Japan keen to operate Dhaka airport's 3rd terminal

Dhaka: The Japanese consortium, led by Sumitomo, has expressed a strong interest in participating in the operations and maintenance of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, in the capital.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi expressed such interest during a meeting with Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday (Nov 12).

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on enhancing bilateral trade cooperation and reviewing progresson the airport's Third Terminal Construction Project.

Sk. Bashir Uddin, also the adviser on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, described Japan as a trusted and important development partner in 
Bangladesh's journey towards progress, according to a Commerce Ministry press release.

"The successful conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations and the Japanese consortium (Sumitomo)'s interest in the airport infrastructure sector will further strengthen and energize our bilateral economic and trade relations," he said.

Expressing gratitude for Japan's cooperation in finalizing the EPA negotiations, the Adviser noted that the agreement is a milestone for Bangladesh. "The EPA will ensure duty-free and quota-free market access for Bangladeshi products to Japan, which will significantly boost our export competitiveness," he added.

Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi stated that the Japanese consortium Sumitomo is 
interested in taking part in the operations and maintenance of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). 

He said the consortium is eager to engage in discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) at the earliest opportunity.

"Japan has long been a steadfast partner in Bangladesh's development journey," the ambassador said, highlighting Japan's contributions through the 
EPA signing process, major infrastructure financing, technical cooperation, and human resource development support - all of which, he said, "reflect the dynamic and enduring partnership between the two nations."

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan, First Secretary and Head of Economic and Development Affairs of the Embassy of Japan Karasawa Shinju and Country General Manager of Sumitomo Corporation Bangladesh Hironori 
Yamanaka were also present at the meeting.

-B