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National Bank is putting more emphasis on Small and medium enterprises as it seeks to make a mark in the banking sector the small and medium size businesses portend huge growth opportunities for the bank and that various initiates have been lined up to growth the sector.
“As a bank we see SME sector as one if the key pillars for growth and our clients as partners in business. This complements our core mission for which the bank was established some 40 years ago – to assist indigenous business to realize their dreams and as they realize these dreams, the bank grows with them,” National Bank Executive Director for Retail and Business Banking Robert Kibaara.
“We strive to empower our business customers and our aim to see our small and medium entrepreneurs graduate into medium sized companies or even large organizations by giving them international exposures where they are able to network,” he added.
Among the initiatives the bank has lined up for its SME customers is a visit China to explore and identify export-business opportunities in one of the world’s country fastest growing economies. The visit scheduled for March 24th will expose the small and medium-size entrepreneurs to international business and enable them learn from more established similar businesses in China.
“The trip to China is an accomplishment of the promise we have made to our Business Banking customers as we seek a new direction as a bank following our rebranding,” Kibaara said.
“Our customers going for the China trip will be able to see for themselves how similar businesses are managed elsewhere and bring back the learning home for the betterment of their businesses.”
The ten-day trip will take the members through Hong Kong, Sheng Zen, Guangzhou and Yiwu.
“We have chosen these destinations for their position in the China commercial spectrum. Hong Kong is the western representation of China; Sheng Zen business model is unique; Guangzhou is the commercial hub for China; and Yiwu resonates well with our small and medium size business players,” Mr. Kibaara explained.
The entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to hold meetings with business people and make contacts and purchases, as well as visit a number of trade exhibitions while in China. Kibara noted that the bank was exploring other trade route that will add more value to its business banking customers going forward.
“We see countries like India and Turkey and we are keen on finding ways of connecting our customers to these countries,” said Kibaara. Others popular destinations include Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, Israel, Egypt, and Dubai.
He noted that the bank was in the process of establishing a business club for its SMEs clients, which will also offer additional benefits including training and relationship management.
