US-based EXIM Bank yesterday extended an offer to give easy loans to the Bangladesh government and private entrepreneurs to boost economic development in the country.

Bangladesh can use the loans to purchase aircraft, machinery, satellites and power equipment, the bank's Chairman Fred Hochberg said at a luncheon meeting of American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh, at the Westin Dhaka.

Hochberg referred to loans to Bangladesh Biman a few years ago to purchase four Boeing planes. The US EXIM Bank provides loans to foreign clients in sectors that eventually increase the export potential of US goods and services.

In 2011 and 2013, the bank had financed more than $500 million to allow Biman to acquire four Boeing 777-300ER long-range passenger aircraft. “Fostering jobs and economic growth are the primary goals of EXIM Bank.”

Bangladesh is an important market for the US, as it has been maintaining economic growth at 6.5 percent over the years and the income of the middle-class consumers is also increasing, said Hochberg.

American companies are especially interested in helping Bangladesh meet its ambitious infrastructure investment goals with sustainable and quality services and goods, he added.

He suggested improving infrastructure and the ease of doing business in Bangladesh so that more foreign direct investment, even from the US, can come here.

During his visit to Dhaka, he met with the business community and ministers to assure them that the EXIM Bank will assist the American firms to compete for Bangladeshi business.

Since President Barack Obama took office, the bank has supported over $650 million in US exports to Bangladesh -- more than any previous administration, he said.

Hochberg said 90 percent of their customers are small and medium enterprises. So, Bangladesh has a lot of potential investors and they can take loans for their enterprises, he added.

“Bangladesh is becoming an increasingly important market for the US for higher growth potential,” said Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, the US ambassador to Bangladesh.

Similarly, the US also wants to be a partner of the growth potential for the next decade, she added.

Attracting foreign investment is critically important for the economic development of Bangladesh, Bernicat said.

Nurul Islam, president of AmCham, said EXIM Bank invests in sectors that mainly create jobs. For example, the bank provided $1 billion to Vietnam in the manufacturing sector three years ago, which created a lot of jobs there, he added.

Economic Reporter :The 1st Managers' Conference- 2016 participated by all Managers of Noakhali Region of Pubali Bank Limited held recently.  Safiul Alam Khan Chowdhury, Additional Managing Director of Pubali Bank Ltd. was present as the chief guest. M Shahnawaz  Chowdhury, General Manager of Head Office was present as the special guest. DGM and RM of Noakhali Region Md. Khurshed Reza presided over the conference.Addressing the occasion,  Safiul Alam Khan Chowdhury underscored the need for expanding foreign remittance business through better customer and modern banking service. He said, "The range of the economy of Bangladesh is increasing as world economy is doing the same. Banking sector is playing the lead role here. He urged all to work sincerely in this competitive banking sector. Chowdhury stressed on selection of potential borrower and try to enhance bank business. He also advised all to work hard, look for new business avenues and diversification and to take concerted efforts for achieving the target fixed for the year 2016. M Shahnawaz  Chowdhury stressed on selection of potential borrower and try to expand bank business. He urged upon all the executives to keep close vigilance so that newly disbursed loans may not become overdue or classified. Intensive supervision and close monitoring of the loan should be made. In the conference, necessary strategies and plans were framed to achieve the target fixed for the year 2016. Branch Managers of Noakhali Region were also attended at the conference.

Economic Reporter :Eastern Bank Ltd. (EBL) on Tuesday announced the launch of Commercial Payment Solutions (CPS) powered by MasterCard to bring a new dimension in Business-to-Business (B2B) payments.The launch event was attended by Porush Singh, Country Corporate Officer, India and Division President, South Asia, MasterCard, Vikas Varma, Executive Director, South Asia, Syed Mohammad Kamal, Country Manager, Bangladesh from MasterCard, Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director and CEO, Additional Managing Director Hassan O. Rashid, Head of Consumer Banking Nazeem A. Choudhury of Eastern Bank as well as other senior officials and renowned business personalities of the country.

First Security Islami Bank on Tuesday congratulated Dr. Atiur Rahman, Governor of Bangladesh Bank for receiving ‘Bangla Academy Literary Award 2015. 

Syed Waseque Md. Ali, Managing Director and Quazi Osman Ali, Additional Managing Director of First Security Islami Bank Limited call on Dr. Atiur Rahman and congratulated him with floral wreath.

Among others, Abul Quasem, Deputy Governor, A.F.M Asaduzzaman, General Manager, Governor’s Secretariat, Bangladesh Bank, Azam Khan, Head of Marketing & Development Division, First Security Islami Bank Limited were also present on the occasion.

News:Daily Sun/3-Feb-2016

United Commercial Bank Limited (UCB) signed an agreement with SHAKIB’S-- a fine dining restaurant of Shakib Al Hasan at Bannai in the Capital on Tuesday (Feb 2).

Shakib Al Hasan, the one of the world’s leading all rounder in the cricket field and one of the key players of Bangladesh National Cricket Team.

Under the agreement, UCB Imperial Customers and UCB Platinum Credit Card holders will enjoy 12 % discount against A LA CARTE Menu Food Orders and Buy 1 & Get 1 Free Buffet Lunch on selected periods. 

Managing Director of UCB Muhammed Ali and Owner of SHAKIB’s  Shakib Al Hasan signed the agreement on behalf of respective organizations. 

Among others Additional Managing Directors of UCB namely A E Abdul Muhaimen were present at the event. Moreover, EVP & Acting Head of Retail Banking of UCB  M. Shafiqur Rahman; SVP & Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Affairs of UCB Javed Iqbal; along with other senior officials were present at the event.

United Commercial Bank Limited is the largest private commercial bank of the country with best financial services since its inception in 1983.

Caption: Managing Director of United Commercial Bank Limited Muhammed Ali and owner of SHAKIB’s  Shakib Al Hasan along with other officials at the agreement ceremony at the corporate office of the Bank.