NCC Bank PLC has recently signed an agreement with Ichiiba Limited to ensure faster and easier access to bank loans for entrepreneurs in the country's CMSME (cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises) sector.

Md Habibur Rahman, deputy managing director of NCC Bank PLC, and Nargish Fatema, director of Ichiiba Limited, signed the agreement at the bank's head office in Motijheel, Dhaka, according to a press release.

The signing marks a significant milestone in enhancing financial inclusion, improving supply chain efficiency and ensuring the sustainable growth of small and medium enterprises in the country.

Under the partnership, CMSME entrepreneurs within Ichiiba's network will gain access to quicker and more convenient financing facilities for the procurement of goods, payments, collections and the management of day-to-day business operations in suitable and potential areas.

The strategic partnership opens up new opportunities for CMSME entrepreneurs and will help make the sector more modern and competitive.

M Khurshed Alam, additional managing director of the bank; Mohammed Mizanur Rahman and Md Monirul Alam, deputy managing directors; Nighat Mumtaz, executive vice-president and head of sustainable and women's banking; Sharif Mohammad Mahsin, senior vice-president and head of SME; Md Sajjadul Islam, senior vice-president and head of the ICT division; Shahin Akter Nuha, senior vice-president and head of the transaction banking and cash management division; as well as Prof Syed Akhter Hossain, adviser of the Ichiiba Limited, and Iftekhar Hossain, general manager, were also prese.