Global perspective Human stories

Bangladesh could be regional hub for scientific, technological measurement – UN official

Bangladesh could be regional hub for scientific, technological measurement – UN official

UNIDO Director-General Kandeh Yumkella
The head of a United Nations agency created to promote industrial development said today that Bangladesh has the potential to become a hub for scientific and technological measurement in South Asia, assisting in the country’s poverty reduction strategy and moving it closer to reaching the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The head of a United Nations agency created to promote industrial development said today that Bangladesh has the potential to become a hub for scientific and technological measurement in South Asia, assisting in the country’s poverty reduction strategy and moving it closer to reaching the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“Bangladesh is growing rapidly, and global metrology and calibration standards could drive this process,” said Kandeh Yumkella, Director-General of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), at the inauguration of the National Metrology Laboratory of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution in Dhaka, the capital.

Metrology refers to the study of scientific and technological measurement, where precision is vital to ensure that equipment and materials function effectively.

Mr. Yumkella added that the laboratory has been a vital part of UNIDO’s effort to contribute to growth and poverty reduction in Bangladesh “through developing, strengthening and diversifying the country’s production and export base.”

As part of his three-day visit to Bangladesh, Mr. Yumkella also met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior Government officials, including Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and the Minister for Industries Dilip Barua.