Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association (JISA) has partnered with Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) to facilitate the expansion of local ICT firms in Japan.
JISA Chairman Takashi Hara and BASIS President Russell T Ahmed exchanged the signed documents of the deal at ‘The Trade and Investment Summit’ in Japan which was graced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the chief guest.
In partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization and the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority hosted the summit to underscore the vast potential for economic collaboration between the two nations.
According to Russel Ahmed, who spoke to The Daily Star from Japan, since Japan is experiencing a shortage of over half a million skilled human resources, the local IT industry can help fill the gap. Ahmed shared that BASIS members have been actively working to increase trade in the IT sector with Japan since 2015, and now export over $120 million worth of ICT services annually to Japan.
During the summit, Ahmed delivered a speech highlighting the capabilities, successes, prospects, and incentives offered by the Bangladesh government to foreign investors in the ICT industry. He urged Japanese businessmen to consider investing in Bangladesh’s ICT sector.
The proficiency in ICT of the younger generation in Bangladesh can be a significant factor in achieving mutual trade advantages and facilitating the development of both countries.
In March 2023, telecommunication companies from Philippines and South Korea also signed Memorandum of Understanding having the same goal: to provide digital tools and innovations for the benefit of the local enterprises as the demand for businesses to use technology in their operations increases.