Bangladesh seeks direct flights to Mauritius: Foreign Secretary

Dhaka: Bangladesh has sought direct flights to and from Mauritius in an effort to improve tourism and trade between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen made the proposal to Mauritius Deputy Prime Minister Louis Steven Obeegadoo during a courtesy call on the Mauritius leader on February 16.

Masud also emphasised concluding the air service agreement, as well as, Preferential Trade Agreement to strengthen cooperation between the two friendly countries.

The foreign secretary concluded his three-day visit to Mauritius on February 16.

Obeegadoo highlighted the need for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation between the two countries, saying that his government is ready to sign the instrument during the visit of Bangladesh's foreign minister to Mauritius in 2022.

Masud Bin Momen urged promotion of tourism, and relaxations of visa processing. He proposed that Mauritius appoint an honourary consul in Bangladesh to expedite the visa processing or a consular officer from Mauritian Embassy in New Delhi could visit Dhaka at a regular interval for visa purposes or online visa facilities can be introduced.

The Mauritian Deputy Prime Minister assured to look into the matter of appointing an honourary consul.

Mauritian Minister of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training Soodesh Satkam Callichurn said Mauritius is actively considering recruiting the Bangladeshi workforce once the Covid situation returns to normalcy and the economy gets momentum.

Callichurn, who is also in charge of the Commerce Ministry, underlined the importance of FTA/ PTA between the two countries to promote trade and investment. He emphasised commencing the negotiation soon.