Bangladesh eyes $5.0b IT export by 2025, Joy says

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has said the government of Bangladesh has set a target to reach the $5 billion mark by 2025 in exporting IT products.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, he also expressed hope that exports from the IT sector will surpass the RMG sector in future.

Joy said, “Bangladesh is marching towards the fourth industrial revolution. Bangladesh has the capability (to lead the revolution).”

“We are putting emphasis on artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, nano-technology, biotechnology, robotics, microprocessor designing and other areas to lead in the fourth industrial revolution. We will have to work together on the path of innovations, and thus we will go ahead,” he wrote.

The prime minister’s adviser said, “The invention of the steam engine, the use of electricity and the invention of transistors had changed the course of human civilisation by creating massive industrialisation. These three incidents are identified as three industrial revolutions.”

“In this regard, now it is being called that the fourth industrial revolution is coming on the path of newer innovation of digital technology,” he added.

Describing various initiatives of the government, Joy said they invited foreign investors to invest in the IT sector.

“We have built 39 Hi-tech parks with modern facilities. They (foreign investors) will enjoy various facilities including exemption of investment tax, ensuring 100 per cent ownership for foreigners and exemption of income tax,” he said.

“Those who want to take advantage of the infrastructure created by investing in factories or information technology can invest here.”

“Several international companies like Samsung are assembling their products in Bangladesh. We are the 8th largest consumer market in the world. We have huge middle-class people. In the next 5 to 10 years, we will make products like smartphones, hard drives etc. engraved with 'Made In Bangladesh,” he added.