Semiconductor sector aims for $1bn export milestone by 2030

Bangladesh is aiming to transform its emerging semiconductor sector into a $1 billion export industry by 2030, as the country ramps up efforts to develop skilled talent and position itself in the global chip supply chain.

The vision will take centre stage at the two-day National Semiconductor Symposium and BIR Summit 2026, beginning at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre in Dhaka on Friday (July 24).

The event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) and Silicon River Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the symposium alongside the Innovation Expo 2026.

Speaking at a pre-event press briefing, Science and Technology Secretary M. Anwar Hossain said the government is prioritising research, innovation, market-oriented technology development and the creation of a skilled workforce as part of its strategy to build a knowledge-based economy.

He added that advanced laboratories of BCSIR and the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission have been opened to researchers and entrepreneurs, while the symposium is expected to produce a comprehensive roadmap for the country's semiconductor industry.

Chief Architect of Silicon River Bangladesh, Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, said globally renowned experts will participate in the summit, with nearly 3,000 participants already registered.

He also announced that Bangladesh will showcase its own national pavilion for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2027.

BSIA President M. A. Jabbar said more than 20 companies currently employ around 1,200 engineers in Bangladesh's semiconductor sector, which now generates about $10 million in annual exports. He expressed optimism that exports could double this year following recent international roadshows.

He also noted that the government's decision to reduce import duties on semiconductor equipment to 1 percent is expected to encourage fresh investment.

The symposium will feature seven strategic panel discussions, the CREST Fellows Research Symposium, and the unveiling of eight national strategic documents, including the Bangladesh Semiconductor Talent Roadmap 2030 and Brain Gain 2.0, on the closing day.