KEPZ to build first private hi-tech park
A hi-tech recreation area will be setup at Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram, which is owned by Korean global organization conglomerate Youngone.
The KEPZ will establish 100 acres out of 2,492 acres of land to create the country's first privately-owned IT and hi-tech park.
A good tripartite agreement was signed among Bangladesh High-Tech Recreation area Authority (BHTPA), the KEPZ and Startup Bangladesh at the area yesterday to build up a high-tech sector and innovation ecosystem, says a news release.
Cooperation will focus on developing infrastructures, increasing foreign expenditure, strengthening the start-up ecosystem and support business owners through upskilling by way of startup camps, style thinking and innovation projects.
The parties envision to collaborate and exchange knowledge and expertise regarding technology and associated sectors for innovations, developing collaborative relationship with foreign countries, especially with South Korea and the US, and conducting joint exploration activities.
"Bangladesh High Tech Park Authority will generate digital entrepreneurs by growing an innovation ecosystem in the country to improve investment from the individual sector," said Talk about Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak as chief guest.
There will be no problem in inflow of investment in the proposed park, although mutation of the land has not been completed, he said.
Palak said Samsung, another Korean enterprise, wanted to invest in this park in 2004, but however it might not make the purchase.
The federal government allocated the zone's territory to Youngone in 1999.
Later, Samsung placed its investment found in Vietnam and today exports $70 billion worth mobile products from now there, he said.
Samsung in addition has been assembling cell phones at a good Bangladeshi factory found in Narsingdi and will start producing sets next twelve months, Palak said.
"We wish our youth to put their thoughts into creating jobs instead of looking for them," he said.
To remain ahead in the 4th industrial revolution, IT organization incubators are being established in universities to focus on the internet of points, robotics, cyber reliability and other modern technologies, he said.
Work to determine an IT organization incubator in Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology together with a good Sheik Kamal IT training and incubation center in Chandgao of Chattogram are getting expedited, said Palak.
Once these jobs are implemented, the interface and the business enterprise capital of Chattogram will grow into a modern IT organization hub, he said.
"Some Tk 327 crore possesses been invested in several hi-tech parks all over the country by the exclusive sector," explained BHTPA Managing Director Hosne Ara Begum.
Some 13,000 careers have also been designed for youths, she said.
Through the support of digital startups, over 7,50,000 SMEs have already been able to grow their businesses in several sectors, said Startup Bangladesh Managing Director and CEO Tina Jabeen.
