DHAKA: Japanese investors have announced plans for an initial investment of $1.2 billion in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector, signaling potential new opportunities for foreign investment in the country’s tourism industry. The announcement was made during a meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday afternoon.
According to a ministry press release, the Japanese delegation expressed strong interest in investing in Bangladesh’s tourism industry and working with the government to develop tourism infrastructure and hospitality facilities. Welcoming the initiative, Minister Millat assured the investors of the government’s cooperation, saying necessary steps would be taken once formal investment proposals were submitted.
The minister said the government was keen to attract foreign investment through mutually beneficial public-private partnerships (PPPs), ensuring positive outcomes for both investors and Bangladesh. Highlighting the country’s tourism potential, Millat pointed to the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, Cox’s Bazar’s extensive natural sea beach and the scenic tea gardens of Sylhet.
He said international investment, alongside improvements in tourism infrastructure and services, could help unlock the sector’s potential. Describing Japan as a longstanding development partner, the minister highlighted its contributions to Bangladesh’s major infrastructure projects. He expressed optimism that Japanese investment and expertise could support the growth of the country’s tourism industry.
Millat also instructed the relevant authorities to arrange visits for the Japanese delegation to potential tourism destinations so they could assess investment opportunities. A delegation from the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) is expected to facilitate visits to prospective sites and help investors identify suitable projects.
The Japanese representatives reaffirmed their interest in building a long-term partnership with Bangladesh in tourism and hospitality. The proposed $1.2 billion investment will move forward for consideration once the investors submit formal proposals to the government.
