'Digital Device and Innovation Expo' opensMomen stresses innovation to bolster economic growth

FT ONLINE

Urging the youths to utilise innovations for economic growth, Foreign Minister Abul Momen said Bangladesh has been turned into a manufacturer country of technology products 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 a platform to the local and international firms to support Bangladesh towards a 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 the last one decade under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

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

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

"There are imported 40 million 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 the 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.