EXIM Bank Tanzania Limited, the sixth largest bank in the
country, in terms of total deposits and assets, has opened a new branch in
Shinyanga municipality, bringing to 25 the number of its branches.
Speaking during the inauguration of the branch, the Exim
Bank Tanzania Managing Director, Mr Anthony Grant, said opening of the new
branch demonstrates the bank’s commitment to take services closer to the
people.
Mr Grant said his bank is currently embarking on an
aggressive expansion plan that seeks to ensure that the bank opens five new
branches in areas where no other bank has dared to by the end of this year.
“Exim Bank’s expansion of branch network highlights the
bank’s mission to be the country’s bank of choice in all parts of the country.
“We are highly excited to be opening a branch in Shinyanga as it fits in
perfectly with our existing services footprint.
The Shinyanga branch is simply the confirmation of our
commitment to taking services closer to the people “Shinyanga Region has a lot
of potential and demand for quality banking services and for this reason we
will continue to invest in this market,” he added.
Mr Grant reiterated his bank’s commitment to support growth
and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania, urging that
SMEs are one of the main drivers of sustainable economic growth.
“SMEs remain
the engine of the economy for many developing countries including Tanzania.
Exim Bank will continue supporting various SMEs through our
tailor-made products that suit their interests,” Grant noted.
Earlier, the
Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, Mr Ali Lufunga, urged Shinyanga residents to
use the opportunity in utilising banks operating in the area.
“The decision by Exim Bank to open up a branch in Shinyanga
clearly demonstrates how the bank values our region. “We believe the coming of
the bank will help to transform the region both socially and economically.
People should now start keeping their money in banks rather than pillows,” he
said.
Source: The Daily News, www.dailynews.co.tz, reported from Shinyanga