Dhaka — The Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan has said that his country's investment in information technology and related services will increase as Turkey is looking to expand its cooperation with Bangladesh.
The Ambassador was speaking at a virtual webinar organised by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) and Turkish Embassy to explore the possibility of expanding bilateral business between both countries in the ICT sector.
Reiterating the good relations between Bangladesh and Turkey, BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir said that the current tax holiday in the ICT sector in Bangladesh applicable till 2024 could benefit Turkish IT companies.
Under the policy, all investors in the ICT sector can return 100% of their dividends to the country. Bangladesh claims to have over 10 lakh skilled workforce in the ICT sector.
“Turkey's investment in this sector will be beneficial for both countries. BASIS is working on expanding the international market in the ICT sector. We are optimistic that our future business with Turkey will grow,” said Kabir
Concurring the views of BASIS president, Turkish Ambassador said that they are working to build a successful business relationship between the businessmen of the two countries.
“We will extend all possible support to BASIS so that Bangladeshi IT companies can do business in the Turkish market easily,” he said.
Farhana A Rahman, Senior Vice President, BASIS, said: “Europe is our primary market for exporting ICT products and services. Turkey can play a role in expanding our business in the European market.”
Bangladesh and Turkey have ample opportunities to expand business in the ICT sector. If the businessmen in this sector work together, both will benefit. The current business environment in Bangladesh is better than ever, said different speakers.
Both the BASIS and the Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh agreed that the special facilities provided by the government, especially in the ICT sector, would play a role in boosting business in the industry.
Joint Secretary Enamul Hafiz Latifi and Assistant Manager International Relations Nadia Tabassum were also present from BASIS in the Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh meeting.