BASIS on Sunday launched its America Desk to expand Bangladesh’s tech export opportunities in the world’s largest economy, and to increase business-to-business knowledge sharing with the tech powerhouse.
The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) held the US desk launching event at a hotel in the capital.
Salman F Rahman, prime minister’s advisor on private industry and investment, was the chief guest at the event, while ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak connected to the session virtually as special guest.
US Ambassador Peter D Haas was present as the guest of honour at the programme with BASIS President Russell T Ahmed in chair.
The US is the largest export destination for Bangladeshi information technology products and services, accounting for about 27% of the sector’s total export earnings.
BASIS America Desk will serve as a dedicated platform for showcasing Bangladesh’s latest technological advancements to American companies and investors, facilitating information exchange through seminars and business meetings, and organising training programmes as well as workshops, thereby playing a leading role in enhancing the local skills and knowledge exchange with the US for BASIS members.
US Ambassador Peter D Haas expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its mutual benefits for both countries.
"BASIS America Desk represents a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between the ICT sectors of Bangladesh and the United States. Transitioning from a closed market to an open market is more beneficial. Bangladesh can leverage AI to enhance the efficiency of its garment and software exports,” he said.
BASIS President Russell T Ahmed discussed the strategic vision of the BASIS America Desk and the future prospects of BASIS.
"There is no alternative to increasing foreign exchange earnings to strengthen our country's economy. I firmly believe that the IT sector will play a crucial role in achieving this goal in the future. Through the BASIS America Desk, we aim to generate $5 billion in export revenues from the IT sector within the next 5-6 years,” he said.
Addressing the programme, Salman F Rahman hoped that BASIS America Desk will establish strategic and friendly relationships between Bangladeshi and American technology companies.
“It will encourage joint research and development projects in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and cybersecurity. BASIS must take on the role of mentoring and nurturing its member companies to ensure they conduct their businesses effectively,” he said.
BASIS Senior Vice President M Rashidul Hasan and Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal also spoke at the event while Director Asif Rahman delivered the keynote presentation.
BDST: 2141 HRS, JULY 14, 2024
MSK
