'BD should adopt unified approach, focus on some specialised sectors'

FE REPORT
Bangladesh should adopt a unified approach, focus on some specialised sectors, and properly engage its diasporas to promote and enhance the country's brand image in global forums, said speakers at a programme on Wednesday.
When the stakeholders concerned communicate with their foreign counterparts, they should also highlight some positive aspects of Bangladesh, like its resilience to any calamities, demographic dividend, innovation, and economic opportunities, they opined.
They came up with these recommendations at a workshop - 'Branding Consultation for Smart Bangladesh: Projecting Bangladesh in the International Forum' - held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in the city's Segunbagicha area.
The Aspire to Innovate (a2i), a special programme for implementing the government's Digital Bangladesh agenda, organised the workshop in collaboration with the MoFA, with participants from different sectors, including IT and banking.
MoFA Director General Dr Syed Muntasir Mamun made welcome remarks, while a2i Strategic Communications Advisor Ashfaq Zaman moderated the discussion.

Mr Zaman said Bangladesh should focus on three themes in the short term - country branding, ICT innovation, and education.
"Proper sync among the stakeholders and initiatives is vital for a meaningful branding of Bangladesh," he noted.
Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) President Russell T Ahmed said promoting local culture, developing positive mindset, and patriotism are some of the fundamentals for the country's branding in the international arena.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Executive Secretary A K M Asaduzzaman Patwary said Bangladesh should realise how the international organisations like the IMF and PWC evaluate the country.
Different aspects of Bangladesh economy and trade should get priority in promoting the country, and uniformity should be ensured in the branding process.
"We have to set a uniform narrative to make a meaningful approach to the international forums," he added.
IT Advisor of FBCCI Syed Almas Kabir said in addition to different traditional approaches, education and skill development should get the highest priority above all steps.
"The country seriously lacks mid-range professionals in different sectors due to various problems in its education systems and skill development programmes, although some 150 universities are contributing to higher education here."
He suggested highlighting some specialised professionals after skill development in sectors like block-chain and 3D printing.
Emphasising a uniform approach, Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh Brand Forum Sajid Mahbub said there should be a proper branding guideline.
Director of Care Bangladesh Tony Michael Gomes and Executive Member of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Shah Mohammad Mahboob also spoke on the occasion, among others.
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