Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have started fresh talks to boost cooperation in information and communication technology, and the new push could open more jobs and training for people in both countries. The talks began when Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner met leaders from Bangladesh’s main tech groups to talk about working together on software services, business process outsourcing, skills training and trade shows, and to invite Bangladeshi firms to join Sri Lanka’s big tech event so innovators can meet and learn from each other. The visitors and hosts discussed how companies can share simple skills, how teachers and trainers can run joint workshops, and how startups can try small projects together. Partners talked about kinds of help that matter now: clear pathways for tech workers to get new skills, easy ways for companies to offer services across the border, and smart steps to attract small investments that help local firms grow. One idea is for both sides to join trade fairs and to run short exchange visits so workers and managers can see how others solve problems. Another idea is to make low-cost training programs in areas like coding basics, quality checks for BPO work, and simple tools for digital sales. These programs can be short, hands-on, and built around local needs so more people can join even if they have small phones or slow internet. Small firms could pair up to offer joint services, like a Bangladeshi company handling data tasks while a Sri Lankan firm offers client support. Such links can help each firm win new contracts and keep work local instead of sending it far away. More cooperation can also help students and recent graduates get clearer career steps through apprenticeships and short courses that focus on work skills employers want. The plan asks for practical steps from many groups: diplomats to make contact, trade bodies to match firms, schools and colleges to prepare students, and businesses to offer real projects for training. If these groups follow through, the result could be more steady jobs, stronger small firms, and faster skill growth rather than one-time events. The move is meant to be friendly and useful, not political, and it can give young people new ways to learn useful skills close to home. With clear plans, simple training, and more chances to meet, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh can turn these talks into steady partnerships that help people find work and grow their tech businesses across the region. Local leaders also want to include women and rural youth, offer small grants to promising teams, and share open online lessons so people in small towns can learn at their pace. Progress should be regularly tracked by jobs created and skills learned.
