The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) on Sunday launched a technology centre to promote the tech-based entrepreneurs in the country.
Called ‘FBCCI Tech C’ and in collaboration with four foreign entities, the centre would help the entrepreneurs, also known as techpreneurs, with various skill-enhancing programs and other logistic supports so that they could build an efficient digital ecosystem and solve different critical issues, said a press release.
"Tech C will contribute in gearing up startup preparedness skills and technologies in different fields, including agriculture, digital financial service, healthcare, education, e-commerce sectors," said Sonia Bashir Kabir, adviser to the FBCCI.
It would also work for developing artificial intelligence, ensuring cybersecurity, creating internet of things (IoT), the adaptation of blockchain for the private and public sectors, enhancing data analytics and machine learning and other applied skills.
"Our nation’s future economic success, growth, and competitiveness depend on a thriving and innovative technology sector, while data-driven innovation is the foundation of businesses," said FBCCI President Sheikh Fazle Fahim.
He hoped that with the tech centre, they would be able to support businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with various innovations.
The centre will be under the umbrella of FBCCI Impact 4.0 (2020).
Education Minister Dipu Moni, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, and FBCCI office bearers were present in the event.
Dipu Moni appreciated the FBCCI for such initiative and said that it was aligned with the Digital Bangladesh agenda. Her ministry was also preparing to adapt to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), she said.
"Leveraging tech innovations to have a competitive edge will help to improve our national economic growth, for that, we need such an Innovative initiative," said Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
To train startups, the FBCCI Tech C already signed agreements with the international organizations -- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, Accelerating Asia in Singapore, Seneca College in Canada and the University of Toronto in Canada.
"We’re excited to work closely with Bangladesh apex trade body for the tech centre,” said Amra Naidoo, Co-founder of Accelerating Asia.
He believes that the entrepreneurs are one of humanity’s greatest catalysts for positive change, which they will promote with the Tech C.
