Bangladesh seeks Japan cooperation in transforming into an aviation hub.

Special Correspondent, Dhaka. The government has sought Japan's cooperation in transforming Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub. At the same time, the two countries discussed the rapid opening of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, expansion of Dhaka-Narita direct air connectivity and increasing Japanese investment in the 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 on Wednesday (September 2) at 10 am. During the meeting, the Japanese ambassador congratulated M Rashiduzzaman Millat on assuming charge as a full-time minister. In response, the minister said that Japan is a trusted development partner of Bangladesh. The government wants Japan to support Bangladesh in transforming Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub. The minister said that the recently launched direct Dhaka-Narita flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines is a reflection of Bangladesh's growing interest and strong commitment to expand communication and cooperation between the two countries. There is an opportunity to expand economic and tourism relations between the two countries by utilizing this air communication more effectively. The minister expressed the government's firm stance on the timely inauguration of the newly built Terminal-3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He said that it is important to start the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) activities as soon as possible for the successful commissioning of the terminal. He said that the technical and financial evaluation of the proposal submitted by the Japanese Sub-Working Group (SWG) has already been completed. Discussions on this issue will begin next week. The minister also said that work is underway at the ministry level on the Letter of Assurance for the successful operation of the third terminal. He expressed hope that all the processes will be completed quickly. Stating that there are more than five hundred heritage tourism spots in Bangladesh, the minister said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs are working jointly to develop these tourist centers. In addition, the government is interested in working with Japan on the basis of public-private partnership to develop Buddhist tourism. Various initiatives are also being taken to create a favorable environment for investment in the tourism sector of Bangladesh by attracting Japanese investors. At this time, the minister invited proposals from Japanese investors for the development of heritage tourism. In response, Ambassador Saida Shinichi reiterated Japan's strong commitment to work closely with the Bangladesh government to implement the election manifesto of the current government of Bangladesh.