Economic Reporter :
Reinforcing the company’s commitment to Bangladesh, visiting Chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company James Quincey on Tuesday announced the economic empowerment of 100,000 women by 2020.
He also announced an additional investment of US$200 million by the Coca-Cola system in Bangladesh over the next 5 years, said a press release.
Quincey said Coca-Cola is committed to grow its business in Bangladesh in a sustainable manner and this includes understanding and aligning with the country’s priorities. In 2015, he said, Coca-Cola brought ‘5by20’ to life in Bangladesh by launching the first Women Business Centers (WBC).
The WBC is a unique model that supports rural Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs by proving skill development and financial assistance support, he added.
James Quincey said these facilities, run by women, were developed to address common barriers women entrepreneurs face by providing access to business skills training, market information, agriculture training, mobile banking assistance, healthcare counseling, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Each WBC provides training, goods and services to hundreds of women throughout their communities. As of now 240 WBCs or sub centers are operating and empowering over 70,000 women across Bangladesh. By the end of 2020 over 100,000 Bangladeshi women and their families will benefit from the Women Business Centres.
