Staff Reporter:
The French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean -Marc Séré-Charlet yesterday said that partnership with Airbus demonstrates Bangladesh’s intent to engage in a long-term aviation partnership with the European Union
(EU).
The envoy made the remark while paying a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita at the Secretariat here, a French Embassy press release in Dhaka said.
During the meeting, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat also attended.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector and exploring opportunities to expand existing engagements.
The Envoy said that the partnership with Airbus would not only strengthen the fleet capacity of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, but also enhance the overall aviation ecosystem of Bangladesh.
“It would also demonstrate concretely the desire of Bangladesh to engage in a long-term partnership with the EU in the field of civil aviation,” said the ambassador.
He highlighted the excellent collaboration between Thales and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangla-desh (CAAB), particularly in the development of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and the successful operational transition of the nationwide Air Traffic Management system.
He stressed the importance of ensuring a fair and level playing field to facilitate greater participation of European companies in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.
Referring to Airbus, the ambassador reaffirmed the European company’s commitment to supporting the development of Bangladesh’s aviation industry.
He noted that Bangladesh’s strategic location between South and Southeast Asia offers significant poten-tial to emerge as a regional aviation hub.
France expressed its interest in working closely with the new government to further deepen cooperation and advance opportunities in trade, investment and aviation.
