BASIS-Korea Desk Debuts to Boost Bilateral Business
To strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation in the field of information and communication technology (ICT), the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has launched the BASIS-Korea Desk. The desk was officially inaugurated on Tuesday at the BASIS Auditorium in Dhaka by the Secretary of the ICT Division, Shish Haider Chowdhury, and the South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh, Park Young-sik.
The event was attended by Dr. Md. Taiyobur Rahman, Joint Secretary (ICT Promotion and Research, Additional Duty), ICT Division; Kim Taeyoung, Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA); Shahab Uddin Khan, President of the Bangladesh-Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BKCCI); and Edward Kim, Chairman of the BASIS Korea Desk, among others.
In his speech, Chief Guest Shish Haider Chowdhury said, "South Korea's trillion-dollar technology-driven economy and robust digital public infrastructure (DPI) have established an ideal model for strategic collaboration. With its dynamic youth population and reform-oriented outlook, Bangladesh is ready to march in step with South Korea’s innovation-led growth. I firmly believe that initiatives like the BASIS Korea Desk will allow both nations to harness the vast opportunities of the digital economy, ensuring mutual growth and sustainable development."
Ambassador Park Young-sik expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential benefits for both countries. He said, "The BASIS Korea Desk is a milestone in the growing synergy between Bangladesh and Korea in the ICT sector. I hope it will enrich Korea's export market. I am confident that this initiative will play a crucial role in expanding bilateral trade and business cooperation between the ICT and software companies of both nations."
Dr. Md. Taiyobur Rahman remarked, "The BASIS Korea Desk is not merely a platform; it opens a new realm of possibilities for BASIS members and Bangladeshi ICT companies. I strongly believe that this initiative will help establish Bangladesh as a powerful IT hub."
In her welcome address, BASIS Executive Committee Member (Finance), Fauzia Nigar Sultana, outlined the planned activities of the BASIS Korea Desk, including observing a “Korea Day,” offering policy support for accessing the Korean market, organizing joint seminars, training and workshops with Korean universities and research institutions, exploring joint ventures and franchising opportunities, and sharing business leads from South Korea with BASIS members. Opportunities will also be created to participate in Korea-based ICT events, network and engage in B2B sessions with Korean companies, and collaborate on projects with the Korean Embassy in Bangladesh, KOICA, and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).
Edward Kim, Chairman of the BASIS Korea Desk, stated, "The BASIS Korea Desk will forge strategic and friendly relations between Bangladeshi and Korean tech companies. Its launch marks a significant milestone in strengthening Bangladesh’s ICT sector and positioning the country at the center of the global technology market. Through this platform, IT companies from both nations will be able to establish mutually beneficial business relations."
The event was presided over by BASIS Executive Committee Chairman, Rafel Kabir, who said, "The core objective of launching the BASIS Korea Desk is to closely connect Bangladesh’s ICT sector with Korea’s expansive market. This initiative will create opportunities for knowledge and technology exchange, which will significantly contribute to the capacity building and skills enhancement of our IT professionals. At the same time, a sustainable economic partnership can be built through strategic cooperation, aiding in establishing Bangladesh as a strong global IT hub."
