Bangladesh and Indonesia have discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in tourism, including collaboration in hospitality training and visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshi passport holders.

The issues came up during a meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat with Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Ms Listyowati at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in Dhaka on Sunday.

During the meeting, the Indonesian envoy expressed her country’s interest in working with Bangladesh to develop the tourism sector and further strengthen bilateral relations.

Afroza Khanam said the government was working to develop Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors. She noted that Indonesia has significant tourism demand among Bangladeshi travellers and said the government was attaching importance to maintaining visa-on-arrival facilities in Indonesia for Bangladeshi ordinary passport holders.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government had taken initiatives to modernise the National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI) as part of efforts to develop the country’s tourism sector.

He also said the government was considering establishing a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bangladesh as part of its plan to develop the country into an aviation hub.

The Indonesian ambassador expressed interest in signing a memorandum of understanding with NHTTI to support the development of Bangladesh’s hospitality sector.

She also assured Bangladesh of cooperation in maintaining visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshi passport holders travelling to Indonesia.