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Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stressed the need to promote innovation and industry-oriented research to strengthen Bangladesh’s industrial capacity and competitiveness.
He said recognising the achievements of researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs would encourage not only those selected under the Bangladesh Industry Research Development and Innovation (BIRDI) initiative but also the wider community working on technological advancement across the country.
The finance minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a recognition and award ceremony organised under the BIRDI initiative at a hotel in Dhaka, according to a press release.
Welcoming the initiative, he said the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP) had taken an important step by recognising researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs for their contributions to industrial development.
He said initiatives such as BIRDI could play a significant role in creating an innovation-driven industrial ecosystem and enhancing the country’s productive capacity.
The event, organised by SICIP under the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance, formally recognised selected researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs for their innovative achievements and contributions to Bangladesh’s industrial sector.
Finance Division Secretary and SICIP National Programme Director Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder attended the programme as a special guest.
In his speech, Dr Mozumder said the BIRDI initiative, implemented by the Finance Division with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was designed to develop practical and industry-friendly solutions aimed at improving productivity and strengthening Bangladesh’s international competitiveness.
He said the initiative would also help build a stronger foundation of skilled human resources capable of responding to the changing demands of industry and technology.
According to him, BIRDI was closely aligned with SICIP’s broader vision, “Illuminating Bangladesh through Skills,” which seeks to develop a skilled workforce and improve the competitiveness of key sectors of the economy.
Qingfeng Zhang, Country Director of the ADB Bangladesh Resident Mission, also addressed the event.
He reaffirmed the ADB’s commitment to maintaining its long-term partnership with the Bangladesh government and supporting efforts to achieve the objectives of SICIP and related innovation programmes.
The speakers emphasised the importance of closer links between researchers, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, industries and policymakers to turn research findings into commercially viable and practical solutions.
They also stressed that innovation should not remain confined to laboratories or academic institutions but should contribute directly to productivity, employment generation, industrial diversification and Bangladesh’s ability to compete in international markets.
SICIP Additional Secretary and Executive Programme Director Mohammad Walid Hossain delivered the concluding remarks and vote of thanks.
He expressed gratitude to the chief guest, distinguished guests, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and other participants for their cooperation in making the programme successful.
The BIRDI initiative is a flagship effort under SICIP aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial capabilities through industry-focused research, innovation and the development of practical solutions for businesses and industries.