BFTI and SME Foundation Sign MoU to Enhance MSME Development

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 18 November 2025 between the Small and Medium Enterprise Foundation (SMEF) and the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) to strengthen cooperation in research, policy development, training, trade facilitation, and SME sector development. The signing ceremony was held at the SMEF Board Room, Parjatan Bhaban, Level: 7, West Agargaon, Dhaka 1207.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Saif Uddin Ahammad (Joint Secretary), Chief Executive Officer (Additional Charge) of BFTI, and Mr. Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director (Grade-1) of SMEF. Mr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, Chairperson of SMEF, graced the ceremony as the chairperson.

The partnership aims to enhance the productivity, competitiveness, and export readiness of Bangladesh’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—a sector vital for economic growth, employment generation, and export diversification. Under the MoU, both institutions will collaborate on joint research, policy dialogue, training and capacity-building programs, seminars, workshops, and the exchange and dissemination of research outputs and sectoral insights.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Saif Uddin Ahammad, CEO, BFTI stated that BFTI is pleased to partner with SMEF in advancing national priorities for trade competitiveness and SME development. He highlighted that joint research and policy initiatives will help MSMEs navigate global market challenges and explore new export opportunities.

Mr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, Chairperson of SMEF, emphasized that the MoU marks an important step toward accelerating the growth and global readiness of the MSME sector. Mr. Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director (Grade-1) of SMEF, added that the collaboration will strengthen evidence-based policymaking, enhance entrepreneurial capacity, and facilitate new market access for SMEs in the post-LDC graduation era.

 Senior officials and representatives from both BFTI and SMEF were also present at the MoU signing ceremony.