Prime Minister's Adviser on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman on Sunday said the BASIS America Desk will help establish “strategic and friendly” relationships between Bangladeshi and US tech companies.
“It will encourage joint research and development projects in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and cybersecurity,” he said.
Salman said BASIS must take on the role of mentoring and nurturing its member companies to ensure they conduct their businesses effectively.
“We need to compete with other countries in the global market. The government is providing incentives to increase exports in this regard. Service exports are highly competitive, so maintaining quality is essential to staying ahead,” he added.
Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) launched the “BASIS America” desk to facilitate and strengthen ICT business collaborations between Bangladeshi ICT and software companies and their counterparts of the United States of America.
The launching ceremony was held on Sunday at a hotel in the capital.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D Haas was present as guest of honor at the ceremony.
Additionally, the event was attended by officials from various embassies in Bangladesh, former presidents of BASIS, members of the executive committee, members, and senior officials from various government and private organizations.
The United States is the largest export destination for Bangladeshi software and information technology products and services, accounting for about 27 per cent of total export earnings.
The BASIS America Desk will serve as a dedicated platform that showcases the latest technological advancements to American companies and investors, facilitate information exchange through seminars and B2B meetings, and organise training programs and workshops, thereby playing a leading role in enhancing the skills and knowledge exchange for BASIS members.
BASIS Vice President (Admin) Syed Mohammad Kamal said, “The primary objective of the BASIS America Desk is to create new opportunities in the US market for Bangladesh’s IT sector and to expand skill development programs through technology and knowledge exchange.”
Additionally, he said, they aim to establish Bangladesh as a global ICT hub by building a smart economy.
Ambassador Haas expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting its mutual benefits for both countries.
He said BASIS America Desk represents a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between the ICT sectors of Bangladesh and the United States.
The envoy added, “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.
“However, this requires investment in human resource development and increased investment. Moreover, providing better services at a lower cost than neighbouring countries is essential. Utilizing AI solutions can help businesses expand.”
He hoped the BASIS America Desk will further enrich the export market to the USA. “I am confident that this initiative will play a vital role in strengthening bilateral trade, business expansion, and cooperation between the IT and software companies of both countries.”
BASIS President Russell T Ahmed discussed the strategic vision of the BASIS America Desk and the future prospects of BASIS.
He said there is no alternative to increasing foreign exchange earnings to strengthen our country's economy.
Ahmed added, “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 revenue from the IT sector within the next 5-6 years by increasing the export of Bangladesh's IT services to the United States.
“To reach this goal, the BASIS America Desk will create opportunities for Bangladeshi companies to enter the US market. The BASIS America Desk is not just a platform; we are very optimistic that it will open doors of immense potential for BASIS members and Bangladeshi IT companies.”
“Special emphasis now needs to be placed on human resource development. I firmly believe that this initiative by the BASIS America Desk will help establish Bangladesh as a strong IT hub,” he pointed out.
In a video message as a special guest, State Minister for Post, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, “The launch of the BASIS America Desk is a significant milestone in strengthening Bangladesh's IT sector and positioning Bangladesh as a hub of information technology in the global market.
“By leveraging this platform, IT companies in both Bangladesh and the United States will be able to establish a strong mutual business relationship within the IT sector.”
At the programme, BASIS Director M Asif Rahman delivered a keynote presentation. BASIS Senior Vice President M Rashidul Hasan also spoke on the occasion.
BASIS believes that through this initiative of forming the BASIS America Desk, both Bangladeshi and US IT and software companies will be able to create a business-friendly environment.
