DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT

Bangladesh and the UK have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in public-private partnerships (PPP), reinforcing their shared commitment to boosting investment and sustainable infrastructure development in the aviation sector.

Ashik Chowdhury, chief executive officer of the PPP Authority of Bangladesh, and Sarah Cooke, British high commissioner to Bangladesh, signed the MoU in the presence of the UK trade envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster, according to a statement from the UK High Commission issued yesterday.

Baroness Winterton is visiting Dhaka this week to reinforce and expand the longstanding and mutually beneficial UK-Bangladesh trade and economic partnership.

The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral collaboration, with a focus on investment facilitation, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and increased private sector participation in the aviation sector.

Terming the MoU an important step forward, Ashik Chowdhury said the UK is one of Bangladesh’s largest investors, but no major new UK investors have entered the market in recent years.

“This [MoU] sends a clear signal that Bangladesh is open for business and ready for a new generation of investments. It also creates opportunities for our young workforce and supports its growing global mobility. We are excited about the potential ahead,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Baroness Winterton said this MoU demonstrates the shared ambition to develop an aviation sector that underpins trade, tourism, and economic growth.

“The MoU provides a platform for investment and job creation that will benefit both our countries. I look forward to seeing today’s agreement translate into real progress on the ground.”

Humayun Kobir, adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, said Bangladesh is open for business to the world and is committed to further strengthening its relationship with the UK.