Switzerland has expressed keen interest in establishing direct air links with Bangladesh, aiming to enhance diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Reto Renggli, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, conveyed this interest during a meeting with the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, at the Secretariat office on Thursday.
Welcoming Switzerland's enthusiasm, the minister said that the Air Service Agreement between Bangladesh and Switzerland is likely to be signed within the next two months.
He said, “We hope that the Air Service Agreement between Bangladesh and Switzerland will be signed within the next two months. As Bangladesh's location is in the strategic international aviation route, after the ASA we will further discuss the directed flight operation issues.”
The minister has also said that Bangladesh eyes to become a major aviation hub as the country has a great geographical advantage. Ongoing development projects, including the construction of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, runway extension at Cox’s Bazar Airport, and the construction of new terminals across the country, are aimed at doubling the existing passenger and cargo capacity within the next few years.
Stating the government’s commitment to realizing the tourism potential, he informed that a tourism master plan is at the stage of finalization and its upcoming implementation, targeting the creation of intensive tourism zones, especially in places like Cox's Bazar for foreign tourists.
The minister has also invited Switzerland to make investments in these zones, assuring them of all necessary facilities.
Switzerland’s Ambassador Reto Renggli praised the negotiation skills of the Bangladesh team during discussions on the Air Service Agreement.
He said that the remarkable economic development in Bangladesh over the last 15 years is praiseworthy and hopes for the swift implementation of the ongoing initiatives to transform Bangladesh into an aviation hub.
Renggli announced plans for a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh to explore investment opportunities and conveyed Switzerland’s intention to engage investors in the tourism industry. He also committed to sharing a master plan for tourism development with potential investors.