Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), with a particular focus on boosting investment and developing sustainable infrastructure in the country’s aviation sector.

The agreement was signed on April 7 by Ashik Chowdhury, Chief Executive Officer of the PPP Authority of Bangladesh, and Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, in the presence of the UK Trade Envoy, Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster.

Baroness Winterton is visiting Dhaka this week to strengthen and expand the longstanding UK–Bangladesh trade and economic partnership, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission.

This MoU marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, aiming to facilitate investment, promote knowledge exchange, build capacity, and increase private sector involvement in the aviation sector of Bangladesh.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Baroness Rosie Winterton said, ‘The UK and Bangladesh are close economic partners. This MoU demonstrates our shared ambition to develop an aviation sector that supports trade, tourism, and broader economic growth.’

She said, ‘The MoU will create a platform for investment and job creation, benefiting both nations. I look forward to seeing today’s agreement turn into tangible progress on the ground.’

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, expressed the UK’s commitment to Bangladesh, stating, ‘As one of the largest investors in Bangladesh, the UK remains a reliable, long-term economic partner.’

She further emphasized that the MoU reflects their shared commitment to strengthening the partnership between the two countries, driving mutually beneficial trade, investment, and economic growth.

M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, expressed his hopes that the MoU would further strengthen the partnership and business ties between Bangladesh and the UK.

He said, ‘The PPP Authority will continue to move forward with the country’s agenda in line with the instructions of the Prime Minister. We are fully committed to fostering Bangladesh-UK engagement that brings mutual benefits.’

Ashik Chowdhury, CEO of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority, highlighted the significance of the agreement, calling it a vital step forward.

‘The support of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has played an essential role in bringing us to this point,’ he said.

He pointed out that while the UK is one of Bangladesh’s largest investors, the country has not witnessed a major new UK investor entering the market in recent years.

‘This MoU sends a clear message that Bangladesh is open for business and ready for a new generation of investments. It also creates opportunities for our young workforce and supports their growing global mobility. We are excited about the potential ahead,’ Ashik said.