At least five computer manufacturers are interested in setting up assembly plants in Bangladesh, says the trade body of ICT companies.
Bangladesh Computer Samity President Subrata Sarker said they are all set to send joint venture proposals to the companies as they have got a positive response after initial talks.
According to industry insiders, the five companies are Samsung, Huawei, Dell, HP and Lenovo.
China-based Huawei has already been allotted a seven-acre plot at the Gazipur IT park, but any kind of construction is yet to be started.
Meanwhile, Korea’s Samsung has already opened an electronics plant in Narsingdi in partnership with local Fair Electronics. The plant will now manufacture home appliances and gradually will assemble smartphones.
Fair Electronics have opened talks with an international brand’s local officials over using its facility to assemble computers, people familiar with the matter said adding that they were in the process to open talks with another company.
In line with foreign investment policy, tech companies are entitled to a 10-year tax holiday as well as 10 percent cash incentive for exports.
“We will provide all reasonable facilities, in line with the regulations, to them. They will be entitled to all the facilities if they go for setting up plants in the Hi-Tech park,” ICT Minister Mustafa Jabbar told Bangla Tribune.
He, however, said companies should be allowed to export products manufactured in Bangladesh.
“Plants in Bangladesh mean job creation, technology transfer, which will attract more investment. The ‘Made in Bangladesh’ identity will get another avenue,” he said.
Jabbar said he envisages Bangladesh as a tech manufacturing nation.
“I have been telling the BCS , how long will you import and sell products. Go for manufacturing. It would be tremendous if they can bring the manufacturers to invest in Bangladesh,” he said.