DU Live: To help the CMSME sectors in Bangladesh, Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Center under the Dhaka University has launched ‘REVIVE’, a project in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, on its second anniversary celebration.

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun was the chief guest at the celebration programme while FBCCI President Sheikh Fazle Fahim and deputy resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh Van Nguyen were present as special guests on Thursday, said a press release.

The objectives of the REVIVE project is to enable an effective business environment for Cottage, Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (CMSMEs) in Bangladesh.

The areas the project will be highlighting on are confidence building and advisory service, facilitating effective policy formulation, and strengthening the supply chain network.

Addressing as the chief guest, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said Bangladesh is now on its journey towards achieving SDGs by 2030, becoming a developing country by 2041 and a prospecting delta.

“In order to build a sustainable Bangladesh, it is important that we join our hands together. These visions cannot be achieved without collaboration and partnership,” he added.

Sheikh Fazle Fahim cited the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and said, “Bangladesh government’s four key economic interventions prioritized government expenditure for money circulation, increasing banking liquidity, food aid to 45 million people, cash transfer to 5 million families, and most importantly Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s comprehensive financial stimulus package of US$ 12.1 billion under 19 categories targeted to extensively support businesses, exports, agriculture and informal sector including the marginalized communities.”

Van Nguyen talked about distressed women entrepreneurs affected by Covid-19 as 52 percent of CMSMEs closed and 28 percent showed a plummeting business during the lockdown.

About the REVIVE project, she said, “The initiative will let people receive free advisory business services we are partnering with you (ICE). Because we know you (ICE) have the comparative advantage. We need to act in unity and in solidarity.”

Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman presided over the programme.

Akhtaruzzaman said, “Despite being the youngest center of the University of Dhaka, ICE Center has already proven its worth. Since its establishment in 2018, it has been playing very significant roles in innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Executive Director of ICE Center Md Rashedur Rahman made the opening remarks at the programme while Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh Khurshid Alam was also present, among others.

Dhaka, 11 September (campuslive24.com)//MI