Various problems in the technology sector of possibilities, the urge to solve
"Despite the huge potential in this sector in the current age of information technology, we are being deprived due to various problems. We are not getting the desired success from this sector due to lack of skilled human resources and modern machinery, weak supply chain infrastructure, innovative thinking and uncertainty of financial support.'
President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Rizwan Rahman said these things in a seminar on Saturday.
The seminar titled 'Obstacles and Prospects for Success of CMSME Startups' was held at DCCI Auditorium.
Information and Technology Department Senior Secretary NM Ziaul Alam PAA Chief and Commissioner of Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Dr. Sheikh Shamsuddin Ahmed was present as special guest.
Rizwan Rahman said, 'CMSMEs are the main driving force of our economy. The contribution of this sector to the GDP of the country is 30 percent and about 40 percent of the total employment is related to this sector. At present our number of startups is around 1200 and every year around 200 startups are joining this sector.
Senior Secretary Ziaul Alam said, '17 startup companies have been given incentive support by the government's 'Startup Bangladesh Limited'. Apart from this, the startup entrepreneurs who are facing various challenges in conducting their activities are being given necessary support through the 'Challenge Fund' of the A2I (Inspire to Innovation) project.
He said, 'Government has taken initiative to establish Sheikh Kamal IT and Innovation Center in every district. Through this, necessary support will be given to the startup entrepreneurs. Apart from allotment of free offices and space for startups and freelancers in hi-tech parks, necessary training and financial support has also been arranged.
The Information and Technology Secretary also said, 'The government has finalized the work of setting up a platform for the payment gateway called Baram for the fintech sector entrepreneurs of the country. This will ensure transparency and accountability in the sector and increase domestic and foreign investment.
"The government is in the process of finalizing the draft Data Protection Act, which, if implemented, will improve our position in the IT sector abroad."
Dr. Sheikh Shamsuddin Ahmed said, 'The definition of CMSME sector has been specified in the new industrial policy, which will play an important role in the development of this sector.
"The Commission has already formed the SME Board, although the representation of entrepreneurs in this sector is not as expected. In this situation, small and medium entrepreneurs should be included in that board at a higher rate.
Sheikh Shamsuddin emphasized on the need to focus more on innovation activities for IT startup entrepreneurs to be successful. At the same time, he proposed to further simplify the existing policies and value addition activities for their development and introduce an 'SME Bond' with the help of large companies of the country.
Fahim Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Pathao, presented the keynote at the event. He said, 'In 2021, the amount of investment in the startup sector in Bangladesh was 415 million dollars, while the foreign investment was 412 million dollars. As a result, employment opportunities have been created for about 15 lakh people in the country.
He said, 'Entrepreneurs in this sector face the absence of necessary policy support and regulatory framework, shortage of financial support, skilled human resources and barriers to establish contact with international markets.
Formulation of 'Startup Policy' to solve existing problems, increasing coordination between education and industry sectors, speeding up access to government services and cooperation and ensuring financial support should be played a more active role.
Tanveer Rashid, Finance Director of Chaldal, Syeda Ambrin Reza, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Foodpanda Bangladesh Limited and Nirjhar Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh Angels participated in the scheduled discussions at the seminar.
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