Tourism minister urges UK investors to invest in Bangladesh tourism

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has urged British investors to invest in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector, saying the government is committed to creating a favourable and secure environment for foreign investment.

“Come to Bangladesh and invest in our tourism and hospitality sector. We welcome your investment and are committed to ensuring a favourable, safe and promising investment environment,” he said.

The minister made the remarks at a cocktail reception titled “A Cocktail Reception to Highlight UK Investment in Bangladesh Tourism Sector” at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Dhaka’s Baridhara, this evening (29 September), according to a ministry press release.

Millat said Bangladesh has significant tourism potential because of its natural beauty and cultural diversity, citing the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, the hills and lakes of Chattogram and the tea gardens of Sylhet.

He said the government aims to develop these attractions into a well-planned, sustainable and internationally competitive tourism and hospitality industry.

Millat said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was working to attract foreign direct investment and create a more conducive investment environment as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy and generate employment.

“Encouraging domestic and foreign investment in the tourism and hospitality sector is one of our priorities,” he said.

The minister said tourism development was closely linked to the aviation sector and that the government was working to build a sustainable and balanced fleet for Biman Bangladesh Airlines comprising Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

He also sought support from the British High Commission in addressing restrictions affecting Bangladesh’s air cargo sector.

The European Union has classified cargo and mail originating from Bangladesh as “High Risk Cargo & Mail” since June 2017. Bangladesh has been working to address the concerns behind the classification, he said.

According to the press release, an assessment by the UK Department for Transport on 17 July this year gave Osmani International Airport a score of 98% and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport 94%.

“We expect the cooperation and support of the British High Commission for the speedy withdrawal of these restrictions,” Millat said.

He described the UK as a longstanding friend of Bangladesh and expressed hope that British investors would contribute to the development of the country’s tourism sector.

Representatives from the UK, Germany, France, Spain and the European Union attended the event, along with the chief executive of Bangladesh Tourism Board, chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, and the chairman and managing director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.