Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s declaration of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as the ‘Product of the Year’ will help accelerate the industry’s target of earning 5 billion US$ in export by 2025.
He hoped that Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) will closely work with the government to meet the target.
Commerce Minister made the remarks in a meeting with the BASIS Executive Council led by the association’s President Russell T. Ahmed on Wednesday at Bangladesh Secretariat.
Commerce Minister acknowledged the various proposals and demands of the BASIS leaders and assured them any necessary assistance in implementing the logical demands and recommendations for the development of the ICT sector.
He said, “We are very optimistic about the way BASIS has come forward in making the declaration of product of the year a success and not just as a proclamation. Very soon, necessary actions will be taken in this regard with all the stakeholders.”
At the meeting, Russell T. Ahmed said, “ICT sector is one of the major tools in the development of the country. Recently, Honorable Prime Minister declared ICT as the Product of the Year while at the same time the government is working to implement the ‘Vision 2041’. BASIS will play a leading role in implementing this declaration and the vision by working closely with the government.”
He also said, "To reach the export target of US$ 5 billion by 2025, we are working on human resource development, capacity building of IT companies, industry promotion and market expansion. Moreover, BASIS will assist the government with policy formulation and ensuring an investment and business-friendly environment. We believe that public-private joint venture will transform the country's economy and help accomplish the short-term and long-term goals.” BASIS Vice President (Administration) Abu Daud Khan and Vice President (Finance) Fahim Ahmed were present at the meeting, among others.
