Bangladesh seeks UK investment in tourism, help on air cargo restrictions

Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has urged British investors to put their money into Bangladesh's tourism and hospitality sectors, saying the government is working to build a sustainable and internationally competitive industry.

The minister made the call on the evening of September 29 while attending an event titled "A Cocktail Reception to Highlight UK Investment in Bangladesh Tourism Sector" at the British High Commissioner's residence in the capital.

Millat said the country's tourism potential goes beyond a few well-known spots. He said alongside the most popular destinations — the Sundarbans, Cox's Bazar, the hills and lakes of Chattogram, and the tea gardens of Sylhet — nearly every region has its own history, heritage, and natural beauty.

"Our goal now is to transform these diverse and dispersed opportunities into a well-planned, sustainable, and internationally competitive tourism and hospitality industry," he said.

The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to attract foreign direct investment to the sector and improve the investment climate, adding that encouraging both local and foreign investment in tourism and hospitality is among the government's key priorities.

Speaking about aviation, Millat said the sector and tourism are closely linked. He said the government is working to set up a sustainable and balanced mixed fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

He also sought help from the British High Commission on Bangladesh's air cargo sector. Since June 2017, the European Union has classified cargo and mail originating from Bangladesh as high-risk. The minister said Bangladesh has been working continuously to address the EU's concerns.

He noted that a UK Department for Transport assessment on July 17 gave Osmani International Airport in Sylhet a score of 98 percent, while Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport scored 94 percent in the same assessment.

Citing these results, the minister asked for the British High Commission's support in swiftly lifting the restrictions.

Millat described the UK as a true friend of Bangladesh, recalling that its people stood by the country during its struggle to restore democracy. He expressed hope that the support would continue in the tourism sector.

"I call upon investors from the United Kingdom to come to Bangladesh and invest in our tourism and hospitality sectors," he said, promising a favorable and secure environment for them.

The minister also expressed confidence that ties between the two countries would grow stronger under Prime Minister Rahman's leadership.

Representatives from the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and the European Union attended the reception. Also present were the Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, and the Chairman and Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.