The country's software operators are hopeful of achieving the US $5.0 billion worth of software export target by the year 2025.
According to them, the country's current export earning from the sector is estimated $1.4 billion annually.
These were stated at a press briefing held in a city hotel on Sunday ahead of BASIS Softexpo-2023.
Russell T Ahmed, president of BASIS, was in the chair while Abu Daud Khan, convener of BASIS Softexpo 2023 and BASIS Vice president (Admin), on behalf of IFIC Bank Limited, platinum sponsor of BASIS Softexpo 2023, Deputy Managing Director and Head of International Division of IFIC Bank Limited Syed Mansur Mostafa were present, among others.
Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) is set to organise the four-day software exposition which will kick off at Bangabandhu Bangladesh China Friendship Exhibition Center, Purbachal in the capital on Thursday, aimed at highlighting the latest technological innovations and ICT capabilities of Bangladesh to the world.
With the slogan, 'Welcome to the Smartverse' BASIS SoftExpo 2023,' the country's ever largest digital exhibition and one of the biggest exhibitions of information and communication technology (ICT) sector in South Asia will end on February 26.
Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury will inaugurate the exposition on February 23.
Besides, Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar and State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak are scheduled to attend it as special guests.
The capacities of Bangladesh's information technology sector will be highlighted through various programmes in the information technology exhibition.
Highlighting the SoftExpo, Russell T Ahmed said the exposition being held in the IT sector is unprecedented in the country's history and such large-scale fair was never held in the country in the past.
The main objective of organising the mega event is to highlight the capabilities of the local IT sector, he added.
"The vision of Digital Bangladesh has been realised due mainly to the pioneering role played by our IT sector. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina aims to transform the country from digital into 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041," he said.
The private sector can play a significant role in implementing the vision of 'Smart Bangladesh', Mr Ahmed hoped, saying continued efforts of the local IT companies contributed to the realisation of the dream of 'Digital Bangladesh'.
BASIS has been holding bilateral meetings and making different business agreements to accelerate business in various countries of the world.
Like the previous years, B2B Matchmaking will be held between Bangladeshi companies and foreign companies in the fair this year.
Abu Daud Khan said the world is now at the threshold of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Bangladesh also needs to go ahead by keeping pace with the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and Metaverse, he added.
In keeping consistency with the matter, the slogan of the fair this year has been selected as "Welcome to the Smartverse", he said.
Besides the grand inaugural and closing ceremonies, there will be some special programmes such as Ministerial Conference, Ambassadors' Night with the participation of Ambassadors and representatives from different countries, to be attended by ministers, IT Job Fair and Career Camp for giving info on job in the IT sector, B2B Matchmaking session, Freelancing Conference, Startup Conference, Developers' Conference, Women in IT programme 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 sector.
In this fair, display of robots is one of the most attractions for the visitors where students from five universities including University of Dhaka, Brac University and Comilla University will display their robots.
The exhibition will remain open from 10am to 8pm daily for the visitors.
