Beijing: Recently, a high-level Bangladeshi delegation visited Beijing’s E-Town, an area renowned for hosting over 300 robotics companies and a comprehensive industrial chain. Delegation members, including advisers to Bangladesh’s new government and members of parliament, engaged with futuristic technologies such as robotic handshakes, dancing machines, and a conversation with a humanoid robot named ‘Einstein.’
According to United News of Bangladesh, the visit reflected Bangladesh’s interest in strengthening ties with China, particularly in innovation, advanced manufacturing, and digital transformation. The country’s aspiration to transition toward high-tech development aligns with its ‘Digital Bangladesh’ initiative launched in 2008, which has bolstered the ICT sector and digital infrastructure.
Bangladesh’s young demographic, with nearly one-third of citizens aged between 15 and 34, presents a significant advantage. Educational institutions like the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and the University of Dhaka are producing skilled graduates in data science and AI engineering. This educational foundation, combined with the country’s strong English proficiency and competitive labor costs, positions Bangladesh as an attractive hub for global outsourcing in AI-related services.
In policy terms, Bangladesh is progressing rapidly in ‘deep tech,’ integrating biotechnology, electronics, artificial intelligence, and robotics into its national development agenda. Efforts to establish a comprehensive AI policy framework are underway, indicating a shift from mere digital access to advanced technology and industrial upgrading.
The collaboration between China and Bangladesh in high technology has materialized into a comprehensive strategic partnership as of 2024. A joint statement emphasized China’s support in building a ‘Smart Bangladesh,’ focusing on digital innovation laboratories, cloud computing, and digital trade platforms. This partnership aims to upgrade Bangladesh’s industrial structure and reduce its reliance on low-end growth.
Bangladesh’s geographic position, demographic attributes, and supportive policies, coupled with China’s industrial capabilities, offer potential growth in artificial intelligence, software services, electronics manufacturing, and data processing. These sectors were of particular interest to the Bangladeshi delegation during their visit.
The delegation also explored advanced new energy vehicle production lines at JAC Motors in Hefei, Anhui Province. They observed the coordination between workers and automated equipment, noting the precision and efficiency of China’s manufacturing system.
Md. Ismail Zabihullah, an adviser to the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, expressed surprise and admiration for the robotic surgery demonstration witnessed in E-Town. He acknowledged Bangladesh’s need for labor-intensive industries but also the desire to assimilate advanced manufacturing and technological capabilities.
Throughout their visit, the Bangladeshi delegation’s engagement with robots, AI systems, and advanced manufacturing conveyed a sense of possibility. They were not just observing China’s present but envisioning a technologically advanced future for Bangladesh.