Boosting the semiconductor industry could propel Bangladesh to the forefront of technology and progress, experts said at a report launching on Thursday.

The Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) launched the strategic document "Developing the Semiconductor Industry in Bangladesh" in the capital on the day.

State Minister for Posts, Telecom and IT Zunaid Ahmed Palak attended the launching as chief guest, while ICT Division secretary Md Shamsul Arefin was special guest.

The event was moderated by MCCI secretary-general and CEO Farooq Ahmed.

The report serves as a roadmap for potential investors and policymakers, guiding them on the path to developing the semiconductor industry in Bangladesh.

It also refers to the current global leaders in semiconductor design and fabrication, providing valuable insights into their ecosystem.

Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP said artificial intelligence, microchip designing, robotics, and cyber security were already identified as the four frontier technologies and focus areas by the prime minister's ICT affairs adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy.

Therefore, boosting the semiconductor industry could propel Bangladesh to the forefront of technology and progress.

He also informed that the development of a nano-laboratory in Buet was in progress.

Md Shamsul Arefin pointed out the need to have a comprehensive national policy, tax breaks and subsidies, strengthened intellectual property laws and their enforcements, the availability of clean rooms, testing laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and the promotion of locally manufactured semiconductor chips.

MCCI president Kamran T Rahman highlighted MCCI's efforts to support the semiconductor industry in Bangladesh.

He stated semiconductors were crucial for future industrial ventures.

MCCI senior vice-president Habibullah N Karim said that the report will be more than an academic guide for the semiconductor industry. It will also provide guidance on mobilizing investment, policy frameworks, and resources.

He also expressed great optimism regarding the industry's potential to reach a billion-dollar valuation.

Prof M Rokonuzzaman of the department of electrical & computer engineering at North South University, believed delving into the industry could help Bangladesh evade the middle-income trap while pursuing progress.

An open discussion took place during this part of the event. Topics that came up for discussion include the kinds of skills required for the semiconductor industry, having regular monitoring and evaluation of the set objectives, the availability of research and development grants with tax rebates, the setting up of a lead agency responsible for the implementation of the plans involving all stakeholders, the development of Bangladesh’s own intellectual property in the semiconductor industry, the ‘brain drain’ challenge, and the accommodation of local metallurgical engineers in the semiconductor industry.