US firms show interest in $1bn AI, chip investment
US semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) technology companies have expressed interest in investing more than US$1 billion in Bangladesh, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said.
“There is significant potential for international investment in Bangladesh’s technology sector,” he said, adding that interest from US technology companies in investing more than US$1 billion in AI and semiconductor industries could give fresh momentum to the country’s economy.
“The government is working to facilitate technology transfer, develop a skilled workforce and ensure an investment-friendly environment to turn this opportunity into reality,” he said.
Bobby made the remarks while addressing a ‘CEO and Senior Executives Roundtable’ at a hotel in California, USA, on Monday local time, according to a press release received on Tuesday.
The roundtable was organised under the theme ‘Technology Investment and Strategic Partnerships for Bangladesh’s Growth’.
Bobby said Bangladesh was placing greater emphasis on skilled human resources and international cooperation to keep pace with rapid changes in the global technology sector.
He said international investment in AI, data infrastructure and other high-tech sectors could create new employment opportunities in the future.
The roundtable discussed AI and data infrastructure development, investment in the semiconductor industry, technology transfer, skilled workforce development, research, innovation, trade expansion and strategic partnerships.
Participants also stressed the importance of identifying practical areas of cooperation with international companies to strengthen Bangladesh’s technological capabilities.
The Bangladesh delegation included Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.
Shamim Mohammad, Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer of CarMax, moderated the roundtable, which was attended by senior executives from the US technology sector.
The discussion also featured exchanges on potential cooperation in AI, the semiconductor industry, technology transfer and strategic partnerships.
