.

The agreement was signed by Mr M. Nazeem A. Choudhury, Deputy Managing Director of Prime Bank, and Mr Jahid Hussain, Founder of Export Sheba, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. Their participation highlights the strategic importance of the initiative within the broader context of national export development.

The partnership also reinforces the role of the Prime Bank SME TradeFin Centre as a hub for exporter support. By integrating financial services with knowledge-based assistance, the bank aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports sustainable export growth.

Key Elements of the Agreement

This initiative reflects a growing recognition that financial support alone is insufficient to drive export success. By combining expertise, training, and institutional backing, the partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a more diversified and resilient export sector in Bangladesh.