DHAKA, Oct 2, 2023 (BSS) - The FBCCI Innovation and Research Center (FIRC), a
pioneering venture initiated by the apex trade body (FBCCI) of the country,
officially started its journey yesterday in Dhaka.
 
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman
inaugurated the FBCCI Innovation and Research Center as the chief guest.

This Initiative of FBCCI is aimed at addressing the challenges of the fourth
industrial revolution and fostering growth in the private sector through
research and policy support.

FBCCI president Mahbubul Alam, former president Md. Jashim Uddin, former
senior vice-president Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu and members of the
Governing Body of FIRC were present at the inaugural programme, said a press
release here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Salman emphasized using this center as a training
institute and advised bringing top trainers from other countries such as
India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the USA. He also talked about "ToT" and shared
his valuable ideas on building innovation, research and training floors.
 
After the inauguration, the second meeting of the Governing Body of FIRC was
held with Chairman of this center and former president of the FBCCI Md.
Jashim Uddin in the chair.

The FBCCI former president said that the FIRC would accelerate the ongoing
progress of the country. He highlighted its mission to nurture skilled
manpower and entrepreneurs across various sectors, including agro-business,
light engineering and circular economy.

Jasim expressed his optimism that the center would become a driving force in
propelling the private sector forward and addressing the challenges presented
by the fourth industrial revolution through innovation, research and policy
support.
 
The FBCCI Innovation & Research Centre has been committed to working with a
number of partners from industry and academia which will make a positive
impact on the business world. It has already formed a MoU with Faction AI, a
USA-based Company to enhance cooperation in establishing the center.

MoU with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations
Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Bangladesh
Computer Council (BCC) are in progress.
 
Among Others, FBCCI vice-president and member of the FIRC governing body
Shomi Kaiser, Abul Kashem Khan, Mohammad Ali Khokon, Shamim Ahmed, Nadia
Binte Amin, and CEO of the center Bikarno Kumar Ghosh were present at the
meeting.

The FIRC stands as a dedicated institution, firmly committed to advancing the
realms of innovation and research within the borders of Bangladesh aiming to
collaborate closely with the government to shape innovation policies and
support industry-led research initiatives, bridging gaps between various
sectors for sustainable growth.

It will be organised to promote Innovation and Research for all commercial
organisations of Bangladesh especially member organisations of the FBCCI, and
will bring together top-class researchers, trainers, and young professionals
to develop and commercialize new technologies that have the potential to
solve business's most pressing challenges.

FIRC will focus on innovation, research, training, and incubation. It has
already planned to establish an innovation floor, research floor, training
floor, amenities floor and reception as well.

The FIRC has formed a Panel of Advisors who will provide advisory support to
FIRC on policy advocacy, skill development, education, and social welfare
initiatives facilitation which will determine the rate and direction of
technological learning and change, fostering economic growth and sustainable
development of individuals and societies in Bangladesh and beyond.
 
Any adult citizen of Bangladesh who must be a member of the FBCCI having zeal
in social and philanthropic activities pursuant to the aim and objective of
the Centre may become a member of the Centre subject to the approval of the
governing body. Membership shall be categorized as founder members, life
members, corporate members, and honorary members.