Direct Dhaka-Goa flight to usher in new era

Bashundhara Group Managing Director and Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (BAJUS) President Sayem Sobhan Anvir had an important meeting with Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in Goa when they discussed a wide range of issues, especially lucrative business opportunities between the two countries. 

The meeting took place on June 28 on the sidelines of the first-ever B2B jewellery summit ‘Sonar Bangla’ held in Panaji, the capital city of Indian state of Goa. Indian company KNC Services Ltd hosted the summit where a large number of top raking jewellery businessmen from both the countries took part.

Prominent lawmakers and high government officials of Goa were present during the meeting where the issues of establishing direct flight between Dhaka and Goa, expansion of tourism industry and medical tourism came up for discussion.

While discussing the tourism industry in Bangladesh and India, the Bashundhara Group Managing Director and the Goa Chief Minister agreed to contribute from their respective sides to boosting the sector and exploring new areas of cooperation. 

Dr Pramod Sawant, who was made chief minister of Goa for the second consecutive term on March 28, also said though Goa thrives mainly on tourism, there are enough resources to explore for the jewellery domain as well.

He also had an elaborate discussion with Sayem Sobhan Anvir on the opportunities of medical tourism and exploration of various other trade and business sectors where Bangladesh and Goa can work together for the benefit of the two people.

Sayem Sobhan Anvir said the establishment of direct flight between Dhaka and Goa can create a new era in the areas of trade, joint venture investment in various sectors, particularly in jewellery and tourism ones.

The 48-year old Chief Minister urged the young Bangladeshi business leader to take an effective step to introduce direct flight between Dhaka and Goa. 

Goa is considered one of the most attractive places for Bangladeshi tourists and a large number of Bangladeshis visit tourist destinations in Goa every year. But lengthy travel time and higher expenses for absence of direct flight causes suffering for them as Bangladeshis need to come to Goa via New Delhi or Kolkata.

Both the Chief Minister and the Bashundhara Managing Director noted that introduction of direct flight between Dhaka and Goa will remove travel woes and as a result, more people will be encouraged to visit the tourist destinations there.

They also said the direct flight will encourage the Indian citizens to visit Bangladesh and by this way, both the countries can be benefitted economically and help strengthen people-to-people contact.