June 2003. Vol. 1, No. 1 BIBC is a project aiming to offer a physical presence of Bangladeshi ICT compa- nies in the heart of the Silicon Valley. BIBC is a sub-project of Bangladesh ICT Promotion Council (IBPC), which was established to promote ICT business in Bangladesh. IBPC is a good example of public and private sector participation in Bangladesh, where all the ICT trade bodies namely BASIS, BCS and ISPAB are represented. The principal objective of the BIBC is facilitating Bangladeshi ICT companies to penetrate the US and global ICT market. The Ministry of Com- merce, Government of Bangladesh, had prepared the initial project plan with the assistance of the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) of the Bangladesh Export Di- versification Project (BDXDP). World Bank is backing the project financially. American Association of Bangladeshi Engineers and Architects (AABEA), Sili- con Valley Chapter, is providing all logistical and execution support to the Gov- ernment of the Peoples Republic Bangladesh (GOB) to establish BIBC. The opening ceremony of the BIBC took place in Silicon Valley amid great enthu- siasm among Non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and Bangladeshi companies in the ICT Sector. The program, largely attended by local NRBs, representa- tives from the US business community and a strong Bangladeshi delegation, was organized in the Santa Clara Con- vention Center  in the city of Santa Clara, California. Honorable   Prime   Minister   of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia for- mally announced the inauguration of BIBC via a video message. She en- couraged and lauded the establishment of this center. She further called upon Bangladeshis everywhere to show their patriotism, saying, “I invite successful Bangladeshis everywhere to get involved with their motherland by participating and assisting in these kinds of efforts in whatever capacity they can”. Mr. Suhel Ahmed, Secretary of Commerce, Govern- ment of Bangladesh, gave the special address on this occasion. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the ICT sector as a major thrust factor. “Realizing the prospects of the ICT sector, the Government of Bangladesh has attached great importance to the development as well as export of IT products and services. We have already set up ICT Business Promotion Council with representation from key Government Ministries/Departments, ICT trade bodies and private firms.”, he added. Consul General of Bangladesh, Los Angeles, Mr. M. A. K. Mahmood was also present. Editor: Fuad Rahman, Ph.D. Published by: BIBC, 4699 Old Ironside Drive, Suite #370, Santa Clara, CA 95054. USA. Phone: (408) 969-0816. Fax: (408) 969-2663. Email: editor@bibc.biz 1 The Journey has Begun: BIBC is your Gateway to the Silicon Valley, USA We are Here: BIBC Opening Ceremony, May 11, 2003 BIBC Web Site Please visit the BIBC web site at: www.bibc.biz Let us know your comments on the web site and what you want to see there. Your comments will help us. “  I don’t need time, what I need is a deadline.” Duke Illington (1899-1974) The Journey has begun We are Here: BIBC Opening Ceremony Editor’s Corner Current Activities Meetings Correspondence Upcoming Events Visitors BIBC Letter Solicits Contribu- tion Online Forums Feedback Forum Online Resources This Issue