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Starlink to Showcase Internet Services at Bangladesh Investment Summit

Starlink will showcase its internet services on April 9 at the Bangladesh Investment Summit, although it is not the official launch. The summit, scheduled for April 7-10, has attracted significant investor interest, focusing on networking. Notable leaders from global corporations and venture capital firms will attend, aiming to foster investment in Bangladesh’s digital economy and other critical sectors.

Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is set to conduct a demonstration of its services on April 9 during the Bangladesh Investment Summit, as announced by Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). This demonstration, however, will not mark the official launch of Starlink in Bangladesh, which is expected to take longer to materialize.

The Bangladesh Investment Summit is scheduled from April 7 to April 10 at the Hotel InterContinental Dhaka and has garnered significant interest, with over 550 foreign investors from 50 nations registering to attend alongside over 2,300 local investors. Chowdhury expressed optimism about the summit, anticipating a modest growth in investments: “We estimate at least 2 or 3 percent growth in investments.”

The summit will prioritize networking and relationship building over traditional seminars. Various government agencies, including the National Board of Revenue and the Ministry of Commerce, will have dedicated sessions with potential investors to foster connections. Notable participants include high-ranking officials from Meta, Uber, Telenor, and Samsung, alongside political representatives engaging directly with investors.

Prominent business leaders are expected to attend, including Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Zara Group, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem from DP World, and Rosy Winterton, UK trade representative, among others. The summit will also feature leading venture capital firms aimed at enhancing startup investments and expanding the digital economy. Chowdhury stated, “We want to make the investors see the genuine picture of Bangladesh.”

As part of the summit, major foreign investors, including a delegation from South Korea, will visit crucial industrial locations, such as Chattogram and Mirsarai, on April 7. That same day, a startup showcase will occur at the Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. Additionally, leading investors will tour the Japanese Economic Zone on April 8 to identify investment opportunities.

On April 9, the Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh government will officially inaugurate the event, which will also include a Youth Entrepreneurship Expo and a session on renewable energy, presented by the European Union and UNDP. The day will conclude with a cultural event for investors, further promoting Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage.

April 10 will feature breakout sessions focusing on investment sectors like the digital economy, textiles, agriculture, and healthcare, with participation from various associations and foundations. A matchmaking session and a roundtable discussion on global investment best practices will also take place. Key partners for the event include UNDP, FCDO, Grameenphone, the World Bank, and FICCI, as highlighted by BIDA.

The Bangladesh Investment Summit represents a critical opportunity for fostering international investment and economic growth in Bangladesh. The anticipated demonstration of Starlink’s services signifies potential advancements in connectivity, although the official launch is still pending. With a wide array of esteemed participants and a focus on networking, the summit aims to create beneficial partnerships and stimulate sector growth across various industries.

Original Source: www.thedailystar.net

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