Standard Chartered Bank has restated its support for bilateral trade between Africa and Asia,  with the launch of the Nigerian- Malaysian Trade Corridor.

The initiative was part of a seminar held in Lagos in conjunction with the Nigeria-Malaysian Business Council, as part of the bank's Africa SME Month, with the theme: "Optimising Global Opportunities For SMEs: International Trade With Malaysia" Commenting  on the launch of 'Africa SME Month' Nigeria , Richard Wright, Head of SME Africa, said: "Standard Chartered Bank recognises the significant contribution SMEs are making to the economy of Nigeria, especially in addressing the key challenges of sustainable economic development and wealth creation. We remain absolutely committed to assisting the development of the SME sector in Africa ."

Declaring the seminar open, the Managing Director of the Bank, Mr. Christopher Knight, reiterated the bank's commitment to supporting the growth of SMEs in the country and strengthening of bilateral trade between Nigeria and the rest of Africa, Asia and Middle East, where the bank has significant market share.

In his key note address, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Nik Mustafa Bin Nik Ahmed,  highlighted the long standing business relationship between the two countries, and showcased the incentives in place to encourage Nigerian business men involved in trade activities with Malaysia.

Speaking during the Launch, The General Manager, SME Banking Nigeria, Ms Aramide Ajayi stated that "The Standard Chartered Bank Trade Corridor Initiative has become a trademark of the bank where we give our customers the platform to leverage on our global network to enhance their international trade business.  The International Account Opening product gives our customers the option of operating accounts in other countries managing all accounts through a single internet banking platform called Straight 2 Bank".

She highlighted that in 2007, the bank assisted 143 SME customers across Africa to attend the annual Hong Kong Trade fair.  In 2008, 210 SME customers attended this same event as well as a Trade visit to China .   This year, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria will, in conjunction with the Nigeria-Malaysia Business Council attend the INTRADE Fair in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia with over 40 SME Customers of the bank.  

Concluding, she said that, "with these, Standard Chartered Bank is making a bold statement that it remains "Your Right Partner in International Trade".

The 'Africa SME Month' which runs throughout October will provide a platform to significantly deepen the Bank's understanding of its SME customers' requirements and assist their continued development. The initiative also enables the bank to significantly enhance service to Nigeria SMEs for business growth.  

Standard Chartered Bank differentiates its Brand in Africa by leveraging on its international expertise to introduce new, innovative products and services into the African markets. The launch of the Africa SME Month is yet another example of this competitive advantage,"