TPB Bank has extended its network outreach by opening a first branch in Simiyu region while eyeing for further expansion across the Lake Zone.

The bank said it decided to open a branch at the district after its spot research in Simiyu showed that over 200,000 new customers were ready to join TPB.

TPB Board Chairman, Dr Edmund Mndolwa, told bank staff here that they should make sure the potential new customers as identified by the survey are taken in.

"So we are finally here and we promise to provide the best services and packages as we aim to contribute in supporting the businesses to grow and enable them graduate to corporate levels," he said.

The bank chair thus challenged the entire bank team in Bariadi to introduce special camps in villages, markets, livestock auctions and elsewhere to enrol customers rather than waiting them to come at freewill to the branch.

Mr Mndolwa was speaking bank's staff and the business community here on Wednesday saying TPB should not stay behind and let the region fast growing business to leave them Dr Mndolwa said despite being state-owned bank, TPB was ready to provide stiff competition to private banks.

TPB Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sabasaba Moshingi said Bariadi becomes the 74th branch since established in 1993 over three decades ago while boasting a customer- base of 1.2 million people.