Holcim Lanka signs MOU with NDB to provide financial scheme for distributors

Wednesday, 11 February 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Standing from left: NDB SME/Micro Finance and Refinance AVP Indika Ranaweera, NDB Corporate Banking VP Buwaneka Perera, NDB Network Management AVP Delrene Senevirathne, NDB Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Theagarajah, Holcim (Lanka) Chief Executive Officer Philippe Richart, Holcim (Lanka) Vice President Sales and Marketing Nalin Karunarathne, Holcim (Lanka) Vice President Finance and Controlling Rajesh Surana, Holcim (Lanka) Head of Finance Janaka Weerakoon and Manager Treasury, Tax and Bank Operations Aslam Saifuddin Holcim (Lanka) Ltd. recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NDB towards providing attractive financing facilities to its extensive network of distributors. This is a unique and an innovative scheme that will provide all Holcim Lanka distributors the opportunity to access cost effective financial solutions without any hassle or collateral guarantee. It would be the first-ever such product jointly developed by NDB and Holcim Lanka. The MOU to provide this facility was signed between Holcim Lanka and the NDB Bank on 29 January at the NDB head office. Holcim Lanka CEO Philippe Richart stated: “The partnership with NDB is giving Holcim the opportunity to develop a new service that gives financial benefits to our distributors. Holcim commercial approach is beyond selling a product; we are consistently looking for opportunities to offer new solution that benefit our customers along our value chain. Another example of this ambition is our small business enterprise training program we are currently developing to propose to our retailers.” Holcim Lanka hopes that the MOU will greatly add value to the capacity building of its distributors. Financial empowerment of entrepreneurs also fuels the growth potential of the country, the company believes. Commenting on this, Stanley Appuhamy, a well-known distributor who has been with Holcim Lanka since inception, said that from the time he commenced his distribution business, Holcim Lanka has partnered with him in fostering the growth of his business. “As a company, they have provided outstanding support and have contributed tremendously to our success today. We are thankful to them for giving us access to financial services in this manner, which will no doubt enable our business to grow further. Due to the goodwill we have with Holcim Lanka, under this scheme, we are able to obtain financial facilities without collateral. This should be change as funds provided at a corporate interest rate,” said Appuhamy “At Holcim Lanka, we believe in constant application of innovation towards enhancing customer satisfaction,” said Aslam Saifuddin, Head of Treasury at Holcim Lanka. “It is one of our strengths that customers can count on.” Holcim Lanka believes that sharing knowledge of new products and markets is vital for growth; this has been reiterated by the market research conducted by the company. The company is committed to providing technical assistance and support for the retail chain right down to the end customer as well. The company maintains a dynamic presence with extensive end user promotions while sharing concrete solutions and its global cement expertise with a goal of empowering distributors and other relevant stakeholders. As a global company with access to outstanding know-how and resources, Holcim Lanka also believes that organisations can nurture growth among its many different stakeholders who can benefit greatly from the trickledown effect of its extensive networks and resources. In keeping with its worldwide standing, Holcim Lanka maintains a strong commitment to enhancing and creation of value, through sustainable development at an economic, ecological and a social level; reflected in its multi-pronged outreach programs aimed at all of its stakeholders.