Various US semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) companies have expressed interest in investing more than $1 billion in Bangladesh’s technology sector, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has said.

He made the disclosure on Monday (September 28) at a CEO and Senior Executives Roundtable held at the Four Seasons Hotel in East Palo Alto, California’s Silicon Valley. The discussion focused on “Technology, Investment and Strategic Partnerships for Bangladesh’s Growth.”

Bobby Hajjaj said Bangladesh has significant potential for international investment in the technology sector. In particular, interest from US companies in AI and semiconductors could create new economic opportunities for the country.

He said technology transfer, development of skilled manpower, research and innovation, and ensuring an investment-friendly environment would be essential to capitalize on this potential. He also stressed the importance of advancing Bangladesh through a combination of skilled human resources, modern technology and international cooperation to keep pace with rapid changes in the global technology sector.

The state minister said investment in AI and data infrastructure, semiconductor technology and high-tech industries could diversify Bangladesh’s economy while creating new employment opportunities in the future.

The roundtable discussed various aspects of AI and data infrastructure development, investment in the semiconductor industry, technology transfer, skilled workforce development, research, innovation, trade expansion and strategic partnerships. Participants also exchanged views on potential areas of cooperation with international companies to strengthen Bangladesh’s technological capabilities.

The Bangladesh delegation included Prime Minister’s Adviser on Economic and Planning Affairs Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, and Prime Minister’s Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

The discussion was moderated by Shamim Mohammad, Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer of CarMax. Senior executives from the US technology sector participated in the meeting.