Airbus deal key to BD-Europe ties: French envoy

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet said on Tuesday that Bangladesh’s decision on the Airbus deal is important for advancing its long-term relations with Europe.

“Dhaka’s decision on the Airbus issue is important for determining a long-term good relationship with Europe, because about 50 per cent of Bangladesh’s readymade garments are exported to Europe,” he said.

“Biman has chosen Airbus for technical reasons, not for political reasons,” the ambassador said at a discussion organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club.

He said France expected a fair and level playing field for European companies competing in Bangladesh, an expectation shared by other European countries.

His remarks came as Biman Bangladesh Airlines considers a major fleet expansion involving both Boeing and Airbus. The airline is preparing agreements for 21 additional aircraft �" 11 Boeing jets and 10 Airbus planes. The proposed Airbus package comprises four A350-900s and six A321neos.

The French ambassador said France and Europe were not worried about Bangladesh’s deal with Boeing.

“France or Europe does not believe in an imposed relationship. Rather, Europe wants to be a truly trusted partner in Bangladesh’s development path. Airbus is important in advancing relations with Europe,” he said.