British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke spoke at an event titled "European Dialogue on Bangladesh Aviation Growth" held at the French Embassy in Dhaka today. Photo: UK HC

DHAKA, Nov 4, 2025 (BSS) - British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke today reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's economic transformation and aviation growth. 

"We want to help Bangladesh realize its ambitions to become a regional aviation hub," she said. 

She made the remarks while speaking at the event titled "European Dialogue on Bangladesh Aviation Growth" held at the French Embassy in Dhaka, attended by Ambassador-designate of France Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet , German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz, and EU Ambassador Michael Miller.

The British envoy highlighted the UK's long-standing partnership with Bangladesh, emphasizing its role as one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment and a key export market. 

She noted that the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) ensures duty-free access for Bangladeshi exports until 2029, with continued benefits beyond that period.

Cooke said UK companies such as Standard Chartered, HSBC, Unilever, and leading British retailers have created thousands of jobs in Bangladesh, while ongoing partnerships with BEA, Bangladesh Bank, NBR, and the Ministry of Commerce are helping to strengthen the country's business environment and economic resilience.

Referring to the UK's expertise in the aerospace sector, Cooke said, "Airbus is one of our largest civil aerospace companies, exemplifying both the best of British innovation and international collaboration." 

She added that the UK looks forward to deepening bilateral trade ties through partnerships that support Bangladesh's aviation aspirations.

The high commissioner recalled that in May 2023, the UK and Bangladesh signed an aviation trade and investment partnership communiqu‚, marking a milestone in bilateral cooperation.
 
She expressed optimism that such collaborations, especially with Airbus, would continue to develop in the coming decade.

Cooke also stressed the importance of a "mixed fleet strategy" to enhance operational and commercial value for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, citing examples from dynamic markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan.

Concluding her remarks, the British envoy extended best wishes to Airbus in its engagements in Bangladesh, saying the company represents "international collaboration bringing together expertise and innovation from across Europe to help support Bangladesh's aspirations to become a regional aviation hub."