The days of Golden Fiber (Jute) may have tarnished away, but the golden days of Optical Fiber i.e. country’s IT Sector has just begun. Having a consistent 25% growth at present, IT sector is immensely blessed to have several growth drivers like a large pool of efficient young professionals, a collaborative environment with the government, effective dynamic leadership from BASIS and positive media involvement etc. Software Export earnings stood at around $100 million in the period July-May 2012-13, rising from $70.81 million in the same time a year ago.
Yes, we have come out with flying colours within a few years. Yet I think with our booming potential, we can go even farther. I firmly believe we can target even $1 Billion within a few years to come.
While discussing different aspects of branding our country globally-with regard to IT sector, at the final session of BASIS IT Marketing Forum 2013; my belief has rather got reassured. All the eminent panelists of the session: ‘Bangladesh Next’, opined that, “IT Industry in Bangladesh is an untapped opportunity, radiant with huge possibilities. Given its lucrative potential, if only we could strategically market our products via creating effective brand identity, the dream for $1 billion will not remain as a dream anymore.”
As Raihan Shamsi, CEO of GP IT correctly mentioned, the demographic dividend that we have; should be the cornerstone of any road map we want to devise regarding IT development. Bangladesh has one of the most attractive population demography in the world – relatively high young population base as over 34% are in age group of 15-34 years; which is favourable for IT-BPO industry. The total industry size for ICT and ITeS is estimated to be around Tk 2500 crore (USD $ 400 million) where approximately 70,000 professionals are employed. Now question is how to confirm growth of this market by many more folds? How to ensure continuous connectivity as to propel the growth? As to answer this, Nazrul Islam Khan, the ICT secretary assured that government will facilitate BASIS and the industry with all the possible solutions with a view to developing the skill set of the IT-preneurs and promoting their products among global audience. Khan also briefly described current initiatives of his ministry on developing HR pool for the industry through training.
Over the last few years, Bangladesh has made major strides in laying the groundwork for a diverse and successful outsourcing market. Gartner, a global research agency, ranked Bangladesh top 30 outsourcing destinations. Also in the freelance outsourcing arena, our freelancers are among the top 5 by oDesk.com. But these success stories were not highlighted in media the way they should have been. As Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star correctly pointed this out. He also offered a partnership model where BASIS and media can work together to feature positive news of IT sector. I think all forms of mass media should be aware of this fact and come forward as to support this uprising sector.
Government authorities have been demonstrating an impressive determination for IT sector by initiating ICT incubator, IT park etc. Bangladeshi companies are now graduating from low value added tasks to higher end engineering and product development assignments. For example, REVE Systems is now global leader in VoIP Mobile Dialer Solutions, Tiger IT is developing biometric solutions for international clients, SSD-Tech has been developing VAS mobile platforms for companies across two continents. These are all indications that, yes, we can turn our dream of $1 billion into reality and a long wait may not be needed this time.
BASIS IT Marketing Forum was just the beginning. Many more follow up sessions to be organised involving government, media, academia, international relevant agencies and others.
We need to identify the challenges to overcome and it’s now high time to develop a road map towards achieving $1 billion goal involving all stakeholders for a brighter tomorrow.
Let’s work together. We can, surely we can.
The author is Secretary General of BASIS.
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Source: The Daily Star
