Bangladesh is exploring deeper technology cooperation with Oman across artificial intelligence, biotechnology, drone systems, robotics and advanced research as Dhaka looks to pair its growing STEM talent base with Omani investment and technology capabilities.
The discussions form part of Bangladesh’s broader effort to expand strategic industries including AI, semiconductors, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
Anwar Hossain, secretary at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Science and Technology, said the government sees technology exchange as an important driver of future economic growth, job creation and geopolitical competitiveness.
AI and drone technology emerge as priority areas
Bangladeshi officials said Oman has shown strong interest in potential collaboration around artificial intelligence, drone technology and science parks.
The discussions follow a recent meeting with Star Drones, an Omani research and development company, as both sides examine areas where technical expertise, investment and commercialisation opportunities could be combined.
Bangladesh is also developing a national AI platform and is looking to learn from Oman’s experience in building and scaling advanced technology initiatives.
Hossain said Oman had expressed willingness to share lessons from its own technology development efforts as Bangladesh shapes its national-level AI capabilities.
Bangladesh looks to leverage STEM talent base
Bangladesh produces more than 40,000 graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics each year, giving the country a large potential workforce for research and advanced technology industries.
The government is seeking to translate that talent base into stronger capabilities in areas including AI, biotechnology, nanotechnology and semiconductors.
Hossain said the combination of Oman’s financial resources and ability to scale technology with Bangladesh’s large youth population could create a mutually beneficial model for cooperation.
The two countries are also exploring collaboration involving Bangladeshi manpower and Omani investment.
Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals form another cooperation track
Bangladesh is also looking to deepen cooperation in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
The country’s pharmaceutical industry currently meets around 98% of domestic medicine demand and exports products to more than 150 countries.
Officials said Bangladesh is working on biotechnology, new drug development and health solutions, while also planning a biotech park.
That creates potential areas for joint research, commercialisation and investment with Omani partners.
Technology companies begin forming direct partnerships
The discussions are already translating into private-sector activity.
Dhaka-based software development company Brain Station 23 recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Star Drones covering drone technology, software engineering and robotics.
The Star Drones delegation also met Bangladesh’s foreign secretary Asad Alam Siam during its visit, with talks covering healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection, electric vehicles, technology and innovation.
The engagement suggests that bilateral technology cooperation may extend beyond government dialogue into commercial partnerships and joint ventures.
Oman positioned as a gateway to wider Gulf markets
Bangladeshi business representatives also see Oman as a potential route into the broader Gulf market.
Ashraful Haq Chowdhury, president of the Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Bangladeshi software and technology companies could use Oman as a business hub for expansion into GCC markets.
That could give Bangladesh’s technology companies access to new customers and investment while allowing Oman to draw on a larger pool of software and engineering talent.
Why this matters
The Bangladesh-Oman discussions highlight a model of technology cooperation built around complementary strengths.
Bangladesh brings a large and growing technical workforce, an established pharmaceutical base and ambitions in AI and advanced research. Oman offers capital, regional market access and the ability to scale technology projects quickly.
If cooperation moves beyond memorandums and exploratory talks, the partnership could support joint ventures in AI, biotech, drones, robotics and software while strengthening Bangladesh’s access to Gulf technology markets.
Editor’s note
The most interesting aspect of this relationship is that it is not centred on a single technology sector.
Bangladesh is approaching Oman as a potential partner across AI, biotechnology, drones, research infrastructure and commercial technology development, suggesting a broader strategic relationship rather than a one-off collaboration.
The next step will be turning that complementarity into operational projects. Joint science parks, biotech programmes, AI infrastructure or commercially deployed drone and software solutions would provide a clearer indication that the partnership is moving from diplomatic interest into measurable technology investment.
