Bangladesh, UK sign aviation MoU to boost PPP investment

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in public-private partnerships (PPP), with a particular focus on advancing investment and sustainable infrastructure development in the aviation sector.

The agreement was signed by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chief Executive Officer of the PPP Authority of Bangladesh, and Sarah Cooke, in the presence of Rosie Winterton, who is currently visiting Dhaka to reinforce bilateral trade and economic ties.

According to a press release, the MoU sets out a framework to deepen collaboration through investment facilitation, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and greater private sector participation in Bangladesh’s aviation industry.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Baroness Winterton described the agreement as a reflection of the strong economic partnership between the two countries. She noted that the initiative would support the development of an aviation sector capable of driving trade, tourism, and overall economic growth, while also creating new investment and employment opportunities.

Sarah Cooke highlighted the UK’s position as one of the largest investors in Bangladesh, calling it a reliable long-term partner. She said the MoU underscores a shared commitment to expanding mutually beneficial trade and investment ties.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat welcomed the agreement, expressing optimism that it would further strengthen bilateral business relations. He reaffirmed the government’s support in advancing the partnership in line with national development priorities.

Ashik Chowdhury said the deal signals Bangladesh’s readiness to attract a new wave of foreign investment, particularly from the UK. While noting that recent years have seen limited new UK investors entering the market, he expressed hope that the MoU would help reverse that trend and open opportunities for the country’s growing workforce.

Also present at the event, Humayun Kobir described the UK as a key development partner and emphasised Bangladesh’s openness to global business. He said the agreement would help unlock opportunities for young people and strengthen engagement with British diaspora businesses, paving the way for broader cooperation across sectors.