Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday identified the semiconductor industry as Bangladesh’s next major economic growth driver after the ready-made garment sector, saying the government is laying the foundation for the country to emerge as a competitive player in the global high-tech value chain.

Speaking while inaugurating the two-day National Semiconductor Symposium and the Biotechnology, Electronics, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (BEAR) Conference 2026 at the Novo Theatre in Tejgaon, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh’s young and skilled workforce could position the country as a significant player in the global semiconductor industry.

“I firmly believe that, powered by innovation, skills and the dynamism of our talented young workforce, the semiconductor industry has the potential to become Bangladesh’s next economic growth driver after the ready-made garment sector,” he said.

Tarique called on relevant ministries, government agencies, universities, industry leaders, Bangladeshi professionals living abroad and development partners to work in a coordinated manner to build a strong semiconductor ecosystem and help achieve the country’s long-term development goals.

He said the government is committed to creating a policy environment that supports innovation, investment and advanced technology development, enabling Bangladesh to move up the global value chain and diversify its export base beyond traditional sectors.