NDB facilitates SME integration with digital technologies in partnership with IFC

National Development Bank (NDB) partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to conduct a series of workshops and webinars for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Amidst numerous financial challenges, SMEs in Sri Lanka have continued to demonstrate growth. These enterprises are fundamental to economic growth, job creation and driving innovation. 
However, despite being at the centre of the economy, SME entrepreneurs have not been given the necessary opportunity or know-how to fully embrace and adapt to the rapid expansion of digital transformation around the world. The use of technology, especially digital technology, to enhance security, ease and efficiency of financial transactions is one of the most important assets for any business but a noticeable gap exists in the market when it comes to integrating these technologies for SME entrepreneurs.

Thereby, to further empower these enterprises, which are critical to the growth of the country and ensure that, NDB partnered with the IFC to conduct the series of workshops and webinars. NDB Bank and IFC have a longstanding partnership spanning decades, with the IFC assisting the bank in realigning its strategic vision of expanding access to financial services across Sri Lanka. 

The latest addition to the series was a workshop conducted on the theme ‘Doing Business Online’, held on June 7, at the NDB Training Centre, at the NDB Bank head office in Nawam Mawatha. The session, conducted by an IFC-certified trainer, saw the attendance of 50 participants from NDB Bank and Colombo region business banking customers. Additionally, the workshop was extended to 12 online programmes, which covered all regions of the country and attracted over 500 participants. The workshop aimed to provide participants with the necessary expertise to efficiently pursue business goals and make their day-to-day business banking transactions easier and faster, with the aid of modern digital technologies.