DHAKA: China has agreed to cooperate with Bangladesh in flourishing the latter’s tourism sector by utilizing centuries-old Buddhist heritage to attract tourists from Buddhist community.

In a meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism minister Rashed Khan Menon, the visiting Chinese delegation discussed the issues of strengthening bilateral cooperation in tourism sector.

As the largest country in terms of population, China is the highest on the scope of tourism and the number of tourists. Bangladesh wants to utilize the Buddhist heritage to attract the tourists.

The government is interested to attract the Buddhist tourists and learn about the tourism from China.

In line with Bangladesh’s keenness, a three-member China delegation, led-by chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Li Jinzao, recently visited Bangladesh.

The team members included deputy director of CNTA marketing and international cooperation General Li Zaing, deputy director of administration General Zu Hayjun and others.

During the two-day visit of China delegation, both countries agreed to increase cooperation in tourism sector.

Besides, taking various yearlong steps in developing tourism industry, Bangladesh government is taking assistance from other tourism-based countries, including China, said sources of Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism (MOCAT).

The meeting sources said that as Bangladesh has many heritage and monuments related to Buddhism, there are opportunities of attracting many tourists to visit these places.

However, CNTA chairman appreciated the various initiatives taken by Bangladesh government and the private organizations regarding the government-sponsored Tourism Year.

The ministry officials also informed that CNTA handles the biggest number of the tourists in the world. Hence, it is a great opportunity for Bangladesh to get their cooperation.

A delegation from Bangladesh will soon be visiting China to finalize the outline of the cooperation.

BDST: 2010 HRS, JAN 21, 2016
AIK/RS/RR