IFIC Bank, Swisscontact sign MoU to boost safe vegetable exports
IFIC Bank PLC has partnered with Switzerland-based international organisation Swisscontact for a proposed project aimed at raising international standards in Bangladesh's export-oriented vegetable sector and strengthening safe food export capabilities.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held on 22 January, 2026 at the IFIC Tower in Dhaka. The agreement was signed by Syed Mansur Mustafa, managing director of IFIC Bank, and Helal Hussain, country director of Swisscontact Bangladesh.
Deputy managing directors and members of IFIC Bank's senior management team, along with the deputy country director and other senior officials from Swisscontact, attended the event.
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As the lead financial partner, IFIC Bank said it will use the project to expand sustainable financing in the agriculture and SME sectors, support export-oriented entrepreneurs and develop risk-mitigated loan portfolios. The initiative will also support field testing and innovation of the bank's agriculture, SME and green finance products.
The project will run for 27 months, from January 2026 to March 2028. Under the project, 1,000 smallholder farmers across different regions will receive training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), climate-resilient agriculture, safe pesticide use, residue control and advanced post-harvest management.
The project will also establish cluster-based production systems to improve traceability, with a target of at least 30% female participation.
