Written by The Banking Post
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Swisscontact Bangladesh have signed an agreement to support sustainable and inclusive growth in Bangladesh’s capital market, with a strong focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and sustainable financing.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the DSE premises on Saturday by DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar and Swisscontact Bangladesh Country Director Helal Hossain.
Under the partnership, the two organisations will work together to improve SME access to capital market financing, strengthen corporate governance and compliance standards, and promote sustainable financial instruments.
The collaboration will prioritise sectors such as ready-made garments, healthcare and agriculture, while also supporting initiatives related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, sustainability reporting, climate resilience, entrepreneurship development and financial inclusion.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nuzhat Anwar said SMEs remain one of the main drivers of the economy but many still lack the institutional readiness needed to access long-term financing through the capital market.
She said the partnership would help create a stronger support ecosystem through training, advisory services and awareness programmes aimed at improving governance practices and financial literacy.
Helal Hossain said SMEs continue to face financing and compliance challenges despite their significant role in the economy. He noted that creating opportunities for alternative and equity-based financing has become increasingly important in the current economic environment.
He expressed hope that the collaboration would help promising SMEs reduce their dependence on traditional bank borrowing and gain wider access to capital market funding.
Officials said the partnership will also support the development of sustainable financing products, including green bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, sukuk and blended-finance models.
Market analysts believe the initiative could help diversify Bangladesh’s financing landscape and deepen participation in sustainable and SME-focused investments.
