Staff Correspondent

Several United States artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor companies have expressed interest in investing over $1 billion in Bangladesh, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced.

He highlighted the development following his participation in the "CEO and Senior Executives Roundtable" held on Sunday, at  Four Seasons Hotel Synergy Room in East Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, California. Organized under the theme "Technology Investment and Strategic Partnerships for Bangladesh’s Growth," the event focused on attracting foreign direct investment, expanding innovation, and fostering long-term global tech partnerships.

Addressing the high-level gathering in Silicon Valley, Bobby Hajjaj emphasized Bangladesh's vast technological potential, skilled workforce, and strategic positioning. He stressed that converting this $1 billion investment interest into reality requires focused technology transfer, workforce skill development, research and innovation, and a supportive investment climate.

The roundtable brought together top American technology executives and a high-level Bangladeshi delegation. Key discussions centered on AI and data infrastructure development, semiconductor manufacturing and design, research collaboration, trade expansion, and creating new high-tech employment opportunities in Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi delegation in California included Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Finance and Planning; Shama Obayed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs; and Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Science & Technology.

Shameem Mohammad, Executive Vice President and Chief Information & Technology Officer of CarMax, moderated the discussion. Attendees concluded that potential foreign investments of this scale mark a major step toward expanding strategic partnerships and accelerating Bangladesh's transition into a high-tech knowledge economy.