BASIS SoftExpo, the largest private-sector exposition aimed at showcasing IT and ITES products and services in Bangladesh, is back for its 17th edition and will be held from 23 to 26 February 2023. On the eve of the big event, we sat down to speak with Russel T Ahmed, President, BASIS, to talk about the Soft Expo and the ICT industry. 

What can be expected from this iteration of BASIS SoftExpo? How can visitors join this year's expo?

BASIS SoftExpo is Bangladesh's largest private sector exposition showcasing IT and ITES products and services. The Largest Regional Technology Congress, the 17th BASIS SoftExpo, will be held from 23-26 February 2023 at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center, Purbachal in Dhaka. It will focus on creating more collaborative relationships at the national and international levels, inviting trade delegations from various countries to experience the immense potential of the Bangladeshi ICT industry. As the country has taken a great leap in the digital wave, SoftExpo will be bigger and better than ever before this time. This year's event will be a congregation of ICT companies, personalities, professionals, key policymakers, industry leaders, and other ICT stakeholders.

Besides grand inaugural and closing ceremonies, there will be some special programs such as a Ministerial conference, an Ambassadors' Night with the participation of Ambassadors and representatives of different countries, to be attended by ministers, IT Job Fair and a Career Camp for giving info on jobs in the IT sector, B2B Matchmaking session, Freelancing Conference, Startup Conference, Developers' Conference, Women in IT program and Japan Day. Besides, at least 20 seminars and technology sessions will be held with the participation of high officials of the public and private sectors.   

The exhibition will run from 10 am to 8 pm daily. Those interested in the fair are requested to visit the official website of the soft expo (https://softexpo.com.bd/) for free registration.   

Startups are a big thing now. What can startups expect from this year's exhibition?

Startup events in BASIS SoftExpo 2023 will bring together investors, venture capitalists, angel investors, banks, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), and policymakers to discuss various topics concerning the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business as well as initiatives undertaken by the government. It is anticipated that there will be a total of 1,000 participants present at the Startup event.

Additionally, Ashneer Grover, Indian Business Tycoon and participant in the popular TV show The Shark Tank India will be present at the Startup Conference to share his story.

What is Smartverse? How will Smartverse help Bangladesh achieve the Smart Bangladesh goal by 2041?

BASIS Softexpo 2023, to be held from 23rd to 26th February, is unprecedented in the country's history as such a large-scale show was never held in the country in the past. The main objective of organizing the mega event is to highlight the capabilities of the local IT sector and the country's next commitment to becoming a Smart Nation. The term SmartVerse highlights our commitment towards becoming a Smart Nation through the power of the local IT force.

The "Smart Bangladesh by 2041" initiative was launched in 2017 with the aim of transforming the country into a developed and prosperous nation by 2041. The initiative is focused on five key areas: digital governance, human resource development, innovation and entrepreneurship, connectivity and infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Under the initiative, the government has implemented several policies and initiatives to promote digital governance. The "Digital Service Act" was passed in 2018 to facilitate the delivery of digital services to citizens. The government has also introduced the "National Digital Architecture" to provide a framework for developing digital services and to ensure interoperability and integration between different government systems.

The "Smart Bangladesh by 2041" initiative also focuses on human resource development. The government has established the "Digital Bangladesh Fellowship" to train and mentor young people in the ICT sector. The initiative also aims to improve the country's education quality by introducing digital technologies and tools in the classroom.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are key focus areas of the "Smart Bangladesh by 2041" initiative. The government has established the "Innovation Fund" to provide funding and support to entrepreneurs in the ICT sector. The initiative also aims to foster innovation by establishing a nationwide network of innovation labs and incubators.

Connectivity and infrastructure are essential for developing a digital and smart Bangladesh. The government has implemented several policies and initiatives to improve connectivity and infrastructure, such as the "Digital Connectivity" project, which aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to all citizens by 2021. The government has also established the "Digital Device Innovation Fund" to support the development of affordable digital devices for citizens.

Sustainable development is another key focus area of the "Smart Bangladesh by 2041" initiative. The government has implemented several policies and initiatives to promote sustainable development, such as the "Digital Agriculture" project, which aims to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability through digital technologies. The government has also established the "Green IT" initiative to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce the ICT sector's carbon footprint. 

Bangladesh has an ambitious goal of reaching USD 5 Billion in exports. What are the supports that are required to attain this goal?

More than 350 local firms are now exporting IT products to around 80 countries, including the US and the European Union countries, according to the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).

In 2019, the number of exporting firms was 250, as they had businesses in some 40 countries. Over the past couple of years, many firms have also established liaison offices abroad.

With 40% Y2Y growth, we can achieve the goal of USD 5 million by 2025. Yes, it is highly ambitious, but the government's support, our honourable Prime Minister's blessings and the ICT advisor's guidance give us the strength to believe in this dream.

We have identified seven pillars for BASIS within this period. We will be concentrating on them. From day one, we have declared that HR capacity development, foreign market enhancement, local market, startup ecosystem, industry promotion, access to finance, and IPR will be our areas to work on. My top priority is HR development. For that, I am sharing my plans with various places. Secondly, I have to earn foreign currency, for that export is my second target. Third is—developing capacity for BASIS members operating in the local market. We are focusing more on these three among the seven pillars. Before I leave, I want to see an existing setup for HR development by 2023 which will keep the supply chain intact for the next five to ten years. If that happens, I will be happy because it is our raw material.