FBCCI Forum Hosts Dialogue on Women-Led Business Hurdles

• Women entrepreneurs seal affordable credit and institutional backing to build future-ready enterprise
• Government and sector leaders outlined training initiatives unlocking women’s full economic contribution
• FBCCI plans nationwide women’s chambers to boost participation and long-term economic growth

At a recent interactive forum conducted by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), women entrepreneurs interacted with government officials as well as representatives of various sectors with the aim of exchanging views at the ground level regarding capability enhancements. The dialogue focused on building resilient women’s business associations and driving sustainable, long-term growth.

As women leaders take on more significant roles within organizations, women business chamber representatives are calling on policymakers for easier access to finance and more skill-building institutional support for women-owned enterprises in Bangladesh.

Calling attention to everyday financing roadblocks, women entrepreneurs said promised load facilitates often stall at local bank levels despite clear central bank guidance. Presiding over the session, FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan assured participants that recommendations would be placed before the government for action. Emphasising inclusion as a growth driver, he highlighted plans to expand women’s chambers nationwide, calling it as a catalyst for higher and broader economic development.

FBCCI Secretary General Md Alamgir added that despite women being integral to country’ progress, their integration into formal economic systems remains incomplete, even if strides since independence are evident.

WEAB President Nasreen Fatema Awal called for better on-ground delivery of women-focused policies through affordable credit and skills support, while BUILD CEO Ferdous Ara Begum flagged low awareness in rural areas as a key barrier to accessing government benefit. Tanvir Ahmed of the SheTrades Initiative highlighted key barriers to women-led businesses, while Sultana Yasmin of the Ministry of Industries outlined government-led training and support initiatives.