To increase productivity, the need to adapt new technologies emphasized

Economists as well as business leaders are advocating adaption of technology to increase productivity. According to them, the human capital dividend is in hand for only 6 to 7 years. There is no alternative but to use the latest technology and build tech-skilled manpower. This is the view expressed by FBCCI at the seminar titled "Export Challenges of Bangladesh After Graduation from LDC Status: Options for the Private Sector". Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Kaykaus was present as the chief guest at the seminar held on April 16 at the FBCCI Auditorium. Noting that the four years before LDC graduation is not a short time at all, the Chief Secretary said that the pace at which Bangladesh is moving forward will change the calculations made by various organizations during this period. Executive Chairman of BIDA, Md. Sirajul Islam; Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh; Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana and Planning Commission Member Sharifa Khan were present as special guests. The seminar was conducted by FBCCI President Md. Jasim Uddin. FBCCI panel advisor and former member of Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission Dr. Mostafa Abid Khan presented the keynote address at the seminar. Speaking at the seminar, Syed Almas Kabir, Director, FBCCI and President, Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber (BMCCI), said that in order to meet this challenge, productivity needs to be increased and new technologies (e.g., IoT, artificial intelligence, robotics, etc.) must be adapted. In order to use this technology properly, human capital needs to be created and skill development is essential for this. Universities of the country need special role in this regard. The University Grants Commission needs to be more forward looking. Emphasis should be placed on technical and vocational training. Almas Kabir called for prioritizing on policy formulation, business facilitation and incentives to encourage assembling and manufacturing in the country. This will result in skill transfer from developed countries. Assembling them in the country without importing various digital devices worth hundreds of crores of Taka in the ongoing mega projects will result in knowledge and skill transfer. Almas Kabir added that the National Board of Revenue needs to be restructured to create a business-friendly environment. Tax policy-makers and tax administrators should never be the same body. FBCCI panel advisor and CPD research director at the seminar Dr. Khandaker Golam Moazzem; former president of MCCI Syed Nasim Manzur; PWC Bangladesh managing partner Mamun Rashid, FBCCI advisor Manzur Ahmed, former chairman of Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission Dr. Mojibur Rahman were present. The seminar focused on building skilled manpower, maintaining supply chain, delivering 5G, broadband to every region of the country, connecting educational institutions with industry, technology adaptation, and concluding free trade agreements.