A delegation of central bankers from South Asia recently visited NZ Denim Limited in Bangladesh to observe the practical application of green finance policies within the manufacturing sector. The visit, which took place during a three-day program from October 6 to 8, was organized by Bangladesh Bank and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) under the South Asia Region Financial Inclusion Initiative (SARFII).
Co-hosted by Bangladesh Bank and BRAC Bank, the visit aimed to showcase how initiatives from Bangladesh Bank’s Sustainable Finance Department are supporting businesses through green and sustainable financing. Representatives from central banks of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan participated in the program, along with officials from AFI, Bangladesh Bank, and the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA).
BRAC Bank’s Corporate Banking and ESG & Sustainable Finance teams collaborated with NZ Denim’s management during the visit to link policy-level financial strategies with the operational realities experienced by firms benefiting from green finance. Participants toured the factory’s renewable energy installations and energy-efficient equipment, noting how access to green refinancing had facilitated investments in sustainable production technologies.
NZ Denim, a client of BRAC Bank, was chosen by Bangladesh Bank to demonstrate the integration of green financing arrangements, highlighting the complementary roles played by the borrowing company and its financing institution. The visit underscored the significance of aligning policy frameworks and refinancing options with the investment needs and sustainability goals of businesses.
Md. Saleudah Zaman Khan (Jitu), representing NZ Denim, stated that access to Bangladesh Bank’s green refinancing facilities through BRAC Bank had enabled the company to enhance operational efficiency via renewable energy and efficient technology investments. He emphasized that these efforts support business expansion while reinforcing a commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to showcase their sustainable finance practices to regional regulators. He highlighted the importance of enabling clients to invest in green technologies as a means to build more resilient businesses over the long term.
The visit reflects growing regional interest in how financial policies and incentives can effectively promote sustainability in industry, supporting broader environmental goals through practical implementation at the enterprise level.