Yearly ICT-related exports to stand at $5.0bn by 2021

The government has set an export target of ICT-related products and services worth around US$ 5.0 billion annually by 2021.

Some 2.0 million employments will be created and 90 per cent people of the country will have internet connectivity by the next two years.

State minister for the Information and Communication Technology Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak said this at a seminar at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the city on Monday.

State minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid was the chief guest at the seminar titled 'Harnessing blockchain technology for development: Unleashing the potential of Bangladesh for blockchain application'.

A blockchain is a time-stamped series of immutable record of data, which is managed by cluster of computers not owned by any single entity. Each of these blocks of data are secured and bound to each other using cryptographic principles.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Hamid said the block chain technology is being utilised increasingly across the globe to ensure transparent and non-changeable technology and decentralisation. It will help ensure check and balance, he said.

Mr. Hamid stressed the need for necessary training to face the challenges for utilising this new technology.

Newly established Power Management Institute and Energy and Power Research Council can help in this regard, he added.

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