Kamrul Hasan : State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Afrozza Khanam Rita MP has expressed Bangladesh’s interest in working jointly with Singapore to transform the country’s aviation sector into a modern, technology-driven and internationally competitive industry. She also emphasized strengthening bilateral cooperation in the use of modern technologies in airport management, improving passenger services, and increasing foreign investment in the tourism sector. These issues were discussed in detail during a courtesy meeting held on Monday (May 18) at the conference room of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism with Singapore’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Derek Loh Eu-Tse. During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of making the existing friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Singapore more effective and multidimensional. Discussions also focused on new opportunities for technological cooperation in line with Bangladesh’s growing air passenger services, expansion of international connectivity, and ongoing development of airport infrastructure. At the meeting, the Singaporean Ambassador highlighted the interest of Singapore-based companies Crimson and Enterprise in supporting the modernization and digital transformation of Bangladesh’s airport management system through the development of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) and Aeronautical Revenue Management System. Relevant stakeholders believe that the introduction of these advanced technologies would significantly improve passenger management, security monitoring, information exchange, and revenue management at airports, while also ensuring international-standard aviation services. The minister said the present government has been working consistently to transform Bangladesh’s aviation sector into one of the most modern and competitive sectors in South Asia. She mentioned that the construction of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, expansion of regional airports, and the increase of international air routes are all part of the government’s long-term development strategy. She further noted that cooperation with an advanced and experienced country like Singapore could play a vital role in enhancing Bangladesh’s aviation capabilities, developing technological expertise, and attracting international investment. The development of the tourism sector was also discussed during the meeting. Both sides expressed positive interest in developing tourism infrastructure, expanding international-standard tourism services, and attracting foreign investment through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. According to analysts, increasing foreign partnerships and integrating advanced technologies into the aviation sector is a timely initiative in line with Bangladesh’s economic growth, expansion of international trade, and development of the tourism industry. Singapore’s experience and technological support are expected to play an important role in making Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors more dynamic and internationally competitive.