Addis Ababa, July14(ENA)--An official of the National Bank of Ethiopia called upon private Banks in the country to be member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa's (COMESA) Bankers' Association and contribute their share in the effort geared towards improving banking performance in the sub-region.

Supervision Department head with the bank, Lakew Lema said the signing up of membership by the private banks would enable the association to play a meaningful role in stimulating economic growth in the region.

According to Lakew, only Commercial Bank of Ethiopia has signed membership to the association.

Lakew made the remark here on Monday at the opening of a five -day training organized for 22 bankers drawn from Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa and Swaziland.

Membership is open to both National associations and individual Commercial Banks, and financial institutions within the sub-region, the supervisor said.

The course is aimed at sharing experiences with participants as to how improve customers and shareholder relations through the application of sound credit and collection principles.

Girum said 15 bankers drawn from private banks are attending the training.

CBE president Yilma Gezahegn serves as vice-chairman of the COMESA Bankers' Association.

(ENA)