Creating a growth ecosystem for information technology entrepreneurs and protecting their rights in the local markets will be key priorities to make Bangladesh a sourcing hub, Syed Almas Kabir, president of Bangladesh Association for Software and Information Services (Basis) tells the Dhaka Tribune’s Ibrahim Hossain Ovi in an interview
‘Bangladesh no longer just a cheap labour country’
As BASIS president, what areas of work will you be focusing on?
My first focus will be on creating an ecosystem for the entrepreneurs and to protect their rights in the local markets to give them space to grow.
In the ecosystem, priority will be given to ensuring access to finance, congenital business atmosphere, and helping to start a business, as well legal assistance.
As an organisation, BASIS does not have real data needed to set strategy and plans for the entrepreneurs of the ICT sector to ensure a congenial business atmosphere.
That is why I will launch a research project to collect data on people who are engaged in the sector, the size of local markets, and export earnings. The research will also focus on finding out the potentiality and also the problems to give a sense of direction to entrepreneurs, especially for newcomers.
How do you think the gap between institutional education and industry needs can be reduced in terms of skill?
There is a gap between the education system and industry needs. But the ice has started to melt.
As an academic, I have 12 years of experience teaching computer science and engineering. I have already sat with the University Grant Commission (UGC) and vice chancellors of renowned universities to establish collaboration between academic institutions and the industry.
Since there is a gap between academic knowledge and industry needs, especially in practical areas, we proposed including a four-month up-scaling program as part of academic education so that the mismatch can be reduced.
There is hope because we have started to realize the issues and have shown keen interest to work collaboratively.
How do we expand the export market?
Branding Bangladesh positively is the key to attracting global customers. Bangladesh was branded by its labour force, which was wrongly done. We have to brand ourselves with quality and capability.
Bangladesh has to let its potential markets know that it is no more just a cheap labour country, but a country of skilled manpower, and we have the ability to provide quality services and products.
To this end, Bangladeshi entrepreneurs have to concentrate on developing specific items such as mobile games and apps so that clients consider us a sourcing hub.
On top of that, we have to build trust with buyers by ensuring quality and commitment. On the other hand, we have to have proper marketing to inform targeted clients about products and capacity.
Can we ensure an office space for start-ups free of cost?
It is not possible to arrange office space free of cost for start-ups and small scale entrepreneurs. But we are negotiating with the government and Hi-tech Park Authority to allocate one floor in every hi-tech park to offer office space free of cost for at least one year.
Then, eventually the start-ups will pay for it, and if it is done properly, it will help create new entrepreneurs.
What are the challenges for the sector?
Two core elements for the industry – higher prices of internet bandwidth, and electricity – are the main challenges for the sector. As a result, we are going to urge the government to offer internet at 50% discount rate for the sector and a special tariff rate on electricity.
Bangladesh has set a target to earn $5 billion by 2021 from ICT sector. Do you think it is possible to achieve this?
I think it is possible to earn $5 billion by 2021. But we need government policy support, including making the money transactions easier to receive earnings from foreign countries.
How do we make outsourcing more vibrant?
It is not possible to reach the peak of success working separately. That is why the freelancers have to work together forming a group. It will help to get support from BASIS as well as from the government. This will also help strengthen business as an organization.
Source:
https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2018/07/09/bangladesh-no-longer-just-a-cheap-labour-country
