UK reiterates interest in Bangladesh's aviation sector

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook on Thursday reiterated the United Kingdom's interest in Bangladesh's aviation sector during a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as the two sides discussed ways to deepen trade, investment and development cooperation.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban complex in Dhaka.

According to a government press release, the British envoy expressed optimism that relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom would strengthen further under the current government.

Cook also expressed interest in British investment in Bangladesh's aviation sector following the opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The remarks come months after Bangladesh and the UK signed a memorandum of understanding on aviation-related public-private partnership cooperation, aimed at promoting investment, knowledge sharing and private-sector participation in the country's growing aviation industry.

During Thursday's meeting, the UK offered support for Bangladesh's technical and vocational education and training sector, highlighting opportunities for cooperation in skills development.

The two sides also discussed increasing bilateral trade and expanding British investment in Bangladesh. Such investments could help create new jobs and contribute to economic growth, the press release said.

Britain remains one of Bangladesh's key export destinations and an important development and investment partner.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and the Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir were also present at the meeting.