Semiconductors to Become Bangladesh's Next Economic Engine After Garments: Prime Minister
The Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the semiconductor industry is poised to become Bangladesh's next major economic growth engine after the ready-made garment sector, as the government targets significant export earnings from the global semiconductor market by 2030.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Semiconductor Summit at Bangabandhu Novotheatre in Dhaka on Saturday (July 25), the Prime Minister said Bangladesh has already begun implementing strategic initiatives to establish a strong position in the rapidly expanding global semiconductor industry.
Emphasizing the vision of building a technology-driven and self-reliant Bangladesh, the Prime Minister noted that the global semiconductor market is projected to reach nearly US$1 trillion by 2030, and Bangladesh is working to secure its share of this vast opportunity.
Describing the summit as a gathering of the nation's future technology leaders, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of engaging Bangladeshi semiconductor professionals working abroad.
He said more than 3,000 Bangladeshi semiconductor experts are currently employed at leading global technology companies and universities, and the government is taking initiatives to leverage their expertise for the country's technological advancement.
The Prime Minister also announced a series of policy incentives to accelerate the industry's growth. These include full customs duty and tax exemptions on imported raw materials and technology equipment required for semiconductor manufacturing, as well as direct cash incentives for semiconductor design service exports.
To support innovation and technology entrepreneurship, the government has established a Tk 5 billion Startup Fund for the first time. In addition, efforts are underway to modernize existing high-tech parks while developing specialized bioparks and semiconductor infrastructure across the country.
The Prime Minister said the development of the semiconductor industry requires coordinated efforts among universities, industries, government agencies, entrepreneurs, and Bangladeshi scientists living abroad. Despite existing limitations in advanced laboratory facilities, the country's talented young workforce will enable Bangladesh to play a leading role in the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, the Prime Minister expressed optimism.
Among those present as special guests were Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapan, ICT Adviser Rehan Asad, Science and Technology Secretary M. Anwar Hossain, and Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) President M. A. Jabbar.
The summit's keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, USA, who is leading the formulation of Bangladesh's long-term semiconductor and deep-tech strategy.
//DBTech/IH/SME//
