State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali MP said OIC member countries have more opportunities and possibilities to work together in the development of tourism.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th session of the "Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers" in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday.
He added that tourism is the fastest growing industry which helps in earning foreign exchange and creating employment while upholding the cultural heritage. To this end, the regular convening of this conference by the OIC will further strengthen future cooperation and coordination among member countries in the development of the tourism industry. It will open up new opportunities and horizons for the economy, trade and commerce to come closer and build stronger bilateral relations.
The state minister said the OIC member states need to work together to preserve the culture and heritage of the tourism industry. The full development of the tourism sector requires greater cooperation and partnership between OIC member states, both public and private. Mahbub Ali said the tourism industry of Bangladesh is developing through continuous development under the visionary leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The private sector has made significant progress in the tourism industry of Bangladesh as a result of favorable investment environment, development friendly activities and policy formulation and infrastructural development. Bangladesh can be a popular tourist destination for the people of OIC countries with friendly people, warm hospitality, amazing natural beauty, rich culture and heritage and all the aesthetic antiquities.
It may be mentioned that the 11th session of the "Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers" which started on June 26 will continue till June 29.
Abu Tahir Muhammad Jaber, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh Tourism Board is also participating in the event on behalf of Bangladesh under the leadership of State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md. Mahbub Ali MP. In this session, the current President of the State of Bangladesh will hand over the presidency to Azerbaijan for the next two years. The last conference of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers was held in 2019 in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.