KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Managing Director of the National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica (EXIM Bank), Lisa Bell, has pledged the entity’s continued commitment to stimulating growth and development of businesses.

“EXIM Bank will continue to work with the Government of Jamaica in recommending policies that will enhance the support that we give to businesses, particularly small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in emerging sectors. The bank will also continue to initiate programmes that are designed to empower our customers to expand both locally and internationally,” Bell said.

The managing director was addressing clients and other guests at the bank’s 30th anniversary customer appreciation event, held at its offices at 85 Hope Road in Kingston.

The 30th anniversary is being observed under the theme: ‘Supporting Jamaica, 30 Years and Beyond’.

Bell informed that over the next few months, the bank will be launching more innovative financing opportunities tailored specifically for the SME sector, in order to meet the most important needs of emerging businesses.

She highlighted the bank’s ’30-30-30′-loan programme, which was launched recently in celebration of the anniversary.

The initiative offers a 30 per cent reduction on commitment fees for the first 30 customers and is open to those undertaking new business with the bank. This loan offering will end on June 30, 2016.

“Of special interest is a new facility for the tourism sector, which the bank is currently negotiating with the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF),” Bell noted.

She added that the facility is expected to provide critical support to not only tourism entities but those companies which play a part in the tourism value chain.

In his remarks, Minister of Finance and Public Service, Audley Shaw, lauded the bank for its exceptional service and contribution to national growth over the three decades.

He emphasised the importance of development banking institutions such as EXIM Bank, in facilitating economic growth, job creation and national prosperity.

The bank was established in May 1986 and over the years has effectively carried out its mandate of helping business ventures become viable and competitive.

Specific focus is placed on entities involved in tourism, manufacturing, agro-processing, mining, the service industry, information and communications technology (ICT) and the creative industries.