Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) at her office at the Secretariat. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Mar 11, 2026 (BSS) – China today expressed interest in increasing flight frequencies on the Beijing and Guangzhou routes from Bangladesh to strengthen air connectivity, tourism cooperation and economic engagement between the two countries.

The issue came up when Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) at her office at the Secretariat. 

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present at the meeting.

During the talks, both sides expressed optimism about elevating Bangladesh–China bilateral relations to new heights, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in the tourism sector, ministry’s officials said. 

The Chinese envoy conveyed Beijing’s interest in increasing the frequency of flights on the Beijing and Guangzhou routes, to which the minister and the state minister assured their full cooperation.

The ambassador also reaffirmed China’s continued support for the development of Bangladesh’s tourism destinations, particularly Cox’s Bazar.

Both sides also expressed interest in exploring joint initiatives under the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model for tourism and infrastructure development.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, State Minister Millat said the discussion also covered air connectivity between the two countries.

“At present around 12 flights operate weekly between the two countries, and the Chinese side has proposed adding three additional flights,” he said.

He said the Chinese authorities have requested additional flight frequencies and Bangladesh has asked them to submit a formal application.

“We will examine the matter after receiving the application. This will enhance connectivity between the two countries and further strengthen tourism and investment cooperation,” he added.

The proposed additional services include two flights to Guangzhou and one to Beijing, he said.

Replying to a question about when the new flights could begin, the state minister said the Chinese side would first submit a written request, which would then be processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before approval by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Millat said the meeting also discussed Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s tourism sector.

He noted that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation between Bangladesh and China was signed during the interim government period, but its implementation has yet to make progress.

“They came to discuss that issue,” he said, adding that China has shown interest in investing in Bangladesh’s tourism industry, particularly in developing Cox’s Bazar sea beach.

According to the state minister, Chinese investors are keen to conduct a feasibility study to explore how Cox’s Bazar could be developed into an international-standard tourist destination.

Millat said the Chinese side had earlier proposed several projects under the PPP model, though progress on those initiatives has yet to materialise.

“That is why they have come again to discuss the matter,” he said.

Regarding the proposed feasibility study to expand tourism facilities in Cox’s Bazar, the state minister said Bangladesh has asked the Chinese side to submit a detailed proposal.

“We told them to submit their proposal. We will examine it carefully. If it proves beneficial for Bangladesh, we will consider it,” he added.