Bangladesh seeks closer tourism ties with Malaysia

Bangladesh and Malaysia have discussed ways to strengthen tourism ties by easing visa procedures, increasing direct flights and creating more opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia’s hospitality sector.

The issues were discussed at a meeting between M Rashiduzzaman Millat, state minister for civil aviation and tourism, and Chiew Choon Man, deputy minister for tourism, arts and culture of Malaysia, in Putrajaya yesterday.

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The two sides discussed visa facilitation and pre-verification, cultural exchanges, capacity building, and sharing expertise and best practices in tourism development.

They also discussed increasing the number and frequency of flights between the two countries to improve connectivity, according to a notification from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

Training and skills development in hospitality were also discussed. Both sides stressed greater cooperation to meet Malaysia’s demand for skilled workers and create more recruitment opportunities for qualified Bangladeshis.

The meeting also focused on strengthening people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges. Both sides expressed hope that closer cooperation would further strengthen bilateral relations.

Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s high commissioner to Malaysia, attended the meeting.

Chua Choon Hwa, deputy secretary-general for tourism of Malaysia; Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, director of International Promotion for Asia and Africa at Tourism Malaysia; Mosammat Shahanara Monica, deputy high commissioner of Bangladesh; and Pranab Kumar Ghosh, first secretary (commercial), were also present.

Senior officials from Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Tourism Malaysia also attended the meeting.