Japanese investors have expressed preliminary interest in investing $1.2 billion in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sectors, with the government pledging to expedite necessary steps once formal proposals are submitted.
The Bangladesh Tourism Board will also arrange visits to tourist destinations across the country to help the prospective investors assess investment opportunities.
The interest was announced at a meeting between a Japanese investor delegation and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the ministry’s conference room on Sunday.
Speaking at the meeting, the minister said Bangladesh had significant tourism potential, with its diverse natural attractions, cultural heritage and history capable of attracting international visitors.
He highlighted the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest; Cox’s Bazar, known for its long natural sandy beach; and the tea gardens of Sylhet as destinations with considerable potential for international promotion.
Millat said the government welcomed foreign investment in tourism and was keen to work with international investors to develop the sector.
Referring to Bangladesh’s longstanding friendship with Japan, he said Japanese cooperation had contributed to the development of key infrastructure in Bangladesh and that the government would welcome similar support for the tourism industry.
He added that the government was interested in mutually beneficial partnerships, including through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Members of the Japanese delegation expressed their interest in investing in Bangladesh and working with the country to develop its tourism industry. They indicated preliminary investment interest worth $1.2 billion in tourism and hospitality.
Welcoming the interest, Millat said the government would take prompt action after receiving formal investment proposals.
He added that the Bangladesh Tourism Board would arrange visits to tourist destinations to help the investors identify potential opportunities and explore new avenues for tourism development.