Japan keen to operate Dhaka airport's 3rd terminal: Envoy
The Japanese consortium, Sumitomo, is keen to take part in the operations and maintenance of the third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi said today (12 November).
During a meeting with Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin at the Secretariat, the envoy discussed the progress of the third terminal construction and ways to expand bilateral trade, according to a press release.
He added that Japan is interested in holding discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) at the earliest opportunity.
"Japan has long played a vital role in Bangladesh's development. The signing of the EPA [Economic Partnership Agreement], Japan's financial and technical assistance in major infrastructure projects, and cooperation in human resource development reflect our dynamic partnership," Shinichi said.
During the meeting, the commerce adviser described Japan as a trusted and important development partner in Bangladesh's development journey.
"The successful conclusion of the EPA negotiations and the interest of the Japanese consortium, Sumitomo, in Bangladesh's airport infrastructure will further strengthen and accelerate our bilateral economic and trade relations," Bashir said.
The commerce adviser also expressed gratitude to Japan for its cooperation in concluding the EPA negotiations.
He noted that the agreement would be a milestone for Bangladesh, ensuring duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi products to the Japanese market.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan, First Secretary and Head of Economic and Development Affairs at the Japanese Embassy Karasawa Shinju, and Sumitomo Corporation's Bangladesh Country General Manager Hironori Yamanaka were also present at the meeting.
