More than 7.5 lakh rural families across Bangladesh have experienced significant improvements in income and livelihoods through the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP), implemented by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF).
Officials and development partners shared the findings at the closing ceremony of the six-year project, saying the initiative has strengthened rural microenterprises, improved food and nutrition security, and expanded agricultural value chains, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable rural economy.
The RMTP was co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Danida.
The closing event, held at PKSF Bhaban-1 in Dhaka on Tuesday, was presided over by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Nazma Mobarek, secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, attended as the chief guest, while Dr Valantine Achancho, country director of IFAD Bangladesh, joined as the special guest.
PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader delivered the welcome address, and Md Habibur Rahman, deputy general manager of PKSF and project coordinator of RMTP, presented an overview of the project’s achievements.
According to the project presentation, RMTP engaged more than 7.5 lakh families through 90 agriculture-based value chain sub-projects across the country.
The initiative recorded notable economic improvements among participants. Agricultural production increased by 66%, average income rose by 49%, and profits grew by 41%, reflecting enhanced productivity and market participation.
Speakers said the project combined financial services, skills training, technology adoption and market linkages to support microentrepreneurs in scaling up their businesses.
Speaking at the event, Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek said the project demonstrated how coordinated planning, innovation and partnerships can effectively support rural entrepreneurship and food security.
She added that, building on the success of RMTP, PKSF is preparing to launch another project titled ‘GREEN’, which will also be financed by IFAD.
IFAD Bangladesh Country Director Dr Valantine Achancho described RMTP as a “proof of concept at scale,” highlighting its integrated approach to financing, training and market access.
“RMTP is not only a success—it demonstrates what becomes possible when finance, training and markets are combined through strong institutions,” she said.
She added that the completion of RMTP marks not the end of collaboration but a transition toward more ambitious initiatives in rural transformation.
PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan said the project represents a successful model for sustainable rural development that can be adapted across different geographic and economic contexts.
“RMTP is more than just a project; it stands as a model for sustainable transformation in the rural economy,” he said, adding that PKSF plans to expand similar initiatives in both rural and urban settings.
In his welcome remarks, PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader highlighted the project’s role in expanding financial inclusion for microentrepreneurs and introducing modern technologies.
He also noted that RMTP strengthened market linkages and supported branding and certification efforts, enabling rural producers to access wider markets.
“PKSF remains committed to promoting decent working conditions, addressing risks and enhancing skills to ensure sustainable development of microentrepreneurs,” he said.
Four entrepreneurs supported under RMTP shared their experiences at the event, describing how the project helped them transition from job seekers to job creators.
They reported increases in production, income and market access, with several entrepreneurs receiving national-level recognition for their achievements.
Products developed under the project—including cheese, beef pickles and various vegetables—are now being exported, opening new opportunities for Bangladesh’s agro-based export sector and adding value to rural production systems.