Leveraging ICT for Growth and Competition in Bangladesh : IT/ITES Industry Development

The objective of this study is to assist Bangladesh in becoming a viable player in the IT/ITES industry in five years by identifying the strategies, programs and investments needed in order for the country to leverage ICT for economic growth and competitiveness, as well as for social development by increasing gender equality and youth employment. Why is it important for Bangladesh to concentrate its efforts in developing the IT/ITES industry? First of all, industry development is aligned with many of the goals for Digital Bangladesh as described in the manifesto, including development of software exports, IT parks, youth employment, etc. Secondly, the global IT/ITES is too large to be ignored - leaving a significant untapped market for which many countries are competing. Beyond direct economic benefits, IT/ITES growth can generate large-scale employment. India and the Philippines are established competitors while China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are emerging as new threats. To-date, the IT/ITES industry development activities in Bangladesh, while not without its successes, generally lacks widely accepted, centralized leadership or focus. This must change if Bangladesh is going to mount serious competition for an increase in market share