MTC, ADB and SMBC Join Forces to Support Over 200,000 Women-Owned MSMEs

Advancing Financial Opportunities for Rural Women Entrepreneurs and Strengthening Thailand’s Grassroots Economy

Muangthai Capital Public Company Limited (MTC) has partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) to sign a USD 200 million financing agreement aimed at supporting more than 200,000 women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in rural Thailand. Mr. Parithad Petampai, Chief Executive Officer of MTC, stated that global financial institutions are joining hands to expand opportunities, reduce financial access gaps, and empower grassroots economic growth—reinforcing gender equality for Thailand’s sustainable development.

Mr. Parithad Petampai, Chief Executive Officer of MTC, revealed that the company has entered into a USD 200 million financing agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The funds will be used to extend credit to women-led MSMEs operating in rural areas of Thailand, helping enhance economic opportunities and improve equitable access to financial services.

This financing package is arranged by ADB and SMBC as the joint mandated lead arrangers and bookrunner and structuring banks. It comprises USD 75 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and an additional USD 125 million from six international financial institutions, including SMBC, State Bank of India (Tokyo branch), SBI (Mauritius), Chang Hwa Commercial Bank, First Commercial Bank, and ILX Fund.

“This financing underscores ADB’s central role in driving meaningful development impact by strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs, narrowing financial inclusion gaps, and laying a solid foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in rural Thailand.”

MSMEs form the backbone of the Thai economy, serving as the country’s primary employment base and contributing more than one-third of national GDP. However, women-owned or women-led MSMEs (WMSMEs)—which represent more than half of all MSMEs—are disproportionately affected. Despite their importance, they continue to face a substantial financing gap of approximately USD 68 billion, or around 66% of the country’s total MSME financing gap. This financing support will directly benefit WMSMEs in rural Thailand by expanding access to funding and promoting integration into the formal financial system.

“We are truly delighted with ADB’s support, which has played a crucial role in this financing initiative. This transaction marks an important milestone that strengthens MTC’s presence in the international market. It also empowers us to broaden financial access to more than 200,000 women-owned MSMEs, particularly in rural areas outside Bangkok. This will enhance our service capacity and reaffirm our commitment to promoting gender equality in both our operations and workforce,” Mr. Parithad concluded.

MTC is one of Thailand’s leading non-bank financial institutions specializing in providing credit to individual customers, with a strong focus on MSMEs and informal self-employed individuals. The company plays an important role in expanding financial inclusion nationwide, especially within the informal sector in rural areas, supported by its extensive branch network and unique business model.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working collaboratively with its members and partners, ADB addresses complex challenges through innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships to improve lives, develop quality infrastructure, and protect the planet. Established in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 of which are from the region.