Experts have underscored the need to focus on cooperation for strengthening technology, regional connectivity, smart supply chain and collaboration between industry and academia to tackle 4IR impacts among the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) members.
The speakers made the recommendation on Monday at a seminar titled, “Blockchain, Technology and Innovations, Academic, Science and Technology Cooperation (ASTC), Disaster Risk Management (DRM), Tourism and Cultural Exchanges (TCE).”
This event was organised at the Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum (IORBF) Leadership Summit in Dhaka, celebrating 25 years of IORA.
Experts – from home and abroad – iterated a need for initiatives to better handle disaster management as severe economic damages are occurring in Bangladesh and other countries due to climate change.
Moderating the seminar, Dhaka University Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar urged all IORA member countries to come forward to make strong collaboration for the sake of sustainable economic growth.
As the chief guest there, Education Minister Dipu Moni said Bangladesh needs improving entrepreneurs and labour skills on advanced technology.
"There is a huge gap among the member countries in collaboration. We need to lay emphasis on transformation. We need collaboration between industry and academia to meet all challenges including 4IR (fourth industrial revolution)," she added.
Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Enamur Rahman also spoke as the special guests.
Mentioning that the 4IR has already hit the industries, Salman said, "There are good and bad things in new technology. We have to take more advantage of advanced technology. So, we need more cooperation.”
He also urged the private sector’s further engagement to strengthen the activities of the business forum.
Enamur said Bangladesh faces a lot of disasters which impact the socioeconomic condition. So, the IORA member countries should come forward to ensure better management here.
In a panel discussion there, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan called for ensuring energy and electricity in the industry.
"We need a smart supply chain among the IORA member countries to boost business," he added.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI) former president Sheikh Fazle Fahim, also the IORBF chairman, was present at the event among others.
The IORBF is the primary body for business representatives to formulate policies and project recommendations to IORA member states.
The IORA is an inter-governmental organisation which was established on March 7, 1997, consisting 23 member countries, including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Australia, French, Iran and Kenya.
