Italian firms propose aviation safety and training cooperation with Bangladesh
The meeting highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
Italy has shown interest in supporting Bangladesh's aviation sector through advanced airport safety solutions and workforce development initiatives.
The proposals were discussed during a meeting between Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam at the Secretariat in Dhaka today (22 May).
During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed interest from Italian company The Edge Company in introducing a Bird Control Management System (BCMS) at Bangladeshi airports. The system is designed to enhance airport safety by reducing the risk of bird strikes, a major operational hazard for airports worldwide.
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Ambassador Alessandro also informed the minister about plans by Italian aviation firm Flyon Aero to establish a training academy in Bangladesh. The proposed initiative aims to strengthen the skills of local aviation technicians and enhance the country's technical capacity in the sector.
Welcoming the proposals, the minister said Bangladesh was keen to deepen cooperation with Italy in modernising its aviation industry and developing a skilled workforce to meet future demands.
The two sides also discussed potential foreign investment in airport infrastructure, including projects under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements as Bangladesh continues to expand and upgrade its airport facilities.
Beyond aviation cooperation, the meeting highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. The Italian ambassador noted the contribution of around 250,000 Bangladeshi workers to Italy's economy and appreciated their role in strengthening ties.
The minister called for increased flight frequencies between Dhaka and Rome to better serve the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy. The ambassador assured that the request would be taken up with the relevant authorities.
In a separate meeting, the minister also met representatives of Singapore-based SATS, who expressed interest in participating in ground handling operations at the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. She invited the company to submit a formal proposal through the official process.
