The Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) launched the strategic document “Developing the Semiconductor Industry in Bangladesh” on Thursday at its Gulshan office.

State Minister for Information Technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, attended the event as the chief guest, with Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division, Md Shamsul Arefin, as the special guest.

According to an MCCI press release, the report serves as a roadmap for potential investors and policymakers, guiding them on the path to developing the semiconductor industry in Bangladesh.

Mr. Palak stated that boosting the semiconductor industry could propel Bangladesh to the forefront of technology and progress.

He also informed the audience about the ongoing development of a nano-laboratory at BUET and assured his ministry’s full support in ensuring the country’s progress in the semiconductor industry.

Shamsul Arefin emphasized the need for a broad commitment to a high-tech future targeting high economic growth.

He highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive national policy, tax breaks and subsidies, strengthened intellectual property laws and enforcement, availability of clean rooms, testing laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and the promotion of locally manufactured semiconductor chips for the industry to flourish.

MCCI President Kamran T Rahman said that semiconductors are crucial for future industrial ventures and expressed hope that the report would significantly contribute to the industry’s development.

Yusuf Haque, Chief Technology Officer of eXo Imaging Inc (USA), presented on how to bring semiconductor-related technology to Bangladesh.

M Rokonuzzaman, Professor at the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, North South University, highlighted the key features of the report, stating that exploring the semiconductor industry could help Bangladesh evade the middle-income trap while pursuing progress.

MCCI Senior Vice-President Habibullah N Karim noted that the report would serve as more than an academic guide for the semiconductor industry. He mentioned that it would also provide guidance on mobilizing investment, policy frameworks, and resources, with the potential for the industry to reach a billion-dollar valuation.

An open discussion followed, covering topics such as the skills required for the semiconductor industry, regular monitoring and evaluation of set objectives, availability of research and development grants with tax rebates, establishing a lead agency responsible for implementing plans, developing Bangladesh’s intellectual property in the semiconductor industry, addressing the ‘brain drain’ challenge, and accommodating local metallurgical engineers.