Netherlands and Bangladesh to work hand in hand for a sustainable Startup Ecosystem

Netherlands and Bangladesh will work closely for a sustainable Startup Ecosystem and explore further opportunities to deepen ties in ICT sector. The statement came from a meeting between H.E. Mr. Anne van Leeuwen, Ambassador of Netherlands in Bangladesh and Mr. Russell T. Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) on Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Royal Netherlands Embassy, Gulshan.

The Ambassador appreciated the progress of Bangladesh ICT industry in last few years at the frontier technologies and economic transformation. He discussed a wide range of ICT trade issues, including different types of challenges and opportunities, with the BASIS President.

During the meeting, Mr. Russell T Ahmed said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared ICT as “The Product of the Year” for 2022. Thus ICT industry promotion in international platforms is very important to highlight the readiness of our local companies. He also added that BASIS has started working to excel the ICT industry further focusing on seven pillars- 1. HR capacity building, 2. Developing local market scenario, 3. Increasing export volume, 4. Creating a thriving ecosystem for startups, 5. Industry Promotion, 6. Access to Finance and 7. Formulating policies to help grow intangible assets.

BASIS President Mr. Russell T Ahmed also focused on how Dutch Embassy and BASIS can work together to develop the Startup Ecosystem, HR capacity building and Increasing the Export volume of the ICT sector.

Replying to that, H.E. Mr. Anne van Leeuwen mentioned that they are very keen to collaborate with BASIS aligning with these focused aspects which will help in the development of Bangladesh ICT sector in the near future. He also emphasized that, Netherlands is interested to participate in B2B matchmaking sessions, roadshows and, most of all, in the BASIS SoftExpo 2022.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Samira Zuberi Himika, Senior Vice President, BASIS; Mr. Abu Daud Khan, Vice President (Administration), BASIS; Mr. Syed Mohammad Kamal, Director, BASIS; and Ms. Nadia Tabassum, Assistant Manager, Trade Facilitation, BASIS. On the other hand Ms. Monnujan Khanam, Senior Adviser, Economic & Commercial Affairs, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Ms. Mahjabeen Quader, Senior Adviser, Economic and CSR Activities, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; were also present at the meeting.