On January 18, 2021, Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Center of University of Dhaka organized a webinar titled "Closing Ceremony of the Eight Divisional Webinars and  CMSMEs in Bangladesh: Journey, Challenges and Future Direction-Khulna Division" as part of its REVIVE Project, a joint collaboration of ICE Center and UNDP Bangladesh starting from 9 AM in the morning. This webinar is the final of the eight webinars organized as part of discussing the stories, challenges and future direction of CMSMEs in different regions of Bangladesh.

Dr. Mashiur Rahman, the Economic Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Government of Bangladesh was present in the webinar as the chief guest of the session while Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Md. Sirazul Islam, PMO; and Founder Director & Head of News at Channel i and Vice-President, Dhaka University Alumni Association (DUAA), Shykh Seraj, attended the sessions as special guests of the program.

Dr. Momtazuddin Ahmed, Honorary Professor, University of Dhaka attended as the keynote speaker for the program. Other discussants included, Assistant Country Representatives of UNDP in Bangladesh, Md. Khurshid Alam; President of Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kazi Aminul Haque; and Chief Executive Officer of Khulna City Corporation (KCC), Palash Kanti Bala; were present in the webinar. The session was presided by Dr. Khondokar Bazlul Haque, Vice-Chairman of ICE Center and moderated by Md. Rashedur Rahman, Executive Director, ICE Center.

Dr. Mashiur Rahman, Economic Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Government of Bangladesh mentioned that centralization approach is a constraint for CMSMEs development in Bangladesh, and emphasized the importance of regional connectivity towards an inclusive, efficient and balanced development of the country. Mentioning the necessity of linkage for both large enterprises and CMSMEs, he put focus on the huge pressure on the only port in Khulna - Mongla port. He also assured that this will ease with the operation of Payra Port. Dr. Rahman mentioned the possibilities in fishing and fisheries surplus because of reduced international demand. Certification and standardization difficulties, unethical business practices, reduced viability in import because of rotten fish waste came in the discussion. He further in his speech said that in Khulna jute industry can have risen productivity but the industrial capacity will be low because of lack of efforts. Moreover, he pointed out a few important problems such tax assessment related problems, lack of incubation centers in rural areas, limited opportunities, inefficient use of resources, tourism related problems etc. Dr. Rahman concluded his speech by thanking ICE Center for this initiative and suggested to listen the voice of the CMSMEs in more in future.

Md. Sirazul Islam, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) emphasized the importance of Industry-Academia collaboration towards Economic Independence of Bangladesh and requested University of Dhaka to play the leading role like it has done in every national crisis. He also requested to develop database of rural and urban entrepreneurs; urged to ignite the inner potentials of students, and hope that a planned effort after completion of the Padma Bridge will significantly improve the business environment of Bangladesh.

Shykh Seraj, Founder Director & Head of News at Channel i and Vice-President, Dhaka University Alumni Association (DUAA), in his speech appreciated ICE Center for bringing "EMPATHY" and role of youth into the policy discussions, and shared the hardships of the rural entrepreneurs. While sharing his experience that the stimulus declared by the government didn't reach to the rural entrepreneurs who have suffered most, urged to explore alternative channels of distributions.

Dr. Momtazuddin Ahmed, Honorary Professor of Economics, University of Dhaka in his keynote speech appreciated ICE Center to take REVIVE initiative during COVID and mentioned that Khulna is going to be one of the major contributors in development after the completion of the Padma bridge. Dr. Ahmed, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on "Bottom-Up" policy for CMSMEs urged to consider having an SME Bank, "SME Act" and its proper implementation.

Md. Khurshid Alam, UNDP while appreciating the government for the stimulus package efforts, focused on the engagement of youth during crisis time, importance empathy, technological supports, mentorship and training of CMSMEs specially in vulnerable areas of the country.

Palash Kanti Bala, Chief Executive Officer of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) while highlighting the ground baking achievement from Padma bridge constructions, emphasized that this will connect and create a sustainable business economic environment of the region.

Executive Director of ICE Center, Md. Rashedur Rahman shared the virtual project REVIVE's activities and outcome, and hope that the outcomes of the project, if implemented can uplift the CMSMEs in Bangladesh towards an Innovation Driven Entrepreneurial Bangladesh.

Vice-Chairman of ICE Center, Dr. Khondokar Bazlul Haque summarized the key points raised by honorable chief guests and other speakers, and concluded the closing ceremony of the Eight Divisional Webinars organized by ICE Center focusing on CMSMEs in Bangladesh.