Bangladesh has talent to launch companies like Google, Facebook: Joy

Recognition of talent and right opportunities will help set up technology-based companies like Google and Facebook in Bangladesh, says Prime Minister's ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed Joy.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 12 Feb 2015, 05:19 PM
Updated : 12 Feb 2015, 06:15 PM

But for this, small companies must be facilitated first, he said at the closing of the four-day Digital World expo in Dhaka on Thursday.

Joy pointed out that big companies would not venture into Bangladesh as it cannot provide land.

"We have a shortage of land but have one thing in plenty – talent," he said. "We'll be able to establish Facebook, Google of the future here."

This, he added, required direct investment and encouragement for small companies.

Joy, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son, explained ways to attract investment.

"It can be done through security commission," he said. "The Silicon Valley runs on investors' money. They are looking for Facebook and Google of the future.

"We have to make it easy for them to come here."

Joy hoped the ICT sector would soon earn more than the readymade garment industry that accounts for 80 percent of Bangladesh's export earnings.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith promised facilities for companies investing in ICT sector.

The Digital World expo themed 'Future is Here' began on Feb 9 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

Seventy-five speakers from 25 countries attended seminars, conferences and workshops during the expo that attracted half a million visitors.

This year, 58 institutions have been awarded for utilising ICT.