Dhaka: Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), aimed at boosting investment and sustainable infrastructure development in the aviation sector. The MoU was signed by Ashik Chowdhury, CEO of the PPP Authority of Bangladesh, and Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, in the presence of the UK Trade Envoy, Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster, DBE.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the UK trade envoy’s visit to Dhaka underscores efforts to reinforce and expand the longstanding UK-Bangladesh trade and economic partnership. The MoU signifies a significant step towards strengthening bilateral collaboration, focusing on investment facilitation, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and increased private sector participation in the aviation sector.
During the signing event, Baroness Rosie Winterton emphasized the robust economic partnership between Bangladesh and the UK. She mentioned that the MoU demonstrates a shared ambition to develop an aviation sector that supports trade, tourism, and economic growth, providing a platform for investment and job creation beneficial to both countries.
Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, reiterated the UK’s position as one of Bangladesh’s largest investors and a reliable long-term economic partner. She highlighted the MoU as a reflection of the shared commitment to strengthen the partnership to drive mutually beneficial trade, investment, and economic growth.
State Minister for the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, M Rashiduzzaman Millat, expressed optimism that the MoU would further strengthen the partnership and business ties between Bangladesh and the UK. He assured full support and commitment to engagements that create mutual benefits for both countries.
Ashik Chowdhury remarked that the MoU is an important step forward, with support from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. He noted that while the UK is one of Bangladesh’s largest investors, there has been a lack of new major UK investors entering the market recently. The MoU signals Bangladesh’s openness for business and readiness for a new generation of investments, creating opportunities for the young workforce and supporting global mobility.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Humaiun Kobir emphasized the UK’s role as a significant development partner for Bangladesh. He stated Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the UK and unlocking the creative potential of its people, particularly the youth, along with the strength of British diaspora businesses.
Senior officials, including State Minister M. Rasheduzzaman Millat, Director of Trade and Investment Sakib Ershad, and Deputy Director of Trade and Investment Saiyab Ahmed, attended the event.