Bangladesh has been transformed to a manufacturer country of technology product and services, Foreign Minister Abul Momen said and called upon the youths to utilise innovations for economic growth.
Addressing opening session of a technology exposition on Monday, Minister Momen also appreciated the activities of hi-tech parks for providing platform for local and international firm to support Bangladesh towards knowledge-based economy.
Information and Communication Technology Division, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority and Bangladesh Computer Samity(BCS) jointly organised the three day exposition titled Digital Device and Innovation Expo at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre(BICC) in the capital.
Over 100 organisations and students from different universities, local product manufacturers and service providers showcased ‘locally made’ innovation at the exhibition.
AKM Abul Momen said Bangladesh has transformed into perfect destination for all kind of technological innovations in last one decade under visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“World Bank has mentioned Bangladesh as one of the fasted growing economy in Asia Pacific where technology has significant contribution to pace up economic growth. Bangladesh ICT sector experienced 40 percent growth in last ten years, ” Memen said.
ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak started words appreciating the local manufacturers to bring new identity for Bangladesh in global market.
“There are imported 40 milions of mobile phones in the country. The government has reduced the tax for 163 raw materials for mobile manufacturing. As a result Walton, Symphony and Samsung has already set up assembling plants in Bangladesh,” Palak added.
Palak also mentioned that Bangladeshi students have developed humanoid robots and exported 11 robots abroad last year.
ICT Division Senior Secretary Ziaul Alam mentioned the government has formulated ICT policy in 2009 and amended the policy twice to face of challenges of modern technologies in digital governance system.
Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority Managing Director Hosne Ara Begum said young innovators are the main role makers in the journey of Digital Bangladesh.
“We have taken development projects of 28 hi-tech parks across the country to promote local innovations and attracting foreign direct investment(FDI) from abroad,” Hosne Ara Begum added.
Among others, Post Telecommunication Ministry parliamentary committee chairman AKM Rahamatullah, WITSA Secretary General James Poisant , BCS President Shahid Ul Munir spoke on the occasion.