Diplomatic Desk:
Discussions were held regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen tourism cooperation, expand air connectivity, and create new investment opportunities in the aviation sector between Bangladesh and Italy. Emphasis was also placed on increasing flight frequencies on the Dhaka-Rome route, developing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and making Bangladesh’s tourist destinations more attractive to international tourists.
On Wednesday (October 14), the Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr. Antonio Alessandro, and the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Federico Zamparelli, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat. During the meeting, various aspects of expanding bilateral cooperation regarding air travel, aviation sector investment, and tourism development were discussed.
The meeting highlighted the importance of further expanding air connectivity between Bangladesh and Italy. Currently, Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates six flights per week. In response to the Italian government’s interest in increasing flight frequencies on the Dhaka-Rome route, the Minister stated that plans to increase the number of flights would be considered after new aircraft are added to the fleet, taking into account the travel needs of the large number of expatriate Bangladeshis living in Europe.
Stakeholders believe that expanding air connectivity between the two countries will not only facilitate travel for expatriates but also create new opportunities for the development of trade, tourism, and people-to-people relations.
Attracting Italian investment to Bangladesh’s aviation sector was also a key focus of the meeting. In particular, the potential for establishing a hub in Bangladesh for aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations was discussed.
Relevant Italian companies in this regard include Edge Company and Atitech S.p.A. Interest was also expressed in leveraging Gilardoni’s experience and technical expertise. Implementing such initiatives could enhance the infrastructural capacity of Bangladesh’s aviation sector, foster a skilled workforce, and create opportunities to attract international investment.
The meeting also addressed the development of Bangladesh’s tourism industry and ways to make the country’s tourist destinations more appealing to international visitors. In particular, discussions highlighted the potential to facilitate travel for both domestic and foreign tourists through the development and inauguration of Cox’s Bazar Airport, as well as the improvement of connectivity between Cox’s Bazar and other tourist hubs across the country.
Additionally, the concept of establishing special “Red Zones” was discussed to ensure the safety, comfort, and an enhanced travel experience for foreign tourists. It is anticipated that by ensuring a safe environment, superior amenities, and attractive tourism experiences, Bangladesh could secure a more competitive position in the international tourism market.
The rising number of Italian tourists visiting Bangladesh was also a key topic of discussion. This trend is viewed as a promising area for expanding tourism exchanges between the two nations.
A consensus was reached regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries to further strengthen cooperation through the development of tourist attractions, expansion of connectivity, enhancement of visitor facilities, and the mutual exchange of experiences.
It is expected that advancing these initiatives will pave the way for increased tourism exchanges, new investment opportunities, and sustainable development within the tourism sector for both Bangladesh and Italy.
During the meeting, both parties expressed optimism about further strengthening the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Italy, as well as enhancing mutual cooperation in air connectivity, aviation sector investments, and tourism development.
