Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has emphasized that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the driving force of the global economy. He stated that the current interim government, formed following the mass uprising in July, is deeply committed to the development of the country’s small and medium industrial sector.
In a message marking World Accreditation Day, delivered on Sunday, the Chief Adviser highlighted the importance of sustainable industrialization, trade, and investment, and called on the Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) and all related institutions to continue playing a proactive role in achieving the desired growth in the SME sector.
He noted that fostering the development of SMEs is crucial not only for economic growth but also for creating employment opportunities and ensuring inclusive prosperity across the country.
In his message, the Chief Adviser (CA) said he is happy to know that Bangladesh joins with other countries to observe the World Accreditation Day.
“This year’s theme of the day appears to me as time befitting,” he said adding the accreditation system plays an important role in addressing the challenges of SME enterprises by ensuring quality at all levels of the product and service supply chain through the development of national quality infrastructure, creating skilled technical manpower, removing technical barriers to trade and creating opportunities for entry into international markets.
“A large part of our gross domestic product (GDP) comes from the SME sector. The role of this sector is also very important in creating new jobs,’ he added.
The CA said the SME enterprises are constantly facing challenges such as barriers to entry into international markets, changing customer and consumer demands and financial constraints. A collective global initiative is needed to address all these challenges, he added.
Muhammad Yunus said, BAB since its inception has been working towards this goal and has so far awarded accreditation certificates to a total of 155 government, private, and multinational organizations, including various laboratories, diagnostic centers, certification bodies, and inspection bodies, according to international standards.