Bangladesh initiative to increase cooperation with Malaysia in aviation and tourism sectors.

Staff Correspondent. A high-level Bangladeshi delegation, comprising State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, visited Malaysia from August 17-18. The visit discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields including aviation, tourism, investment and skill development. On the first day of the visit, the delegation visited AirAsia’s head office and operations at Terminal 2 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, as well as Ground Team Red (GTR). At that time, AirAsia gave the Bangladeshi delegation an idea about their successful Low-Cost Aviation model. In this regard, emphasis was placed on policies suitable for Low-Cost Carriers, fast Aircraft Turnaround, Smart Technology and integrated aircraft maintenance system. The delegation inspected the use of automated check-in, self-service baggage drop, dual-door boarding, advanced apron management and digital baggage system. These measures can reduce passenger waiting time, manpower requirements and operating costs. As a result, an aircraft can operate about 6-8 flight sectors per day. The delegation also visited ADE's newly built 14-line MRO Facility. The company provides aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services and plays a key role in maintaining the performance and reliability of AirAsia's fleet. On the evening of the first day of the visit, the State Minister met with Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of Capital A. The meeting discussed the possibility of utilizing AirAsia's experience in ground handling, airport management and related services at international airports in Bangladesh. In addition, discussions were held on increasing investment and cooperation in the civil aviation sector of Bangladesh. On August 18, the State Minister met with YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia in Putrajaya. The meeting discussed strengthening tourism cooperation between Bangladesh and Malaysia, increasing the number and frequency of flights between the two countries, facilitating visa procedures and pre-verification, cultural exchanges, tourism promotion, exchange of experience and knowledge, and skill development. In addition, emphasis was placed on training and skill development in the tourism and hospitality sectors of Malaysia and increasing employment opportunities for qualified Bangladeshi workers. The visit has created new prospects for cooperation between Bangladesh and Malaysia in aviation, tourism, investment, skill development, and related services.