Smart Bangladesh Strategy: AI, 5G, and China Collaboration in Focus
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has said that the current government is working to transform the country into a modern, technology-driven Smart Bangladesh.
He made the remarks on Monday, 11 May, during a meeting at his office in the Posts and Telecommunications Division at the Secretariat with representatives of leading Chinese technology and telecommunications companies, led by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.
The minister said China’s cooperation has played a significant role in Bangladesh’s digital advancement. Chinese companies have long been contributing to the development of the country’s telecommunications and ICT infrastructure.
Expressing interest in establishing an AI training center in Bangladesh, he said it would provide young people with training in modern technology and artificial intelligence. This, he added, would enable the country’s youth to participate more actively in the ICT revolution.
Faqir Mahbub Anam further stated that Bangladesh believes in multilateral cooperation, technological development, and the expansion of digital connectivity. He also expressed hope that relations between Bangladesh and China would strengthen further in the future.
Ambassador Yao Wen noted that leading Chinese technology companies have been successfully operating in Bangladesh for the past three to four decades. He said Chinese investment in Bangladesh has now exceeded USD 1.5 billion, and with their technological support, nearly 98 percent of the country’s population has come under mobile network coverage.
He added that mobile phone manufacturing plants have been established in Bangladesh with the support of Chinese companies, producing more than 8 million mobile devices annually. Chinese firms are also contributing to the development of the national ICT network, data centers, and digital connectivity.
The meeting discussed collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), 5G network expansion, digital infrastructure development, and technology transfer. Bangladesh’s support was also sought for China’s candidacies in various international initiatives related to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Among others present at the meeting were Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Bilqis Jahan Rimi, Embassy Third Secretaries Zhang Pengfei and Bai Zhaoshi, Huawei representative Ma Ben, and ZTE representative Mao Yongjun.
DBTech/ZU/EK/OR
