Bangladesh and the Netherlands to Strengthen ICT Collaboration Through High-Level Seminar at North South University

The Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DBCCI), in collaboration with the
Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands and North South University (NSU), has organzed a high-
level international seminar titled “Unlocking International Market Opportunities:
Bangladesh–Dutch ICT Industry Collaboration” on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the Syndicate
Hall, North South University, Dhaka. The seminar was held in a hybrid format, enabling
participation from both Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
The event aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and the Netherlands in
the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector by connecting policymakers,
industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries. The seminar
was take place from 03:30 PM to 07:30 PM (Bangladesh Time), aligning with 10:30 AM to
02:30 PM (Netherlands Time) to ensure active international participation.
Bangladesh’s ICT sector has demonstrated remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by a
skilled youth population, competitive service costs, and increasing public and private
investment. At the same time, the Netherlands has emerged as a major European hub for
innovation, fintech, cybersecurity, smart logistics, and digital trade. Despite strong potential,
many Bangladeshi ICT firms continue to face challenges in accessing EU markets, meeting
compliance requirements, and building reliable European partnerships. This seminar is designed
to bridge these gaps and create a practical roadmap for long-term collaboration.
The program was featured keynote presentations, industry talks, academic perspectives, and an
interactive panel discussion on building a Bangladesh–Dutch ICT Collaboration Roadmap.
Distinguished speakers including senior government officials, university leaders, industry
experts, and international ICT professionals from Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Japan was
present.
Key highlights addressed by Mr. Md. Shakwat Hossain Mamun, President of DBCCI, , the Vice-
Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of North South University, the Secretary of
the ICT Division, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and the

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Charge d’Affaires of the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague. International experts from ABN
AMRO, Cisco Netherlands, and leading ICT organizations were share insights on global market
entry, compliance, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
The seminar was also explore academic–industry partnerships, talent development, research
collaboration, and innovation opportunities through universities. A dedicated dialogue session
will focus on identifying actionable pathways for ICT trade, joint ventures, investment,
technology transfer, and ecosystem support between the two countries.
The program was sponsored by NexKraft Ltd., Provati Insurance PLC, Foodi Bangladesh, Soft BD
Ltd., Sabre BD Ltd., MindShaper, Jol Chaya, Edugenious and media partnering by Rupali
Bangladesh, ETV and Brand Story.
Expected outcomes of the seminar include increased awareness of EU and Dutch ICT market
opportunities, strengthened business networks, improved understanding of compliance and
collaboration models, and follow-up initiatives by DBCCI to support ICT trade and investment.
The event was concluded with a networking dinner to encourage relationship-building among
stakeholders and to promote future partnerships.

Organizers:
Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DBCCI)
In collaboration with:
Bangladesh Embassy, The Netherlands
North South University (NSU)
Venue: Syndicate Hall, North South University, Dhaka
Format: Hybrid (In-person & Online)