Bangladesh Embassy in Netherlands and North South University International Seminar at Syndicate Hall
Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DBCCI), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands and North South University (NSU), organized a high-level international seminar titled “Unlocking International Market Opportunities: Bangladesh–Dutch ICT Industry Collaboration” on 29 January 2026 at the Syndicate Hall of North South University in Dhaka.
Held in a hybrid format, the seminar enabled participation from stakeholders in both Bangladesh and Netherlands, creating a shared platform for dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and investors from the two countries.
Seminar aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector by addressing market access challenges and exploring long-term collaboration opportunities. The program ran from 3:30pm to 7:30pm Bangladesh time, corresponding to 10:30am to 2:30pm Netherlands time, ensuring effective international participation.
Over the past decade, Bangladesh’s ICT sector has experienced significant growth, driven by a skilled youth workforce, competitive service costs, and increased public and private investment. In contrast, the Netherlands has established itself as a major European hub for innovation, fintech, cybersecurity, smart logistics, and digital trade.
Despite strong potential, many Bangladeshi ICT firms face challenges in accessing European Union markets, meeting regulatory compliance requirements, and establishing trusted partnerships in Europe. The seminar addressed these gaps by outlining a practical roadmap for Bangladesh–Dutch ICT collaboration.
The program featured keynote presentations, industry insights, academic perspectives, and an interactive panel discussion on ICT collaboration strategies. Distinguished speakers included senior government officials, university leaders, industry experts, and international ICT professionals from Bangladesh, Netherlands and Japan.
Key addresses were delivered by DBCCI President Md Shakwat Hossain Mamun; 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 Chargé d’Affaires of the Bangladesh Embassy in Hague.
International experts from ABN AMRO, Cisco Netherlands, and other leading ICT organizations shared insights on global market entry, regulatory compliance, innovation and cross-border collaboration.
Seminar also explored academic–industry partnerships, talent development, research collaboration, and innovation through universities. A dedicated dialogue session focused on actionable pathways for ICT trade, joint ventures, investment, technology transfer, and ecosystem development between Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
Event was sponsored by NexKraft Ltd., Provati Insurance PLC, Foodi Bangladesh, Soft BD Ltd., Sabre BD Ltd., MindShaper, Jol Chaya and Edugenious, with media partnership support from Rupali Bangladesh, ETV, and Brand Story.
Expected outcomes include increased awareness of European and Dutch ICT market opportunities, stronger business networks, improved understanding of compliance frameworks, and follow-up initiatives by DBCCI to support ICT trade and investment. The seminar concluded with a networking dinner, fostering relationship-building and future collaboration.
