ICT Expo-2017 from Oct 18 to show nation's digital successes

State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak yesterday said the country is going to hold 'Bangladesh ICT Expo-2017' from October 18 to 20 for letting the people know about the remarkable successes achieved so far in ICT sector.

"We are going to hold the expo with the slogan 'Make in Bangladesh' this time. The whole expo will be divided into 10 zones and different public, private projects, programs and initiatives in ICT sector will be showcased through 132 pavilions and stalls in the fair," Palak said at a press briefing held at ICT Division.

ICT Division Secretary Subir Kishore Choudhury and Managing Director of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority Hosne Ara Begum, were present on the occasion, among the senior officials concerned.

"Around 50 local and foreign experts including those from Taiwan, Malaysia, Russia and Japan, high officials, ICT personalities, IT goods producers and entrepreneurs are scheduled to take part in the three-day fair. People will be able to visit the fair for free from 10 am to 8 pm," Palak added.

The state minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2008 declared her vision of 'Digital Bangladesh' to turn Bangladesh into a merit-based country with digital economy.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and with the well-thought out and timely direction of her Information and Communication Technology Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, we are working relentlessly to achieve progress in all the areas of ICT, specially IT/ITS and hardware sectors," he added.

"Because of such backings, we have been able to start a revolutionary change in IT/ITS and hardware sectors. World renowned Samsung has established consumer electronics factory in the country, while our local company Walton too has launched its mobile phone assembling factory here.

Our local companies Symphony and Amra Technologies and foreign companies like LG and Huawei have also started their activities to establish factories here to produce and assemble mobile phones and laptops," Palak said.

The ICT Division sources said three-tier security has been arranged for this year's mega event and the hosts are expecting to see at least half a million visitors in the fair.

"We have also opened a web portal www.ictexpo.com.bd to take this fair to the local and foreign spectators online. People will be able to get in touch with the fair on Facebook too at (www.facebook.com/BangladeshICTexpo). We will also use platforms like twitter and YouTube in this regard," Palak said.

Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal will inaugurate the expo on October 18 and the curtain will be drawn through the 'award night' on October 20.

-BSS