The Embassy of Denmark, Dhaka and Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) signed a cooperation agreement on December 13, 2009 at Hotel Sheraton, Dhaka. Lt. Col. Muhammad Faruk Khan, psc (rtd.), Hon’ble Commerce Minister of Bangladesh was present as the chief guest in the signing of the cooperation agreement.

The Commerce Minister expressed his hope, anticipation and commitment of his government to make Digital Bangladesh by 2021 through developing ICT sector of the country. He reiterated that it is a pledge of his government and party which is also inscribed in the election manifesto of his party.

H.E. Mr. Einar H. Jensen, Ambassador of Denmark and Mr. Habibullah N Karim, President of BASIS signed the agreement in a ceremony on behalf of Danish Government and BASIS respectively.

Members of the Executive Council of BASIS, Managing Directors, Chief Executive Officers of the member firms of BASIS, officials from the embassy and distinguished guests were also present in the ceremony.

The objective of the cooperation is to develop ICT sector of Bangladesh and capacity building of BASIS to be the leader of ICT industry of the country. The Government of the Kingdom of Denmark, through this agreement, will support activities to strengthen BASIS as a central and progressive association in Bangladesh promoting the ICT sector towards local policy makers and the outside world.

This project is expected to turn BASIS into a leading IT Association in the region with a strengthened secretariat that is financially sustainable on its own, can provide better service to the IT Industry, has a stronger tie with policy makers and can make its footprint in realising the goal of Digital Bangladesh and has the capability to produce best research works not only for the industry but also for the stakeholders. The project is also going to have initiatives to promote more female participation in the industry.

A strengthened secretariat of BASIS will be the key for it to be the leader in all activities towards achieving its own vision “To develop a vibrant local software & IT Enabled Service sector in the country by using its huge potentials and establish Bangladesh as an important global sourcing hub for the same” which is in alignment with the Governments goal of turning Bangladesh Digital by 2021.

“We are at the Danish Embassy very proud to be able to support BASIS in this important process of making Bangladesh one of the world´s leading ICT outsourcing countries. We have for a number of years been active in the ICT sector with support to Danish and local companies setting up joint ventures/long term cooperations. We have supported close to 25 projects and hope that more will come in the future”, says the Danish Ambassador.

Danish Federation of Small and Medium Association (DFSME) is the implementation partner for the BITMAP phase II project. DFSME experts will provide consultancy services in strengthening the BASIS secretariat among others.