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 and their counterparts of the United States of America. In this connection, a launching ceremony was held on 14 July 2024 Sunday at hotel Lakeshore in Dhaka.
At the ceremony, Salman F Rahman, and the Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, was present as the chief guest while Peter D. Haas, U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, was present as guest of Honor at the ceremony. Additionally, the event was attended by officials from various embassies in Bangladesh, former presidents of BASIS, members of the BASIS executive committee, BASIS members, and senior officials from various government and private organizations.
The United States is the largest export destination for Bangladeshi software and information technology products and services, accounting for about 27% of total export earnings. 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 programs and workshops, thereby playing a leading role in enhancing the skills and knowledge exchange for BASIS members.
In the opening ceremony, the welcome address was given by Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President (Admin) of BASIS. He said, “The primary objective of the BASIS America Desk is to create new opportunities in the U.S. market for Bangladesh’s IT sector and to expand skill development programs through technology and knowledge exchange. Additionally, we aim to establish Bangladesh as a global ICT hub by building a smart economy.”
U.S. Ambassador 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. Moreover, providing better services at a lower cost than neighbouring countries is essential. Utilizing AI solutions can help businesses expand. I hope the BASIS America Desk will further enrich the export market to the USA. 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.”
BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed discussed the strategic vision of the BASIS America Desk and the future prospects of BASIS. He stated, “There is no alternative to increasing foreign exchange earnings to strengthen our country’s economy. 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 $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. To reach this goal, the BASIS America Desk will create opportunities for Bangladeshi companies to enter the US market. The BASIS America Desk is not just a platform; we are very optimistic that it will open doors of immense potential for BASIS members and Bangladeshi IT companies. Special emphasis now needs to be placed on human resource development. I firmly believe that this initiative by the BASIS America Desk will help establish Bangladesh as a strong IT hub.”
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.”
Prime Minister’s Advisor on Private Industry and Investment 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, blockchain, IoT, and cybersecurity. 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 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.”
At the programme, M Asif Rahman, Director of BASIS, delivered a keynote presentation. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from M Rashidul Hasan, Senior Vice President of BASIS. BASIS believes that through this initiative of forming the BASIS America Desk, both Bangladeshi and U.S. IT and software companies will be able to create a business-friendly environment.
