Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the primary objective of the present government is to create employment opportunities by fostering entrepreneurs.
He made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at the launch and cheque distribution ceremony for the Small Business, Microcredit, and Micro-enterprise Fund project organised by Karmasangsthan Bank at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Monday.
"This is a pilot project worth Tk 50 crore. Karmasangsthan Bank began its journey to create employment opportunities and develop entrepreneurs by extending loans to individuals who hesitate to approach traditional commercial banks," the minister said.
Highlighting new economic avenues, Khosru noted that the government has launched an initiative centered on the "creative economy," where marginal creative individuals are provided with loans alongside training, product branding, and marketing support.
"I would urge Karmasangsthan Bank to adopt similar programmes. This contributes directly to GDP, it is not charity. Even individuals involved in creative pursuits, such as music, can be promoted to contribute to the national economy. The government wants to monetize their talents, add value to their work, and make them marketable to bring them into the economic mainstream," he added.
The minister expressed optimism that focusing on the creative economy would positively impact the broader economy and generate fresh employment.
Commending the performance of Karmasangsthan Bank, the finance minister advised the institution to lower its Non-Performing Loans (NPL) from 4 per cent down to 1 or 2 per cent, noting that the bank is currently performing well and operating profitably.
