Shawdesh desk:

Bangladesh on Tuesday called on China to invest in its rapidly growing tourism sector at the China-Bangladesh Tourism Promotion Conference held on December 10, 2024, at the Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka.

Organised by the Embassy of China in collaboration with the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh National Museum, the event underscored the potential for strengthening tourism cooperation and fostering cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

The conference featured prominent figures, including Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Li Shaopeng and Bangladesh Tourism Board’s chief executive officer and additional secretary Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber as the chief guest.

Special guests included civil aviation and tourism ministry’ additional secretary Fatema Rahim Veena, and cultural affairs ministry’s  joint Secretary Ireen Farzana.

Li Shaopeng encouraged Bangladeshi tourists to discover China’s diverse destinations while expressing hope for enhanced cultural and tourism exchanges.

Fatema Rahim Veena highlighted the significant opportunities for Chinese investments in Bangladesh’s tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, resorts, and eco-tourism projects.

BTB CEO Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to working closely with China to promote bilateral tourism and attract Chinese tourists.

ATAB president Abdus Salam Aref expressed enthusiasm for enhancing ties with China, urging the Chinese government and investors to explore the untapped potential of Bangladesh’s tourism sector.

‘Bangladesh offers a wealth of opportunities for tourism investment,’ he said.

The event featured cultural performances, tourism photo and documentary exhibitions, and a promotional video by Biman Bangladesh Airlines showcasing Bangladesh’s scenic attractions and cultural heritage.

These activities aimed to highlight the unique offerings of Bangladesh’s tourism industry while fostering greater people-to-people connections.

The conference saw participation from key tourism stakeholders, including ATAB leaders such as secretary general Afsia Jannat Saleh, finance secretary Shafiq Ullah Nantu, and deputy secretary general Toaha Chowdhury.

Representatives from Biman Bangladesh Airlines, including deputy general manager of legal affairs Md Al Masood Khan, also attended.

This collaborative initiative between Bangladesh and China marked a significant step toward positioning Bangladesh as a key player in the global tourism market, with mutual benefits for both nations.