Bangladesh Seeks Japan’s Support for Aviation Hub

 Bangladesh has sought Japan’s cooperation in its efforts to transform the country into a regional aviation hub. The two sides also discussed the timely launch of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, stronger Dhaka-Narita air connectivity and increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s tourism sector.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in the Bangladesh Secretariat at 10:00am on Wednesday (September 2).

The ambassador congratulated the minister on assuming full ministerial responsibilities. They subsequently held detailed discussions on the government’s plans for developing Bangladesh’s civil aviation and tourism sectors.

The minister said Japan is a trusted development partner of Bangladesh and that the government wants Japan to remain closely involved in Bangladesh’s journey towards becoming a regional aviation hub.

He said the recently launched direct Dhaka-Narita flight operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines reflects Bangladesh’s growing interest and strong commitment to expanding connectivity and cooperation between the two countries.

Faster ORAT for Terminal 3
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inaugurating the newly constructed Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on schedule.

He stressed that Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) activities need to begin as soon as possible to ensure the successful launch and operation of the terminal.

According to the minister, the techno-financial evaluation of the proposal submitted by the Japanese Sub-working Group (SWG) has already been completed. Negotiations are scheduled to begin next week.

He also said work is underway at the ministry level regarding the Letter of Assurance required for successful operation of the third terminal. He expressed hope that all necessary processes would be completed soon.

Japanese Investment Sought in Tourism
The minister said Bangladesh has more than 500 heritage tourism sites, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs working jointly to develop them.

The government also wants to collaborate with Japan under a public-private partnership model to promote Buddhist tourism in Bangladesh.

He said the government is working to create a favourable investment environment and undertake necessary initiatives to attract Japanese investors to Bangladesh’s tourism sector.

The minister also invited proposals from Japanese investors for the development of heritage tourism in Bangladesh.

In response, Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi reaffirmed Japan’s strong commitment to working closely with the Bangladesh government in implementing the current government’s election manifesto.
//DBTech/TIP/SME/MIST//