The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) launched America Desk to establish strategic and friendly relationships with American technology companies.
It will encourage joint research and development projects in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and cyber security, said a media statement.
BASIS by increasing export of Bangladeshs IT services to the United States aim to generate $5 billion in export revenue from the IT sector within the next 5-6 years
BASIS will facilitate and strengthen ICT business collaborations between Bangladeshi ICT and software companies and their counterparts in the USA, it said.
Prime Ministers Advisor on Private sector investment and Industry Salman F Rahman attended the event as the chief guest while US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D. Haas attended the event as guest of honour. Officials from other embassies and BASIS present and past functionaries, senior officials from various government and private organizations attended.
Prime Ministers Advisor on Private sector investment and Industry Salman F Rahman lauded the event at the launching ceremony in a city hotel on Sunday.
He 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 global market. The government is providing incentives to increase exports," Salman F Rahman said.
State Minister for Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak in a video massage said, "The launch of the BASIS America Desk is a significant milestone to position Bangladesh as a hub of information technology in 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," he said.
U.S. Ambassador Peter D. Haas said: "BASIS America Desk represents a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between the ICT sectors of Bangladesh and the United States. It can leverage AI to enhance efficiency in garments and software exports.
BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed speaking about the strategic vision of BASIS America Desk and its future prospects said there is no alternative to increasing foreign exchange earnings to strengthen the economy. IT sector will play a crucial role in achieving this goal in the future.
BASIS Vice President (Admin) Syed Mohammad Kamal said the initiative aims to establish Bangladesh as a global ICT hub by building a smart economy.
The United States is the largest export destination for Bangladeshi software and information technology products and services, accounting for about 27percent of total export earnings.
The BASIS America Desk will serve as a dedicated platform to showcases the latest technological advancements to American companies and investors, exchange information through seminars and B2B meetings, and organize training programs and workshops, thereby playing a leading role in enhancing skills and knowledge for BASIS members.
M Asif Rahman, Director of BASIS, M Rashidul Hasan, Senior Vice President of BASIS, among others spoke on the occasion.
