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Momen stresses innovation to bolster economic growth

'Digital Device and Innovation Expo' opens

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Urging the youths to utilise innovations for economic growth, Foreign Minister Abul Momen said Bangladesh has been turned into a manufacturer country of technology product and services.

He made the comment while addressing an opening session of a technology exposition on Monday.

The minister also appreciated the activities of hi-tech parks for providing platform to 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 on Monday.

Over 100 organisations and students from different universities, local product manufacturers and service providers showcased 'locally-made' innovation at the exhibition.

In his speech, Abul Momen said Bangladesh has turned into a perfect destination  for all kinds of technological innovations in last one decade under visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"World Bank has mentioned Bangladesh as one of the fastest growing economy in Asia Pacific where technology has a significant contribution to pace up economic growth. Bangladesh ICT sector experienced 40 per cent growth in last ten years, " Memen said.

ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak appreciated the local manufacturers to bring new identity for Bangladesh in global market.

"There are imported 40 millions of mobile phones in the country. The government has reduced tax for 163 raw materials for mobile manufacturing. As a result, Walton, Symphony and Samsung have 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 and BCS President Shahid Ul Munir, among others, spoke on the occasion.

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