Commerce Ministry begins 5-day training on AI for trade, economic analysis

A five-day training programme on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in trade and economic analysis began at the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday.

The training, being held from August 9 to 13, will cover the use of AI in trade management, policymaking, preparation and analysis of government documents, import-export data analysis, and analysis of international trade agreements.

UK International, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Commerce are jointly organising the programme. A total of 30 officials from the Ministry of Commerce are participating in the first batch.

Commerce Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir inaugurated the training programme at the ministry’s conference room on Sunday afternoon.

He said the use of AI in government operations could make administrative activities faster, more efficient and data-driven.

“AI can play an important role in analysing import-export data, monitoring market conditions and demand and prices of products, and assessing the potential impacts of trade policies,” he said.

This, he added, would facilitate faster decision-making and enable the government to provide more effective services to businesses and the general public.

However, he stressed that data security, privacy, transparency and human oversight must be ensured alongside the use of AI.

He also emphasised the need to make the best use of technology to build a modern and smart trade system.