Comprehensive strategy being adopted to promote small businesses: HBL president

"We are working on a comprehensive strategy to promote small businesses which would be connected to more employment opportunities. Capacity building is one of our goals," said President & CEO of Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Muhammad Aurangzeb.

Speaking at a meeting of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), he said that HBL has a consumer base which was expended to four generations of this country.

He said that the bank will stand fast with the industry despite difficult economic conditions.

He further said that HBL will introduce financing services for SME sector especially targeted to small farmers.

President of KATI, Sheikh Umer Rehan said that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should be to priority of Banking sectors, it is need of time for economic prosperity and employment opportunities.

He said that after increased rate of interest investment opportunities had affected adversely, especially in industrial sector. He said development of SMEs is the only solution to economic woes of Pakistan.

He observed that bank should introduce SME specific financing policies and products. He also briefed the delegation regarding the economic significance and production capabilities of Korangi Industrial Area.

Head of KATI's standing committee on Banking Tariq Malik said that with the largest network of branches HBL is not just the biggest banking service provider of Pakistan, we consider it a national asset for us.

He said that KATI always offers its platform to bring banking and industrial sector together.

He said that we will continue to play our role to strengthen the bond. On this occasion President HBL also answered the questions of participants.