Dhaka, Bangladesh: The Trade & Investment Summit held in Japan on April 27, 2023, provided a significant boost to the Bangladesh ICT sector. Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the program as the chief guest, emphasizing the importance of strengthening trade and investment relationships between Bangladesh and Japan.
The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and The Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Co-operation (JBCCEC), organized the summit. The event highlighted the immense potential for economic cooperation between the two countries.
Representing Bangladesh’s ICT sector at the summit, BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed delivered a speech and gave a presentation on the Bangladesh ICT industry, highlighting its capabilities, successes, prospects and incentives offered by the government to foreign investors.
At the program, BASIS President called on Japanese businessmen to invest in Bangladesh ICT sector. He also mentioned that ICT education skills of the young generation of Bangladesh can play an important role in ensuring mutual trade benefits in the development of both countries.
The Hon’ble Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister Mr. Salman F Rahman, H.E Ambassadors of both Japan and Bangladesh, Executive Chairman, BIDA & BEZA, Chairman, BSEC, Chairman & CEO of JETRO, President, Japan Chamber of Commerce, and President, FBCCI also spoke at the program, demonstrating the strong commitment to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between JISA and BASIS during the program, demonstrating the significant cooperation between the two countries. The MoU signing is expected to boost cooperation between the two countries and encourage Japanese investors to invest in the Bangladeshi ICT sector. Mr. Takashi Hara, Chairman, Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association (JISA), Japan and Mr. Russell T. Ahmed, President, BASIS signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations. Mr. Takeshi MIYAMOTO, President of JISA, and Mr. Abu Daud Khan, Vice President (Admin) were present during the signing.
However, BASIS members have been working to expand trade in the IT sector with Japan since 2015. Every year, Bangladesh earns USD 130 million from the Japanese market in this sector and the export volume is increasing almost every year. Besides, BASIS members are also regularly participating in Japan IT Week.