Dhaka, Sept. 9 -- The cabinet approved the draft 'SME Policy 2019' in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office on Monday.

The policy, which has been drafted in light of the National Industrial Policy, will cover 7.8 million SMEs that contribute around 25 percent to GDP, according to Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam.

Bangladesh had until now SME Policy Strategies formulated in 2005. The new policy will be effective until June 2024.

It enhances six scopes for the entrepreneurs - funds, technology and innovation, access to markets, education and training, trade support, and access to information.

It also includes the creation of a 'Credit Guarantee Fund', which will allow the entrepreneurs to get funds on ea...