February 20th, 2018
Meezan Bank and Institute of Business Administration – University of the Punjab (IBA-PU) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for launching MBA in SME Banking & Entrepreneurship. The agreement aims to address the challenge of availability of qualified and trained human capital in these fields and also to bridge the gap among banks, academia and entrepreneurs. The MOU was signed by Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, President & CEO – Meezan Bank, Prof. Dr. Shahid Kamal, Dean Faculty of Science – University of the Punjab and Mrs. Sajida Nisar, Incharge Director – Institute of Business Administration, University of the Punjab in the presence of honourable chief guest Mr. Tariq Bajwa – Governor State Bank of Pakistan.
The MoU highlights a collaborative framework for promoting SME Banking in the country by committing to share resources and collaborating on various joint activities, including designing of MBA program in SME Banking & Entrepreneurship, provision of scholarships, participation in job fairs and development of specialized training programs for SME & Islamic banking.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Irfan Siddiqui said: “The importance of SME sector for Pakistan’s economy can never be over-emphasized. However, the overall potential of this sector in accelerating income generation and in curbing poverty reduction has remained essentially untapped. Meezan Bank, as Pakistan’s premier Islamic bank is therefore taking the initiative of collaborating with business schools across Pakistan develop professionals who are specifically trained for this sector. Skilled and trained SME bankers are vital to further boost growth in the country’s SME banking sector. With this Program, the two entities shall collaborate on their core expertise to provide training and learning opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, SME proprietors and upcoming young generation.”
Mrs. Sajida Nisar, Incharge Director – IBA-PU acknowledged the importance of Meezan Bank’s initiative, terming it as ‘A historic milestone for IBA’.
Prof Dr. Shahid Kamal, Dean Faculty of Science – University of the Punjab expressed that the collaboration will enable the business school to impart quality education on SME banking and entrepreneurship.
Addressing at the occasion, Mr. Tariq Bajwa, Governor – State Bank of Pakistan stressed that agriculture, low-cost housing and SME sectors are the major contributors to the growth of economy of Pakistan. He also appreciated the efforts of Meezan Bank and IBA-PU f for the promotion of SMEs and entrepreneurship culture in the country.