Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has launched BASIS America desk to facilitate and strengthen ICT business collaborations between Bangladeshi ICT and software companies of the United States of America.
At the launching ceremony, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister Salman F Rahman was present as the chief guest while US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D. Haas, was present as guest of Honor.
The United States is the largest export destination for Bangladeshi software and information technology products and services, accounting for about 27 percent of total export earnings, BASIS leader at the launching function said.
The BASIS America Desk will serve as a dedicated platform that showcases the latest technological advancements to American companies and investors, facilitates information exchange through seminars and B2B meetings, and organizes training programmes and workshops, thereby playing a leading role in enhancing the skills and knowledge exchange for BASIS members.
Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister Salman F Rahman said, “The BASIS America Desk will establish strategic and friendly relationships between Bangladeshi and American technology companies. It will encourage joint research and development projects in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, block-chain, Internet of Things, and cybersecurity.”
BASIS must take on the role of mentoring and nurturing its member companies to ensure they conduct their businesses effectively, he said. “We need to compete with other countries in the global market. The government is providing incentives to increase exports in this regard. Service exports are highly competitive, so maintaining quality is essential to staying ahead.”
In a video message as a special guest, State Minister for Post, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, “The launch of the BASIS America Desk is a significant milestone in strengthening Bangladesh’s IT sector and positioning Bangladesh as a hub of information technology in the 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.”
U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D. Haas expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting its mutual benefits for both countries. He said, “BASIS America Desk represents a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between the ICT sectors of Bangladesh and the United States. Transitioning from a closed market to an open market is more beneficial. Bangladesh can leverage AI to enhance the efficiency of its garment and software exports.”
However, this requires investment in human resource development and increased investment, he pointed out. “ I am confident that this initiative will play a vital role in strengthening bilateral trade, business expansion, and cooperation between the IT and software companies of both countries,” the ambassador said.
BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed discussed the strategic vision of the BASIS America Desk and the future prospects of BASIS. He stated, ” I firmly believe that the IT sector will play a crucial role in achieving this goal in the future. Through the BASIS America Desk, we aim to generate US$5 billion in export revenue from the IT sector within the next 5-6 years by increasing the export of Bangladesh’s IT services to the United States.”