MOU between Ministry of Economy and BLC bank to create new work opportunities and to support small and medium enterprises

The Minister of Economy and Trade Nicholas Nahhas exchanged together with the President of the Board of Directors of BLC bank, Maurice Sahnaoui, a memorandum of understanding through which BLC bank will be provided with the Ministry's database and statistics to be uploaded in the website devoted for disseminating useful and practical information to holders of small and micro enterprises.  During the signing event, BLC bank revealed that it has entered into an exclusive partnership with International Finance Company IFC to launch the Lebanese edition of the specialized website  http://WWW.LEBNON.SMETOOLKIT.COM .
The website was developed by IDM to serve as a technology platform for the creation of a conducive environment for the development of small and medium enterprises in Lebanon and thus will provide an interactive system to small and medium business holders so as to enable them to learn, exchange and network on best practices in managing sustainable businesses, increasing productivity and profits, in accessing larger financing and internal and external markets.
The President of the Board of Directors of BLC bank noted that the engagement of the bank in this initiative reflects its commitment to small and medium enterprises sector and to the role it can play in economic growth, comprehensive development, and in creating work opportunities.  He added that several pilot and professional programmes were prepared to improve businesses such as non financial services, counseling, training, needs assessment and the recognition of successful business through the provision of awards for the best woman entrepreneur and for best projects. Sahnaoui particularly spotlighted the success achieved by the women empowerment initiative which is implemented in collaboration with IFC.
Source: Al-Diyar, Al-Mustaqbal, Al-Nahar, Al-Safir 11 June 2013