SAARC Development Fund (SDF) and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at SIDBI office in Mumbai on March 21 to collaborate for the growth and strengthening of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector in SAARC member states.

SDF and SIDBI will agree to work together for providing funding in India as well as other SAARC member states for MSMEs, co-funding of projects in MSMEs, planning and implementing of joint programmes wherever required, extending lines of credit to SIDBI and development of suitable financial products for MSMEs of the SAARC region.

“SDF is committed towards promotion of regional integration in the SAARC region through its projects and programmes.” Chief Executive Officer of SDF, Dr. Sunil Motiwal said.

Dr. Kshatrapati Shivaji, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director of SIDBI also confirmed SIDBI’s commitment towards promotion of MSME sector in SAARC region through its collaboration with SDF.

SIDBI, set up on April 2, 1990 under an Act of Indian Parliament, is the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing and development of the MSME sector and for co-ordination of the functions of the institutions engaged in similar activities. SIDBI is among the top 30 development banks in the world.

SDF was established by the eight SAARC member states in April 2010 to promote the welfare of the people of SAARC region, improve their quality of life, and to accelerate economic growth, social progress and poverty alleviation in the region.

The Fund is to serve as the umbrella financial institution for SAARC projects and programmes which are in fulfilment of the objectives of the SAARC Charter.

Staff Reporter 

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